Apple’s Magic Keyboard is compact and stylish sufficient, but it surely’s removed from the one worthy keyboard possibility for Mac customers. Possibly you write all day, play fast-paced video games, or want superior ergonomics? Or maybe you yearn for the cacophonous consolation of mechanical key switches, which Apple’s personal keyboards lack? Nice different keyboards abound, however not each one works completely with Macs, so you may want steering about what works—and what works effectively. That is the place we are available: PCMag has been testing keyboards for many years. Our analysts assess fashions based mostly on all “key” elements: design, usability, sturdiness, supporting software program, and (in fact!) worth. Our present favourite Mac keyboard for many customers is Satechi’s SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard, however we stand behind all of the Mac-compatible keyboards really useful beneath for extra particular use circumstances. Verify them out, plus recommendation on easy methods to land the most effective Mac keyboard that is your sort.
Since 1982, PCMag has examined and rated hundreds of merchandise that can assist you make higher shopping for choices. See how we take a look at.
Deeper Dive: Our Prime Examined Picks
Finest Mac Keyboard for Most Customers
Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard
Execs & Cons
Sturdy, engaging construct
Glorious typing really feel
A number of wi-fi connection choices
Lengthy battery life (with backlighting off)
Less expensive than Apple’s Magic Keyboard
No customization software program
Low-profile design just isn’t for everybody
2.4GHz dongle makes use of USB-A, not USB-C
Backside Line
Satechi’s wi-fi SM1 is a fantastically constructed mechanical keyboard that can delight Mac customers in search of an alternative choice to Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
Specs & Configurations
Variety of Keys
84
Interface
Bluetooth, USB-C, 2.4 GHz Wi-fi
Key Change Sort
Low Profile Brown Switches
Key Backlighting
Single-Coloration
Media Controls
Shared With Different Keys
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
None
Study Extra
Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard Assessment
Finest Mainstream Full-Measurement Mac Keyboard
Logitech MX Keys S for Mac
Execs & Cons
Vibrant single-color backlighting
Eye-catching design that enhances Apple gadgets
Devoted Mac key format
Constructed-in battery
Sturdy software program customization options
Costly
Wrist relaxation is offered individually
Backside Line
Logitech’s MX Keys S for Mac, optimized for Apple gadgets, packs a bunch of macOS, iOS, and iPadOS options. However this keyboard’s no slam-dunk alternative for Apple’s personal peripherals.
Specs & Configurations
Variety of Keys
108
Interface
USB-C, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz Wi-fi
Key Change Sort
Scissor-Change
Key Backlighting
Single-Coloration
Media Controls
Shared With Different Keys
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
Removable (Separate)
Study Extra
Logitech MX Keys S for Mac Assessment
Finest Price range Mechanical Keyboard for Macs
Montech MKey
Execs & Cons
Sizzling-swappable key switches (Gateron Browns put in)
Additional keycaps for personalization
Hanging shade scheme
Per-key RGB lighting
Three typing angles
Cannot reprogram rotary knob
Subpar software program utility
Backside Line
The Montech MKey’s stunning keycaps, beautiful RGB results, hot-swappable key switches, and cheap value make this mechanical gaming keyboard a winner.
Specs & Configurations
Variety of Keys
105
Interface
USB Wired
Key Change Sort
Gateron G Professional 2.0 Brown
Key Backlighting
Multi-Coloration LED
Media Controls
Shared With Different Keys
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
None
Study Extra
Montech MKey Assessment
Most Trendy Mechanical Keyboard for Macs
Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL
Execs & Cons
Light-weight, eye-catching design
Comfy, low-profile keys
A number of customization choices
Glorious wi-fi efficiency with Lightspeed dongle
No wrist relaxation or quantity curler
Battery life is middling
Backside Line
The Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL’s slim design, low-profile key switches, and host of customization choices assist it stand out as a reliable compact gaming keyboard.
