If you're a writer, blogger. chatter, social media guru, or if your days are spent constantly clicking and clacking then you understand the important of a keyboard. I always hated those stupid split keyboard and rollerball mouse setups, I also hate those keyboards who's keys are a mile high like Everest. Why was this supposed to be a good idea!?
The reason I even looked at this keyboard in the first place was because I absolutely love the new Butterfly Keys on my 2018 MacBook Pro /w Touch. I noticed that not only did my accuracy bump from 94 to 96%, but my WPM went from 103 to 111 - whoaaaa.
So I found this and thought why not? I pretty much use my MBP in Clamshell mode anyways for my Externals and I thought having a 10-Key would be nice.
Quality
Yeah it's there. You can definitely feel this is an Apple Keyboard as soon as you lift it out of the box. It feels solid, properly weighted, and sturdy. The color is absolutely beautiful and I love the way it matches. It has a sleek feel and is very easy to clean if you're like me in a dusty environment.
Usability
I love carrying this thing around with me because I mainly work as a standing desk user. I'm always on my feet so a lot of time is spent holding the keyboard and typing with the other hand - the low profile keys on this keyboard make it a piece of cake. It has the new key technology so they're super responsive and pop right back up especially for repeated entries (....... llllll iiii) so you can rapidly fill in a line of code or whatever it is you're doing.
Battery
I have been using this for 12 hours a day since it arrived last week and I have yet to receive a warning. I have popped it onto the charger 3 separate times, but only for about 10 minutes. From experience it looks like it both retains an excellent charge and is quickly recharged.
Connectivity
Bluetooth is a necessity now that we are moving towards USB C. I will admit, at first USB C only was frustrating but once I began to appreciate how powerful the ports were and got my home office setup it honestly wasn't that big of a deal. All you need is a proper USB C Hub (that DOESN'T ATTACH DIRECTLY TO YOUR LAPTOP) along with stand and you're good to go.
Overall I am truly surprised and impressed with my purchase. A $150 keyboard seems ridiculous, but I was considering a $1,500 OLED Optimus Keyboard back in the day so I'm not at all upset.
The increase in productivity alone - especially if you're a writer - will earn its' return on investment within your first couple of weeks.
Compare Apple Magic Keyboard products
| Price | From: $107.84 | From: $149.00 | From: $99.00 | From: $179.00 |
| Ratings | (16,120) | (2,210) | (5,311) | (3,500) |
| General | Multimedia keys | Multimedia keys | Multimedia keys | Multimedia keys |
| Colors | White | White | White | White or Black |
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| Port Type | Lightning | Lightning | Lightning | Lightning |
| System Requirements | Mac with Apple silicon using mac OS 11.4 or later | Mac with mac OS 11.3 or later, iPad with iPad OS 14.5 or later, iPhone and iPod touch with iOS 14.5 or later | Mac with mac OS 11.3 or later, iPad with iPad OS 14.5 or later, iPhone and iPod touch with iOS 14.5 or later | Mac with Apple silicon using mac OS 11.4 or later |
Videos
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#thisorthat REVIEW - Apple Gray VS iPad 12.9" Keyboard
Steven Allen
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#thisorthat REVIEW - Apple Silver VS Magic Gray Keyboard
Steven Allen
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#thisorthat REVIEW - Apple with Numpad VS Logi MX Keyboard
Steven Allen
Reviews with images
I can't believe I waited so long to upgrade to this keyboard...
I initially had the wired 10-key. It's lasted me easily close to 10 years, but as my office evolved having a wireless keyboard would prove to be more of a convenience. I also have the original battery powered model that lacks the 10-key and it's just too small and cramped for me, and using it without full-size arrow keys or the 10-key was rough.When they announced the iMac Pro and the Space Grey accessories, I really wanted to grab one - but I hated knowing that it would cost an extra $30. So wavered on getting white or splurging for some time before caving. In fairness, I used my Amazon Rewards to offset the cost difference.I've not had it a full month, but the battery seems to be holding well. It's actually holding longer than the Magic Trackpad 2 battery, both of which are supposed to last "about a month." The nice thing is that both can be charged by a Lightning Cable, and can even be connected to a Mac as the communication method (vs Bluetooth) if so desired. FWIW - I've had it for just over three weeks now and Bluetooth is showing 87%.The keyboard is slightly narrower than the original wired version, however the key travel is pretty much the same. They simply tightened the space between the alpha keys and the arrows, and the arrows and the keypad. If you've used and MacBook Pro/Air or other Apple Keyboard, it won't be hard to adjust.One key thing that made me happy to get this keyboard is that it's not slanted as high in the back as the old version. It doesn't lay flat like a MacBook, but it's much flatter and less strain on my wrists. THAT ALONE WAS WORTH THE MONEY. Most people want the pop-up back, but that was actually the last thing I wanted because it causes you to bend your wrist up, which is bad.Probably the only thing missing (for me) is a backlight. I'm not sure why, but I do often find myself setting up in the wrong spot on the keyboard and my left hand will be over one key. I haven't figured out why yet.It's important to note: If you used the older WIRED keyboard with keypad, you'll adjust in no time. If you used the smaller WIRELESS model without keypad you will find some key positions to be a little different. It's not too hard but it will take some time I'm sure. I am usually a little lost when switching to the smaller wireless model (I now use it with my iPad).
Top reviews from other countries
Daisy
Really clean and well built. Wish it supported multiple devices.
Reviewed in Canada on May 17, 2021
Shezan Saleem JO-G
Not the best price but definitely a great keyboard.
Reviewed in Canada on March 28, 2021
Shezan Saleem JO-G
Reviewed in Canada on March 28, 2021
Images in this review
