external keyboard... for iMac

[insydney]

i've spent the last 10yrs using MacBooks. as i consequence the keyboard/touchpad is now the perfect fit to me.
Having just bought an iMac as a backup machine i just can't use the keyboard/mouse

does anyone know of a similar set up to the macbook keyboard available as wireless addition to an iMac
(fingers crossed)
cheers

 

[chscag]

The Apple Magic Trackpad 2 (rechargeable model) is a great addition to the wireless rechargeable keyboard that comes with newer iMacs. A bit expensive perhaps but you can find them on sale if you shop around on the net. I picked one up at Amazon for $49 by agreeing to get the Amazon store credit card at the same time.

 

[insydney]

The Apple Magic Trackpad 2 (rechargeable model) is a great addition to the wireless rechargeable keyboard that comes with newer iMacs. A bit expensive perhaps but you can find them on sale if you shop around on the net. I picked one up at Amazon for $49 by agreeing to get the Amazon store credit card at the same time.

many thanks
i was hoping, unsuccessfully, to find a system like to the macbook, with the keyboard and touchpad in one unit. so your hand can hovver, type and navigate at the same time, without having to move to and from the mouse/trackpad
call me lazy but i am so used to doing this

 

[tyc0746]

Something like this?
(not a recommendation, just the result of a quick google search)

 

[smirking]

does anyone know of a similar set up to the macbook keyboard available as wireless addition to an iMac
(fingers crossed)

The old school Apple Bluetooth Keyboards are plentiful in used condition on eBay:

Apple A1314 Wireless Keyboard - MC184LL/B for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Apple A1314 Wireless Keyboard - MC184LL/B at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

If you want a new one, those are still out there too, but it'll cost ya a bit more.

 

[nicho]

many thanks
i was hoping, unsuccessfully, to find a system like to the macbook, with the keyboard and touchpad in one unit. so your hand can hovver, type and navigate at the same time, without having to move to and from the mouse/trackpad
call me lazy but i am so used to doing this

They pretty much universally suck. You'd be losing 90% of the quality of the trackpad in order to achieve this.

Best option would be to place your keyboard behind the magic trackpad and raise it up to the height of the back of the magic trackpad, using a thin book.

 

[Fishrrman]

Fearless prediction:
Aside from buying the Magic Trackpad and setting that next to the keyboard, you're not going to find an "all-in-one" solution that's anywhere near that of the MacBook...

 

[smirking]

You can get trays that allow you to combine an Apple Magic Keyboad with a Magic Trackpad. They're pricey though.

eXpress Keyboard Platform

• Most Ergonomic Keyboard Made • Lap Friendly Design • Super Good Looking • Extremely Comfortable • Industrial Grade Build Quality • Unibody Construction • Access to Lightening Charging • Instant Install & Removal • Non-slip feet Overview Design Reviews Welcome Aboard Magic Keyboard with Touch...

bullettrain.com

 

[ondert]

This one costs much less;

MagicBridge Apple Keyboard and Mouse Control Surface

MagicBridge turns your Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad into a control surface, tidying up your workspace and keeping your trackpad right where you need it.

www.twelvesouth.com

 

[smirking]

This one costs much less;

Yes, but I think he wanted something that would recreate the form factor of a MBP topcase. There are ones that are even cheaper than the one Twelve South makes because I don't think anything that Twelve South makes can be described as inexpensive.

 

[294307]

How long have you had your iMac for? Maybe you need more time to get used to the new form factor. If mouse ergonomics is the problem, try buying a normal mouse from Logitech. There are plenty of recommendations you can find on the forum.

 

[insydney]

How long have you had your iMac for? Maybe you need more time to get used to the new form factor. If mouse ergonomics is the problem, try buying a normal mouse from Logitech. There are plenty of recommendations you can find on the forum.

True I've only been using it for a cpl of weeks however this doesn't change the fact that i would prefer a macpro similar setup as it makes use so easy...
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Ok here's a thought... is there a way to utilise a macbook keyboard via usb etc to the imac ?