Specs & Configurations
Variety of Keys
90
Interface
Bluetooth, USB-C, 2.4 GHz Wi-fi
Key Change Sort
Logitech GL Tactile Switches
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Shared With Different Keys
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
None
Study Extra
Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL Assessment
Finest Compact Mechanical Keyboard for Macs
Keychron Q1 HE
Execs & Cons
Magnetic switches provide variable key-press detection ranges
Machined aluminum body
Sizzling-swappable switches
Out there in two shade schemes
Works with Home windows and macOS
Costly
No toes or kickstand for angled typing
No USB dongle storage
No wrist relaxation
Backside Line
Nicely-designed and handsome, with magnetic switches that permit distinctive key-press customization, the compact Keychron Q1 HE is a wi-fi mechanical keyboard certain to please fans who do not thoughts its steep value.
Specs & Configurations
Variety of Keys
81
Interface
Bluetooth, USB-C, 2.4 GHz Wi-fi
Key Change Sort
Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula Switches
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Shared With Different Keys
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
None
Study Extra
Keychron Q1 HE Assessment
Finest Break up Ergonomic Keyboard for Macs
Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Break up Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Execs & Cons
True Cherry MX switches in a alternative of three varieties.
Comfy ergonomic design, when you’re accustomed to it.
Very good, plush wrist relaxation.
Per-key customizable RGB lighting.
Driverless SmartSet app is extra work than we might like.
Elective “elevate package” prices additional.
Steep studying curve.
Backside Line
Within the Freestyle Edge RGB, Kinesis brings best-in-class ergonomics to the gaming-keyboard scene for gamers critical about minding their wrists and arms in the middle of their gaming endurathons.
Specs & Configurations
Variety of Keys
108
Interface
USB Wired
Key Change Sort
Cherry MX
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Devoted
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
Built-in
Study Extra
Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Break up Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Assessment
Finest Mac Keyboard with Contact ID
Apple Magic Keyboard With Contact ID
Execs & Cons
Skinny and light-weight
Lengthy-lasting battery
Contact ID is a pleasant inclusion
Simply connects to Apple merchandise
Flat-out costly
Contact ID can be utilized solely with M1-based Macs
Uncomfortable to make use of for lengthy durations of time
No important modifications from the earlier Magic Keyboard
Backside Line
The most recent Magic Keyboard is a trendy companion in your M1-based Mac, however enhancements quantity to Contact ID and little else, making the $179-to-$199 asking value laborious to swallow.
Specs & Configurations
Variety of Keys
109
Interface
USB-C, Bluetooth, RF Wi-fi
Key Change Sort
Scissor-Change
Key Backlighting
None
Media Controls
Devoted
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
None
Study Extra
Apple Magic Keyboard With Contact ID Assessment
Shopping for Information: The Finest Mac Keyboards for 2024
Technically, you should utilize most any fashionable keyboard together with your Mac. Plug it in (presumably with assistance from a USB-A-to-C adapter) or pair it over Bluetooth, and its fundamental typing capabilities will simply work. That stated, in the event you’re used to a Mac and particularly in the event you’ve been utilizing Apple’s Magic Keyboard, you’ve got grown accustomed to sure keys and options that you’ll be wanting in any new keyboard you purchase.The default Magic Keyboard has a compact, 78-key design that crunches all of its keys, together with the arrows, into the smallest attainable typing block. Only a few different keyboards, even small ones, use this type of format. Apple additionally makes a full-size Magic Keyboard with a quantity pad, however Apple treats that extra like an XL mannequin, whereas most keyboard producers see the full-size 104-key format because the default.
(Credit score: Zackery Cuevas)
For those who like a smaller keyboard, a helpful time period to search for is “tenkeyless” or TKL, referring to a keyboard that lacks the 10-key quantity pad. You may additionally see keyboards referred to in share phrases—that is not a share of a full-size keyboard’s size and width, however a share of keys, based mostly on the 104-key commonplace. Some omit arrow keys, perform keys, and extra to get as small as 60% or 65%, usually with a really compact format.The keys within the high row of an Apple keyboard are assigned to system-level duties akin to display brightness and quantity controls. They can be utilized as basic F1 to F12 perform keys, however you may must press the Fn key for that. On most keyboards not particularly made for Mac, the roles are reversed: F1 to F12 are the first makes use of for these top-row keys, and the system-level duties require some kind of shortcut.
