Compared: The Best Keyboard For CAD

Whether you work in the CAD industry or you’re a CAD hobbyist, you’ll know just how important it is that you’re working with the right tools. Something you might not have considered, however, is your keyboard. For CAD users, keyboards aren’t just a tool for typing—they’re a way to increase comfort and productivity when you’re doing what you do best. The wrong keyboard can lead to frustration and—in some cases—physical pain. Finding the right one, therefore, can be life-changing. So, where can you find the best keyboard for CAD?

Scan2CAD’s latest guide is here to give you the information you need to invest in the right keyboard for CAD. We’ll look at factors you need to consider when looking at prospective keyboards before finishing off with our top picks. Let’s get started!

Is There a Keyboard for CAD?

If you’re a regular at the Scan2CAD blog, you’ll know that there are computer mice made especially for use with CAD, much like the 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse. Interestingly, however, there’s no such thing as a “CAD keyboard”. That is, you won’t find a keyboard that’s been specially optimized for work with CAD.

Of course, that’s not to say that you should use just any old keyboard. If you’re really looking to increase your productivity, you should eschew your old keyboard and invest in one that is more durable, comfortable, and suited to your purposes. There’s certainly a variety of advanced, mechanical and gaming keyboards that can be used well in conjunction with CAD drafting and design. While some might be a costly investment, they have the potentially to dramatically improve your working experience.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Keyboard for CAD

1. Wired vs. Wireless

It’s a debate we explored when looking at top CAD mouses. The choice, of course, all depends on how you use your keyboard and what your preferences are.

A lot of CAD users opt for wired keyboards—connected to their workstation via USB—because they don’t have to worry about battery life. It also eliminates the issues of lag or interference. The obvious disadvantage to wired keyboards, however, is the added clutter to the workspace. If you’ve already got dozens of wires on your desk, you hardly want to add another to your collection. It also requires you to have a free USB port to plug it in.

If you’re looking to free up desk space, however, wireless is the way to go. This is especially useful if you tend to require more space when you’re drafting in CAD. That being said, you might have to deal with connectivity issues somewhere along the way—not to mention keeping an eye on battery life. If the thought of your keyboard disconnecting whilst you’re in the middle of drafting has you breaking out in a sweat, perhaps wired is the better option.

2. Key Switches

Image source: trulyergonomic

This is a particularly strong factor that many take into consideration when picking their next keyboard. You might not have thought much about the mechanics and components that make up a “simple” keyboard before, but that certainly doesn’t mean you should overlook them now. A key switch is a mechanism inside of a key that determines when you press it. As simple as it might sound, the type of key switches a keyboard has will impact its durability and longevity.

There are several main types of key switches:

• Silicone dome switches are the least expensive of all the options. They require you to press the key fully to the bottom in order for them to fully register when you’ve typed. As a result, however, they tend to wear out faster—waning in responsiveness.
• Scissor switches have a mechanism that allows for a stable key with a low profile. They’re used in most modern laptops in circulation. A major benefit of these switches is that you don’t have to press the keys down as far, resulting in enhanced durability.
• Mechanical switches are far more durable than the other options, and don’t require as much depression; they’re actuated by physical metallic contact. Mechanical switches also tend to be easier to repair. They’re a great option if you’re using your keyboard heavily—for CAD, gaming and much more. There are different mechanical switches on offer, providing different responses and sounds. The most popular types include: MX Red, MX Brown and MX Blue. (No matter which color you opt for, the keys and mechanisms are much sturdier. This sturdiness comes with a higher price tag, however.)
  • Red: low-noise switches deliver a more linear keypress for rapid-fire actuation
  • Brown: low-noise switches that have a tactile bump for feedback with every keypress
  • Blue: “clicky” tactile switches that are optimized for rapid command entry
• Butterfly switches: Popularized by Apple in its MacBook laptop computers, butterfly switches comprise two arms attached using a hinge mechanism forming a u or v shape. When pressed, both arms depress a short distance downwards, enabling actuation. Apple introduced these switches to take advantage of the short travel, which enabled them to make thinner devices. The company, however, ditched the switches because they were prone to issues.
• Optical switches: These switches actuate via a light beam. Inside one side of the switch is the source of the light beam, which is restricted from traveling to the other side of the switch’s stem. But pressing the key exposes a gap within the stem, which allows the beam to pass to the other side, causing the actuation. Correspondingly, a signal is sent to your computer to register the keypress. There are two main types of optical switches:
  • Clicky optical switches
  • Linear optical switches
• Hall Effect Switches: These switches induce actuation via an induced magnetic field/magnetism. The stem of a Hall effect switch is embedded with a tiny magnet. It also features a hall effect sensor positioned perpendicularly to the magnetic field. When the key is pressed, the distance between the sensor and the magnet decreases, with the sensor detecting a stronger magnetic field than before. It registers this stronger magnetic field in terms of the voltage difference. This change in voltage is registered as a keystroke.

