Greatest keyboards for Macs of 2022

No matter kind of Mac you might have—whether or not it’s a MacBook Professional or an iMac—there’s probability that you might see some actual advantages from a keyboard improve. For laptop computer customers, including a full-size keyboard (and an exterior monitor) can increase your productiveness and make your workspace extra environment friendly and extra comfy. And, boy, will your wrists thanks. Even Apple’s iconic Magic Keyboard, whereas glossy and acquainted, lacks options and creature comforts of one of the best keyboards for Macs, particularly in case you favor the tactile really feel of mechanical keys.

Discovering one of the best keyboard for you, nonetheless, isn’t all the time simple. Perhaps much more so than every other piece of pc {hardware}, there is no such thing as a one finest keyboard for everybody. For Mac customers, the choices are a bit extra restricted, particularly if you need a keyboard with a Mac-style structure, somewhat than the usable, however lower than actual Home windows “default.”

Fortunately, there are many nice choices designed with Mac customers in thoughts and, whereas there’s nobody dimension suits all answer, the half-dozen decisions under ought to meet the wants of most common Mac customers.

How we chosen one of the best keyboards for Macs

As somebody who sorts for a residing, I’ve put plenty of thought into keyboards through the years and have tried loads of completely different choices, from mechanical to ergonomic keyboards and most issues in between. To select the keyboards for this listing, I drew alone expertise as a author who has lined know-how for websites like Engadget, Widespread Mechanics and Reviewed, and I additional relied on a variety of different sources—from skilled evaluations to fanatic boards and person impressions—to find out one of the best choices at the moment accessible for Macs.

What to think about earlier than shopping for a brand new Mac keyboard

The keyboards we chosen for this listing are all both designed with Mac customers in thoughts or not less than have Mac-specific keys which you can swap in. Past that, they range significantly. They vary in worth, dimension, and options. Meaning it’s value placing some severe thought into simply what you need from a keyboard.

A few of our picks, together with the mechanical and ergonomic choices, characterize a giant shift from the skinny, laptop-style keyboard Mac followers could also be used to. You’ll additionally need to contemplate the place and the way you utilize your keyboard. When you frequently pair it with a number of gadgets or transfer it round quite a bit, wi-fi connectivity must be a excessive precedence. When you go away your Mac and keyboard at a desk-bound setup, it could make extra sense to go for a wired choice.

Keyboard dimension: Even when desk house isn’t a high concern, it’s value contemplating what dimension keyboard will finest suit your wants. When you spend plenty of time in spreadsheets, you’ll doubtless need to search for a full-size keyboard with a devoted quantity pad, however it can save you house by selecting a keyboard with out one (often known as a tenkeyless keyboard) in case you aren’t crunching numbers frequently. 

Some keyboards merely make keys smaller to save lots of house, however “compact” designs maintain the full-size keys in place however pare down the variety of keys. The commonest sizes, 60% or 65% keyboards, will certainly save house however could rely too closely on shortcuts and key combos for some people.

Wired vs. wi-fi keyboards: There are far fewer technical trade-offs that include selecting a wi-fi keyboard than there have been even 5 years in the past, however there are some nuances to what makes wi-fi value it. There are additionally nonetheless good causes to stay with a wired choice.

Wi-fi keyboards are extra handy and scale back litter, however Bluetooth keyboards should still endure from interference when there are lots of wi-fi alerts current. Players and others demanding an imperceivable quantity of lag ought to search for wi-fi keyboards that may join utilizing a 2.4GHz RF connection through USB dongle. Whereas it requires an open USB-A port—which could be an imposition on some Macs—the sign is normally snappier and extra dependable.

There’s additionally all the time the difficulty of battery life. Some wi-fi keyboards use commonplace AA or AAA batteries, which will provide you with months of use however generate e-waste once they ultimately die—so ensure to get some rechargeable batteries in case you go that route—whereas others function an inner battery which you can recharge through USB.

In fact, wired keyboards by no means endure from wi-fi connection points. Additionally they by no means should be recharged. That also makes a wired keyboard essentially the most dependable and reliable alternative. They’re additionally regularly extra inexpensive. Having a wired cable looks as if a ache, nevertheless it solely provides a minimal quantity of litter in most everlasting or semi-permanent pc setups.

