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.
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| Rank | Keyboard | Model score | Malaysia / check date | Fit and trade-off | Released / age on 27 Sep 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Keychron Q1 Ultra | 75.2 | RM979; sold out at 25 Aug check | Mechanical typing/build | 2026-01-06; 264 days |
| 2 | Ducky Cushion 98 | 74.8 | Import; checked 25 Aug | Mechanical keys with a numpad | 2026-06-15; 104 days |
| 3 | CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless | 72.3 | Unknown; checked 25 Aug | Highest typing estimate; expensive | 2026-01-29; 241 days |
| 4 | IQUNIX EC75 | 72.2 | Import; checked 25 Aug | Compact layout; no numpad | 2026-08-15; 43 days |
| 5 | be quiet! Light Mount TKL | 70.7 | Import; checked 25 Aug | TKL; strongest ergonomics estimate | 2026-08-25; 33 days |
| 6 | Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad (USB-C) | 58.9 | RM699 white; listed 14 Sep; stock unverified | Low-profile Mac typing + Touch ID; Apple silicon required | 2024-10-28; 699 days |