Mac keyboards undoubtedly offer the same features, but they are not all created equal. Some boast excellent, responsive switches (mechanical models) while others offer soft, springy keys (membrane panels). Furthermore, they feature an elegant aesthetic that aligns with Apple's renowned minimalist industrial design. Additionally, extras such as pass-through or cable management capabilities may be exclusive to certain models. Here is our selection of the best-rated Mac keyboards on the market.
Comparison of the best keyboards for Mac in 2020
Several keyboards for Mac have been available since early 2020. Without a comparison, it's impossible to make the right choice and avoid regrets later. To help you, we've done the work for you. Our goal is to simplify the process and save you hours of searching on e-commerce sites. Here are the top 5 best keyboards for Mac on the market.
The Apple Magic Keyboard with numeric keypad
Features and Reviews
While there are many excellent third-party keyboards that closely adhere to Apple's minimalist aesthetic, it's sometimes hard to beat the original, classic designs, and the Magic Keyboard remains the standard by which all other Mac keyboards are measured. Plus, of course, you're guaranteed unparalleled compatibility within the Apple ecosystem. If you have a desktop Mac, you likely already own the standard keyless Magic Keyboard, which mirrors what's built into your MacBook.
However, fans of Apple's Magic Keyboard who need a full-size typing layout will prefer the Magic Keyboard with an integrated numeric keypad. It provides seven additional columns of keyboard keys. In addition to the numeric keypad, you'll also find more widely spaced dedicated navigation keys and six extra function keys, unique to Apple keyboards.
Otherwise, it's the same Apple Magic Keyboard design you know and love, with a comfortable and quiet typing experience and an internal battery that lasts at least a month and recharges using the included USB-Lightning cable. It has Bluetooth, but it can also be used as a wired keyboard simply by plugging it into one of your Mac's USB ports.
Das Keyboard 4 Professional Mechanical Keyboard
Features and Reviews
If you're looking for a keyboard with advanced features you can work on all day, look no further than the highly durable, German-made Das Keyboard 4 Pro. A serious keyboard for serious users (ideal for writers and programmers), it's built to last while offering exceptional tactile feedback. And it's one of the few mechanical keyboards designed specifically for Mac users.
Its layout mimics Apple's Magic Keyboard, eliminating the need for custom drivers. There are dedicated macOS keys for all the usual functions and a substantial set of media controls in the upper right corner, including a large volume wheel. A built-in two-port USB 3.0 hub also lets you easily connect high-speed USB storage devices without having to search for ports on the back of your Mac.
As a mechanical keyboard, it offers a level of tactile feedback that most low-profile keyboards can't match. And you can even choose between Cherry MX Brown switches, for a softer, quieter feel, and Cherry MX Blue if you really love your keyboards. In either case, you can expect a clean, natural typing experience with laser-etched keycaps rated for over 50 million keystrokes.
Logitech G910 Orion Spark
Features and Reviews
Because of their low-profile keys, most Apple custom keyboards aren't designed for gamers. So, finding a decent gaming keyboard that's also fully compatible with your Mac can be difficult. Fortunately, Logitech has long been a strong macOS player, and its G910 Orion Spark offers the same level of Mac support as other keyboards in its "G" (game) line. In addition to Mac support, the G910 uses its own custom "Romer-G" mechanical switches.
The result is up to 25% faster actuation, making it one of the fastest mechanical gaming keyboards you can buy. Yet, the switches are among the quietest we've ever heard, meaning your colleagues aren't likely to complain about the noise. With a palette of 16 million colors, the customizable per-key RGB lighting adds a touch of flair, and the keycaps are well sealed so the light doesn't bleed over the edges.
Nine dedicated "G keys" can be programmed with custom macros, uniquely assigned to each game. For on-the-fly adjustments, the Logitech G910 Orion Spark features a volume wheel as well as the usual set of dedicated media keys. The G910 also includes another interesting and unique feature: Arx, which lets you use your smartphone or tablet as a second screen to display additional in-game content or general system statistics.
