Unpopular Opinion: The Apple Magic Keyboard is almost perfect!

[GooseInTheCaboose]

I have tried bluetooth keyboards by Logitech, and even fancy mechanical keyboards made by Epomaker.

I have come to the conclusion that I *strongly* prefer Apple's Magic Keyboard.

Third party keyboards keys never quite work the way you would expect for Apple Studio Display brightness or stage manager configurations, and they are unreliable. None of them have Touch ID and for me, the ergonomics of mechanical keyboards don't work out because those keyboards are wayyy too fat/thick for my hands.

I love the Touch ID and that the brightness and iTunes playback and find/siri keys all just WORK. It is slim and nice looking. They key-travel is just right and even the noise is nice. Solid metal construction, beautiful apple white plastic.

My one and only complaint is that it does not have backlighting. This gripe is minor however and there are few circumstances where the display does not illuminate the keys anyway...

I don't understand the desire for any other keyboard as long as there is the need/desire for Touch ID and convenient controls for a display, sound etc..

It is unfortunate Apple did not add backlights to these keyboards, or make versions with backlights as an option. If it did I think they would have the best keyboard out there. Period. Hands down.

 

[MacGizmo]

They’re pleasant to use, but I don’t believe they’re exceptionally great. Initially, when I transitioned from Apple’s Touch ID keyboard to a Logitech Mechanical keyboard, I missed the Touch ID feature. However, it didn’t take me long to realize that I don’t actually use it frequently. And with the built-in Passwords app, I would use it even less.

The backlighting functionality is a big deal, so I can see why it's something that bothers you. I didn't think it was a big deal when I was using the Apple keyboard, but now that I actually have backlighting, I can't imagine using a keyboard without it.

In the end though, I just prefer the mechanical keyboard's "clicky" feel than the virtually flat Apple KB with no "response" when typing.

 

[xraydoc]

Apple's keyboards are really great for a low-profile keyboard. But honestly far inferior in terms of feel and sound as compared with some of my higher-end and customized mechanical keyboards (tweaked switches, stabilizers, case foam, etc). I can type far faster on the mechanicals than I can on the Apple Magic Keyboard. Same goes for my HHKB Topre keyboard. I don't mean to be a keyboard snob, but I don't consider Epomaker in the "fancy" realm (at least not without some modifications).

No issues at all programming my mechanical keyboards to activate things like Mission Control, brightness & volume controls, etc. My boards are VIA and/or Vial compatible, so I can remap keys at will or add macros to activate any functions I need.

I will agree that price-performance ratio with mechanical keyboards can be poor. I do have a couple of keyboards that I have up to $450 each invested in (between the keyboard, switches, keycaps, stabs, lubrication, misc parts, etc.).

 

[frou]

It can't be perfect because it's not designed for human hands. Hold up your hands in front of you. Do they look like the optimal design for them is a straight line rectangle?

 

[GooseInTheCaboose]

Apple's keyboards are really great for a low-profile keyboard. But honestly far inferior in terms of feel and sound as compared with some of my higher-end and customized mechanical keyboards (tweaked switches, stabilizers, case foam, etc). I can type far faster on the mechanicals than I can on the Apple Magic Keyboard. Same goes for my HHKB Topre keyboard. I don't mean to be a keyboard snob, but I don't consider Epomaker in the "fancy" realm (at least not without some modifications).

No issues at all programming my mechanical keyboards to activate things like Mission Control, brightness & volume controls, etc. My boards are VIA and/or Vial compatible, so I can remap keys at will or add macros to activate any functions I need.

I will agree that price-performance ratio with mechanical keyboards can be poor. I do have a couple of keyboards that I have up to $450 each invested in (between the keyboard, switches, keycaps, stabs, lubrication, misc parts, etc.).

oh lol...well..I guess I should clarify, I have never really used anything else. I used the older Magic Keyboard throughout most of my adult years. I recently tried the Epomaker TH80 to see what all the fuss was about with these mechanical keyboards and it just felt bulky in comparison and, for me, a PITA to set up. I tried a Logitech bluetooth keyboard when my apple Magic Keyboard seemed to basically die but the feel was no different than the apple one, maybe a little more key room and musher but... So after those 2 I decided to get a third keyboard and buy the new version of the Magic Keyboard lol, I much appreciate the Touch ID.

And mech keyboards seem so bulky in comparison. Desk space is valuable. For me, I dunno...the Apple one seems a very good fit.

I don't *need* to type super fast, it is probably better if I think over my words anyway lol

 

[Seiko4169]

No back light means I hardly use Apple's keyboard. Shame as it's a nice typing experience.

 

[xraydoc]

oh lol...well..I guess I should clarify, I have never really used anything else. I used the older Magic Keyboard throughout most of my adult years. I recently tried the Epomaker TH80 to see what all the fuss was about with these mechanical keyboards and it just felt bulky in comparison and, for me, a PITA to set up. I tried a Logitech bluetooth keyboard when my apple Magic Keyboard seemed to basically die but the feel was no different than the apple one, maybe a little more key room and musher but... So after those 2 I decided to get a third keyboard and buy the new version of the Magic Keyboard lol, I much appreciate the Touch ID.

And mech keyboards seem so bulky in comparison. Desk space is valuable. For me, I dunno...the Apple one seems a very good fit.

I don't *need* to type super fast, it is probably better if I think over my words anyway lol

Understood.
My current mechanical... space-efficient and a joy to type on.

 

[kamikazeeMC]

I also like the Magic keyboard, its low profile and having Touch ID has been great. Granted, when I had a Windows PC and using Firefox with Bitwarden, I only entered my password on startup. But since I got the Air, I went full send into the ecosystem, I would need to enter my password each time with Passwords if I didn’t have Touch ID.

I dug out my Tofu65 (been about 9 months since I used), it felt great taking it out and the sound was nice to hear again, but didn’t enjoy the extra height without a wrist rest. I can type the same speed on both. Can the Apple F key shortcuts be set in VIA? I didn’t feel like installing Chrome to test.

 

[smirking]

Keyboards are a highly personal preference. Don't let any keyboard snobs rain on your parade.

If you like it and think it's the best, that's all that matters. It's the best.

There is no keyboard that is perfect for everyone because people have different size bodies, working environments, physical habits, and neurological systems. The most ergonomic keyboard for me might actually be anything but for you.