No longer spellbound by your Apple Magic Keyboard? These lab-tested Mac-compatible keyboards look and feel fantastic, and work perfectly with your iMac or MacBook.<\/b>
\nApple\u2019s Magic Keyboard is compact and elegant enough, but it’s far from the only worthy keyboard option for Mac users. Maybe you write all day, play fast-paced games, or need superior ergonomics? Or perhaps you yearn for the cacophonous comfort of mechanical key switches, which Apple’s own keyboards lack? Great alternative keyboards abound, but not all of them work perfectly with Macs, so you’ll need guidance about what works\u2014and what works well. That’s where our extensive testing comes in. Based on typing comfort, value, software customization, and the many other factors that we evaluate each Mac keyboard on, our current favorite for most users is Satechi’s SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard. We also stand behind all the Mac-compatible keyboards recommended below for more specific use cases. Check them out, plus advice on how to land the best Mac keyboard that’s\u2014wait for it!\u2014your type.Why We Picked It
Apple accessories are notoriously expensive, so when we find a superior product for less, we’re eager to give it its day in the sun. The $99 Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard looks the part of an Apple accessory, but it blows the Apple Magic Keyboard out of the water in terms of feel and functionality. You get satisfying and clicky keys, attractive backlighting, plenty of connectivity options, and\u2014most important\u2014keyboard software that’s compatible with macOS, something that’s still not as common as you\u2019d imagine. It’s an easy recommendation and one of the best Mac alterna-keyboards you can buy.Who It’s For
People who want to ditch their Apple keyboards: This one is for Mac users who aren’t fans of Apple’s low-profile scissor switches. It trades Touch ID for comfortable key switches, exceptional build quality, and a compact design.
Budget-savvy buyers: Compared with the Apple Magic Keyboard, the SM1 Slim is an affordable alternative.Why We Picked It
You shouldn’t be ashamed to dig through the bargain bin of budget keyboards, because you just might strike gold. The affordable Kensington Pro Fit Ergo KB675 EQ TKL Rechargeable Keyboard offers all the basics, complete with a comfortable split-layout ergonomic shape and a plush wrist rest. It includes dedicated meeting buttons that make it a productivity-forward device, and onboard dongle storage for when you’re taking your keyboard on the go. Its slightly lackluster build quality is its only major drawback, but given the aggressive price, it’s one of the best budget keyboards available. Who It’s For
People looking for an ergonomic keyboard: The Kensington Pro Fit Ergo KB675 EQ TKL Rechargeable Keyboard offers some great ergonomics, thanks to its unique curved chassis, split layout, and comfortable wrist rest.
Budget-savvy buyers: For money-strapped Mac users looking for a Mac-friendly keyboard, the Pro Fit Ergo is an excellent value.
Why We Picked It
Macs and other Apple devices are renowned for their aesthetic appeal, so if you’re looking for an alternative that’s just as visually pleasing, consider the Satechi SM3 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard. It’s a full-size mechanical keyboard, and like its TKL cousin, the Satechi SM1 Slim, it surpasses the Apple Magic Keyboard in several ways. From its clicky keys to its multiple connectivity options, the Satechi SM3 Slim is an excellent choice for those seeking a more affordable, aesthetically pleasing alternative to Apple’s own keyboard, and willing to forgo features like Touch ID. Who It’s For
People who want Apple aesthetics without the Apple price: If you’re in the market for peak functionality and aesthetics, the Satechi SM3 Slim is the keyboard for you.
People who prefer full-size keyboards: A full-size keyboard doesn’t sacrifice functionality for space. That means you get a full number pad and function keys, which makes it easier to maximize productivity.Why We Picked It
Many Logitech peripherals are platform-agnostic, meaning they support both Windows and macOS operating systems, among others. But it’s always nice to have a keyboard dedicated to your OS of choice, and that’s what the Logitech MX Keys S for Mac is: a keyboard optimized for Macs that’s not from Apple. It’s virtually identical to Logitech’s MX Keys S, which is also compatible with macOS and delivers the same functionality and performance\u2014for the same price. In short, while it’s a capable pick, it\u2019s not much more than a keyboard made for Mac users who can\u2019t stand the sight of Command sharing the same key as Alt.Who It’s For
People who prefer low-profile keyboards: If you prefer a low-profile design with scissor switches instead of mechanical ones, and you don’t want to pay the Apple tax, then the Logitech MX Keys for Mac is right for you.
