Top 5 – Best Keyboards for CAD and Revit

A high-quality keyboard can really increase your efficiency. Mechanical keyboard often allow you to type faster and they give less strain on your fingers and wrists. Most professional keyboard come with programmable buttons, which are great when working with CAD applications.

When it comes to purchasing a CAD keyboard, there are a few critical things to consider. Firstly, the layout of the keyboard is crucial. A CAD keyboard typically features a standard QWERTY layout, but with additional keys that are specifically designed for CAD software. These keys are often programmable, allowing you to customize the keyboard to your specific needs.

In this article, I will show a couple of great keyboards for AutoCAD, Revit, or 3D Modeling in general.

CAD Keyboard Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a keyboard for CAD or Revit, several factors must be considered to ensure you get the best product for your needs. We’ll go over some important features to look for and what to consider before making a purchase.

Keyboard Layout

One of the most important things to consider is the keyboard layout. When working with CAD or Revit you will be using the mouse pretty much consistently. A full-size keyboard, with the numpad on the right side, is often too wide if you want to maintain a good posture while working.

A 75% wide keyboard (without a numpad) is often a better choice. However, if you use the Numpad quite often, then you can either go for one with a separate Numpad (that you can place on the left side) or a more compact keyboard.

Programmable Keys

Having programmable keys can greatly increase productivity by allowing you to assign frequently used commands to a single key. Look for a keyboard with programmable keys that can be customized to fit your specific needs.

Key Switches

Mechanical keyboards can help reduce strain and promote better typing posture, leading to increased comfort during long working days. These kinds of keyboards come with different types of key switches, each with their own unique characteristics, offering a diverse typing and working experience.

There are a lot of different key switches to choose from, but the most common are:

1. Cherry MX Switches:
   • Red: Smooth, quiet, and ideal for rapid key presses in gaming.
   • Blue: Distinctive “clicky” sound and tactile feedback, loved by typists.
   • Brown: Versatile for both gaming and typing, with a subtle tactile bump and low noise.

2. Gateron Switches:
   • Red: Smooth and linear, perfect for fast gaming keystrokes.
   • Blue: Satisfying tactile bump and audible click, reminiscent of typewriters.
   • Brown: Gentle tactile bump, comfortable typing with reduced noise.

3. Kailh Switches:
   • Speed Silver: Ultra-fast actuation point for lightning-fast gaming.
   • Box White: Clicky and tactile, providing an audible click and satisfying feedback.
   • Pro Purple: Tactile and quiet, striking a balance between responsiveness and reduced noise.

Keep in mind when choosing a mechanical keyboard that some switches can make a pretty load-clicking sound. If you are working with your colleagues in the same room then some can find that a bit annoying.

Ergonomics

Using a CAD keyboard for extended periods of time can put a strain on your wrists and hands. Look for a keyboard with ergonomic features such as a wrist rest, low profile keyboard, or adjustable tilt to help reduce discomfort.

Connectivity

Consider the connectivity options of the keyboard. Wired keyboards offer a more reliable connection, while wireless keyboards offer more flexibility and freedom of movement. Choose the option that best fits your needs.

1. 3DConnexion Keyboard Pro with Numpad

I highly recommend the 3DConnexion Keyboard Pro with Numpad for anyone looking for a CAD keyboard that is specifically designed for working with CAD or 3D software such as Revit. It is a full-sized keyboard with a detached numpad that allows you to place your mouse where it is best to use, resulting in a more relaxed posture. The keyboard features 12 additional function keys that automatically provide access to app-specific commands, saving time and keeping you focused.

Pros

• The detached numpad allows you to place your mouse or pen where it is best to use, resulting in a more relaxed posture.
• 12 additional function keys that automatically provide access to app-specific commands, saving time and keeping you focused.
• Ergonomically shaped concave keycaps that fit the fingertips provide a pleasant feel and accuracy regardless of where you strike the key.

Cons

• The price of $129 may be considered expensive for a USB keyboard.
• The keys may remind some users of a laptop keyboard.
• The arrangement of the home/end insert/del keys may be non-standard for some users.

