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jaybar

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Dec 11, 2008
2,074
640
I will be purchasing a 12.9 IPP and MK. I am Older with Vision issues. Is the backlighting better on one vs the other? Which is easier to keep clean? Easier to See? Thanks.
 
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dockgaze

macrumors member
Feb 10, 2022
91
112
I only have the black MK here, so can only speak to that. Cleaning is a no-brainer (black is black!) compared to my white-keyed magic keyboard for mac (might be different material though). And I find the key back-lighting just superb - - absolutely wonderful in all shades of room dimness/ambient light. The lit white letters on a black background key really stands out. Not sure about the white MK though, just very happy with the black version.
 

Ziperix

macrumors member
Dec 16, 2021
65
99
White is MUCH easier to clean and doesn't get as dirty. I prefer the backlight on the black one but i guess it's becouse of contrast.
 
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iPad Bro

macrumors 6502
May 2, 2021
393
290
I saw a video on YouTube that demonstrated that the backlight on the black MKB actually kicks in sooner than the white one does. Not sure why that is. I’m going to be buying a Magic Keyboard in the next several days too, and I am debating on which color to go with the same as you, OP.
 
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jaybar

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Dec 11, 2008
2,074
640
White is MUCH easier to clean and doesn't get as dirty. I prefer the backlight on the black one but i guess it's becouse of contrast.
Contrast is an important factor for me. Does this mean the black might be better?
 
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Isengardtom

macrumors 65816
Feb 14, 2009
1,348
2,193
I have both as well. Personally think the white one looks nicer and is also easier to keep clean
as mentioned here the black one’s keys start to look oily/greasy

One thing to be careful about is that when you have something like ink stains the white one will probably keep showing those (colour shift)
 

Username-already-in-use

macrumors 6502a
May 18, 2021
567
1,056
My white MK looks fine after 9 months. I know someone whose black MK began to show shiny keys after a similar period of time. It depends if the ‘shiny’ issue is an issue for you or not.
 

ufgatorvet

macrumors 6502
Oct 1, 2010
305
377
Savannah, GA
My white MK looks fine after 9 months. I know someone whose black MK began to show shiny keys after a similar period of time. It depends if the ‘shiny’ issue is an issue for you or not.
My black MK has the "shiny keys-gate" on the space bar, and letters that I more frequently type. Now that I have seen it, I won't be able to "unsee" it. Thanks for that. :p
 

dockgaze

macrumors member
Feb 10, 2022
91
112
I also have vision issues and went with the black MK for higher contrast. For night time use, the white keys and white light don’t mix too well, especially if the room is not really dark. Cleaning issues and “shiny keys” notwithstanding, I can simply see the keys easier with the black back-lighting.
4EB55805-9559-4384-9478-17A260913121.png


AB84E182-FCB9-4DBA-9F9C-D90FC209415B.png
 

Cape Dave

macrumors 68020
Nov 16, 2012
2,389
1,700
Northeast
I also have vision issues and went with the black MK for higher contrast. For night time use, the white keys and white light don’t mix too well, especially if the room is not really dark. Cleaning issues and “shiny keys” notwithstanding, I can simply see the keys easier with the black back-lighting. View attachment 1975139

View attachment 1975141
Perfect! Thank you! I am getting the black!
 

dsc888

macrumors 6502
Jun 25, 2010
407
168
Boston, MA USA
I can’t believe I didn’t find this thread earlier. I picked up the white MKB for my 2021 iPad Pro 11 inch today and noticed that reduced keyboard lighting in the middle where the alphabet is while the number keys and edge keys look brighter. It’s as though the KB is side lit. I’m conflicted as I like the look of the white MKB against the Space Gray iPP. I also don’t like the black oily keys I see with use. I am not sure if I will get one with better lighting if I did an exchange of my white one either should I stay with the color.
 

Southernguy

macrumors 6502
Apr 4, 2015
398
657
Hampshire
I have the white keyboard and am very happy with it. I haven’t noticed the backlit issues but then I’ve not specifically been looking, just using it as I need to in the evening. I didn’t go with black for the issues my friend had with dirt and grease marks.
 

James Godfrey

macrumors 68020
Oct 13, 2011
2,068
1,710
When in a slightly dim room I find the white keyboard lights make the numbers and letters blend into the keys and difficult to see for that reason I recommend the black keyboard
 
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