- Apple Keyboard Alternative
- Mac Keyboard Alternative
- Mac Keyboard Symbols
- Best Mac Keyboard Alternatives
Last week, Gadgets Page’s Michael Moncur posted Alternatives to Apple’s Aluminum Keyboard, a column about his search for a replacement for his iMac’s original keyboard, which had bitten the dust – more specifically, too many food crumbs from meals eaten at his workstation.
Finding himself underwhelmed by the Apple Aluminum Keyboard offered at the Apple Store, particularly its lack of tactile feedback, Michael embarked on a quest to find a more suitable replacement keyboard.
He ended up with a couple of remaindered previous-generation Apple keyboards – a wireless model and an Apple Pro USB Keyboard, both good catches.
Apple’s first USB keyboard was color coordinated with tray-loading iMacs.
- Satechi’s New Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard Is An Affordable Alternative To Apple’s Magic Model Mark Sparrow Senior Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
- Logitech - K750 Wireless Solar Keyboard for Mac - White/Silver. Model: 920-003677.
I’m a fan of the Apple Pro keyboard myself, and I liked the original Apple USB keyboard a lot better than many evidently did. I still have one that I have used as my main workstation keyboard for several years. I liked the key action, which I found quite comfortable; it’s most annoying shortcomings were its homely looks and truncated F-key row. The Apple Pro ‘Board addressed both of those issues more than satisfactorily, being both handsome and equipped with a full complement of keys.
The Satechi Aluminum Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard for Mac and iOS is available in two sizes and four Mac-friendly colours. The longer keyboard features an extra set of dedicated shortcut keys for.
However, now that Apple’s Aluminum Keyboards have been in the channels for several months, it may be a challenge to find new examples of the older Apple ‘boards. Michael noted that the two he picked up were the last remaining stock at his local Best Buy and CompUSA respectively, and recommended as an alternative alternative to the Apple Aluminum ‘Board the Kensington SlimType keyboard, which I enthusiastically second.
Apple Aluminum USB Keyboard
In fact, while the Apple Pro Keyboard is a great ‘board and I like it a lot, I think the SlimType is even better: I like mine best of any freestanding computer keyboard I’ve ever used.
The Kensington SlimType doesn’t grab you as something exceptional immediately. It’s reasonably attractive in a somewhat quirky, 1950s/60s retro-evocative way, with bold chrome accents on white, but it’s not nearly as stylishly chic as the Apple Pro.
Similarly, the key action doesn’t feel especially wonderful at the outset. It’s pleasantly positive, with scissor-action keyswitches similar to the type used in most notebooks these days, including Apple’s (except for the MacBook).
However, the real beauty and virtue of the SlimType keyswitches is how they stay with you. I have chronic peripheral neuritis and fibromyalgia, and keyboard ergonomics are literally a deal-maker or deal-breaker for me. I like the built-in keyboards in my Pismo and WallStreet PowerBooks better for feel, but I can’t say that either is more comfortable than the SlimType keys for long typing sessions – and finger fatigue with any of these three ‘boards is less than I’ve experienced with any other computer keyboards by a substantial margin.
I can’t put my finger (so to speak) on precisely why this would be. The SlimType’s key action is relatively light, but not the lightest, but they do have a very positive, smooth action, short travel, a comfortably soft landing, and operate with a muted but satisfying click. I think the soft landing is especially important in avoidance of typing fatigue and repetitive strain. Whatever the reason, the Kensington SlimType is an extraordinarily comfortable computer keyboard.
It also seems admirably durable. Mine is about three years old, and I’ve had no problems with it. The keyboard still looks and works as new. Despite its compact dimensions, this ‘board is surprisingly heavy – much heavier than several other larger keyboards I have, which I take as an indication of quality and ruggedness. It’s backed by Kensington’s impressive 5-year warranty and free technical support.
