Keyboard Buyers Guide For Mac Users
Like almost all of the other products released by Apple, the Mac is a popular device. Many consumers prefer Apple computers because they offer functionality that you can’t get from windows. A lot of people use the Mac because it’s user friendly and doesn’t suffer from many of the software errors that make Microsoft Windows difficult to use. If you own an Apple computer, then you’ll need a keyboard for your Mac. The only problem is the endless selection of keyboards to choose from. Fortunately, if you know what to look for, it’s quite easy to find the best keyboards for Macs.
What to Look For In The Best Mac Keyboards
Before you start browsing products, there are some important considerations to make. First, you’ll need to consider whether or not you want wireless connectivity. Consumers have spoken and forced manufacturers to start making wireless keyboards.
The wireless technology can give you unmatched mobility, but you might not get the same performance as you’d get from a wired Mac keyboard. Before you decide on a product, the functionality should be considered. A number of keyboards are very simple and offer basic functions.
Although they don’t offer some of the advanced key functions and macros, basic keyboards are much easier to use and don’t require nearly as much brain power. If you choose a simple keyboard, you don’t have to spend as much time getting used to the positioning of the keys.
Style
Style is also important because you’ll have to look at the keyboard frequently. Most keyboards for the Mac are naturally slim, and they’re almost always colored grey. However, some manufacturers make ultra-thin keyboards, so you’ll need to decide how slim you want the keyboard to be.
To make sure that you get the most out of your computing experience, you need to decide if you want convenience keys. A number of Mac keyboards are made with convenience keys, which allow you to adjust the volume, brightness and disc tray.
When it comes to computing, functionality is important, but it’s important to strike a balance between functionality and convenience. There are several Mac keyboards that are made with built-in USB ports, so you get additional functionality.
Before deciding on a specific model, you should consider the price. Cheaper keyboards might not have some of the advanced features that you’d get from expensive alternatives, but if you’re looking for basic functionality, they should get the job done.
Mac Keyboard Comparison Table
| Model | Image | Features | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Rated Apple Mac Keyboards | Apple Magic Wireless Extended Keyboard with Numeric Keypad |  | Extended layout Lightning to USB Port | $$$ |
| Apple Magic Wireless Keyboard - Silver |  | Bluetooth Technology Ultra-thin design | $$ | |
| RGB Keyboards for Apple Mac | E Element Z-88 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Red Switch - Linear & Quiet for Mac, PC |  | Anti-ghosting 104 keys Outemu Red Switches - linear and quiet Per-Key RGB backlit | $ |
| Das Keyboard 4 Professional Mac Mechanical Keyboard |  | Premium Tactile Experience Up To 50 Million Keystrokes Full N-key Rollover | $$ | |
| Cheap Keyboards for Apple Macs | Macally USB Wired Computer Keyboard for Macs |  | 15 Apple specific shortcut keys No drivers required | $ |
| iHome Full Size Mac Keyboard |  | Space-saving size Executive Apple Design | $ | |
| Mechanical Keyboards for Apple Macs | Das Keyboard Model S Professional for Mac Clicky MX Blue Mechanical Keyboard |  | Cherry MX Blue mechanical key switches 5-key rollover | $$$ |
| Jelly Comb Multi Device Mac Keyboard |  | Completely wireless with Bluetooth(Rechargeable) Function Across Three Devices | $$ |
Top Rated Keyboards for Apple Macs
Here’s what we think are the best keyboards for apple macs. We have tested so many keyboards in this category and here are the top rated.
Apple Magic Wireless Extended Keyboard with Numeric Keypad
One of the top products on the market is the Apple Magic Wireless Keyboard. Once it’s connected, this keyboard allows you to access a variety of different Mac features. You can use it to rewind, play and pause content, and the number pad is great for quick accounting and spreadsheet work.
For extra functionality, it has a lightning to USB port, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting it connected to different computers. The keyboard also charges through this port. Since this is an ultra-thin keyboard, it looks good and doesn’t make it difficult to hit specific keys.