The keyboard features 12 additional function keys, located above the standard keys, that instantly recognize the applications you are using, as well as their environments. Commands you use on a day-to-day basis are automatically assigned to the keys. You can also easily personalize the 3DConnexion keys according to your preferences.

Both the keyboard and numpad feature ergonomically shaped concave keycaps that fit the fingertips. With matte-coated surfaces and rounded edges, they provide a pleasant feel and accuracy regardless of where you strike the key. The keys offer stability coupled with minimal resistance, thanks to advanced scissor technology.

The 3DConnexion Keyboard Pro with Numpad also features a full-sized palm rest that provides the support you need for reduced wrist fatigue. Its exceptionally slim design allows you to position the keyboard flat on the desk for relaxed and easy typing. Foldout feet enable you to adjust the keyboard to an angle of 4.3 degrees, according to your preference.

The detached 3DConnexion Numpad Pro integrates seamlessly into your workflow. It features nine programmable keys, including four 3DConnexion keys that allow easy access to application-specific commands. The Numpad connects either with your keyboard’s embedded receiver wirelessly or directly with your computer using Bluetooth technology. The integrated rechargeable battery lasts for over six months until it needs to be charged again.

3Dconnexion Keyboard Pro Specifications

2. Keychron K8 TKL Wireless Keyboard

If you’re looking for a reliable wireless mechanical keyboard that isn’t too wide, then the Keychron K8 TKL is a great option. Keychron offers a range of mechanical keyboards, from 75% to 100% wide models.

Pros

• The tenkeyless layout and ergonomic design make it comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
• The wireless connectivity with up to 3 devices via Bluetooth is convenient for multitasking.
• The enchanting RGB backlight with modern keycap legends is a nice touch for typing in dim environments.

Cons

• The font on the keycaps is small, which can make it difficult to identify keys when the backlight is off.
• The plastic keycaps don’t feel as premium as some other mechanical keyboards on the market.

I have been using the Keychron K8 TKL keyboard for a couple of weeks now and I am impressed with its overall performance. The tenkeyless layout and ergonomic design make it comfortable to use for extended periods of time. The compact design is perfect for small workspaces and on-the-go use.

While the font on the keycaps is small, the RGB backlighting helps to make the keys more visible in low-light conditions. However, the plastic keycaps don’t feel as premium as some other mechanical keyboards on the market.

Keychron K8 Specifications

• Size:
  • Width: 355 mm
  • Depth: 123 mm
  • Height: 42 mm
  • Weight: 740 grams
• Color: Black
• Connectivity: Wireless, Bluetooth, Cable (USB-C)
• Key Switch: Gateron G Pro Red, Blue, Brown
• Total Keys: 87 keys
• Power: USB-C rechargeable (cable length 1.2 m)
• Operating system: Windows, macOS

3. Logitech MX Mechanical Wireless Keyboard

If you’re looking for a premium wireless keyboard that delivers both performance and comfort, the Logitech MX Mechanical Wireless Keyboard is a great choice. This keyboard is available in both a full-size version and a mini version without the Numpad. The latter is a great option if you want to keep an eye on your work posture.

Pros

• The keyboard is equipped with low-profile mechanical switches that offer a satisfying typing experience and are also quiet.
• The keyboard is rechargeable and can last up to 15 days on a single charge, or up to 10 months with backlighting turned off.
• The keyboard features smart illumination that adjusts to changing lighting conditions and hand proximity detection.

Cons

• The keyboard is quite expensive and may not be affordable for everyone.
• No space between the function keys
• The keyboard may take some time to get used to, especially if you’re not used to typing on a mechanical keyboard.

I used Logitech MX Mechanical wireless keyboard before I bought the Keychron, and I really liked it. The low-profile mechanical switches offer a great typing experience and are also quiet, making them ideal for use in quiet environments like offices. Just like the other products in the Logitech MX series, the built quality is excellent.

The smart illumination is a feature that is really nice. It automatically adjusts to changing lighting conditions and hand proximity detection, which means that you’ll always have the right amount of light when you need it.

The reason that I switched to Keychron is that I really can’t get used to the function keys. There is no space between the ESC and F1 key, or the numbers and the function keys. I use those keys a lot and I found it hard to press the right one without looking at my keyboard.

