The Apple Magic keyboard is a quality keyboard, but it’s not for everyone. It’s also not that cheap. While you might have got one with your brand new Mac, it’s not the only option you have if you’re looking for a new keyboard to pair with your MacBook Pro or Mac Mini.
You might prefer mechanical switches or want a wireless keyboard for Mac that you can use with other devices. No matter what type you prefer, if you’re in search of the best keyboard for Mac, these choices are a great place to start.
1. Das Keyboard Model S Professional for Mac
Das Keyboard Model S Professional for Mac Das Keyboard Model S Professional for Mac Buy Now On Amazon $118.98They’re not everyone’s cup of tea, but mechanical keyboards provide a tactile experience that many touch typists are fond of. The Das Keyboard Model S is a sleek mechanical model that uses Cherry MX Blue switches with gold contacts. These provide the most “click” in a button press of the entire Cherry MX line.
While some mechanical keyboards are relatively barebones affairs, this one is not. In addition to the standard keys, which use the Mac keyboard layout, this has media keys, including volume and playback control. An onboard USB hub means you don’t have to reach far to plug in your phone or other accessories.
2. Das Keyboard 4 Professional for Mac
Das Keyboard 4 Professional for Mac Das Keyboard 4 Professional for Mac Buy Now On Amazon $169.00Das Keyboard is a major name when it comes to Mac compatible keyboards of the mechanical variety, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see them appear twice on this list. While the Model S uses Cherry MX Blue switches, the Das Keyboard 4 Professional uses Cherry MX Brown, which are softer and quieter while still providing a tactile click to let you know you pressed the key.
Like the Model S, this edition has media keys and a full number pad. It also has an onboard USB hub. While the Model S only has a USB 2.0 hub, this model includes a faster USB 3 hub. The aluminum top panel makes the keyboard tough and sleek-looking, making it one of the best keyboards for Mac you’ll find.
3. Keychron K2 RGB Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Keychron K2 RGB Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Keychron K2 RGB Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Buy Now On Amazon $84.99If you want a mechanical keyboard for Mac with the exciting RGB lighting you’ll find on many PC keyboards, your options are limited. That said, the Keychron K2 RGB Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard has a lot going for it. For starters, you don’t often find wireless mechanical keyboards.
You also get your choice of switches. While this uses Gateron switches instead of the more popular Cherry MX switches, you get your choice of blue, brown, or red switches. These are roughly equivalent to Cherry MX offerings, with blue being the clickiest, red being the most quiet, and brown being somewhere in between.
4. Velocifire M87 Mac Layout Mechanical Keyboard
Velocifire M87 Mac Layout Mechanical Keyboard Velocifire M87 Mac Layout Mechanical Keyboard Buy Now On Amazon $59.99Mechanical keyboards are generally on the expensive side, but there are affordable options as well. The Velocifire M87 is a mechanical model that is a little more slimmed-down than some of the other options we’ve covered. It doesn’t feature Cherry MX or even Gateron switches, but if you want to try a mechanical keyboard for Mac, this is a good place to start.
This uses the standard Mac keyboard layout but doesn’t have the number pad. If you don’t work with numbers, this can be a positive, as it means a smaller physical footprint. The switches are brown-style, meaning it’s not so loud that it will bother anyone else around you.
5. Logitech K750 Wireless Solar Keyboard for Mac
Logitech K750 Wireless Solar Keyboard for Mac Logitech K750 Wireless Solar Keyboard for Mac Buy Now On Amazon $53.99If you don’t count Apple’s own models, the Logitech K750 Wireless Solar Keyboard is often mentioned as one of the best wireless keyboards for Mac users. It has a Mac-style layout, plus it’s a super-thin, stylish addition to your desk. Even better, it’s solar-powered, so you don’t have to worry about plugging it in or changing batteries.
This model uses concave keycaps, which is nice for touch typists. It also has a dedicated key for Launchpad, top-mounted on/off switch, and a handy indicator light to show you if it’s getting enough sunlight. I’ve used these keyboards a lot over the years, and never found a situation where it didn’t receive enough light to stay charged.
6. Macally Ultra-Slim USB Wired Computer Keyboard
Macally Ultra-Slim USB Wired Computer Keyboard Macally Ultra-Slim USB Wired Computer Keyboard Buy Now On Amazon $48.99If you want the look and feel of the Apple Magic Keyboard without the so-called Apple tax, the Macally Ultra-Slim USB Wired Keyboard gets you most of the way there. Specifically, this is similar to the model with the number pad. It’s plastic and feels a little lighter, but the style is close.
This model uses standard scissor-style keys, unlike the Apple butterfly keyboard that has caused so many problems in MacBooks. The keys are fairly responsive, but they don’t feel exactly like the Magic Keyboard. That said, it gets pretty close.
7. Macally Slim USB Wired Small Compact Mini Computer Keyboard
Macally Slim USB Wired Small Compact Mini Computer Keyboard Macally Slim USB Wired Small Compact Mini Computer Keyboard Buy Now On Amazon $29.99The Macally Slim USB Wired Small Compact Mini Computer Keyboard is similar to the above model, only without the number pad. As mentioned earlier, some people will see this as a positive since this model takes up less space on a desk, making more room for a mouse or even a cup of coffee.
As with the other Macally model, this looks the most like an Apple Magic Keyboard from far away. Get close, and you’ll notice it’s plastic, not aluminum, though it does look fairly similar.
8. Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard
Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard Buy Now On Amazon $29.99If you need a keyboard that can work with multiple devices, the Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard is worth checking out. The small, circular keys will take some getting used to, but the benefits might be worth it. In addition to your Mac, this keyboard can work with your iPhone, iPad, and even Android devices.
It doesn’t stop there either. If you want an easier time typing on your Apple TV, you can use this keyboard with that too. For easy switching, you can connect to up to three devices at a time. That means this might be the best keyboard for your MacBook Pro if you also want to control your other Apple hardware.
9. Anker Ultra Compact Profile Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard
Anker Ultra Compact Profile Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard Anker Ultra Compact Profile Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard Buy Now On Amazon $16.99If you want a Bluetooth keyboard that matches your Apple hardware better than the Logitech keyboard, take a look at the Anker Ultra Compact Profile Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard. This rechargeable keyboard will work with your Mac, plus iOS, Android, and even Windows devices.
Don’t worry though, this still has a Mac keyboard layout, so you don’t have to worry about pressing the wrong keys.
The Best Apple Keyboard Replacement
There are a lot of options out there other than the Apple Magic Keyboard. Whether you’re after the best Mac keyboard or another Mac-compatible keyboard, we’re sure you’ll find a great Apple keyboard alternative here.
Apple also produces the defacto-standard Mac mouse, the Magic Mouse. However, before you go searching for a Magic Mouse alternative, be sure to check out the things you need to know when buying a mouse.
Read the full article: The 9 Best Alternatives to Apple’s Official Magic Keyboard
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