The Kensington SlimType Keyboard is, as its name implies, a slim and compact desktop USB keyboard – not as slim as the new Apple Aluminum Keyboards, but still just 3/4″ thick by 16-1/2″ wide by 6-5/16″ deep. It features a full complement of standard keys, including a numeric keypad and eight programmable multimedia hotkeys arrayed across the top of the ‘board behind the function key row.
The hotkeys allow you to launch and navigate iTunes, adjust sound volume, mute the sound, eject optical disks, and put the computer to sleep from the keyboard. While the main keyboard functions are supported by drivers built into the Mac OS, the multimedia hotkey features require Kensington’s proprietary drivers, which can be installed from the CD bundled with the unit or downloaded from the Kensington website. [Editor’s note: I’ve been using the long since discontinued Logitech Cordless Elite Duo with my Macs since 2002. One nice feature of recent Logitech drivers is that they’ll alert you when there’s a new version available for download. dk] I found that the version 1.3 Kensington Keyboard Driver on the CD was the latest version currently available, and installation took only a few seconds, although it required a restart in order to take effect.
The default hotkey functions are:
- Play: pressing Play will launch iTunes and begin playing the first available track in the Library. If there is no Library selected or no track available, iTunes will launch but not play.
- Forward: move to the beginning of the next track
- Back: move to the beginning of the current track. “Double – pressing” will move to the beginning of the previous track.
- Volume Down: decreases the sound volume.
- Volume Up: increases the sound volume
- Mute: Stop/Start the sound volume.
- Eject: ejects the optical disk.
- Sleep: displays the Sleep/Shutdown dialog.
The SlimType keyboard layout is fairly conventional, with a few distinctive elements. The function key row has a very welcome Forward Delete key to the right of the F15 key and at the top of a vertical row of navigation keys (Home, Page Up, Page Down, End). There is a pad of inverted-T arrow keys where you would expect them. On the bottom row, left to right, there are two side-by-side left Ctrl keys, a left Alt/Opt key, a left Cmd key, the space bar, a right Cmd key, a right Alt/Opt key, a right Ctrl key, and finally an Insert/Help key (which Apple keyboards don’t have in that location).
This is all quite functional, although the Cmd keys are smaller than I prefer (the same size as the regular letter keys), and the Return key is labeled Enter, as is the norm with PC keyboards. It’s also very easy to hit the Home key when you’re going for Delete, due to the unorthodox placement of the key.
There are a pair of fold-down feet at the back of the ‘board that facilitate the ergonomically incorrect angled orientation that some users prefer. There are three lights above the numeric keypad to indicate when Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock are activate. The ‘board also has a usefully long 5 foot USB cable. No wireless version is offered.
My main complaint about this ‘board is that it has no USB repeater ports, which is more than a little inconvenient. I suspect the USB ports were left out in order to help keep dimensions compact and the cost down, but I really miss them.
Aside from that, I really love this keyboard, and the longer I use it the more I’m smitten with it.
List price: $39.99. Street price about $30.
This keyboard has been discontinues and replaced by a black USB keyboard designed to work with both PCs and Macs. The layout of the K72357US keyboard is a bit different yet. You can order it from Amazon.com for US$16.99 as of mid 2014. Because we have not tried the new keyboard, we cannot say how it compares to the one reviewed here. This keyboard has also been discontinued.
i-Rocks KR-6810M Mac X-Slim Backlit USB Keyboard
I also have to mention here the i-Rocks KR-6810M Mac X-Slim Backlit USB Keyboard, about which pretty much everything I’ve noted about the Kensington SlimType also applies. In terms of form factor and keyboard engineering, the two ‘boards are identical, with the main distinctions being the i-Rocks ‘board’s backlit keys, its lack of the SlimType’s multimedia keys, and the price.
This keyboard is internally illuminated, which can be a tremendous convenience if you are using it in a low-light environment and are, like me, not a touch typist.
The i-Rocks Mac X-Slim keyboard backlighting is less subtle than the backlighting in 15″ and 17″ MacBook Pros and PowerBooks in that the entire keypad lights up rather than just the key labels, and I would prefer there to be a dimming function, as the backlighting is pretty bright. You can turn it off when you don’t need it, and when you do, it could mean the difference between continuing your work or waiting for better lighting conditions.
