Products at a Glance
How we selected the best keyboard for Mac
Whether you are a coder, a gamer, or a writer, having a comfortable keyboard that promotes good posture, increases productivity, and supports your ability to work and play is essential. When it comes to choosing the best keyboard for your Mac device, we’ve done all the research so that you don’t have to.
Our recommendations are based on compatibility, comfort, price, features, and battery life, all essential elements of any good keyboard. However, there are some extra considerations to take when choosing a keyboard compatible with a Macbook. The layout of the Mac keyboard itself is unique in its compact design, with its 78-keys, including the arrow keys, squeezed into a small typing block that lacks the 10-key number pad.
Very few keyboards use this layout. Therefore, we made sure to include tenkeyless options, and also have a complete guide to the best 60% keyboard for those still wanting to scale down. However, we’ve made sure to include traditional 104-key standard keyboards for users wanting the extra few buttons excluded on the Mac keyboard.
Additionally, connectivity is important to consider. The newer Mac devices lack USB-A ports, instead requiring a USB-C cable. Having a Bluetooth keyboard is more convenient, as it means you don’t have to worry about cables and can easily bring your laptop and keyboard on the move. If you’re interested, we also have a dedicated best wireless keyboard for gaming or working guide.
Product Reviews
- Simple yet robust design
- Long-lasting battery life
- Easy to work with, even in low-light environments
- Not as comfy due to the lack of wrist rest and flat shape of the keyboard
- Bulkier than other keyboards in this price range
For a laptop-like keyboard that boosts your productivity, the Logitech MX Keys is a great choice. It’s a high-end, feature-rich, and Apple-like keyboard that offers a comfortable typing experience. The low-profile design utilizes spherically-dished keys shaped for your fingertips gives you a fluid typing experience with a keyboard angle optimizing an ergonomic wrist posture. In terms of layout, it looks identical to a Mac keyboard with a numeric keypad – just without the touch ID feature.
To make working with it even better, it comes with backlit keys that light up as your hands approach. It’s got superb connectivity options, and it is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, iOS, a pairing capability that makes it a versatile option. The multi-device OS Bluetooth means you can pair with up to 3 devices simultaneously, and you don’t have to worry about charging with up to 10 days battery on a full charge. On the whole, this keyboard has the edge as the best keyboard for Mac, as well as taking a place as one of the best quiet mechanical keyboards.
- Compact design and easy-to-carry
- Long-lasting battery
- Less noisy compared to traditional keyboards
- Pre-installed AAA batteries are not chargeable
- Small keys and lack of NumPad
- Average built quality compared to other Logitech keyboards
If you are a multitasker often juggling between devices and operating systems, the Logitech K380 is the perfect keyboard for you. It’s a multi-device, Bluetooth-enabled keyboard available in a wide range of colors. This keyboard has a minimalistic yet modern design, making it easy to carry and work with and a great addition to your desk. However, it’s not just compatible with your laptop – you can use this keyboard with your iPad as well as your iPhone, making it a great choice for Apple users.
The Logitech K380 keyboard has low-profile keys, offering a quiet typing experience. The scooped scissor keys offer a laptop-like typing experience, and with single color backlighting, this compact keyboard is a great addition to any workspace. Additionally, it comes with two AAA pre-installed so is instantly ready for use. It’s definitely up there as one of the best Mac keyboards, and will pair perfectly with other Logitech peripherals.
- Matches Apple aesthetics
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Available in different color options
- Batteries are not rechargeable
- Poor placement of the lower right-hand command key.
If you’re looking for a keyboard that effortlessly integrates into an Apple work space, you might want to consider the Satechi Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard. Designed specifically for Mac users, the Satechi Wireless is very similar in design to the Apple Magic Keyboard with a numeric keypad. Essential for Mac users, the full-size Qwerty keypad still features the intuitive macOS shortcut keys to complement use alongside Mac devices.
With a Bluetooth connection that supports three to four different devices, this keyboard is also perfect if you’re moving from a Mac to a PC but still want the Apple feel under your fingers. With low-laying scissor switch keys and thin profile, Satechi have made a convincing dupe for the Apple Magic Keyboard that will pair well with not just a Mac but any PC or laptop.
- Adjustable typing angle for a pleasing typing experience
- Connects wirelessly with up to three devices
- Compact and portable design
- Not as comfortable due to the absence of incline and wrist rest
- Subpar quality control
- Average Bluetooth performance
If you are looking for a wireless mechanical keyboard for a clutter-free desk, the Keychron K8 is a suitable choice. This tenkeyless keyboard uses a Mac layout, and features all the essential multimedia and function keys you need, as well as including extra keycaps for both Windows and Mac operating systems. A compatible VIA software application allows you to customize your keyboard entirely. Additionally, it comes with both aluminum and plastic frames so you can choose whichever of the two suits you best.
It’s not as low-profile in design as other Mac-style keyboards, but the Gateron Red mechanical switches creates a smooth and responsive typing experience, with built-in sound-dampening modifications. Additionally, this keyboard sports an impressive 240 hours of typing with the white LED RGB backlight turned off. The Bluetooth capabilities enable you to connect with up to 3 devices across its Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android compatibility.
Things to consider when buying the best keyboard for Mac
Compatibility is the most important thing to consider when buying a keyboard for a Mac device. However, besides this you must also invest some time in researching some of the following aspects:
- Check if the keyboard can be wirelessly paired with multiple devices.
- If you want a comfortable typing experience, look for ergonomic keyboard features such as wrist rest.
- Consider a keyboard’s additional features and how they enhance your working experience. For instance, backlighting, multimedia keys, and shortcut keys.
- If you prefer to work in a clutter-free setting, you must emphasize the size of the keyboard.
- Battery life is another crucial thing to consider if you are always on the go and want your keyboard to stay with you for long.
Our Verdict
If you are looking for a keyboard with an Apple feel, the Logitech MX Key is the best to go with if you have that budget. But if you are flexible to try other options, go for the Keychron K8 keyboard as a great 80% option. Whatever you choose based on your preference and need, ensure it enhances your experience working with a Mac device. Ultimately, the keyboard should be compatible not just with your Macbook, but also compatible with you as a user.