Sunday, August 29, 2021

Don't like Apple's Magic Keyboard? Try these alternatives.

What is the best Magic Keyboard alternative? Every iMac and iMac Pro comes with a specially designed, Apple-branded Magic Keyboard, and you either love it or hate it. There are plenty of third-party keyboards for Mac on the market that can vary quite a bit from Apple's. The keyboards on this particular list are specifically for those of you that like the Magic Keyboard's general design but are looking for something slightly different.

Easy multi-pairing

Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard - Dark Grey/Off White/Rose

Staff pick

This little ditty is an iMore 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.

From $30 at Amazon

From $30 at Best Buy

$36 at Walmart

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.

From $129 at Apple

From $111 at Amazon

From $130 at Best Buy

Clever look-alike

iClever BK10 Bluetoooth Multi-Device Keyboard

Available in various colors, including Silver, which looks very much like Apple's, this Bluetooth keyboard will work with your Mac and your iPad, iPhone, and even non-Apple devices. The slim design and low-profile scissor-switch keys make for smooth, quiet, and comfortable typing.

From $33 at Amazon

Mouse included

FENIFOX Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

FENIFOX's keyboard looks very similar to the Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, but it also comes with a mouse. The set is available in the Pink color shown here as well as Silver. The sloped angle makes typing more comfortable.

From $29 at Amazon

Solar charged

Logitech K750 Wireless Solar Keyboard for Mac — Solar Recharging, Mac-friendly Keyboard, 2.4GHz Wireless - Silver

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.

$55 at Amazon

$50 at Best Buy

$60 at Apple

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.

$20 at Amazon

$26 at Walmart

Which Magic Keyboard alternative should you choose?

If you love the look of the Magic Keyboard, but you want something just a little bit different, you're sure to like one of the keyboards on this list. They all have a similar design but offer something a bit different. An iMore favorite is the Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard. It's great to be able to switch between your Mac, iPhone, and iPad quickly. You can't go wrong with any of the Logitech keyboards. Of course, those of us who need to type a lot of numbers love Apple's Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad and find it worth the upgrade.

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 backlighting in all of those fun colors.


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