Logitech MX Mechanical Specifications

• Size:
  • Width: 433.85 mm
  • Depth: 131.55 mm
  • Height: 26.1 mm
  • Weight: 828 grams
• Color: Graphite
• Connectivity: Wireless, Bluetooth, Cable (USB-C)
• Key Switch: Kailh Choc Brown V2 Tactile, Blue Switch, or Red Linear
• Total Keys: 110 keys
• Power: USB-C rechargeable (cable length 1.0 m)
• Operating system: Windows, Linux, macOS

4. NuPhy Air75 Mechanical Keyboard

If you’re looking for a low-profile mechanical keyboard that is versatile and has a long battery life, the NuPhy Air75 Mechanical Keyboard is worth considering.

Pros

• The low-profile design is comfortable to use and doesn’t require a wrist rest.
• The keyboard can connect to up to four devices at the same time and switch between them easily.
• The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 48 hours on a single charge.

Cons

• No space between the numbers and function keys.
• The software isn’t flawless, lots of reports about keys that are not working.
• The keyboard may be a bit pricey compared to other low-profile keyboards on the market.

I’ve tested the Nuphy Air75 Mechanical Keyboard for a few weeks and I’m impressed with its performance. The low-profile design is comfortable to use and doesn’t cause any strain on my wrists, even after extended use. Due to the small design (ANSI 75% layout), you can easily keep your mouse on the right side of the keyboard, giving you a good work posture.

The battery life of this keyboard is also impressive, lasting up to 48 hours on a single charge. I can easily use it for a week without having to worry about recharging it. A fun touch is the 21 backlight modes and 4 side light modes, which can be customized using Windows software.

NuPhy Air75 Specifications

• Size:
  • Width: 315.7 mm
  • Depth: 132.6 mm
  • Height: 16 mm
  • Weight: 523 grams
• Color: Aluminum
• Connectivity: Wireless, Bluetooth, Cable (USB-C)
• Key Switch: Low-profile Gateron Mechanical Red, Brown, or Blue
• Total Keys: 84 keys
• Power: USB-C rechargeable (cable length 1.5 m)
• Operating system: Windows, macOS, android, ios

5. Logitech G512 SE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

The Logitech G512 SE Lightsync RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is one of the most popular mechanical keyboards on the market. It’s a full-size keyboard with a sleek design

Pros

• Programmable buttons with custom macros.
• The clicky mechanical switch delivers distinctive sound and tactile feedback, giving a satisfying typing experience.
• The convenient USB pass-through port allows for easy and quick data transmission or charging of other devices.

Cons

• The clicky switch option may be too loud for some users.
• Some buttons may not always trigger a press or may trigger a double press instead after extensive use.
• The keyboard may not be as suitable for typing or data entry due to the clicky switches.

The Logitech G512 is primarily a gaming keyboard, but with programmable macros, you can create custom functions for the F1 to F12 keys. As a CAD keyboard, it serves as an excellent choice. The typing experience is superb, thanks to the great key feel, and the overall design is outstanding.

Keep in mind that the clicky switch option may not be suitable for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. After extensive use, some buttons may not always trigger a press or may trigger a double press instead. Additionally, the keyboard may not be the best choice if you work in an office with colleagues, due to the loud switches.

Logitech G512 SE Specifications

• Size:
  • Width: 445 mm
  • Depth: 132 mm
  • Height: 35.5 mm
  • Weight: 1130 grams
• Color: Black
• Connectivity: Wired, USB 2.0 Cable (USB-A)
• Key Switch: GX Brown Tactile, GX Blue Switch, or GX Red Linear
• Total Keys: 104 keys with programmable FN keys
• Power: Wired via USB 2.0, with a length of 1.83 m
• Operating system: Windows 7-11

Wrapping Up

The keyboards mentioned in this article may be a bit more expensive compared to a simple USB keyboard. But mechanical keyboards really allow you to type faster, without causing strain on your fingers. Also, the programmable keys are really a great feature to work more efficiently.

If you are not using the Numpad a lot, then definitely go for a 75% wide model keyboard. This will really improve your work posture.

I hope this article helped you find the best CAD keyboard, if you have any questions or tips for a high-quality keyboard for AutoCAD or Revit, then share them in a comment below.