 

[niteflyr]

I, like you, came to iMac from years on MBP. I could not get used to the mouse. I missed the track pad. I finally decided to try the Apple Trackpad and loved it.It's much larger, and easier to use. Multi finger gestures have more space. It used all the same gestures and maybe more. I set it right next to the keyboard and it wasn't a big adjustment, especially from the mouse. The trackpad 2 is even better. It's rechargeable. No more batteries, etc. I urge you to give it a try. I could never go back to a mouse.

 

[insydney]

I, like you, came to iMac from years on MBP. I could not get used to the mouse. I missed the track pad. I finally decided to try the Apple Trackpad and loved it.It's much larger, and easier to use. Multi finger gestures have more space. It used all the same gestures and maybe more. I set it right next to the keyboard and it wasn't a big adjustment, especially from the mouse. The trackpad 2 is even better. It's rechargeable. No more batteries, etc. I urge you to give it a try. I could never go back to a mouse.

agreed the mouse feels ridiculous... i'll search for a trackpad as this seems to be the closest i'll get..

 

[nicho]

agreed the mouse feels ridiculous... i'll search for a trackpad as this seems to be the closest i'll get..

My magic trackpad (1) finally broke a year or so back, and I really struggled to use an apple mouse. However, i found eventually that I indeed preferred mice - just, logitech ones. I can do waaaay more with a mouse (currently on a M590, upgrading from a M336 or M337 I took to work and realised I could make good use of there) and Logi Options than I could do with standard trackpad gestures.

 

[insydney]

I, like you, came to iMac from years on MBP. I could not get used to the mouse. I missed the track pad. I finally decided to try the Apple Trackpad and loved it.It's much larger, and easier to use. Multi finger gestures have more space. It used all the same gestures and maybe more. I set it right next to the keyboard and it wasn't a big adjustment, especially from the mouse. The trackpad 2 is even better. It's rechargeable. No more batteries, etc. I urge you to give it a try. I could never go back to a mouse.

i missed the end of your post.. not sure if i want to cultivate my mouse skills. i do have an M215 somewhere but i lost he USB receiver, if i can find it i'll see how it feels. still it's not going to be as integrated as the trackpad

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Something like this?
(not a recommendation, just the result of a quick google search)

yep thats pretty close to what i'm after, although the track pad is tiny... ok now i know they are actually out there i'll search further
cheers

 

[Ryo@ryomac]

I've been a MacBook Pro/Air user for many years.
Therefore, Magic Trackpad2 is best on the front side of the keyboard.
I stopped using the Magic Keyboard because it would not fit the height.
In addition, it is also used with a regular Logi Bluetooth mouse.

 

[Glockworkorange]

i've spent the last 10yrs using MacBooks. as i consequence the keyboard/touchpad is now the perfect fit to me.
Having just bought an iMac as a backup machine i just can't use the keyboard/mouse

does anyone know of a similar set up to the macbook keyboard available as wireless addition to an iMac
(fingers crossed)
cheers

Magic Keyboard 2 and Magic Trackpad 2 are the closest you're going to come to what you are looking for.

If you're referring to the Butterfly Keyboard on your MacBooks, well, I know of nothing that shallow.
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many thanks
i was hoping, unsuccessfully, to find a system like to the macbook, with the keyboard and touchpad in one unit. so your hand can hovver, type and navigate at the same time, without having to move to and from the mouse/trackpad
call me lazy but i am so used to doing this

You could just position your trackpad under your keyboard.

Is this a real thread or a troll?

 

[theluggage]

Ok here's a thought... is there a way to utilise a macbook keyboard via usb etc to the imac ?

Yes, but I'm not saying this is a sensible or proportionate solution to your problem:

See: https://symless.com/synergy

Install it on both machines, set it to share keyboard and mouse on the Macbook, then tell Synergy on the iMac to connect to it. Works over WiFi or Ethernet

Wonderful bit of software if you need to work across two computers, but maybe not really a solution for you - you'd have the laptop screen sticking up between you and the iMac and both computers would need to be running.