It has an anodized aluminum enclosure, and the low-profile/ low key travel keys can make it easier to type. Unlike some alternative products, this keyboard has several convenience keys, which make it easy to quickly adjust your Mac’s volume, screen brightness and disc tray.
It has a numeric keypad and delivers a responsive, crisp feel. The function keys provide one-touch access to several Mac functions. With an extended layout, it offers document navigation controls, and there are several keys that are particularly useful for games. The Apple Magic wireless extended keyboard is compatible with macOS 10.12.4 or later and iOS devices with 10.3 or later. This is undoubtedly one of the best wireless keyboards for Mac.
Key Features:
- Extended layout
- Lightning to USB Port
Apple Magic Wireless Keyboard – Silver
Another top rated keyboard for Mac, related to the above model is the Apple Magic keyboard. It shares many of the same features as it’s cousin above, but is a more compact keyboard without the extended layout and numeric keypad. Since it offers wireless Bluetooth connectivity, it gives you the freedom to type from almost anywhere. The wireless functionality is especially useful when you’re operating your Mac through a large display.
For example, maybe you’ve decided to hook your Macbook up to a 60-inch television. Although wireless connectivity can be beneficial, it doesn’t make a product an automatic win. Many consumers would rather use a wired keyboard. This Bluetooth keyboard however, is a fan favorite and can operate from a distance of up to 30 feet. It has an ultra-slim design, and is 24% smaller than many full-size keyboards.
As it’s a wireless product, you’ll need to juice up the built-in rechargeable battery from time to time with the supplied Lightning to USB cable and port. This keyboard is ideal for the Mac, but it will even work for the Apple iPad. Like all Apple products, this keyboard features a simple, elegant design, and it’s designed to withstand everyday abuse.
The only problem with this product is the lack of the arrow keys and numeric keypad. If you’re looking for one of the best keyboards for Mac and don’t need advanced functionality, this product is worth considering. The Apple Magic keyboard is flatter than the original Apple wireless keyboard, it has very low profile keycaps and the battery life is great. The Magic keyboard will work with Mac OS X 10.11 or later and iOS 9.1 or later. It will work well then on most iMac and Macbooks, or even tablets using compatible software.
Key Features:
- Bluetooth Technology
- Ultra-thin design
RGB keyboards For Apple Macs
E Element Z-88 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Red Switch – Linear & Quiet for Mac, PC
If you’re looking for an RGB keyboard for Apple Mac, the E Element Z-88 RGB Mechanical Keyboard has plenty to offer. It has 104 different keys with full anti-ghosting, so it’s great for gaming and there is no shortage of functionality. It’s a wired keyboard and plugs into a convenient USB pot. It also comes with n key rollover.
You can customize the RGB backlighting for each key individually, or set a solid color backlit mode. It’s compatible with the Mac OS X, and all versions of Windows back to Vista. You get 7 different solid color modes for the lights, as well as the ability to customize.
The illuminated lights help to improve your gaming experiences, but they also make it easier to see the individual keys. All of the keys are built into an alloy aluminum chassis, which is smooth and comfortable. The chassis is even designed to resist water, with drainage holes for any splashes.
Key Features:
- Anti-ghosting 104 keys
- Outemu Red Switches – linear and quiet
- Per-Key RGB backlit
Other Keyboard guides you should check out..
Mechanical Keyboards For Typing
Das Keyboard 4 Professional Mac Mechanical Keyboard
Whether you like playing music at home or recording music, this Das Keyboard model is a great choice. It features a large volume knob on the top that lets you change the volume level with one hand. Other buttons located next to this knob serve as multimedia buttons that let you skip and pause songs along with move forward and back. As a professional model, the keyboard is compatible with most Macs and can give you professional sound quality with the right accessories at home. The Cherry mechanical switches help you hear the keys as you press them but won’t affect your music or videos. It comes with a USB hub that lets you connect other devices and transfer files, too.
Key Features:
- Premium Tactile Experience
- Up To 50 Million Keystrokes
- Full N-key Rollover
Cheap Keyboard for Apple Macs
Macally USB Wired Computer Keyboard for Macs
Here is a cheap keyboard for Apple Mac computers. If your original keyboard broke, this product can serve as a budget replacement. Although it’s one of the cheapest keyboards available, it comes with 103 individual keys and has a numeric keypad.
