TL;DR
Keychron Keyboards
Keychron keyboards are frequently recommended for Mac users seeking a mechanical keyboard. They offer models specifically designed with Mac layouts, such as the Keychron K8, which includes features like hot-swappable switches, Type-C plug, Bluetooth connectivity, and pre-lubed stabilizers [1:1]
[3:4]. Users have praised Keychron keyboards for their feel and compatibility with Mac systems
[1:2].
Logitech MX Keys
The Logitech MX Keys is another favored option among Mac users. It allows connection to multiple devices, making it ideal for users who switch between a MacBook and other gadgets like an iPad [2:1]. While some users noted issues with the space bar or backlight control
[3:5]
[3:6], others appreciate its smooth typing experience and versatility
[3:3]
[3:11].
Apple Magic Keyboard
For those who prefer a more traditional Apple experience, the Magic Keyboard remains a solid choice. It offers a reliable typing experience and integrates seamlessly with Mac products [2:3]
[4:1]. The version with a numeric keypad is particularly useful for users requiring additional functionality
[4:3].
Budget-Friendly Options
If you're looking for budget-friendly alternatives, the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 is suggested as a value-for-money option [5:3]
[5:5]. Additionally, Satechi's SM1 and SM3 keyboards are recommended for their slim design and compatibility with Macs
[5:6].
Other Recommendations
For users interested in unique designs or specific features, the HHKB Professional Type-S is noted for its durability and quiet operation [2:5]. Azio keyboards also offer distinctive aesthetics and might appeal to those looking for something different
[4:7].
I've recently joined the Apple family after stubbornly refusing to use any Apple product my whole life. I've been working as a software engineer on a MacBook Pro and iPad as a second monitor and love how seamless it feels.
One complaint is the keyboard. Nothing beats the feel of a great mechanical. Coming from Razer and Corsair brands, I'm curious if anyone has any suggestions for Apple-targetted mechanical backlit keyboards for US shipping. I've checked Amazon and Best Buy, but can't find any that I'm really sold on.
You can get a Keychron keyboard; they are reasonably priced and Mac compatible.
Got the Keychron and LOVE it. Thank you!
You're welcome. Which model did you end up going with? Just curious.
Might buy one let me know what you are rocking. Thanks
Keychron
Magic keyboard without numpad
Leopold FC660C
Classic. I love this keyboard.
HHKB profession type-s.
Logitech K380 and MX keys mini.
HHKB profession type-s.
Best keyboard. No gimmicks, not annoyingly loud, functional and can last decades.
Logitech MX Keys for Mac. I like the keyboard, and it’s set up so you can connect to more than one device (e.g. MacBook and iPad) and switch between them.
What is everyone using for an external keyboard? What do you recommend/love!?!?
Edit: Im personally looking for productivity, but can game occasionally too. Some lighting would be nice, but mostly want a great user experience. But post your random favorites too even if they don’t fit the above criteria!
Apple Extended Keyboard II. My daily driver for many years.
Note: Ancient dongle required.
Logitech MX Keys, or anything KeyChron
I don’t recommend the MX Keys, the space bar can get stuck
+1 for MX keys. They are simply awesome. I have 2 of those. One at home, one at work.
I’ve never had that problem, I’ve had mine for 2 years
+1 for MX keys
Keychron K8. Comes with a Mac layout pre-installed. Option for hot-swappable switches. Has a Type-C plug and Bluetooth. I think the stabilizers are pre-lubed as well, so they don’t rattle.
Same.
I use a Corsair k95 at work that was my main at home before the K8.
I got the Logitech MX keys keyboard and it's definitely a nice keyboard. A bit hefty though if you're planning on traveling with it but it has a smooth feel when typing. One thing I didn't like was that there was no way to really adjust the back light, it was basically either on or off, so if you lifted your hands to do something for 10 seconds the backlight would go off. Other than that it's a good keyboard. After that one I got the steel series apex 3 tkl RGB, it's wired but it's a good keyboard, also really smooth typing and it's really quiet as far as key clicks and the backlight is a lot better than the MX plus it's RGB. Depending on what you're looking for, I'd recommend either one.
Nice. Thanks was definitely considering the Apex. Some color would be good. But sounds like you did like the typing experience…. One of the better ones you’ve tried for typing?
Typing with the Apex, I would say has definitely been one of the better experiences, with the gaming type keyboard. I enjoy it enough where I haven't switched back to the MX yet.
Keychron hands down.
I’m considering an external keyboard because i feel like the MacBook pro’s butterfly keyboard after long use hurts my hands and wrists.
Is apple’s magic keyboard with the numeric keypad the best one?
I would like a keyboard with a numeric keypad, wireless and no batteries (charging with cable or light)
The Apple Magic keyboard with numpad is pretty decent to type on, even on longer sessions.
But I can also recommend the Logitech Craft. Long lasting battery (Type C for charging, Bluetooth or Logitech Unifying receiver, up to 3 devices, backlight). Just keep in mind that the Craft has more key travel so if you prefer a more flat typing experience, I’d go with the Apple keyboard personally. It also feels a tid bit mushier.