Key kind: Each keyboard is a workhorse. No matter you purchase, you must plan to kind on it, day in and time out, for a few years. Provided that, crucial consideration about any keyboard is how the keys really feel if you press them. The most important resolution you’ll should make round “typing really feel” is whether or not or not you desire a mechanical keyboard, named for the bodily mechanisms below every key “actuate” or set off every enter. That mechanism not solely permits for extra exact typing however leads to a extra tactile really feel—and a particular clickety-clack sound—as you go.

Mechanical keyboards fell out of favor for some time, however have seen a resurgence in reputation over the past ten years amongst avid gamers and tech fanatics. Mechanical keyboards are normally costlier than others, as they’ve extra working elements, however many individuals will inform you they ship a extra satisfying tactile expertise.

Going the mechanical keyboard route can seem to be taking place a rabbit gap, nevertheless it’s a rewarding one, and a little bit of analysis may help you discover a keyboard that completely matches your choice, whether or not that’s a standard clickety-clack sound with firmer, tactile suggestions, or a quieter choice that’s smoother to kind on.

Non-mechanical keyboards embody a variety of choices, from laptop-style “scissor-switch” keys, designed to be as skinny as attainable, to rubber dome or “membrane” keyboards, which simplify the mechanical key change to chop prices. Probably the most primary and cheap of those keyboards could be downright mushy and unresponsive, however they’re typically quieter. Even “low profile” mechanical keys that don’t press as deep don’t replicate the brief press of a laptop computer keyboard, so chances are you’ll favor to stay with what you realize.

Further options: Keyboards vary from a barebones field of keys to extravagant hubs with RGB lighting, media controls, and USB passthrough ports. Relying on how you utilize your Mac, you’ll need to work out if any of these luxurious bells and whistles are stuff you need, and if any would possibly simply get in the best way. 

With regards to options and customization choices, gaming keyboards are likely to have the sting, though they are often much less very best for Mac customers as they typically use Home windows structure. For this listing, we typically put a precedence on typing really feel over further options, however there are nonetheless quite a few them to think about. Some have further operate and macro keys, or further controls like a quantity knob and media keys, which can be handier for some than others. And within the case of wi-fi keyboards, some have the flexibility to pair with and change between a number of gadgets, which may very well be essential relying in your setup, however go unused by others. 

Consolation: When you discover your present keyboard uncomfortable to kind on, otherwise you’re seeking to stop any future discomfort, chances are you’ll need to contemplate an ergonomic keyboard designed to keep away from exacerbating repetitive pressure accidents. Ergonomic keyboards function a “cut up” design, with the keys separated into two sections so you should utilize them with out twisting or overextending your arms, shoulders, or again. Generally that cut up is unfold throughout one giant keyboard, others even have two related sides which you can regulate to suit your physique. They will take a bit of getting used to, however they will make a giant distinction for individuals who expertise ache whereas typing each day.

It’s value noting that there isn’t conclusive proof that ergonomic keyboards actively stop repetitive pressure accidents. Anecdotally, although, many customers who usually really feel ache when typing declare to really feel that they decrease it. In our expertise, it’s sufficient to make a cut up keyboard value contemplating.

One of the best keyboards for Macs: Opinions & Suggestions

Our picks for one of the best keyboards for Mac try to cater to as many use-cases as attainable in only a handful of choices. They vary from transportable and inexpensive, to high-end productiveness gear, to feel-driven decisions for fanatics. Since all of those keyboards function a Mac structure, chances are you’ll discover a few conspicuous omissions—even Mac-compatible gaming keyboards, for instance, not often are available a Mac structure, for instance. These are all glorious keyboards, nonetheless, so you’ll not go fallacious with any of those picks.

Greatest general: Logitech MX Keys for Mac

Why it made the lower: Perhaps essentially the most Mac-like keyboard made by somebody aside from Apple, the Logitech MX Keys gives a premium really feel and is especially helpful in multi-computer setups.

