Do you know why keyboards for transcription are a crucial input?
It is because they are used intensively, so it can not be just any, but a quality one that is comfortable and has options to transcribe more quickly and accurately.
In this post, we tell you the most appreciated features of keyboards for transcription and, of all those on the market, the top of the best.
Disclaimer: We do not receive commissions or any type of financial benefit from this listing. These are only recommendations based on our experience in the area.
What to look for when buying a keyboard for transcription?
Before we move on, we want to tell you that we wrote this article (and all of them) because we are passionate about the transcription industry. We want to provide you with objective and valuable information.
That is the spirit in which we write; therefore, we are neither affiliated nor receive commissions from anyone.
Here we tell you what to look for when buying transcription keyboards:
- The design is essential, and ergonomic ones are preferable; their keys are more sensitive and help to make typing faster and more accurate.
- The model of the keys and the way the keys are pressed should be comfortable and prevent you from feeling pressure and fatigue in your hands; look for a keyboard with sensitive keys that are activated with very little pressure.
- Compatible with your devices, many are wireless models and connect to the computer via USB.
Pay special attention to the ergonomic design because it can prevent health problems like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Another thing to consider is how you use the keyboard; the flat one is more advisable because raising it generates an angle in the wrists that can generate pressure and fatigue.
If you are using automatic transcription software such as ScriptMe, this will also be of great help.
Top 9 best keyboards for transcription
With this in mind, here is our selection of the best keyboards for transcription.
If you are starting as a transcriptionist, you may also be interested in reading about the best laptops for transcription.
1. Logitech K840
Logitech K840 is considered by many users as the best keyboard for transcription.
It is a modern style, mechanical, PC compatible and requires Windows 7, 8, and 10 operating systems. Dimensions 1.35 x 17.52 x 5.2 inches and weight 2.01 pounds.
Its keys are touch-sensitive, can be programmed or create shortcuts and are silent.
Rugged in appearance and made of anodized aluminium, it is safe and high quality, made to last over time despite heavy use.
It has Romer-G switches and has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.
Pros and Cons
↑ Ergonomic design
↑ Easy and convenient to use
↑ Robust and resistant
↓ No backlighting
2. Razer Cynosa
Razer Cynosa is excellent because it is an innovative model with exciting features; among others, it has several options to customize the keys.
It has 104 keys; its dimensions are 18.24 x 6.07 x 1.22 inches. With fully programmable macros, you can reassign all keys and key combinations to execute complex commands.
The keys are individually illuminated with 16.8 million colours so you can use them in dark spaces. It is made of highly durable materials and is resistant to spills and splashes.
It supports up to 80 million clicks and has a 2-year manufacturer's warranty. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Pros and Cons
↑ Many customization options
↑ RGB backlighting
↑ Water-resistant
↓ Requires Razer software update
3. Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop
The Microsoft Sculpt is another ergonomic, split-shape keyboard, allowing you to keep your wrists and forearms in a convenient position for comfortable typing.
Additionally, this model includes a soft, fatigue-reducing wrist rest and contoured keyset. And it comes with adjustable legs to vary and choose different positions for more comfortable typing.
It requires Windows 11 Home/Pro, 10, 8, 7 and RT, and its dimensions are 2.24 x 3.75 inches.
All its features make this an excellent keyboard for transcriptionist work; its price is $129.95.
Pros and Cons
↑ State-of-the-art ergonomic design
↑ Good value for money
↑ Comfortable wrist rest
↓ No RGB backlighting
4. Logitech MX Keys
Logitech MX Keys is a fantastic keyboard with a very functional design to be used effectively and accurately.
It is laptop and tablet compatible, has 104 keys, requires Windows 10, 11 or later, Linux, Chrome OS, macOS, iPadOS and Android operating systems and weighs s1.90 pounds.
It features spherical-shaped stroke keys that fit exceptionally well at the fingertips.
Its backlight is motion-sensitive, activating once it detects the approach of your hands.
It is easy to use and offers a variety of practical features, including extended battery life and high compatibility. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
Pros and cons
↑ Compatibility with many operating systems and devices
↑ Long-travel keys
↑ Very convenient and practical to use
↑ Backlit
↑ Wireless
↓ Software could be more useful
5. Perixx Periboard-512
Perixx Periboard-512 is another keyboard recommended for transcription due to its ergonomic design.