People who switch between Mac and Windows computers: The Logitech MX Keys S for Mac is optimized for Apple computers, but it’s also fully compatible with Windows PCs, making it an excellent option for users who frequently switch between operating systems and computers on a single desk. Why We Picked It
The hot-swappable Keychron Q1 HE builds upon the excellent Keychron Q1 by introducing magnetic linear switches, enabling users to adjust the sensitivity of key presses and customize variable actuation points. Built from premium materials, the keyboard wears a machined aluminum frame atop an aluminum top plate that helps absorb vibrations from key presses. A layer of sound-absorbing foam helps minimize echoes, while foam gaskets eliminate any rattling that might otherwise occur from the inner PCB. It’s an excellent mechanical keyboard right out of the box, even if you don’t tinker with it, but the additional customization options make it an excellent choice for those interested in tweaking just about every aspect of their keyboard.Who It’s For
DIY keyboard enthusiasts: For Mac users who are also keyboard tinkerers, the Keychron Q1 HE offers plenty of room to experiment with.
Casual gamers: With adjustable actuation points and satisfying clicky key switches, the Keychron Q1 HE also makes a solid gaming keyboard.Why We Picked It
Ergonomics is an oft-overlooked aspect of keyboard shopping, but it’s often the most important. Without good ergonomics, even the best keyboards can cause long-term damage to your fingers and wrist. The Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Split Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a little older, but it is still one of our favorite split-body (as opposed to just split-layout) keyboards. Available with Cherry MX switches in three varieties and featuring per-key customizable RGB lighting, this keyboard is a pleasure to use, whether you’re gaming or typing through the workday. Its split design means it can operate as one whole keyboard or as two separated working parts placed up to 8 inches apart. It takes time to adjust to a split layout if you’re new to it, but once you’ve overcome the hurdle, it’s second to none.Who It’s For
Shoppers seeking typing comfort: If you’re interested in improving typing comfort with a design that prioritizes ergonomics, the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Split Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a strong entry point. It helps alleviate stress and pressure on your forearms, shoulders, and back by allowing you to angle your arms, fingers, and wrists exactly as they work for you.
Casual gamers: There’s certainly a learning curve, but the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Split Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is adept for gaming, thanks to its Cherry MX switches.Why We Picked It
Many people find Apple keyboards to be just fine\u2014and we mostly agree with them. They work as intended and often house Apple-exclusive features like Touch ID. Our main problem with the Magic Keyboard is that it hasn’t changed much in years. That remains true with the latest Apple Magic Keyboard With Touch ID and Numeric Keypad, whose only big change is replacing the long-standard Apple Lightning port with a USB-C port. With so many quality alternatives to the Magic Keyboard out there, stomaching the near-$200 asking price for an old design is harder than ever. Still, if you insist on an all-Apple desktop, the USB-C Magic Keyboard has its charms: It’s thin, light, and striking-looking, with impressive battery life. Also, the scissor-switch design is great for those who prefer low-profile keyboards.Who It’s For
Fans of Apple products: For the Apple faithful or those who don’t mind paying a premium, the Apple Magic Keyboard is still a dependable daily driver despite its dated design.
People who appreciate the convenience of Touch ID: The integrated Touch ID sensor allows you to use a fingerprint to unlock your computer instead of a password, making logins much quicker.
Technically, you can use any modern keyboard with your Mac. Plug it in (possibly with the aid of a USB-A-to-C adapter) or pair it over Bluetooth, and its basic typing functions will work seamlessly. That said, if you’re used to a Mac and especially if you’ve been using Apple\u2019s Magic Keyboard, you’ve grown accustomed to certain keys and features that you’ll want in any new keyboard you buy.
The default Magic Keyboard features a compact, 78-key design that squeezes all its keys, including the arrows, into the smallest possible typing area. Very few other keyboards, even those of a small size, use this kind of layout. Apple also makes a full-size Magic Keyboard with a number pad, but Apple treats that more like an XL model, whereas most keyboard manufacturers see the full-size 104-key layout as the default.