Aside from the brightness, another annoyance with the i-Rocks’ backlighting, at least for a silent computing freak like me, is that the keyboard emits a very irritating “humming” sound when the backlight is active, sounding a bit like a hungry mosquito. Fortunately, the sound goes away when you turn the backlight off, and it’s something I guess I can live with when keyboard illumination is required, but it’s also something the engineers should work on.
Aside from that, the goodness I extolled in my SlimType observations also applies to the i-Rocks ‘board. It feels just as reassuringly solid, has a claimed more than 10 million keystroke life, and if you want an illuminated desktop keyboard, there aren’t many other choices (at least I’m not aware of any) for the Mac.
The downside is that the i-Rocks X-Slim Illuminated Keyboard carries a list price of $65, or roughly twice what the SlimType sells for.
This keyboard has also been discontinued. and i-Rocks has two similar models. The black KR-6170M is a Mac-only USB keyboard. If you prefer a white keyboard, the white KR-6170M is a USB ‘board designed for PCs and Macs. Neither seems to be available through any major vendor – not even Google can find one.
Conclusion
As basic keyboards, they are essentially identical. The major choice is whether you think the i-Rocks’ illumination feature is worth the extra $30, or whether you would prefer the SlimType’s multimedia hotkey features.
If anyone on your Christmas list could use a new keyboard, either of these would make an appreciated gift.
Further Reading
- Charles W Moore Reviews the Kensington SlimType Keyboard for Mac, Applelinks, 2005.12.02
- Product Review: Kensington Slim Type Keyboard for Mac, Noah Kravitz, PBCentral, 2004.02.28
- Charles W Moore Reviews the i-Rocks Mac X-Slim Backlit USB Keyboard, Applelinks, 2006.01.06
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No matter how great your overall Mac experience is, you can always improve it, and finding the best keyboard that suits your needs perfectly is an excellent way to start. When you find and buy such a keyboard, you’ll certainly wonder why you didn’t get it before. Same as many other Mac accessories, a good keyboard can really make a difference – you won’t be frustrated when typing, and you will increase your productivity. In this article, we are going to talk about the top best Mac keyboards, so keep on reading because you may find the one perfect for your needs.
See also: How to find the best mouse for Mac
What to consider when choosing a keyboard?
Browsing through the sheer number of best Mac keyboards available online may change the common notion that Apple doesn’t support third-party accessories. While the manufacturer is capable of making the most premium peripherals such as the newly launched Magic Keyboard, Air Pods and the unique Apple mouse, there are so many third party manufacturers ready to aid your usage scenario.
Apple follows a specific design pattern whereas you can get a similar, completely new experience from a Logitech keyboard or a cheaper alternative with additional features. The best part is that they make it pure white with a matte finish so that it easily syncs with the design aesthetics of your Mac setup at home or the office.
Before we list some of the best Mac keyboards, let’s see the things you should consider.
- Ergonomics – If you are spending hours working on your computer every day, your hands should be in a natural position when you are typing, which means you need to choose a keyboard with such a design. Many great keyboards come with the adjustable tilt and height and with such keyboard, you won’t feel any pain in joints after hours of work and you will feel comfortable when typing.
- Type of keys – There are many laptop-style keyboards for Mac, and all of them look wonderful. However, many people simply don’t like these type of keyboards as it may feel strange when typing. If you are one of those people, the keyboard with the raised keys a much better option.
- Wireless or wired keyboard? You will have to decide if you want a keyboard with or without a cable. The wired keyboard is a much better option for gaming because with such a keyboard you will avoid lag issues that may occur sometimes. If you don’t like cables, the wireless keyboard for which you need the USB port on your computer is the perfect option for you but don’t forget that you will need the batteries. Also, wireless keyboards are usually more expensive.
