Apple’s Magic Keyboard is compact and chic sufficient, but it surely’s removed from the one worthy keyboard choice for Mac customers. Perhaps 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 various keyboards abound, however not each one works completely with Macs, so you will want steering about what works—and what works properly. That is the place our intensive testing is available in. Based mostly on typing consolation, worth, software program customization, and the various different components that we consider every Mac keyboard on, our present favourite for many customers is Satechi’s SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard. We additionally stand behind all of the Mac-compatible keyboards advisable beneath for extra particular use circumstances. Examine them out, plus recommendation on tips on how to land the most effective Mac keyboard that is your kind.
Deeper Dive: Our Prime Examined Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
April 26, 2025: We swapped out the Keychron C3 Professional (out of inventory) in favor of the Kensington Professional Match Ergo KB675 EQ TKL Rechargeable Keyboard as Greatest Finances Keyboard for Macs. Additionally, we eliminated the Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL and added the Satechi SM3 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard as Greatest Scissor-Swap Mac Keyboard. For this replace, we examined and evaluated six new keyboards for potential inclusion on this roundup.
- Sturdy, enticing construct
- Wonderful 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 shouldn’t be for everybody
- 2.4GHz dongle makes use of USB-A, not USB-C
Apple equipment are notoriously costly, so after we discover a superior product for much less, we’re keen to provide it its day within the solar. The $99 Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard appears to be like the a part of an Apple accent, but it surely blows the Apple Magic Keyboard out of the water by way of really feel and performance. You get satisfying and clicky keys, enticing backlighting, loads of connectivity choices, and—most necessary—keyboard software program that is suitable with macOS, one thing that is nonetheless not as widespread as you’d think about.
This one is for Mac followers who aren’t followers of Apple’s low-profile scissor switches. It trades Contact ID for snug key switches, distinctive construct high quality, and a compact design. It is a simple advice and the most effective Mac alterna-keyboards you should buy.
Variety of Keys
84
Interface
Bluetooth, USB-C, 2.4 GHz Wi-fi
Key Swap Sort
Low Profile Brown Switches
Key Backlighting
Single-Shade
Media Controls
Shared With Different Keys
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
None
- Low worth
- Constructed-in wrist relaxation
- Devoted assembly buttons
- Onboard dongle storage
- Feels low-cost
- No wired mode
- Takes up a whole lot of house for a TKL keyboard
You should not be ashamed to dig by way of the cut price bin of price range keyboards, since you simply would possibly strike gold. The reasonably priced Kensington Professional Match Ergo KB675 EQ TKL Rechargeable Keyboard affords all of the fundamentals with a snug ergonomic form and plush wrist relaxation. It contains devoted assembly buttons that make it a productivity-forward system, and onboard dongle storage for if you’re taking your keyboard on the go. Barely lackluster construct high quality is its solely main disadvantage, however given the aggressive worth, it is the most effective price range keyboards on the market.
For money-strapped Mac customers on the lookout for a Mac-friendly keyboard with some nice ergonomics, the Kensington Professional Match Ergo KB675 EQ TKL Rechargeable Keyboard is a unbelievable candidate.
Variety of Keys
93
Interface
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz Wi-fi
Key Swap Sort
Rubber Membrane
Key Backlighting
None
Media Controls
Shared With Different Keys
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
Built-in
- Trendy design
- Wonderful typing really feel
- Bluetooth and a couple of.4GHz connection choices
- Less expensive than Apple Magic Keyboard
- Low-profile design shouldn’t be for everybody
- No customization software program
Macs and different Apple units are recognized for wanting good, so if you would like another that is simply as aesthetically pleasing, look no additional than the Satechi SM3 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard. It is a full-size mechanical keyboard, and like its TKL cousin, the Satechi SM1 Slim, it surpasses the Apple Magic Keyboard in quite a lot of methods. From its clicky keys to its a number of connectivity choices, the Satechi SM3 Slim is a wonderful selection for these in search of a less expensive, better-looking various to Apple’s personal keyboard and keen to surrender options like Contact ID.
In case you’re out there for peak performance and aesthetics, the Satechi SM3 Slim is your keyboard.