With 15 different shortcut keys, you can perform several convenient functions with your Mac computer. There is even a built-in key for iTunes control. Unlike some of the alternatives, this keyboard doesn’t require drivers, so you can plug it into your Mac and start using it immediately.
It has low-profile keys, so you can enjoy a comfortable, quiet typing experience. This is especially important for students because it’s quiet enough to use in a dorm room. The Macally USB keyboard is wired, and it must be plugged into your computer’s USB port.
Once you’ve plugged it in, you’ll see that it functions like any full-size keyboard. Each individual key is designed to be tactile and features a low-profile design. Since the keys are punctual and responsive, this keyboard can make typing especially enjoyable.
Key Features:
- 15 Apple specific shortcut keys
- No drivers required
iHome Full Size Mac Keyboard
Here we have another cheap keyboard for Mac computers. The style of this keyboard leaves much to the imagination, but if you’re looking for basic functionality, this product shouldn’t disappoint you. With a brushed-aluminum finish, this keyboard delivers an executive style, and it’s a great choice for Mac computers.
Since it’s a full-size keyboard, you get 110 different keys. It has a full numeric keypad, which is ideal for finance applications and spreadsheets. The iHome Mac keyboard runs on a wired connection, so you’ll need to plug it into a USB port.
Unlike some other products, it doesn’t need to be synced with your Apple Mac computer. Although it’s a full-size keyboard, it’s designed to save space. The compact design could be particularly useful for tight workspaces. One of its greatest features is the anodized aluminum finish.
For quieter typing and convenience, it has low-profile keys. The ultra-slim design makes this keyboard ideal for most office workstations, but you should be able to use it anywhere in your home.
Key Features:
- Space-saving size
- Executive Apple Design
Mechanical Keyboards for Apple Macs
Das Keyboard Model S Professional for Mac Clicky MX Blue Mechanical Keyboard
If you’re looking for a top-notch mechanical keyboard for Mac, this is one of the best products that money can buy. It’s a German-engineered product, and the key switches have gold contacts. To prevent fading, the keys have been etched with a laser.
This keyboard has all of the Mac function keys that you’d expect, so you can adjust the screen brightness, volume and video settings. It has a two-port USB hub, which is great for charging your iPhone and iPod.
The USB hub is compatible with a variety of devices. If you’re a fast typist, you’ll love this keyboard’s five-key rollover. It’s also an excellent feature for gamers.
It has a glossy black upper enclosure, and there is even a matching black USB cable, which has a length of 6.6 feet. Although this mechanical keyboard works well with Mac, it’s compatible with most other operating systems.
Key Features:
- Cherry MX Blue mechanical key switches
- 5-key rollover
Jelly Comb Multi Device Mac Keyboard
You don’t need to spend a lot of time or money to find keyboards that work with all of your devices because this multi-device keyboard is compatible with most devices. It fits all products that use Bluetooth 4.0 technology and is compatible with some Apple products as long as they use a Mac operating system of 10.10 or higher. A single button on the keyboard lets you switch between devices and use the board with up to three at a time. A mechanism hidden underneath the keyboard adds more stability and keeps it at the right height. This gives the keyboard a slight angle when used on a flat surface that reduces pressure on your hands and wrists.
Key Features:
- Completely wireless with Bluetooth(Rechargeable)
- Function Across Three Devices
Conclusion
Apple Mac computers continue to gain popularity, so manufacturers have started making keyboards that are compatible with Mac.
Whether you’re testing the latest game or typing up a research paper, a high-quality Mac keyboard can dramatically improve productivity and satisfaction.
The products that have been mentioned above are some of the best options in their respective categories, so regardless of the choice, you should be happy with the product.
You might also want to check out our other buying guides that have loads and loads of product suggestions on many different keyboards for different uses.
If you do a lot of typing either at work or at home, then you’ll love our guide on the best mechanical keyboards for typists.