I would like the keyboard to be similar to the old MacBooks, before the butterfly keyboard.
I like having some give on the keys and just typing on those older keyboards just feels so much more comfortable
Then you should be good with the Craft. It feels more like the older scissor switches. The keycaps on the Craft have circular indents which I took a bit to get used to but other than that it’s an amazing keyboard. I know it’s pricy but it’s worth it.
The Apple MKb is a bit stiffer, harder, less key travel, like I said. Oh and it’s louder if that’s a concern to you.
I use keychron k2, really happy with it ! If you’re into mechanical keyboards check it out !
Édit if you want a numpad check out the k4
Can you explain what different types of keyboards there are out there ?
What’s a mechanical vs what’s on apple’s ?
That's such a thick ass keyboard
Azio’s keyboards
Wow! These look pretty amazing. How’s your experience so far ?
I’ve been using the same Magic keyboard with my MBP for quite some time and it works so well. I rarely have issues with it and I like how it types.
I want to buy a nice wireless keyboard for my new macbook air. Any suggestions for budget and value for money keyboards out there excluding keychron and apple magic keyboard
Well. Apple Magic Keyboard. Keychron K-series, pick your favorite.
> Any suggestions for budget and value for money keyboards out there excluding keychron and apple magic keyboard
Yeah, in my area you can get a used Magic Keyboard for 40 bucks almost any day. They’re almost always posted, anywhere from 40-60 dollars
Any suggestions except those 2
Logitech mx keys
You didn't say what is your budget limit. I suppose it's a decent quality and decent price, then I recommend the Logitech Pebble Keys 2, or get the Logitech Pebble 2 Combo for less than $40, I see it's on sale for $36 at Walmart
Logitech Pebble Keys 2
I second this
Keychron B1 Pro
For mechanical keyboards, consider checking out the Satechi SM1 and SM3 keyboards. Both are wireless, slim, and designed to be compatible with Macs. The SM1 is a compact Bluetooth keyboard with a low-profile feel, while the SM3 offers a similar slim design with a slightly different key layout. They’re often available at reasonable prices and get good reviews for comfort and reliability.
Logitech MX keys!
Hello,
I recently just started my first desktop setup. I found a great deal on a Dell monitor on BF. After it arrived, I realized that I will also need a keyboard. ( I have a mouse)
From my research, the Logitech MX Keys Full/Mini seems to be the most popular but there is also a ton of threads about disconnection issues.
The Apple Magic Keyboard looks really nice but it's not backlit and I do work at night sometimes.
Any other suggestions for a slim, aesthetically pleasing, and quality keyboard?
Thank you!
Mx keys mini/mx mechanical mini/magic keyboard/keychron k3. I’m currently using k3 and magic keyboard , they are different but both great , if I need choose 1 = keychron k3 , hope this helps
Do you know if its true about the MX Keys still disconnecting?
I’ve had the MX Keys full sized keyboard for almost a year now and have had zero connectivity issues. I’ve noticed if you wake the Mac from sleep or open the lid and start trying to type right away it won’t work because the keyboard needs to come out of it’s own sleep mode and that literally only takes 5 seconds then you can start typing again.
Best is entirely up to your use case and preferences. If you like mechanical keychrons are great. Logitech has a new mechanical and there’s also other options from them. Then there’s always the apple keyboard if that’s what you prefer
Nuphy Halo 75 with the black shine through key caps. Or Keychron K2.
I am firm believer in Magic Keyboard/Mouse/Trackpad. While I agree that the lack of backlit keys is dumb, it is still imho fantastic keyboard. Zero issues, great battery life and since I do type a lot so I am very picky about my keyboards. Get a nice light bar and you will be fine :)
I do like the look of it but I have a space grey air. The keyboard and trackpad to match is $350. I just don't think I can justify that.
it’s good but not good enough to justify its price :(
Nuphy Air 60
Does it only come in those weird colors??
Anyone have good recommendations for external monitors and keyboards for under $400-500. I’m a poor 25 yr old graduate student and just bought a MacBook Pro 14’ for $1700. Can’t afford much more but I need a good external monitor for long periods of work.
Mouse and keyboard I use a gmmk pro I built for my pc a while ago, cheaper alternatives tho, mouse Logitech G604 over BT. Monitors I use my pc monitor that I use for gaming but looks good for my Mac too, Dell S2721DGF, 1440 165hz refresh rate.
Hope this video from Mac address helps you out on the monitor side of things!
for keyboard and mouse go for mx keys and mx master 3, as for monitors idk, i use a 27gn950
You could diy a 5k monitor for that price
I have the Studio Display.