- Features – Many keyboards today come with additional function buttons and media features buttons such as page up and down, volume up and down, browser button, mute button, just to name a few. If you don’t like such options, don’t worry, there are many awesome keyboards with just the standard QWERTY keys.
Best Mac Keyboards
The cheapest wired full-size keyboard
Mac allay Full-Size USB Wired Mac Keyboard
After having spent thousands of dollars for your Apple Mac setup, you may probably want to save some money on your replacement keyboard. Although your mileage may vary, this is the cheapest full-size keyboard you can find for your Mac. The white design seamlessly syncs with your Macintosh and the full-sized design allows you to get more things done, especially with the numeric pads being ideal for people in accounting.
The designers have implemented 15 Apple-specific shortcut keys to easily access all repeatedly used functions such as cut, copy and paste. There are also dedicated buttons to pause, play, increase or decrease the volume in your iTunes. It is a wired keyboard and the low-profile key doesn’t produce any noise when you type. For people who are largely addicted to Bluetooth, this may sound a bit off. However, if you are not interested in replacing batteries and like to keep it plugged in, this feature becomes useful.
Why should you buy this keyboard?
- The full-sized keyboard includes a numeric keypad, making it easy for people into accounting to get things done faster.
- It is USB wired version which ensures that you don’t have to worry about replacing batteries again.
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Best Apple Keyboard
Apple Wired Keyboard with numeric keypad
If you don’t want anything but Apple, this ultra-thin keyboard is a perfect choice. It has a beautiful and stylish design, built-in USB ports, and low profile keys. To can access many different Mac features such as eject, volume, screen brightness, fast-forward, rewind, just to name a few. For many users, this is unquestionably one of the best Mac keyboards.
While there are so many amazing choices available, the Apple-designed Magic Keyboard for Mac is without a doubt the best product you could buy. The third-party manufacturers do offer a similar white design with a compact footprint and some additional features like Solar charging that may not be available in the original version. It continues to stand out as the best made possible keyboard with Apple’s robust build quality.
The keyboard uses a scissor mechanism behind each key providing it more stability and posture when you type continuously. The key travel is very less that keeps it silent at all times and provides a precise typing experience with no wrist or finger fatigue. The built-in rechargeable battery lasts at least for a month before it needs to be recharged. This is a full-sized keyboard from Apple providing you the numeric keypad that is integral for accounting work.
Why should you buy this keyboard? Mac free alternative to photoshop.
- The Magic keyboard is made by none other than Apple that provides you brand assurance and design aesthetics.
- The battery life is excellent and, it being a full-sized keyboard sweetens the deal.
Best Compact Keyboard For Mac
Anker® Ultra Compact Slim Profile Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard
Many users prefer wireless keyboards, and if you are one of them this beautiful, slim keyboard may be exactly what you have been looking for. It deserves to be on the list of the best Mac keyboards for several reasons. It is a lightweight keyboard, intuitive and very comfortable for typing. If you are not using the keyboard for half an hour, it will go into the power saving mode automatically. It is not only the perfect keyboard for your Mac, but it is also compatible with iOS devices, Android, and Windows. Its price starts at $25.
Anker has meticulously designed this Bluetooth keyboard and they have come out with flying colors in making it ultra-compact and slim. The Bluetooth keyboard doesn’t have a numeric keyboard and is so small that it occupies only two-third of the space occupied by a traditional keyboard. Powered by a large 800mAh battery, it can run for nearly six months even if you use it for two hours non-stop daily.
Using a keyboard without a break is very difficult which confirms that it should easily last months and the Bluetooth is designed to automatically connect with the last device it was paired with. The Anker compact keyboard is also compatible with a range of Bluetooth devices including Mac, PC, Windows, iOS and Android. You can use it easily with your iPhone, Mac or an Android phone. Anker has also ensured that it is easy to type on this device with low-profile matte keys with the frame being sturdy to last long.
Why should you buy this keyboard?