The type of switch impacts the noise level and durability of the keyboard, which are themselves vital considerations when shopping for a keyboard for CAD and work.

3. Comfort

If you’re working with CAD, then the odds are that you’re spending hours every day at your workstation. Using traditional keyboards for this length of time can cause a lot of strain, leading to discomfort and prolonged pain. To combat this, you might want to look at an ergonomic keyboard. It’s a comfortable alternative and can increase your productivity. After all, you won’t mind spending as much time at your workstation if you’re not straining as much. Typical features of ergonomic keyboards include a split design layout, cushioned palm rest and an adjustable tilt.

Of course, it’s important that you test out your keyboard as much as you can when you first purchase it. It can take a while to get used to a new design and layout, but if it does end up causing you discomfort, you don’t want to lose all your money because you didn’t realize until after the refund period.

4. Price

This, of course, is one of the biggest factors to take into consideration when choosing the right keyboard for CAD. While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, you’ve got to bear in mind the other factors that come into it. If you pick the cheapest keyboard, then it is unlikely to be durable, and you’ll end up having to replace it again.

Whilst mechanical keyboards might seem a bit too pricey, bear in mind that they come with longevity and durability. Given how much you’re likely to be using your keyboard, it’s worth making an investment. Of course, it does depend entirely on what you’re using CAD for. If you’re a casual hobbyist, it’s probably not worthwhile forking out over $100 for a keyboard. On the other hand, if CAD is your career, then spending that extra dough could be a small price to pay.

5. Layout

Keyboards come in different sizes. In all, there are four different keyboard layouts or sizes:

• Full size: A full-size keyboard has all the keys, including a number pad, arrow keys, navigation keys, as well as all letters, numbers, function-row keys, and modifiers.
• 1800 layout (96%): A keyboard with this layout features all of the keys found in a full-sized keyboard, albeit in a smaller footprint/body. The keys in an 1800 layout keyboard are smashed together, so they occupy less space. It, therefore, uses some non-standard key sizes, making it a tad harder to find replacement keycaps.
• Tenkeyless (80%): A tenkeyless keyboard does not have a number pad but has all the other keys.
• Compact (60% – 74%): Compact keyboards do not have a number pad and often feature either the function-row or arrow keys, but not both.

Most CAD professionals prefer the full-size keyboard, as they frequently use the number pad and other keys.

If you’re concerned about the prospect of making the wrong decision, then you should definitely take the opportunity to look in store. The ability to give your chosen keyboard a test-drive will help you to make an informed choice. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time using it—so it needs to be the right fit for you! Buying online, meanwhile, means that you’ll have to wait until you actually receive the model to get a feel for it. (Pro tip: make sure you check the returns policy for anything you buy just in case you need to send it right back!)

The Best Keyboard for CAD: Our Top Picks…

Without further ado, let’s look at 5 great options for a keyboard for CAD that will suit a variety of needs.

Razer Pro Type Ultra

Features of Razer Pro Type Ultra

• 1000Hz polling rate
• Programmability via the Razer Synapse 3 software
• Cushioned wrist rest
• Magnetic dongle compartment
• Single-color backlight
• Power indicator that turns solid green when the keyboard is fully charged, yellow when the battery is low on charge, and red when the battery is less than 3%

Product Description

First on our list is the Razer Pro Type Ultra, a resilient ergonomic keyboard designed to maximize productivity and revolutionize your workstation. It features silent (linear) mechanical switches as well as sound-dampening foam that combine to quieten the typing experience. As a full-sized keyboard, the Razer Pro Type Ultra has all the keys a professional CAD designer or drafter would need. It complements these keys with single-color backlighting.

