Mac mini with missing keyboard If you've got a new Mac mini and you've already got a keyboard that works with it, you're sorted. Plug that in and use it forever —or until you start to miss some features that you can get in alternatives like backlighting or a numeric keypad. Or until you wear yours out. Or until you just want a change.
Don't underestimate the difference that swapping keyboards makes And definitely don't underestimate the value of a keyboard that you like. Maybe you spend all your time staring at a screen but if you skimp on the keyboard, you'll forever find typing a chore. So given that there are about three issues to consider and then an impossible number of different keyboards to choose from, here's what you need to think about —plus some of our favorites as recommendations. Start with where you'll be typing If you were getting an iMac then you'd be putting the keyboard right in front of the screen. If you were getting a MacBook then, well, you'd have a keyboard built in but there are still reasons to buy alternatives. MacBooks can work with the lid closed, like a flatter Mad mini, for instance.
If you want to do that or maybe want to elevate your MacBook on a stand, you're still going to position that external keyboard in front of the machine. In comparison, people can and many do use their Mac mini on their desk or on a shelf somewhere else. This makes two differences. One is that if your Mac mini is halfway across your office then you're not going to be using a wired keyboard. The odds are, though, that you also just won't be typing on anything all that much.
That distant Mac mini is going to be a server more than a machine for general, everyday working. So if that's you, get a cheap wireless keyboard for occasional use. Many of the same would do you for this too. Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard When you're going to be doing a lot of typing work on your Mac mini, however, keep that Mac close and the keyboard closer. Keep it close enough that it doesn't make a difference whether you go for wired or wireless. Wired or wireless Wired keyboards where you directly connect them to your Mac mini have the obvious advantage that they get their power from the machine so you never have to think about recharging them.
Oct 4, 2018 - Every iMac and iMac Pro comes with a specially designed, Apple-branded Magic Keyboard and you either love it or hate it. If you love the look. Nov 19, 2018 - Here are some of the best keyboard choices for your new Mac mini. Mac mini with missing keyboard. Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard. Apple Magic Keyboard. Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad. CODE mechanical keyboard. Satechi keyboard in gold.
Plus you never find that the Bluetooth connection has mysteriously dropped. They should also be faster that wireless ever can be yet we defy anyone but a gamer to tell the difference in typing between the two sorts.
Also, battery power is sufficiently good now that having to recharge every month, every three months or sometimes just every year is a burden we can live with. Consequently our recommendation is that there's nothing in it —unless you're going to be travelling. It's not the most practical thing to take your desktop Mac's keyboard with you wherever you go but you can do it and wireless keyboards will typically work with iOS just as well as they do Mac. Apple Magic Keyboard ($99) is good for travelling because it's small, flat and has an off-switch to stop the battery being run down through accidental jostling in your bag. That off switch doesn't matter on your Mac mini but being flat can be good because arguably it gives a good typing experience.
And the smallness is definitely useful on a crowded or messy desk. This keyboard would be the one all others are measured against simply because It's what Apple bundles with the iMac but it's also just very good.
We were partial to the which is just a little bigger than Apple's but this is now discontinued and only available at inflated prices by secondhand sellers. Logitech's current closest equivalent is the which is a very good $22 or so. Where you can only pair Apple's keyboard with one device at a time, the K380 can be paired to three. Which means from the same keyboard you can tap a button and be writing on your Mac mini, the iPhone or your iPad. These are both wireless keyboards that come without numeric keypads but you can get similar models that have them.
Such as which like a combination of the old Logitech K811 and Apple's latest space gray Magic Keyboards with numeric keypads. Numeric keypads It used to be easy: you got a keyboard with a numeric keypad because there was no other choice. The numeric keypad was always on the right, too, which was a pain if you're left-handed.
Now, though, you need to choose between having a numeric keypad or not. Clearly, though, the chief consideration is whether you need one or not: if you don't enter a lot of numbers, you don't need one. Only, it's not that clear-cut. For as well as the numbers, a keyboard that has a numeric keypad also has arrow keys that aren't squeezed in around the space bar. They also have a block of six or nine keys that include the useful Page Up and Page Down ones. They tend to also include Print Screen which does something on Windows but you'll never press it on a Mac.
Then there's often a Forward Delete key which you either rely on hourly or you've never been heard of. Even if it were only for the better position of the arrow keys, a keyboard with numeric keypad would appear to always be the best choice because it gives you options.