Variety of Keys
108
Interface
USB-C, 2.4 GHz Wi-fi, Bluetooth
Key Swap Sort
Low Profile Brown Switches
Key Backlighting
Single-Shade
Media Controls
Shared With Different Keys
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
None
- Brilliant single-color backlighting
- Eye-catching design that enhances Apple units
- Devoted Mac key structure
- Constructed-in battery
- Sturdy software program customization options
- Costly
- Wrist relaxation is bought individually
Many Logitech peripherals are platform-agnostic, which signifies that they help each Home windows and macOS working methods, amongst others. Nevertheless it’s at all times good to have a keyboard devoted to your OS of selection, and that is what the Logitech MX Keys S for Mac is: A keyboard optimized for Macs that is not from Apple. It is nearly equivalent to Logitech’s MX Keys S, which can also be suitable with macOS and delivers the identical performance and efficiency—for a similar worth. In brief, whereas it is a succesful choose, it’s not far more than a keyboard made for Mac customers who can’t stand the sight of Command sharing the identical key as Alt.
In case you choose low-profile keyboards with scissor switches as a substitute of mechanical ones, and you do not need to pay the Apple tax, then the Logitech MX Keys for Mac is best for you.
Variety of Keys
108
Interface
USB-C, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz Wi-fi
Key Swap Sort
Scissor-Swap
Key Backlighting
Single-Shade
Media Controls
Shared With Different Keys
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
Removable (Separate)
Be taught Extra
- Magnetic switches supply variable key-press detection ranges
- Machined aluminum body
- Scorching-swappable switches
- Accessible in two colour schemes
- Works with Home windows and macOS
- Costly
- No ft or kickstand for angled typing
- No USB dongle storage
- No wrist relaxation
The recent-swappable Keychron Q1 HE improves on the wonderful Keychron Q1 with the addition of magnetic linear switches, permitting customers to set the sensitivity of key presses and modify variable actuation factors. Constructed from premium supplies, the keyboard wears a machined aluminum body atop an aluminum prime plate that helps take in vibrations from key presses. A layer of sound absorption foam helps to reduce echoes, whereas foam gaskets remove any rattle which may in any other case come from the internal PCB. It is a superb mechanical keyboard proper out of the field, so the extra customization choices make it a superb selection for these thinking about tweaking nearly each side of their keyboard.
For Mac customers who’re additionally keyboard tinkerers, the Keychron Q1 HE is a wonderful choice.
Variety of Keys
81
Interface
Bluetooth, USB-C, 2.4 GHz Wi-fi
Key Swap Sort
Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula Switches
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Shared With Different Keys
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
None
Be taught Extra
- True Cherry MX switches in a selection of three varieties.
- Comfy ergonomic design, when you’re accustomed to it.
- Excellent, plush wrist relaxation.
- Per-key customizable RGB lighting.
- Driverless SmartSet app is extra work than we would like.
- Elective “raise equipment” prices additional.
- Steep studying curve.
Ergonomics is an oft-overlooked side of keyboard procuring, but it surely’s typically crucial. With out good ergonomics, even the most effective keyboards could cause long-term harm to your fingers and wrist. The Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Cut up Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is slightly older, however it’s nonetheless certainly one of our favourite break up keyboards. Accessible with Cherry MX switches in three varieties and that includes per-key customizable RGB lighting, this keyboard is a pleasure to make use of whether or not you are trying to sport or simply typing by way of the workday. Its break up design means it will possibly function as one complete keyboard or as two separated working components positioned as much as 8 inches aside. It takes time to regulate to a break up structure in case you’re new to at least one, however when you’re over the hurdle, it is second to none.
In case you’ve ever been thinking about keyboard ergonomics, the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Cut up Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a powerful entry level. It helps alleviate stress and stress in your forearms, shoulders, and again by letting you angle your arms, fingers, and wrists precisely how they be just right for you.