Specs:

• Kind issue: Full-Dimension
• Dimensions: 17” x 5.2” x 0.8”
• Connection sorts: 2.4GHz wi-fi, Bluetooth (USB-C for charging solely)
• Key kind: Scissor-switch 
• Backlight: Sure (white)
• Battery life: 10 days (5 months with backlight off)
• Different options: Proximity, ambient gentle sensors, Multi-device assist

Execs: 

• Simple switching between a number of gadgets
• Quick USB-C charging
• Look matches Macs
• Good backlighting

Cons:

• Laptop computer-style keys not for everybody

When you’re typically pleased with laptop-style keyboards, however would love a couple of extra options and a bit extra consolation, the Logitech MX Keys for Mac will doubtless tick all the suitable packing containers for you. The Mac-centric model of Logitech’s elite “Grasp” keyboard enhances the standard “magic keyboard” expertise with sculpted, concave keys designed to suit your fingers and make typing extra comfy. Flexibility is one other huge promoting level right here, as you’ll be able to simply connect with as many as three gadgets (or a Mac and an iPad) through 2.4GHz wi-fi (USB dongle required) and Bluetooth, then change amongst them with the push of a button. The MX Keys is the uncommon third-party Mac gear that feels at residence paired with a MacBook or iMac aesthetically (each in colour and options like sensible illumination) however gives very clear effectivity upgrades over the first-party Apple different. Plus it’s the private decide of our affiliate managing editor, who has carried it across the nation and at the moment has it on a desk at residence, as proven above.

Greatest Apple keyboard: Apple Magic Keyboard with Contact ID and Numeric Keypad

Why it made the lower: Apple’s Magic Keyboard delivers one of the best model of the Apple keyboard expertise Mac followers are used to however with further keys and Contact ID.

Specs:

• Kind issue: Full-size
• Dimension: 16.5” x 4.5” x 0.8”
• Connection kind: Bluetooth (USB-C charging)
• Key kind: Scissor-switch 
• Backlight: No
• Battery life: “A few month”
• Different options: Contact ID, Multimedia keys

Execs:

• Constructed-in Contact ID
• USB-C charging
• Nice construct high quality

Cons:

• Flat, low-profile keys not essentially the most tactile expertise
• Contact ID assist for M1 Macs solely

Apple’s latest signature Magic Keyboard, up to date in 2021, has a really welcome function that makes it really feel like … effectively, magic, once more. It has a Contact ID key within the top-right nook that permits you to log in shortly and make safe purchases with the push of a button, a function you usually have to present when utilizing a third-party keyboard.

The complete-size model, which contains a full suite of keys and a quantity pad, gives the most important change from a normal laptop computer keyboard. There’s additionally the usual compact mannequin if desk house is extra of a priority. Each have a built-in battery with USB-C charging, which ought to offer you a month of use or so on a cost. 

There may be one draw back: The brand new magic keyboards solely work with newer Macs which have Apple’s M1 chipset. When you’re utilizing an older mannequin, Apple nonetheless sells the outdated Magic Keyboard with out Contact ID.

Greatest mechanical: Das Keyboard 4 Skilled for Mac

Why it made the lower: The Das Keyboard 4 takes among the guesswork out of mechanical keyboards with a high-end, off-the-shelf answer that gives loads of perks.

Specs:

• Kind issue: Full-size
• Dimension: 13” x 5.7” x 1.4”
• Connectivity: USB-C
• Key kind: Mechanical (Cherry MX Blue or Brown)
• Backlight: No
• Battery life: N/A
• Different options: Quantity knob, media controls, 2-Port USB 3.0 hub

Execs:

• Selection of Cherry MX Brown or Blue switches
• Constructed-in quantity knob, media controls, and USB hub
• Skinny by mechanical keyboard requirements

Cons:

You’ll be able to go the customized route and construct a mechanical keyboard that’s utterly tailor-made to your wants, however the Das Keyboard 4 Skilled is tough to beat in case you simply need an ideal answer proper out of the field. You do get to decide on between clicky Cherry MX Blue or softer MX Brown switches, however the options stay commonplace throughout the board in any other case. That features a useful outsized quantity knob, built-in media controls, a two-port USB hub, and even a detachable “footbar” that raises the keyboard and in addition doubles as a ruler. The Das Keyboard 4 additionally has a surprisingly skinny profile for a mechanical keyboard, though it does lack backlighting, which is a bit disappointing in a wired keyboard on this worth vary.

Greatest ergonomic: Kinesis ​​Freestyle Edge RGB

Why it made the lower: A cut up mechanical keyboard constructed with customization in thoughts, the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB is a no-compromise choice for these equally involved about consolation and typing high quality.  