You can choose to ignore a numeric keypad if you have one, you can't pretend one's there if it isn't. Take a look at, which costs around $120 in silver from Amazon. Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad Except those options take up space on your desk and in the most significant part of it, too. If you place your trackpad to the right or if you use a mouse with your right hand, then the numeric keypad gets in the way. It's significant enough a difference that when you're used to using a keyboard without keypad it will be difficult to adjust.
Chiclet keys In theory, you also need to decide between two types of keys on a keyboard. There's the older sort where you have to press down quite far and they make a lot of noise. Or there's the more modern ones known as Chiclet-style which a much shallower depth of travel and tend to be quieter. In practice, you're going to buy a Chiclet keyboard. The older ones, known as mechanical keyboards are very good and you may well enjoy the feel and the sound. However, they're so outnumbered by the modern style that they're practically a niche product. CODE mechanical keyboard If you want a mechanical keyboard, look at the $160 one from WASD.
This is a niche product within a niche product range, though. Even though we all use keyboards, the giant majority of us stick with whichever one comes with our computer and never change them. You, too, may well never change your Mac mini keyboard but you've got to get one first. And there is still one more decision to make. Backlit or not backlit Easy. You don't need a backlit keyboard for your Mac mini. Where are you planning to work on it?
In a basement with no lighting? Backlighting is no aid to typing: if you want to speed up the work you do on your Mac then learn to touch type and you'll never look at the backlit keys again. However, backlit keys do have one thing in their favor. They look tremendous. Expense It does look great having a backlit keyboard. And wireless is appealing too: there is also a certain neatness in having a keyboard without a great big wire stretching out across your desk.
Aesthetics matter: you may spend more time at your Mac than you do sleeping at night so it's worth getting something that is comfortable and looks good to you too. Which is a quick way of saying if you want a gold keyboard, you go for it. Satechi keyboard in gold You'll for one of these and that's not money you'd casually throw away on a whim. Yet for the difference a good keyboard makes to your Mac mini, it's a steal. We've spent much more over the years, trying out different keyboards and we still think that was worth it because finding the right keyboard is worth money, time and effort. If it weren't worth it, if keyboards weren't so important, it would be possible to pick out a single recommendation for absolutely everyone and we can't. However, if you think about wired or wireless, if you think about the numeric keypad plus the feel and color of the keys, you're on your way to finding the single best one for you.
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No matter how great your overall Mac experience is, you can always improve it, and finding that suits your needs perfectly is an excellent way to start. When you find and buy such a keyboard, you’ll certainly wonder why you didn’t get it before. Same as many other, a good keyboard can really make a difference – you won’t be frustrated when typing, and you will increase your productivity. In this article, we are going to talk about the top best Mac keyboards, so keep on reading because you may find the one perfect for your needs. See also: What to consider when choosing a keyboard? Browsing through the sheer number of best Mac keyboards available online may change the common notion that Apple doesn’t support third-party accessories.
While the manufacturer is capable of making the most premium peripherals such as the newly launched Magic Keyboard, Air Pods and the unique Apple mouse, there are so many third party manufacturers ready to aid your usage scenario. Apple follows a specific design pattern whereas you can get a similar, completely new experience from a Logitech keyboard or a cheaper alternative with additional features.
The best part is that they make it pure white with a matte finish so that it easily syncs with the design aesthetics of your Mac setup at home or at the office. Before we list some of the best Mac keyboards, let’s see the things you should consider. Ergonomics If you are spending hours working on your computer every day, your hands should be in a natural position when you are typing, which means you need to choose a keyboard with such a design. There are many great keyboards that come with the adjustable tilt and height and with such keyboard, you won’t feel any pain in joints after hours of work and you will feel comfortable when typing. Type of keys There are many laptop-style keyboards for Mac, and all of them look wonderful. However, many people simply don’t like these type of keyboards as it may feel strange when typing. If you are one of those people, the keyboard with the raised keys a much better option.
Wireless or wired keyboard? You will have to decide if you want a keyboard with or without a cable. Wired keyboard is a much better option for gaming because with such a keyboard you will avoid lag issues that may occur sometimes. If you don’t like cables, wireless keyboard for which you need the USB port on your computer is the perfect option for you but don’t forget that you will need the batteries. Also, wireless keyboards are usually more expensive.