For keyboard / moose I have the MX Keys and MX Master 3 ... I'm pairing with the MacBook Pro 16" (Intel), so I have the finger scanner on it for Touch ID. *IF* I didn't have that, I'd likely go with the Magic Keyboard to get the fingerprint reader. (If I ever move to the Mac Studio, this is the direction I'll go)
Hello Guys, I've been using a Logitech MX Keys keyboard for the better part of this year but when trying to clean one of the keys I accidentally broke the butterfly system underneath, so now I'm looking for a new one and I think it's my chance to try out one of those mechanical ones but so far, after looking into a lot of brands, I haven't been able to find one that fits the following:
- Spanish layout
- PBT keys
- Works well with mac (mac keys)
Has anybody found one that fits the bill and what's been your experience?
I’m not sure about Spanish layout, but I’ve been using the Varmilo VA87M with my MacBook Pro and it’s awesome.
Have you looked into the mechanical keyboard sub where these folks are building their own? It's a whole culture, very cool stuff. Doesn't seem too difficult if you have some electronics chops.
Great answer. They'll have great suggestions there. For myself, I found Keychron mechanical keyboards perfect for a starter. Great keyboards that provide excellent Mac support and layouts and are very reasonably priced as mechanical keyboards go.
I'll take a look at the Keychron ones.
FYI
Any (mechanical) keyboard will do. Only the print on the caps differs.
You can look for a pbt keyboard and get caps.
I'd add that with a PC keyboard you need two swap the command and alt keys in the keyboard settings so the mapping matches what you're used to. Sometimes I swap the keycaps as well.
Which mechanical keyboard is your favorite paired with your MacBook Pro?
What are the goods and the bads ?
I use the Keychron K8 Pro with Brown switches.
Can switch very easily between my PC and Mac wirelessly or cabled. Keychron has good options to choose from, would recommend!
Currently using a Keychron Q6 Pro Banana it's nice having customisable macros/keys per OS
NuPhy Air75 here. Completely pleased as I use it for Windows and Mac.
Heck yeah. I had the NuPhy Air75 for the first year of owning my MBP, but I've since switched to Halo75 for my Mac Studio + Gaming PC desktop.
Same here - I've got a desktop, a Windows 11 laptop and a MBP, and it's really nice being able to switch between the devices on my Air75 V2!
I second this! Great keyboard and cute design. Really like it
Nuphy gang! I have an Air60 for my Mac and an Air75 for my work PC
Keychron K10 with Gaetron brown switches. I’m thinking of buying a tkl, maybe with red switches.
I'm overwhelmed by the amount of information I find online. I'm wondering what the reddit community thinks. I'm a Software Engineer and spend all my time in the computer pretty much working. I don't game at all.
My goal is to find some mechanical keyboard that is not very loud, maybe brown switches?
I would really appreciate some recommendations. Most hardcore mechanical keyboards fans apparently build/assemble their own, I just don't have the time & patience to do that. Frankly, they also do get a bit expensive.
Click-Clack
I was really used to the slimness of the magic keyboard, so I went for the Logitech g915. I got the reds and really quite like them.
Have the keychron k2 version 2 (hot swappable) for my Mac and it’s perfect. It’s Mac setup out of the box but includes windows keys (and a puller). It also has a switch on the side to easily select windows or Mac setup
This I like. Off to investigate.
Brown switches for sure. I bought Keychrons for my wife and I. Brown for her, blue for me. I much prefer the Browns.
I have a Keychron K1 SE with red switches and for $100 I can't complain. If you're looking for a cheap entry keyboard that "just works" with Apple then look into the Keychron brand.
>Keychron K1 SE
Is it this one? https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k1-se-wireless-mechanical-keyboard
Are red switches clicky or thocky?
Sorry this didn’t show up until just now for some reason. That’s the right keyboard and the keys are on the quieter side of the clicky spectrum.
Love my Nuphy 75. Just released a 60 also
>Nuphy 75
what switches do you have? which one do u recommend?
I was actually considering this one myself. I just have no idea what switches would be best. I definitely don't want a loud one.
I just purchased the 60%, with brown switches. Those are quiet
best external keyboards for MacBook
Key Considerations for Choosing an External Keyboard for MacBook:
Compatibility: Ensure the keyboard is compatible with macOS. Look for Mac-specific layouts or keyboards that have Mac function keys.
Switch Type: Decide between mechanical and membrane switches. Mechanical keyboards offer tactile feedback and durability, while membrane keyboards are quieter and often more portable.
Connectivity: Choose between wired (USB) and wireless (Bluetooth) options. Wireless keyboards provide more flexibility, but ensure they have good battery life.
Ergonomics: Consider the keyboard's design for comfort, especially if you type for long periods. Look for features like wrist rests or adjustable angles.
Portability: If you travel frequently, a compact and lightweight keyboard may be preferable.
Top Recommendations:
Apple Magic Keyboard:
Logitech K811 Bluetooth Easy-Switch Keyboard:
Keychron K2 (Version 2):
Das Keyboard 4 Professional:
Recommendation: If you prefer a seamless experience with your MacBook, the Apple Magic Keyboard is an excellent choice for its design and compatibility. For a mechanical option, the Keychron K2 offers versatility and a great typing experience, making it a solid choice for both work and play.
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