The best keyboards for coding
Apple is sixth with a provisional 58.9 score, including 10% for release recency: latency is unscored but cannot change its position alone. The original five retain 25 August scores and stock checks; Apple was assessed separately on 14 September. These are model judgements, not hands-on tests. The unchanged rubric rewards mechanical customisation; this is not a complete low-profile survey.
Compare keyboards for coding
Keychron Q1 Ultra has the highest retained mechanical score; its last local listing was sold out. Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad adds a low-profile Mac option at RM699 for white keys; Apple silicon and macOS 15.1 or later are required. Black keys cost more; delivery and checkout stock were not verified.
Prices and stock carry their check dates. Apple price is for white US English keys; black costs more. Checkout stock and delivery are unverified. Choose for your preferred key feel and required platform, not small score gaps. Release ages use retained catalog dates.
Scroll across to compare all columns.
| Rank | Keyboard | /100 | Malaysia / check date | Fit and trade-off | Released / age on 27 Sep 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 75.2 | RM979; sold out at 25 Aug check | Mechanical typing/build | 2026-01-06; 264 days | |
| 2 | 74.8 | Import; checked 25 Aug | Mechanical keys with a numpad | 2026-06-15; 104 days | |
| 3 | 72.3 | Unknown; checked 25 Aug | Highest typing estimate; expensive | 2026-01-29; 241 days | |
| 4 | 72.2 | Import; checked 25 Aug | Compact layout; no numpad | 2026-08-15; 43 days | |
| 5 | 70.7 | Import; checked 25 Aug | TKL; strongest ergonomics estimate | 2026-08-25; 33 days | |
| 6 | 58.9 | RM699 white; listed 14 Sep; stock unverified | Low-profile Mac typing + Touch ID; Apple silicon required | 2024-10-28; 699 days |