Features Many keyboards today come with additional function buttons and media features buttons such as page up and down, volume up and down, browser button, mute button, just to name a few. If you don’t like such options, don’t worry, there are many awesome keyboards with just the standard keys.
Best Mac Keyboards The cheapest wired full-size keyboard Mac allay Full Size USB Wired Mac Keyboard After having spent thousands of dollars for your Apple Mac setup, you may probably want to save some money on your replacement keyboard. Although your mileage may vary, this is the cheapest full-size keyboard you can find for your Mac. The white design seamlessly syncs with your Macintosh and the full sized design allows you to get more things done, especially with the numeric pads being ideal for people in accounting. The designers have implemented 15 Apple-specific shortcut keys to easily access all repeatedly used functions such as cut, copy and paste. There are also dedicated buttons to pause, play, increase or decrease volume in your iTunes. It is a wired keyboard and the low-profile key doesn’t produce any noise when you type.
For people who are largely addicted to Bluetooth, this may sound a bit off. However, if you are not interested in replacing batteries and like to keep it plugged in, this feature becomes useful.
Why should you buy this keyboard?. The full-sized keyboard includes a numeric keypad, making it easy for people into accounting to get things done faster. It is USB wired version which ensures that you don’t have to worry about replacing batteries again. Best Apple Keyboard Apple Wired Keyboard with numeric keypad If you don’t want anything but Apple, this ultra-thin keyboard is a perfect choice.
It has a beautiful and stylish design, built-in USB ports, and low profile keys. To can access many different Mac features such as eject, volume, screen brightness, fast-forward, rewind, just to name a few. For many users, this is unquestionably one of the best keyboards. While there are so many amazing choices available, the Apple-designed Magic Keyboard for Mac is without a doubt the best product you could buy. The third party manufacturers do offer a similar white design with a compact footprint and some additional features like Solar charging that may not be available in the original version. It continues to stand out as the best made possible keyboard with Apple’s robust build quality.
The keyboard uses a scissor mechanism behind each key providing it more stability and posture when you type continuously. The key travel is very less that keeps it silent at all times and provides a precise typing experience with no wrist or finger fatigue. The built-in rechargeable battery lasts at least for a month before it needs to be recharged. This is a full-sized keyboard from Apple providing you the numeric keypad that is integral for accounting work. Why should you buy this keyboard?. The Magic keyboard is made by none other than Apple that provides you brand assurance and design aesthetics. The battery life is excellent and, it being a full-sized keyboard sweetens the deal.
Best Compact Keyboard For Mac Anker® Ultra Compact Slim Profile Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard Many users prefer wireless keyboards, and if you are one of them this beautiful, slim keyboard may be exactly what you have been looking for. It deserves to be on the list of the best Mac keyboards for several reasons. It is a lightweight keyboard, intuitive and very comfortable for typing. If you are not using the keyboard for half an hour, it will go into the automatically. It is not only the perfect keyboard for your, it is also compatible with iOS devices, and Windows.
Its price starts from $25. Anker has meticulously designed this Bluetooth keyboard and they have come out with flying colors in making it ultra compact and slim. The Bluetooth keyboard doesn’t have a numeric keyboard and is so small that it occupies only two third of the space occupied by a traditional keyboard. Powered by a large 800mAh battery, it can run for nearly six months even if you use it for two hours non-stop daily. Using a keyboard without a break is very difficult which confirms that it should easily last months and the Bluetooth is designed to automatically connect with the last device it was paired with. The Anker compact keyboard is also compatible with a range of Bluetooth devices including Mac, PC, Windows, iOS and Android. You can use it easily with your iPhone, Mac or an Android phone.
Anker has also ensured that it is easy to type on this device with low-profile matte keys with the frame being sturdy in order to last long. Why should you buy this keyboard?. The best compact keyboard that you could buy for your Mac. The battery life is reliable and lasts months on a single charge A Mac keyboard with mechanical switches Azio Mk-Mac Wired USB Backlit Keyboard with Brown K-Switch Have you ever heard of a mechanical keyboard for the Apple Mac? If you haven’t, this Azio MK-Mac keyboard should put you on track.
Mechanical key switches are popular among gamers and typists in the world of Windows computers. For Mac, it is a concept unheard of. But for the enthusiasts out there who want the best of OS X and input choices, Azio has an option. They have managed to retain the pure white color and used white backlights for the keyboard bringing it on par with any Mac-friendly keyboard out there. While the product featured here is the USB wired model, you can also find the MK Mac BT with a Bluetooth setup for a slightly higher price. The keyboard features tactile brown k-switches which are non-clicky and doesn’t make too much noise.