It is PC compatible, has 104 keys and requires any Windows operating system from XP.
Its design is very different (3D) and combines the natural positions of the arms and hands. Its keys are curved and adapt to the natural shape of your fingers to avoid muscle tension.
This model also has built-in wrist rest and tactile keystrokes for greater typing comfort. It is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Pros and cons
↑ Ergonomic
↑ Comfortable keys for typing
↑ Long extension cable
↑ Lifetime technical support
↓ Requires a new way of writing, which may take days or weeks to adapt
↓ Not so much compatibility
6. Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard
Microsoft Ergonomic is a keyboard designed to reduce fatigue; it has a split keyboard and padded palm with very comfortable quality fabric.
It is compatible with Microsoft Windows 11 Home/Pro and Microsoft Windows 10 with the latest updates; its dimensions are 19.20 × 10.33 × 2.39 inches.
With this keyboard, you can do favourite key remapping, multimedia keys, emoji keys and enable or disable application keys.
It offers built-in access with dedicated function keys for Microsoft 365, search, emojis, and easy access to multimedia controls.
It is priced at $59.99, with two or 3-day shipping and free returns.
Pros and cons
↑ Comfortable to use
↑ Ergonomic
↑ Faster typing functions
↑ Customizable features
↑ Economic
↓ Functionality with limitations in Windows 8.1/7
7. Logitech K350
The Logitech K350 is an ergonomic keyboard with a curve design to guide the hands to a suitable position for fatigue-free typing.
It is a cordless keyboard, has 120 keys, Windows 10, 11 or later operating system, its dimensions are 18.9 x 2.9 x 9.9 inches and weighs 2.20 pounds.
It comes with padded wrist rest for an easier and more comfortable working experience. It has longer battery life and can be up to 3 years, depending on the number of keystrokes per year.
It registers a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Pros and cons
↑ Ergonomic
↑ Easy and convenient to use
↑ Long battery life
↓ Only compatible with Windows
8. Corsair K95
The Corsair K95 keyboard is a mechanical gaming keyboard, but for its features, it is also one of the best keyboards for transcription.
It has 110 keys and a padded synthetic leather wrist rest soft texture, offering plush comfort for a more pleasant and comfortable experience.
It has LED backlighting in red, green and blue, is RGB backlit per key and a LightEdge on top offers dynamic effects with unlimited customization.
Its keys are programmable for complex macros and key reassignments, and the quality of the keys is resistant to wear and tear from heavy use.
It is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars and is priced at $117.59.
Pros and cons
↑ Backlight
↑ Customizable keys
↑ Easy and comfortable to use
↓ Costly
9. KINESIS Freestyle Pro
Kinesis is an ergonomic and silent mechanical keyboard.
Its design is very particular, divided into 2; it is a concept of advanced ergonomics for different body types and preferences.
It has mechanical switches for a comfortable typing feel and is quiet in operation.
It offers 9 custom layouts, 8 hotkeys, on-the-fly macro recording and more useful functions.
It rated 4.4 out of 5 stars and ranges in price from $169 to $139.12 depending on switch features.
Pros and cons
↑ Comfortable
↑ Customizable keys
↑ Ergonomic
↑ Useful functions
↓ Expensive
↓ It may take time to become familiar with split-keyboard typing.
Which is the most recommended for beginners?
For beginners in transcribing, the most recommended keyboards are Logitech, Razer and Corsair.
They are ergonomic, easy to use, very resistant to the passage of time, and their prices are pretty affordable.
In addition, they respect the classic form of keyboards, so you will not have to become familiar with them.
Which one is recommended to experts?
Experts love customizable keyboards with advanced features that allow them to be very fast and accurate.
Microsoft and unconventionally shaped keyboards tend to be the best performers for professional transcriptionists.
Conclusions
We have presented you with the best keyboards for transcription; they have different features that make them particularly attractive and exciting.
Any keyboard in our top 9 has the conditions to work comfortably for hours and perform fast and accurate transcription.
We recommend you not rush into your purchase decision; carefully observe their features to choose the most suitable one for you and your work style.