The silent linear switches boast low latency of 0.7 ms (wired), 1.3 ms (wireless), and 7.0 ms (Bluetooth) because they have a shorter actuation distance. This makes the Razer Pro Type Ultra ideal for gaming, too; it saves you the hustle of owning two different keyboards if you are a gamer. But the low latency makes it highly sensitive. That can be an issue before you get used to it.

Other features include its multi-device support; you can connect the Razer Pro Type Ultra with up to four devices. Switching between these devices is also a breeze, as you don’t have to pair and unpair it every time. However, it’s only compatible with Windows computers. The keyboard lasts up to 214 hours (Bluetooth and without backlighting) and up to 207 hours (wireless and without backlighting) on a full charge. It also supports macro programmability as well as the ability to create personal shortcuts and remap keys.

The Razer Pro Type Ultra comes with a soft, cushioned wrist rest. The wrist rest perfectly aligns with the keyboard’s form factor, providing support and preventing fatigue. You can, however, use the keyboard without the wrist rest, as they are separate. At $159.99, this keyboard is on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, but its features make it worth it.

Logitech ERGO K860

Features of Logitech ERGO K860

• Certified ergonomic by the United States Ergonomics™ in addition to other global certifications
• A curved split keyframe with an integrated 3-layer cushioned wrist rest
• Body material made of graphite plastics
• Ability to connect to and switch between up to 3 computers using Easy-Switch™ keys
• No backlighting
• Tilt legs of 0º, -4º, and -7º

Product Description

Next on our list of the best keyboard for CAD is the Logitech ERGO K860, designed with the comfort of users in mind. Logitech claims that the ERGO K860 has been proven to reduce by 21% the muscle activity in the upper trapezius muscle responsible for facilitating neck and shoulder movement. This is thanks to its curved keyframe that ensures your fingers, wrists, hands, and forearms assume a more natural posture. It also has tilt legs of 0º, -4º, and -7º; these legs are designed to place or lift your palms into an ergonomic position, whether seated or standing.

Its attention to the comfort of users doesn’t stop there. The ERGO K860 has a cushioned, sloping wrist rest that conforms to the curved shape of the keyframe. According to Logitech, this wrist rest increases wrist support by 54% and reduces wrist bending by 25%. The keyboard’s split design is another source of better ergonomics and comfort. This design also provides a fluid typing experience that’s only made even better by the keys’ matte surface. The surface allows users’ fingers to glide effortlessly.

Unfortunately, the ERGO K860 is quite heavy, weighing in at 1.6 kgs or 3.53 lbs. And while it has a range of 10 meters, its weight does not promote portability. Another drawback is that it uses two AAA batteries, yet battery technology has evolved and birthed quality rechargeable batteries. Logitech, however, claims that the batteries can last up to 24 months under optimal conditions.

ERGO K860 Alternative

If the ERGO K860 is out of reach because of its price, you could consider the smaller Logitech Wave Keys. It has a cushioned wrist and palm rest, features a curved keyframe, is ergo certified, and has navigation keys, although it sports a less conventional layout. The Logitech Wave Keys costs $59.99 (check the Wave Key’s availability on Amazon).

Keychron V6 Max

Features of Keychron V6 Max

• 4000 mAh rechargeable battery
• Dual Type-C and Type-A receivers
• 1000Hz polling rate (via 2.4GHz wireless connection)
• PBT keycaps
• Ability to connect to up to 3 devices (via Bluetooth)
• Sound-absorbing foam
• A system toggle to switch the layout between Windows and macOS

Product Description

The Keychron V6 Max is a full-size keyboard that provides both outstanding quality and value. It boasts a number of fancy features that are usually found in pricier models. It has hot-swappable sockets that allow you to change the switches without soldering. The V6 Max’s PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX mechanical switches. The switches rest on a PC (polycarbonate) plate that, combined with a gasket mount design, delivers softer, quieter typing. Underneath the plate is a sound-absorbing foam that dampens the noise generated while typing.

Atop the switches are PBT (a type of plastic) keycaps that are more durable, as they are less prone to wear. What’s more, the V6 Max features south-facing RGB LED lights that, according to Keychron, better illuminate its backlight from the angle you would naturally use it.