The MK-Mac Wired USB keyboard is exclusively designed for Mac with all Apple specific button layout including hotkeys for easy access. It also has a dedicated volume control wheel which should make analog lovers happy as you can increase or reduce volume on your iTunes music playback at will.
Why should you buy this keyboard?. Mechanical switches for Mac is a unique feature that sets this keyboard apart from the competition. Azio has also maintained the Mac key layout and provides a physical volume control button enhancing the analog experience. Best Mac Keyboard With Modern Design Logitech Bluetooth Easy-Switch K811 Keyboard For Mac Logitech Bluetooth Easy-Switch Keyboard with Bluetooth technology is specially designed for Mac. It has bright backlit keys for typing in a dark room.
Battery life is excellent. It is slim, compact and it has a beautiful, modern design. It can be used for iPad and as well. It provides enjoyable typing experience. Logitech is primarily a peripherals manufacturer for Windows PCs but they are not giving up on the world of Mac and Apple devices.
The Logitech Easy-Switch K811 is the best Mac keyboard you will ever need if you have already invested heavily into Apple’s ecosystem of devices. The Easy-Switch name comes from an actual switch found on this keyboard which allows you to seamlessly change between your Mac, iPad or iPhone to keep typing without interruptions. The Bluetooth keyboard provides a solid range of up to 30 feet which allows you to keep it connected to multiple devices in the vicinity. The keys are all backlit, facilitating you to type in the dark and it also includes a rechargeable battery.
The USB cable can be used to recharge it which should theoretically last at least a month of daily usage. Logitech has designed a unique keycap for the K811 which enables it to be whisper-quiet when typing and it also sports a Mac layout to let Apple fans use it seamlessly on familiar grounds. Why should you buy this keyboard?. Logitech’s unique and useful easy switch technology allows you to change the connection between a Mac, iPhone or iPad easily. A must-have for people with multiple Apple devices. Quite keys that are comfortable yet don’t make any noise during long typing sessions. Other models worth buying Best Ergonomic Keyboard For Mac Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 This model has a cutting-edge design, and some of the key features are intuitive Zoom Slider, customizable hotkeys, and improved number pad.
Typing on it is a pure pleasure, so if you want a keyboard from Microsoft, feel free to go for this one. Best Wireless Keyboard For Mac Logitech Wireless solar keyboard K750 for Mac If you like wireless keyboards, you will love this keyboard! Rely on the light instead of the batteries, because any light source will keep this keyboard charged. It delivers an enjoyable typing experience – you will type quieter, and faster. It has ultra-thin design and it comes with a familiar Mac layout. Best Mac Keyboard For Fast Typing Das Keyboard Professional Models S for Mac It comes with ultra-sensitive tactile response meaning to type much faster with ease. Das keyboard has two-port USB 2.0 hub – you can connect USB compatible devices or charge your iPhone. There are Mac function keys included: play/pause, next and previous track, volume up and down, mute, brightness up and down, sleep etc.
Best Cheap Keyboard For Mac Macally 103 key full-size USB keyboard This keyboard could be the right one for you since it is an inexpensive substitute for Apple keyboards. It comes with features and shortcut keys and LED indicator for power, Num lock and caps lock.
Macally keyboard delivers outstanding typing experience thanks to the low-profile responsive keys. The price of this keyboard is under $15. Best Apple Keyboard With Long Battery Life Matias Laptop Pro Keyboard for Mac It is compact and easy to pack with great 1,600 mAh. The Mac-friendly function keys allow you to control the volume, brightness, and more. It connects to Android, iPad, PCs and other Bluetooth devices.
It also has a great design. Bottom line A whole lot of new products have arrived and choosing the best Mac keyboards could be a difficult choice right now. If you have a good idea of your expectation, it should be much easier to choose one.
The Logitech keyboard uses an unconventional solar power while Anker offers the most compact keyboard you could find. There’s even a keyboard with mechanical switches and another one that connects with every Apple device. Pick your preferred one and enhance your Mac experience These are some of the top best Mac keyboards you can get. When choosing a keyboard, don’t forget to consider the things we have mentioned at the beginning, such as ergonomics, type of keys, features, and so on. We have listed different types of keyboards here so that every person can find a perfect fit!