(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
A final consideration: Macs have a couple of distinctive keys. The one you most likely know finest is the Command key, which is used for a lot of fashionable keyboard shortcuts. It is used very in a different way from the Home windows key. The Possibility key’s a extra direct parallel to the Alt key on Home windows. And the most recent Magic Keyboard mannequin, which works solely with Apple Silicon Macs, has a Contact ID button that has no equal on a Home windows keyboard.
(Credit score: Zackery Cuevas)
In order for you a keyboard that ships with Mac key configurations, your choices are very restricted. Some corporations, like Logitech, do make Mac-specific fashions of their keyboards with Command and Possibility keys; these fashions are typically labeled “Mac Version” or “Made for Mac.” However that is not the one option to get the keys and capabilities you want. Remappable keyboards are more and more fashionable amongst Home windows avid gamers, and Mac customers can usually profit from them, too.Keyboard Software program on Macs: Mapping and CustomizationIf you’ve got solely used commonplace productiveness keyboards, you may be amazed by the huge world of mechanical, gaming-oriented, and ergonomic keyboards. Gaming keyboards carry the shiny with customizable multi-colored RGB lighting, an aesthetic that may be a refreshing break from Apple’s clear monochrome model, and plenty of have programmable macro keys for generally used capabilities. Mechanical keyboards have a satisfying typing sound and tactile really feel, and most of them function longer journey—the gap your keycap strikes once you press all of it the best way down—to be extra supportive and cozy.
(Credit score: Mike Epstein)
For those who’re beginning to expertise ache in your arms, wrists, or shoulders when you sort, it’s possible you’ll wish to contemplate switching to an ergonomic keyboard that is designed to mitigate the ache of repetitive stress accidents. A keyboard that is simpler and extra comfy to sort on is usually a life-changing improve.Most premium productiveness and gaming keyboards might be reconfigured with software program supplied by the producer. Configuration apps assist you to change (remap) what every key does; alter different settings, akin to how shortly a wi-fi keyboard falls asleep; and program RGB lighting. That is how one can flip a Home windows key right into a Command key, set your Caps Lock to activate Possibility, or in any other case create your ideally suited keyboard format.
Really useful by Our Editors
Corsair’s iCUE software program makes it straightforward to remap the K100 RGB Gaming Keyboard. (Credit score: Corsair)
If you’re establishing a keyboard that isn’t explicitly designed for Macs, having the ability to use its configuration software program is essential. Sadly, many producers’ configuration apps do not run on macOS, so you have to be sure you discover one which does. The most important Mac-friendly names in productiveness keyboards are Logitech and Kensington. For gaming, we’re speaking about Corsair, Logitech, and SteelSeries.
(Credit score: Zackery Cuevas)
Some smaller producers, together with Kinesis and Drop, do not have conventional config apps. As an alternative, they supply customization help by means of a mix of onboard controls and both driverless apps that work by means of the keyboard or net apps. These processes is usually a little much less handy than an app, however they’re broadly appropriate.
The online-based configuration instrument for the Drop Shift Mechanical Keyboard works on any pc. (Credit score: Drop)
For those who assume it will confuse you to remap a key’s perform with out relabeling the important thing, do not resort to masking tape. As an alternative, buy a sheet of cheap key label stickers. They’re meant for keyboards the place the legends have worn off, however they work simply as effectively for relabeling a remapped key. Some mechanical keyboards include replaceable keycaps for Command and Possibility, however if you wish to arrange Mac-style perform keys, you may most likely want labels.Able to Purchase the Finest Keyboard for Your Mac?Armed with all the main points, you’re prepared to select the most effective keyboard in your Mac. Our suggestions and evaluations will assist you determine which of our favorites can be a great match. For those who’re in search of particular options, take a look at our lists of the most effective wi-fi keyboards and the most effective ergonomic keyboards. And in the event you want a mouse to match, contemplate the most effective mice for Macs in addition to the most effective gaming mice for Macs, that are designed for gaming however work effectively for any objective.
