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Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad and USB

C

casperghst42

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jan 11, 2006
161
112
Hi,

My Apple Keyboard (usb with numeric keypad) drowned in a cup of tea this afternoon. It was getting old, but still not fully dead.

I’m now trying to find a replacement, and as they stopped production of these a few years back finding a new one is difficult (impossible) in my part of the world (Germany), especially with US layout.

I’m using an Eizo monitor as KVM switch (mini / mbp) so USB is a requirement, and I have never really been a big fan of fancy keyboards, so I’ve been looking at the “Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad” but it’s bluetooth. I’ve read that it will work with USB, meaning it will automatic pair when connected with USB ... which does not really say much positive about using it with an KVM switch.

Has anyone tried to use the new keyboard with a kvmswitch ??
 
I have not, but based on behaviour I would say it acts as if the USB connection is not just pairing the bluetooth but carrying the signalling. Like for example, in Bootcamp it will immediately work when plugged in with the USB-Lightning cable and immediately stop when unplugged (as the Bluetooth hasn't been paired for me)
I would assume it would work fine for you.

I don't know about US layout but I also got one of the older ones in Danish layout from Bilka (A Danish supermarket/bit of everything store)
 
casperghst42 said:
Hi,

My Apple Keyboard (usb with numeric keypad) drowned in a cup of tea this afternoon. It was getting old, but still not fully dead.

I’m now trying to find a replacement, and as they stopped production of these a few years back finding a new one is difficult (impossible) in my part of the world (Germany), especially with US layout.

I’m using an Eizo monitor as KVM switch (mini / mbp) so USB is a requirement, and I have never really been a big fan of fancy keyboards, so I’ve been looking at the “Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad” but it’s bluetooth. I’ve read that it will work with USB, meaning it will automatic pair when connected with USB ... which does not really say much positive about using it with an KVM switch.

Has anyone tried to use the new keyboard with a kvmswitch ??
Click to expand...
Yes, the magic keyboard works over USB, and continues to work even if you turn off Bluetooth.
 
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casperes1996 said:
I have not, but based on behaviour I would say it acts as if the USB connection is not just pairing the bluetooth but carrying the signalling. Like for example, in Bootcamp it will immediately work when plugged in with the USB-Lightning cable and immediately stop when unplugged (as the Bluetooth hasn't been paired for me)
I would assume it would work fine for you.

I don't know about US layout but I also got one of the older ones in Danish layout from Bilka (A Danish supermarket/bit of everything store)
Click to expand...
Only Apple stock US keyboards in Europe (my experience), and it basically comes down to what one is used to. And as the old keyboard was replaced by the Magic Keyboard 2 a couple of years ago, finding a new one in Europe is bascially impossible. I can get one from the US ... expensive.
 
A company called Matias makes various keyboards that are very similar to Apple's keyboards (with variants that are wired, wireless, with RGB backlighting etc.): https://matias.ca/products/

I haven't tried their Aluminum keyboards, but my main keyboard is a Matias Quiet Pro and I love it.
 
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