- The best compact keyboard that you could buy for your Mac
- The battery life is reliable and lasts months on a single charge
A Mac keyboard with mechanical switches
Azio Mk-Mac Wired USB Backlit Keyboard with Brown K-Switch
Have you ever heard of a mechanical keyboard for the Apple Mac? If you haven’t, this Azio MK-Mac keyboard should put you on track. Mechanical key switches are popular among gamers and typists in the world of Windows computers. For Mac, it is a concept unheard of. But for the enthusiasts out there who want the best of OS X and input choices, Azio has an option. They have managed to retain the pure white color and used white backlights for the keyboard bringing it on par with any Mac-friendly keyboard out there.
Apple Keyboard Alternative
While the product featured here is the USB wired model, you can also find the MK Mac BT with a Bluetooth setup for a slightly higher price. The keyboard features tactile brown k-switches which are non-clicky and doesn’t make too much noise. The MK-Mac Wired USB keyboard is exclusively designed for Mac with all Apple-specific button layout including hotkeys for easy access. It also has a dedicated volume control wheel which should make analog lovers happy as you can increase or reduce the volume on your iTunes music playback at will.
Why should you buy this keyboard?
- Mechanical switches for Mac is a unique feature that sets this keyboard apart from the competition.
- Azio has also maintained the Mac key layout and provides a physical volume control button enhancing the analog experience.
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Best Mac Keyboard With Modern Design
Logitech Bluetooth Easy-Switch K811 Keyboard For Mac
Logitech Bluetooth Easy-Switch Keyboard with Bluetooth technology is specially designed for Mac. It has bright backlit keys for typing in a dark room. battery life is excellent. It is slim, compact and it has a beautiful, modern design. It can be used for the iPad and iPhone as well. It provides an enjoyable typing experience.
Logitech is primarily a peripherals manufacturer for Windows PCs but they are not giving up on the world of Mac and Apple devices. The Logitech Easy-Switch K811 is the best Mac keyboard you will ever need if you have already invested heavily in Apple’s ecosystem of devices. The Easy-Switch name comes from an actual switch found on this keyboard which allows you to seamlessly change between your Mac, iPad or iPhone to keep typing without interruptions.
The Bluetooth keyboard provides a solid range of up to 30 feet which allows you to keep it connected to multiple devices in the vicinity. The keys are all backlit, facilitating you to type in the dark and it also includes a rechargeable battery. The USB cable can be used to recharge it which should theoretically last at least a month of daily usage. Logitech has designed a unique keycap for the K811 which enables it to be whisper-quiet when typing and it also sports a Mac layout to let Apple fans use it seamlessly on familiar grounds.
Why should you buy this keyboard?
- Logitech’s unique and useful easy switch technology allows you to change the connection between a Mac, iPhone or iPad easily. A must-have for people with multiple Apple devices.
- Quite keys that are comfortable yet don’t make any noise during long typing sessions.
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Other models worth buying
Best Ergonomic Keyboard For Mac
Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
This model has a cutting-edge design, and some of the key features are intuitive Zoom Slider, customizable hotkeys, and improved number pad. Typing on it is a pure pleasure, so if you want a keyboard from Microsoft, feel free to go for this one.
Why should you buy this keyboard?
- Women who work out of homes must invest in this keyboard as it is extremely comfortable to use.
- For the ones who are looking for greater comfort and keep wrist pains at bay having this keyboard is preferable.
Best Wireless Keyboard For Mac
Logitech Wireless solar keyboard K750 for Mac
If you like wireless keyboards, you will love this keyboard! Rely on the light instead of the batteries, because any light source will keep this keyboard charged. How much does minecraft java edition cost on mac. It delivers an enjoyable typing experience – you will type quieter, and faster. It has ultra-thin design and it comes with a familiar Mac layout.
Why should you buy this keyboard?
![Apple keyboard alternative Apple keyboard alternative](https://cdn.osxdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/screen-sharing-app-mac.jpg)
- Logitech is a brand that has been manufacturing some great keyboards of all genres. Their keyboards do not wear off easily.
- There is no need to charge the batteries as the keyboard works on solar power.
