I wish the Apple keyboard keys were backlit but only lit up when it was on the wire. Best of both worlds.
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Best keyboards to use with the Macbook Pro
- Thread starter The Clark
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As much as i like the Magic keyboard and mouse, Logitech MX Keys (and mouse) win coz i can have one set connected to two computers, plus the backlight is nice bonus.
Answering @OP question:
My own custom build has a switch between Mac and PC mode:
My own custom build has a switch between Mac and PC mode:
I use the MX Keys and MX Master 3, solid choice, it is a great all-rounder.
I do have one little concern, no big deal but I noticed that one side of the space bar feels a little more stiff and is also louder than the other.
I've never had a keyboard feel like that, but I don't think it's a huge deal.
I've never had a keyboard feel like that, but I don't think it's a huge deal.
Mine's like that too, but I've never noticed it before now because in normal use I don't hear any clicking like that, only when I poke at it.
This, I have one. It's a tank. My only issue with it is the lack of a proximity sensor for the backlighting. When I move my hands near my Logitech K811 (or any other logitech), the keys light up before I touch them. I miss that.
I had a Satechi bluetooth keyboard that I used for quite a while, and then I tested an MX Keys and instantly knew I wanted it. Paired it along with the MX 3 for Mac, and its the best keyboard/mouse combination to date for me. The MX Keys is quiet and the keyboard travel very smooth, and switching between my MacBook Pro and iMac Pro is fast.
Just to help you feel good about your choice, @The Clark, the NYT Wirecutter just cited the MX as the best full-size wireless keyboard...and Logitech's lineup is well represented throughout their top pics.
www.nytimes.com
The Best Bluetooth and Wireless Keyboards
The best wireless keyboards are comfortable, reliable, and a joy to type on, whether you want a compact option like the Logitech K380 or something full-size.
www.nytimes.com
I've heard that before. I bet it has Alps switches or some other old mechanical switch. I used to use a MicroConnectors keyboard of similar vintage because I loved the feel of the Alps switches. Went through four of them in over a decade.
Alps are arguably superior in terms of feel and sound to anything that came after in the Apple world. Vintage aficionados rate them as being better than most modern switches too (although that's always a matter of subjective preference). The problem is that their design it's quite susceptible to wear and dirt, so vintage boards in good conditions fetch a really high price. Matias switches are the only design in production which is close enough.
Back on topic, enjoy your new board TC, it's a great choice especially when paired with the MX Master mouse!
I personally prefer full travel keys when at the desk, but that's personal taste
At work I have one of the old Apple keyboards with numpad, the USB-one. It also has two USB-ports underneath, one is for my Logitech-dongle. I think this is the best keyboard Apple ever made, never needs a charge, lovely to write on and durable - I bet it is over 10 years old by now.
At home I have the previous generation of Bluetooth Apple keyboard, and it's a good keyboard too.
At home I have the previous generation of Bluetooth Apple keyboard, and it's a good keyboard too.
Absolutely - it's a crying shame Apple dropped these. I'm not going to pick a fight with full-stroke keyboards with proper switches, but it was the best low-profile keyboard ever - especially, as you say, coupled with a Logitech mouse dongle.
The newer Magic keyboards are very much second-best - less travel, there's something wrong about the key size and spacing, and they feel like flimsy junk alongside the old Aluminium USB keyboard (no, lightweight is not an advantage in a desktop keyboard - and the Tragic Keyboard with battery weighs less than the old wired one...). Note that this isn't just a knee jerk reaction to something to change - I've been making myself use a Tragic Keyboard on and off for years because I'm down to my last old Aluminium keyboard after a tea-related mishap & I'm preparing myself for the day when I get a new Mac and have to choose between a decent keyboard and TouchID.
I have both a keychron k8 with red switches and a Logitech MX keys.
I use the Keychron daily because I prefer the TKL layout (I’m a software engineer and WFH so this is part of my main setup). But the MX keys is also really nice and if they ever offered a TKL version I’d prefer that. They have a mini MX keys now too if you want to save space.
Both keyboards work out of the box with a Mac (ie they support Mac modifier keys by default) which is a nice plus.
I use the Keychron daily because I prefer the TKL layout (I’m a software engineer and WFH so this is part of my main setup). But the MX keys is also really nice and if they ever offered a TKL version I’d prefer that. They have a mini MX keys now too if you want to save space.
Both keyboards work out of the box with a Mac (ie they support Mac modifier keys by default) which is a nice plus.
It sounds like the one I have.... Model No A1243. I spilt some tea on mine a couple of years or more ago. It recovered, maybe one or two keys still sticking slightly (that aren't used often). Very relutant to change it as I love the fact that it just works without any fuss!
I've really been enjoying the Logitech MX for Mac keyboard. It's so satisfying to type on and aesthetically, it's beautiful. Highly recommend to anybody looking for a Mac keyboard.
I just bought the, about 50$ too expensive, Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID. I am very happy with it. I have an Apple Watch but for some reason I frequently get the "signal too weak" error message. The Touch ID works 100% of the time and is easier to activate. I am happy I bought it.
I always liked the apple magic keyboard, and the touch ID variant was tempting but I couldn't justify the cost.
This looks absolutely stunning, although unfortunately they’re another company that denies the existence of the rest of the world.I'm using the Nuphy Air75. I like it so much that I bought a second one. The layout is very similar to a mac/magic keyboard layout, with a few notable exceptions (FN key, right shift/arrow keys, no touch ID), but it's close enough that it's a pretty easy transition. It can connect via bluetooth, usb receiver, or wire and supports switching between 4 devices. Has Win/Mac modes (and comes with Win/Mac specific key caps). It's a mechanical keyboard, but is low profile and shorter travel than a typical mechanical keyboard, so it's not as drastic a transition from a laptop keyboard. I have both the red and the brown switches and really like the browns.
NuPhy Air75
NuPhy Air75 is an innovative 75% ultra-slim wireless mechanical keyboard. With the world’s thinnest PBT spherical keycap, low-latency 2.4G wireless connection, and hot-swappable function, Air75 aims to become the new standard for slim mechanical keyboards.nuphy.com
I’m loving the Keychron K2 (ISO UK) and thinking of treating myself to a K3 (again ISO layout obviously) for the Studio.