Don’t like Apple’s Magic Keyboard? Try these alternatives
- jul
- 26
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 of the Magic Keyboard but don't love the feel, or maybe you were hoping for a little more than what comes in the box, we've got a list of keyboards that have a very similar design but offer something a little different.
Easy multi-pairing
Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard
Staff pick
This little ditty is my personal favorite. It's a compact keyboard perfect for your Mac that has plenty of useful additional features. It has the added benefit of being specially designed to control features on your iPhone or iPad, like navigating to the Home screen or switching apps. With one button, you can switch between three different devices, including Windows and Android products.
Comes with Numeric Keypad
Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad
If you love everything about the Magic Keyboard, but you really want a numerical pad, this model's nearly identical to the Magic Keyboard except that it has a 10-key number pad, a couple of additional function keys, and dedicated control keys. It's the perfect solution for Mac users that need more keyboard functionality.
Trackpad connection
Twelve South MagicBridge
If you already have a Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad and want to keep it in a tidy unit, the MagicBridge is the perfect setup for you. It's not a keyboard, but a case for your keyboard and trackpad. It fits both perfectly, and you can switch the trackpad to either side. All ports and switches are exposed for convenient access.
Mouse included
FENIFOX Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
FENIFOX's keyboard looks very similar to the Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, but it comes with a mouse as well. The set is available in the Pink color shown here as well as Silver. The sloped angle makes typing more comfortable.
Solar charged
Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750
The K750 is a hugely popular alternative to Apple's Magic Keyboard because it's a full-sized keyboard, complete with a very similar spacing pattern. Though it's called "solar," it actually charges up using any light, including a desk lamp in your hotel room.
Backlit
Arteck HB030B Universal Slim Keyboard
Arteck's well-priced Bluetooth keyboard is slim, portable, and it can be used with your Mac or iOS device as well as non-Apple computers. You can choose from seven backlight colors and two brightness levels on this keyboard. The rechargeable lithium battery can go up to six months on a single charge.
Which one should you choose?
There are lots of third-party keyboards for Mac on the market. These are specifically for those of you that like the Magic Keyboard's design but are looking for something slightly different. My personal favorite is the Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard. I love being able to switch between my Mac, iPhone, and iPad quickly.
However, if you want something inexpensive that you can toss into your bag when you're on the go, then pick up an Arteck HB030B Universal Slim Keyboard. It's compact, just 9.7-inches-by-5.9-inches-by-0.24-inches. The battery will go six months between charges with typical use. Plus, you get all of those fun backlighting colors.