If you like a smaller keyboard, a useful term to look for is \u00ab\u00a0tenkeyless\u00a0\u00bb or TKL, referring to a keyboard that lacks the 10-key number pad. You may also see keyboards referred to in percentage terms\u2014that’s not a percentage of a full-size keyboard’s length and width, but a percentage of keys, based on the 104-key standard. Some omit arrow keys, function keys, and more to get as small as 60% or 65%, often with a very compact layout.
The keys in the top row of an Apple keyboard are assigned to system-level tasks such as screen brightness and volume controls. They can be used as classic F1 to F12 function keys, but you’ll need to press the Fn key for that. On most keyboards not specifically made for Mac, the roles are reversed: F1 to F12 are the primary uses for those top-row keys, and the system-level tasks require some sort of shortcut.
A last consideration: Macs have a few unique keys. The one you are probably most familiar with is the Command key, which is used for many popular keyboard shortcuts. It’s used very differently from the Windows or Copilot keys on modern Windows keyboards. The Option key is a more direct parallel to the Alt key on Windows. The newest Magic Keyboard model, which is compatible only with Apple Silicon Macs, features a Touch ID button that has no equivalent on a Windows keyboard.
If you want a keyboard that ships with Mac key configurations, your options are very limited. Some companies, such as Logitech, produce Mac-specific models of their keyboards with Command and Option keys; these models are typically labeled \u201cMac Edition\u201d or \u201cMade for Mac.\u201d But that’s not the only way to get the keys and functions you need. Remappable keyboards are increasingly popular among Windows gamers, and Mac users can also benefit from them.Keyboard Software on Macs: Mapping and Customization
If you’ve only used standard productivity keyboards, you’ll be amazed by the wide world of mechanical, gaming-oriented, and ergonomic keyboards. Gaming keyboards bring a touch of shine with customizable multi-colored RGB lighting, an aesthetic that can be a refreshing break from Apple’s clean, monochrome style, and many feature programmable macro keys for commonly used functions. Mechanical keyboards offer a satisfying typing sound and tactile feel, and most feature longer travel\u2014the distance your keycap moves when pressed all the way down\u2014to provide more support and comfort.
If you\u2019re starting to experience pain in your hands, wrists, or shoulders while typing, you may want to consider switching to an ergonomic keyboard designed to mitigate the pain of repetitive stress injuries. A keyboard that’s easier and more comfortable to type on can be a life-changing upgrade.
Most premium productivity and gaming keyboards can be reconfigured with software provided by the manufacturer. Configuration apps allow you to change (remap) what each key does; alter other settings, such as how quickly a wireless keyboard falls asleep; and program RGB lighting. This is how you can turn a Windows key into a Command key, set your Caps Lock to activate Option, or otherwise create your ideal keyboard layout.
When you\u2019re setting up a keyboard that isn\u2019t explicitly designed for Macs, being able to use its configuration software is crucial. Unfortunately, many manufacturers’ configuration apps don’t run on macOS, so you need to make sure you find one that does. The biggest Mac-friendly names in productivity keyboards are Logitech and Kensington. For gaming, we\u2019re talking about Corsair, Logitech, and SteelSeries.
Some smaller manufacturers don’t have traditional config apps. Instead, they provide customization support through a combination of onboard controls and either driverless apps that work through the keyboard or web apps. These processes may be slightly less convenient than using an app, but they’re broadly compatible.
If you think it’ll confuse you to remap a key’s function without relabeling the key, don’t resort to masking tape. Instead, purchase a sheet of inexpensive key label stickers. They’re intended for keyboards where the legends have worn off, but they work just as well for relabeling a remapped key. Some mechanical keyboards come with replaceable keycaps for Command and Option, but if you want to set up Mac-style function keys, you’ll probably need labels.Ready to Buy the Best Keyboard for Your Mac?
Armed with all the details, you\u2019re ready to pick the best keyboard for your Mac. Our recommendations and reviews will help you determine which of our favorites is a good fit. If you\u2019re looking for specific features, check out our lists of the best wireless keyboards and the best ergonomic keyboards. And if you need a mouse to match, consider the best mice for Macs as well as the best gaming mice for Macs, which are designed for gaming but work well for any purpose.<\/p>\n