The V6 Max supports both wired and wireless connectivity. Wireless connectivity is delivered via Bluetooth 5.1 or 2.4 GHz receivers 2.4GHz. You can connect the V6 Max via Bluetooth 5.1 to up to three devices.

The V6 Max’s body is made of ABS Plastic that, according to users, still feels premium and solid. But you could consider the Keychron Q6 Max if you fancy a keyboard with a full-metal (aluminum) body, comes with all the capabilities of the V6 Max, and includes some improved features like significantly enhanced acoustic foams and a double-gasket design. However, it’s more expensive, coming in at $239.99 (check the Keychron Q6 Max’s availability on Amazon.

Logitech MX Keys S

Features of Logitech MX Keys S

• Windows and macOS layout
• Caps Lock and Battery level indicator
• Rechargeable 1500 mAh battery with a usage duration of up to 5 months (with backlighting off)
• Customization via Logi Options+ app
• Hand proximity sensors, which automatically turn on the backlighting
• Ability to connect to up to three devices and switch between them at the push of a button
• 10 meters wireless range

Product Description

The Logitech MX Keys S is a fancy-looking, full-sized, wireless keyboard that comes in pale gray, black, or graphite colorways. It is engineered for fluid, first, and comfortable typing with spherically dished keycaps where your fingertips can rest, minimizing the likelihood of a mistype. (You can purchase the MX Palm Rest separately for added comfort while using the MX Keys S.) The MX Keys S complements this with an actuation force and distance of 60 g and 1.8mm.

It features a smart illumination system that lights up the backlit keys when your hands approach the keyboard. This system also automatically fades or brightens the backlight in response to the lighting conditions around you. On top of that, you can use the Logi Options+ app to control the brightness and duration of the backlighting. This can help save on the usage duration; according to Logitech, the MX Keys S’s 1500 mAh battery can last up to 10 days on full charge under certain settings or up to 5 months with backlighting off.

The app also lets you automate repetitive tasks with a single keystroke. It supports dual wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless technology. To use the latter, you need to insert the Logi Bolt USB receiver into a USB-A port.

Logitech K780

Features of Logitech K780

• Integrated tablet and smartphone stand, which supports tablets and smartphones with a thickness of up to 0.4” (11.3 mm)
• Wireless range of 10 m
• Compatibility with Logi Options+ software on Windows and macOS
• Windows and macOS layouts
• USB receiver compartment
• 10m wireless range
• Battery indicator light
• Easy switch keys to switch between connected devices

Product Description

Another great option from Logitech, the K780 is a 96% layout keyboard. Its keys feature a rounded design that matches the shape of your fingertips, making for a comfortable typing experience. Its scissor switches, coupled with its carefully crafted keys, quieten the typing experience while simultaneously enhancing precision. Like the ERGO K860, the K780 is powered by removable batteries: two AAA batteries that can last up to 24 months, according to Logitech.

The K780 is compatible with iOS 11 or later, iPadOS 13.4 or later, and Android 7 or later when connected via Bluetooth. But connectivity via the USB receiver is limited to Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.14 or later, and ChromeOS. Nonetheless, this means the K780 can connect to computers (including CAD workstations), phones, and tablets that support external keyboards.

It complements this support with a tablet stand that supports tablets and smartphones with a thickness of up to 0.4 inches. And it further boosts your workflows by supporting up to three devices. It makes it easy to switch between these devices in one easy flow.

K780 Alternative

However, the K780 lacks five of six navigation keys; it only has the Delete key. This can be a problem for those of you whose workflows involve reading documents and editing text. If you prefer a full-sized keyboard that’s as affordable as the K780, you could consider the Logitech Signature K650 (check the K650’s availability on Amazon). The K650 costs $43.99.

Conclusion

We hope that by this point, you’ll have narrowed down your choices for your next keyboard for CAD tasks. No matter which one you choose, however, it’s important that you look at comfort, functionality and durability. As a CAD user, you’re going to be putting your keyboard under a lot of strain, so you need a purchase that’s worth the investment.

Still not sure whether a mechanical keyboard is for you? Wondering if Cherry MX Brown or Blue is the right fit or if to choose a mechanical keyboard over one with scissor or Hall Effect switches? If you can, head in-store and try out as many keyboards as you can. Once you’ve got an idea of what you like, you can make a more informed decision.