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There are many different keyboards on the market for Mac users, and choosing between them can be complicated. To help you out, we’ve broken down the pros and cons of some of the most popular types.
In general, there are three major keyboard categories that Mac users might want: Apple keyboards, chiclet-style keyboards, and mechanical keyboards. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as some popular models to consider.
Apple keyboards
There’s a good chance that your Mac model already came with a keyboard. MacBooks, of course, have their own scissor-switch style keyboards, but some desktop Macs also ship with an Apple Magic Keyboard.
Apple keyboard pros
Apple keyboards are lightweight, minimalist devices with a clean and modern aesthetic. While you can find keyboards out there that are just as minimal, it’s hard to beat the design synergy of an Apple Magic Keyboard with an Apple Mac.
The typing experience on an Apple keyboard is generally top-notch. It’s quiet but tactile. There aren’t really any frills here, just a solid typing experience.
More than that, Apple Magic Keyboards are also the only keyboards to come with Touch ID on some models.
And they reliably can invoke command key combinations at startup. You can get this from Apple’s wireless keyboards by connecting a Lightning to USB cable.
Apple keyboard cons
Compared to similar chiclet-style keyboards, you’re going to be paying a premium for an Apple Magic Keyboard. They’re typically much more expensive than comparable models.
Ergonomically, the Apple Magic Keyboard is hit or miss. Some people might like the feel of it for long typing sessions, but others might be better served by going with another type. For gaming, they also don’t register as many key presses as a mechanical keyboard.
The aforementioned Touch ID functionality also only works with Apple Silicon Macs. As with other chiclet keyboards, they’re also hard to clean.
Models to consider
The Apple Magic Keyboard is pretty much what you think of when you think of an Apple keyboard. It’s a no-frills affair for $99 that also comes in a larger format with a number pad.
If you can Touch ID built into your keyboard, expect to pay a premium — they go for around $149. They’re only compatible with M1- or M2-equipped devices.
Chiclet keyboards
Apple Magic Keyboards are chiclet-style, but there are also a variety of third-party chiclet keyboards available on the market. Chiclet keyboards are generally characterized by flatter and thinner keys.
Chiclet keyboard pros
Like the Apple Magic Keyboard, chiclet keyboards generally provide a comfortable but quiet typing experience. For offices and work-at-home situations, that means your neighbors won’t hate you.
They’re also lightweight and travel friendly — both things that also apply to the Apple keyboards we spoke about earlier.
On the other hand, third-party chiclet keyboards can be much less expensive than an Apple Magic Keyboard. If you’re on a budget, they can …….