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Best Mac Keyboard For Fast Typing
Das Keyboard Professional Models S for Mac
It comes with ultra-sensitive tactile response meaning to type much faster with ease. Das keyboard has two-port USB 2.0 hub – you can connect USB compatible devices or charge your iPhone. There are Mac function keys included: play/pause, next and previous track, volume up and down, mute, brightness up and down, sleep etc.
Why should you buy this keyboard?
- The keys can be replaced as desired while using different kinds of Operating systems.
- The multi-media keys option offers great functionality and usability experience.
Best Cheap Keyboard For Mac
Macally 103 key full-size USB keyboard
This keyboard could be the right one for you since it is an inexpensive substitute for Apple keyboards. It comes with Mac OS X features and shortcut keys and LED indicator for power, Num lock and caps lock. Macally keyboard delivers outstanding typing experience thanks to the low-profile responsive keys. The price of this keyboard is under $15.
Why should you buy this keyboard?
- This keyboard is best suitable for those who are into long hours of typing as it is comfortable to use.
- This keyboard can be ideal for those who like to work with shortcut keys.
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Best Apple Keyboard With Long Battery Life
Matias Laptop Pro Keyboard for Mac
Mac Keyboard Alternative
It is compact and easy to pack with great 1,600 mAh battery. The Mac-friendly function keys allow you to control the volume, brightness, and more. It connects to Android, iPad, PCs and other Bluetooth devices. It also has a great design.
Why should you buy this keyboard?
- This keyboard is ideal for people who work for long working hours
- This quiet keyboard offers an amazing experience for people with fast typing skills
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Mac keyboards be used with an iPad?
Check the specs sheet of the keyboard. Those keyboards designed to work on Mac computers may not be compatible with the iOS run iPads. Certain keys may not function or may offer different results. It is advisable to send a mail to the manufacturer of the Mac keyboard you are planning to buy or the seller to get a confirmation before placing the order. There are keyboards with the provision to alternate between different Apple products.
Are the Mac keyboards silent while typing?
Not necessarily. Many keyboards do produce noise while pressing the keys. If you are used to typing at a rapid speed, the noise levels may even be higher. Some high-end keyboards come with softer keys. Check out the listing which specifically addresses this issue and then place the order.
Will a Mac keyboard work with the Windows OS?
Not all Mac keyboards may have that capability. Yet, there are keyboards in the market that can be used with Mac machines and with Windows PCs as well. However, the typing experience may differ. If you can buy dedicated keyboards for Mac and other operating systems, you will feel comfortable with both.
Are wireless keyboards better or wired keyboards?
Both wireless, as well as wired keyboards, are good. Functionally there is hardly any difference between the two. The keys and the layout will all be the same. The only difference is that a wired keyboard will have a cord to connect the keyboard to the machine. In the case of the wireless keyboard, there is the USB receiver which you have to plug in to start using the keyboard. One benefit of the wireless keyboard is that you can use it from a distance. You can recline on your sofa and type keeping the laptop at a distance.
How soon do the letters and numbers on the keys wear out on keyboards?
In a normal environment with regular use, the letters on the keyboards don’t wear out easily. If the keyboard is used in a highly dusty atmosphere or the user does not have clean fingers while typing away, then the letters or numbers and symbols can get erased. Some manufacturers use lamination to protect the letters. Ultimately, it is in the hands of the users.
Bottom line
Mac Keyboard Symbols
A whole lot of new products have arrived. Picking the best Mac keyboard could be a difficult choice right now. If you have a good idea of your expectation, it should be much easier to choose one. The Logitech keyboard uses an unconventional solar power while Anker offers the most compact keyboard you could find. There’s even a keyboard with mechanical switches and another one that connects with every Apple device. Pick your preferred one and enhance your Mac experience
Best Mac Keyboard Alternatives
These are some of the top best Mac keyboards you can get. When choosing a keyboard, don’t forget to consider the things we have mentioned at the beginning, such as ergonomics, type of keys, features, and so on. We have listed different types of keyboards here so that every person can find a perfect fit!