Specs:

• Kind issue: TKL, Cut up
• Dimension: 15.5” x 10.25” x 1.25”
• Connection sorts: USB
• Key kind: Mechanical (a number of choices)
• Backlight: Sure (RGB)
• Battery life: N/A
• Different options: Devoted programmable keys, customizable lighting, removable palm relaxation

Execs:

• Absolutely cut up, ergonomic design
• A number of mechanical key change choices
• Loaded with options

Cons:

• Costly
• Mac key set prices further

It could be a gaming keyboard before everything, however the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB’s mixture of a mechanical keyboard with an ergonomic structure will please anybody merely on the lookout for essentially the most comfy typing expertise attainable. The RGB in its identify refers back to the keyboard’s colourful backlighting, which could be custom-made with a vibrant sample, or turned off in case you don’t need an excessive amount of of a lightweight present. Like different top-of-the-line gaming keyboards, it contains a slew of additional options, together with devoted macro keys which you can customise for any recreation or app.

The Freestyle Edge is available in 4 completely different mechanical change choices to fit your typing choice however you’ll, sadly, should shell out a bit further for a set of Mac keycaps you’ll be able to swap in.

Greatest compact: Keychron K12

Why it made the lower: Small and versatile, the Keychron K12 gives wi-fi capabilities and loads of customization choices, all with out breaking the financial institution.

Specs:

• Kind issue: 60 %
• Dimension: 11.7” x 4.2” x 1.5”
• Connectivity: Bluetooth (USB-C charging)
• Key kind: Mechanical (a number of choices)
• Backlight: Non-compulsory (White or RGB)
• Battery life: Two months (non-backlit model), 68-72 hours (White, RGB backlight on)
• Different options: Multi-device assist, absolutely customizable

Execs: 

• Loads of customization choices
• Can be utilized wired or wirelessly
• Compact, streamlined design

Cons:

• Design could also be too compact and streamlined for some

Whether or not desk house is a priority otherwise you’re on the lookout for one thing that’s simple to maneuver round and take with you, there are many causes to think about a compact keyboard, somewhat than a full-size board with a quantity pad. The Keychron K12 60-percent keyboard pares down its structure to the naked necessities—no quantity pad, arrow keys, or operate keys, compressed into the smallest house attainable.

Although the structure is barebones, the keyboard design just isn’t: The Keychron K12 is wi-fi and can allow you to join to 3 gadgets and change between them. Similar to Keychron’s different keyboards, there are additionally loads of {hardware} customization choices, together with backlighting, including an aluminum body, and your alternative of mechanical and optical switches.

Greatest price range: Logitech K380 for Mac

Why it made the lower: The Logitech K380’s slim dimension and versatile options make it very best for a variety of makes use of, and it gained’t break the financial institution. 

Specs:

• Kind issue: Compact
• Dimension: 11” x 4.9” x 0.6”
• Connectivity: Bluetooth (2 x AAA batteries)
• Key kind: Scissor-switch
• Backlight: No
• Battery life: Two years
• Different options: Multi-device assist, White or Rose colour choices

Execs:

• Small and lightweight
• Multi-device assist
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Small, spherical keys gained’t be for everybody
• Makes use of AAA batteries

As cheap, take-anywhere, do-anything keyboards go, Logitech’s K380 is hard to beat. It’ll simply suffice as a each day keyboard in a desktop setup, nevertheless it’s gentle sufficient which you can decide it up and toss it in a bag alongside your iPad when you have to get some work carried out on the go. Similar to Logitech’s MX Keys, the K380 will allow you to change between three completely different gadgets on the press of a button.

Nothing comes with out caveats at this worth, in fact. Like many low cost wi-fi peripherals, the K380 depends on disposable batteries for energy, which generates e-waste over the life over time. That stated, one pair of AAAs ought to last as long as two years, so it isn’t as in case you’re throwing batteries within the trash frequently. It additionally options spherical keycaps, which some individuals love, however isn’t for everyone.

FAQs

Closing ideas on one of the best keyboards for Mac

Mac customers could not have the multitude of keyboard choices that Home windows customers do, however they’re not precisely missing for high quality decisions. Particularly for these merely seeking to get some severe work carried out on a keyboard that’s a pleasure to kind on, there are lots of extra stable decisions than we had been capable of embrace on this listing. You’ll be able to increase your choices even additional by contemplating Home windows keyboards—which can higher swimsuit avid gamers, particularly—however the familiarity of a Mac keyboard structure will doubtless outweigh every other advantages for many longtime Mac customers. 

A brand new keyboard is probably not one of the costly upgrades you can also make to your pc, however it will possibly make for one of many largest and lasting modifications, which makes discovering the suitable one all of the extra vital.