Best Keyboard for Equations
You need to insert a math symbol, so you leave your document, search Google for one, then copy and paste it back. Or you use the mouse to find symbols in Word or Google Docs menus. Repeating this gets tedious. A dedicated physical math keyboard puts printed symbols on its keys so you can type them into your document.
We compared Nitrax Mathematical Keyboard, Mathpad and ArithmeType for everyday writing. Spoiler: our clear winner is Nitrax Mathematical Keyboard. Familiar letters and printed math symbols on one keyboard make it easy to get started.
See √ before you type it.
Mathpad
Add a symbol pad with text and equation modes.
ArithmeType Math Keyboard
Add a math keyboard with removable learning covers.
Published by the maker of Nitrax Mathematical Keyboard.
Compare three physical options for typing equations and symbols: Nitrax Mathematical Keyboard, Mathpad and ArithmeType. See setup and everyday writing fit.
See the differences at a glance
Watch Gabe type| Criterion | Nitrax Mathematical KeyboardOur winner | Mathpad | ArithmeType Math Keyboard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning curve | Familiar letters; printed symbols guide combinations that need learning. | Six symbol positions per key, plus mode controls. | New math layout; removable covers help you learn. |
| Words and math together | Letters and math symbols on the same keyboard. | Words on your keyboard; symbols on this extra pad. | Words on your keyboard; symbols on this second keyboard. |
| Connection options | Bluetooth or USB receiver. USB-C is charging only. | USB-C cable connection. | USB-A cable connection. |
| One-device workspace | One keyboard for ordinary typing and math symbols. | Extra symbol pad alongside your regular keyboard. | Separate math keyboard alongside your regular keyboard. |
| Listed US price before tax and shipping | $39.99 listed price. | $115 listed price. | $299 listed price. |
| Battery and power | Rechargeable battery; about 70 hours of typical use. | Powered through its USB-C cable. | Powered through its USB-A cable. |
| Connection accessories | USB-A receiver included. | USB-C cable not included. | USB-A cable built in. |
| Printed symbol reference | Math symbols printed beside familiar letter keys. | Six printed symbol positions on each key. | Printed symbols with removable learning covers. |
| Word and Google Docs | Word and Google Docs after software setup. | Word and Google Docs after input setup. | Word and Google Docs after input setup. |
See a symbol land in Word
Gabe shows Nitrax Mathematical Keyboard in 2 minutes. We provided his keyboard for this presentation; it is not an independent comparison.
- Spot the symbol printed on the key.
- Press its blue or gray layer combination.
- Continue the sentence in Word.
From key to character
On Windows, turn on Math Mode first. Word’s equation tools still handle stacked fractions and aligned equations.
Use the current Windows or macOS quick-start guide for installation and first-symbol steps. Windows guide · macOS guide
Spend less time looking for math symbols
Write words and math together with Nitrax Mathematical Keyboard, a compact physical keyboard with mathematical, Greek and scientific symbols printed on the keys. After setup, use the blue and gray key combinations to keep writing.
Buy nowGo deeper on the choice that matters
For a broader view of physical keyboards and equation tools, see our Math Keyboard Comparison.
One QWERTY keyboard or a separate math layout?
See printed keys in daily writing.
Type symbols in text; format complex equations in Word.
Choose character entry or structured equation layout.
Before you choose
Does Nitrax Mathematical Keyboard need software?
Ordinary typing works as a keyboard. Printed math layers need the Microsoft Store app on Windows, or the macOS 15+ companion with Karabiner-Elements. Enable Math Mode for symbols. Check installation access on a school-managed computer.
Will symbols work in Word and other writing apps?
Nitrax Mathematical Keyboard is designed for text fields, including Word and Google Docs, after setup. Each symbol depends on the app, field and font. Check the characters you use most.
Can a math keyboard format a full equation?
Nitrax Mathematical Keyboard enters editable characters such as √ and ∫. Stacked fractions, matrices and aligned steps need an equation editor or typesetting tool. The keyboard does not calculate answers.
Ready to write words and math together?
If you write words beside symbols, check the printed layout and your computer’s setup, then review Nitrax Mathematical Keyboard purchase options.
See purchase options