Variety of Keys
108
Interface
USB Wired
Key Swap Sort
Cherry MX
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Devoted
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
Built-in
- Skinny and light-weight
- Quiet operation
- Contact ID sensor
- USB-C port
- Costly, with $20 premium for black model
- No backlighting
- Design is not overly ergonomic
- Colours past white and black are solely obtainable bundled with an iMac buy
- Requires newest model of macOS to entry full vary of options
Many individuals discover Apple keyboards to be simply effective—and we principally agree with them. They work as meant and infrequently home Apple-exclusive options like Contact ID. Our primary downside with the Magic Keyboard is that it hasn’t modified a lot in years. That continues to be true with the newest Apple Magic Keyboard With Contact ID and Numeric Keypad, whose solely massive change is changing the long-standard Apple Lightning port with a USB-C port. With so many high quality alternate options to the Magic Keyboard on the market, stomaching the near-$200 asking worth for an outdated design is tougher than ever. Nonetheless, in case you insist on an all-Apple desktop, the USB-C Magic Keyboard has its charms: It is skinny, gentle, and striking-looking, with spectacular battery life. Additionally, the scissor-switch design is nice for many who choose low-profile keyboards.
For the Apple trustworthy or for many who do not thoughts paying a premium, the Apple Magic Keyboard With Contact ID and Numeric Keypad remains to be a reliable each day driver.
Variety of Keys
109
Interface
Bluetooth, USB-C
Key Swap Sort
Scissor-Swap
Key Backlighting
None
Media Controls
Devoted
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
None
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The Greatest Mac Keyboards for 2025
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Shopping for Information: The Greatest Mac Keyboards for 2025
Technically, you should utilize most any fashionable keyboard together with your Mac. Plug it in (presumably with the help of a USB-A-to-C adapter) or pair it over Bluetooth, and its fundamental typing features will simply work. That stated, in case you’re used to a Mac and particularly in case you’ve been utilizing Apple’s Magic Keyboard, you have 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 potential typing block. Only a few different keyboards, even small ones, use this sort of structure. 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 structure because the default.
(Credit score: Zackery Cuevas)
In case you 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 might also 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%, typically with a really compact structure.
The keys within the prime row of an Apple keyboard are assigned to system-level duties akin to display brightness and quantity controls. They can be utilized as traditional F1 to F12 perform keys, however you will have to 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 type of shortcut.
(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
A final consideration: Macs have a number of distinctive keys. The one you in all probability know greatest is the Command key, which is used for a lot of well-liked keyboard shortcuts. It is used very in another way from the Home windows key. The Choice key’s a extra direct parallel to the Alt key on Home windows. And the latest 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 Choice keys; these fashions are typically labeled “Mac Version” or “Made for Mac.” However that is not the one approach to get the keys and features you want. Remappable keyboards are more and more well-liked amongst Home windows avid gamers, and Mac customers can typically profit from them, too.
Keyboard Software program on Macs: Mapping and Customization
In case you’ve solely used commonplace productiveness keyboards, you will 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 lots of have programmable macro keys for generally used features. Mechanical keyboards have a satisfying typing sound and tactile really feel, and most of them function longer journey—the gap your keycap strikes if you press all of it the best way down—to be extra supportive and comfy.
(Credit score: Mike Epstein)
In case you’re beginning to expertise ache in your palms, wrists, or shoulders when you kind, it’s possible you’ll need 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 snug to kind on is usually a life-changing improve.
Most premium productiveness and gaming keyboards could be reconfigured with software program offered 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 Choice, or in any other case create your very best keyboard structure.
Beneficial by Our Editors
Corsair’s iCUE software program makes it simple 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 must be sure to discover one which does. The largest 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 do not have conventional config apps. As a substitute, they supply customization help by way of a mixture of onboard controls and both driverless apps that work by way of the keyboard or net apps. These processes is usually a little much less handy than an app, however they’re broadly suitable.
The online-based configuration software for the Drop Shift Mechanical Keyboard works on any pc. (Credit score: Drop)
In case you suppose it’s going to confuse you to remap a key’s perform with out relabeling the important thing, do not resort to masking tape. As a substitute, 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 properly for relabeling a remapped key. Some mechanical keyboards include replaceable keycaps for Command and Choice, however if you wish to arrange Mac-style perform keys, you will in all probability want labels.
Able to Purchase the Greatest Keyboard for Your Mac?
Armed with all the small print, you’re prepared to select the most effective keyboard on your Mac. Our suggestions and evaluations will assist you determine which of our favorites can be a very good match. In case you’re on the lookout for particular options, take a look at our lists of the greatest wi-fi keyboards and the greatest ergonomic keyboards. And in case you want a mouse to match, contemplate the most effective mice for Macs in addition to the greatest gaming mice for Macs, that are designed for gaming however work properly for any function.
