A better solution is to use macros. For example, I have a macro for converting a layer into a Smart Object. What this macro does is it presses Alt+L, S, S which basically loads a command from the menu. On Macs, it’s more complicated but still possible. I don’t use Macs anymore but from what I remember, you had to press something like Cmd F2 and then use the arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate around the menus. It sounds like a lot of keystrokes but you can record your macro with no delays and it’ll play so fast that it feels like you’re pressing a hot key.
I use macros all the time. And I have it set so that the macro keys will change depending on which software I’m currently using. Time is money. If you’re not using macros yet, I highly recommend you try it out. Once you get into the habit of using it and build your own profiles, you’ll get things done so much faster.
RGB Lighting
Once you start using macros, you’re going to run into another problem. When you have so many macros set, it’s hard to remember which one does what. And this is where RGB lighting comes in. Look for keyboards that let you set the colors for every individual key like this Corsair K95 keyboard. Some keyboards will say they have RGB lighting, but they only let you have one color for your entire keyboard or for a couple zones on your keyboard and not the individual keys. Make sure that the keyboard you buy has per-key RGB lighting.
A cheaper alternative would be to get a non-RGB keyboard and stick some stickers, but if you use multiple macro profiles and have it set so that it changes based on which software you’re currently using, your stickers won’t be useful anyomre. With an RGB keyboard, you can tell it to light up your macro keys different based on which software you’re currently using.
Top Keyboards for Photoshop
I’m currently using a Corsair K95 keyboard. It has 18 macro keys and I use all of them. In fact, it’s not enough for me so I have a second macro pad, the Logitech G13. I recommend this if you need more macro keys or if you’re using a laptop and don’t want to carry a gigantic keyboard around. There are other options like this crazy Cherry keyboard with more keys than you ever need, but I don’t recommend this because the software is quite outdated and not as flexible as the software from other manufactures.
10 responses to “The Best Keyboard and Mouse for Photoshop”
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Anker vertical grip mouse if you don’t want carpel tunnel
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I’ve been using the apple Magic Mouse for years and I regret not switching from it earlier. It is truly horrible compared to gaming mouse.
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haha the magic mouse… had to be flipped upside-down to charge.
Designers used to swear by it because it’s pretty
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I never thought that I would use a keyboard like this the first time I saw one online. Then I used one that a friend had and I could not believe the difference. Just in productivity alone the keyboard saved a ton of time. In the design world, that is well worth whatever price they are charging.
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I purchased the G700s and it is not getting the battery life it is advertised to have. I get maybe 5 hours, and that is not constant use, I guess i could turn it on and off every time I go away, but that really is a pain. I tried using regular alkaline battery (which all of the electrical blogs say is fine) It sucked that dry in 5 days. I guess maybe because it is laser, I don’t know. It does have a very heavy duty cord, which is normal good, but not on a mouse, too stiff. Is this battery life normal for a laser mouse?
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5 hours doesn’t sound normal… mine last for a week or more. Try using a lower reporting rate to see if it makes a difference. But I would contact Logitech and see if it needs to be RMAed
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Comfortable to use. especially the Steelseries Apex series keyboard. im not sure if that keyboard is fully mechanical or just mechanical effect. but anyways that is a good keyboard. i owned one.
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One that you are most comfortable and capable at using.
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I love my Steelseries 350.
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Tried the keyboard in-person… it’s one of the best looking keyboards out there
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