Logitech K750 Wireless Solar Keyboard
Features and Reviews
These days, wireless keyboards may have improved battery life, but that doesn't mean you don't still need to charge them somehow. And if you don't want to run out of power just minutes before your deadline, that can be a real nuisance. Fortunately, Logitech has offered a creative solution to this problem in the form of the Solar K750, a keyboard with virtually unlimited battery life.
The full-size K750 keyboard is similar in design, layout, and spacing to Apple's Magic Keyboard. It offers the comfortable typing experience we've come to expect from Logitech, with its concave keys and quiet key switches. There's even a keyboard shortcut for quickly bringing up macOS's Launchpad.
Although Logitech calls the K750 "solar-powered," the reality is that it will recharge from any light source, so you don't have to worry about keeping it in direct sunlight or near a window. Your office lights, even the desk lamp in your dorm room or hotel room should be more than enough. Once fully charged, it will run for three months in the dark. Unless you live in a cave, you won't need to recharge it.
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard
Features and Reviews
Microsoft's Sculpt is an excellent alternative for those who want an ergonomic platform. Twenty years ago, Microsoft was one of the first to introduce an ergonomic keyboard, so it's no surprise that the company continues to lead the way in making some of the best keyboards in this category. Its latest offering, the Sculpt, has taken design to a whole new level. No need for bells and whistles. The split design is now fairly standard.
For those unfamiliar, the keyboard is split into two halves, keeping your wrists and forearms in a natural position, thus relieving stress and tension. Its domed design and padded wrist rest position the wrists at a more comfortable angle. A numeric keypad is cleverly separated, allowing you to use it in the way that suits you best. Although it's a Microsoft keyboard, it also works remarkably well with a Mac.
A physical switch toggles the top row of keys between function keys and media control keys, which correspond to their macOS functions as you would expect. The only drawback is that it's wireless but lacks Bluetooth. Therefore, you'll need to use one of your USB ports with the included USB dongle.
Buying guide: how to choose a keyboard for Mac in 2020?
When choosing your Mac keyboard, consider the following parameters:
macOS system support
First, make sure that the keyboard you're considering buying comes with full Mac support or the manufacturer's own software to make the keyboard fully compatible. All manufacturers except Logitech do not offer this type of software to Mac users.
Keycaps Mac
Some people choose to use a Mac simply to avoid looking at the Windows logo on their keyboard. To do this, they must ensure that all macOS features compatible with their keyboard are present. Also, the native keycaps must be printed.
Mac layout
Keyboards designed for Mac natively have their own unique layout. If your keyboard doesn't come with the native Mac layout, the main difference is that your left CMD key and your left Alt/Opt key will be swapped.
Connection reliability
The USB cable is the most reliable connection available. If you're not a fan of cables, the Bluetooth connection on Apple's Magic Keyboard works well. Bluetooth connections from other manufacturers may be unsuitable. This is the case with Logitech products, which ship with their own radio connector that is more reliable than Bluetooth.
Numeric keypad or not?
Keyboards with numeric keypads are larger. But numeric keypads are also quite practical, so getting rid of them isn't always an option.
Mechanical keyboard or not?
If you want to be fashionable, use mechanical keyboards. However, don't get too hung up on this choice, as very few mechanical keyboards on the market are specifically designed for Macs.
Apple Magic Keyboard or not?
If you order your machine with Apple's Magic Keyboard but don't know how to use it, don't rush to buy another keyboard. Wait a few more months to test it and get used to it. Keeping a Magic Keyboard in a drawer would be a waste, since it's in the top three best Mac keyboards in my opinion.
How do I use a Windows keyboard on a Mac computer?
Whatever the reason, you can use most Windows keyboards with your Mac. However, you will encounter problems related to the names given to special keys and their physical location on the keyboard layout.
In general, there are at least five special keys on a Windows keyboard that have a different name or location than their Mac counterparts:
- Control (Win) Ctrl (Mac)
- Option (Win) Alt (Mac)
- (Win) Windows command (Mac) (four-leaf clover)
- (Win) Backspace (Mac) Delete
- (Win) Enter (Mac) Return.
Some keys, such as the Windows Menu / Applications key, do not have a Mac equivalent and are generally ignored by the Mac.
Reconfigure the modifier keys
macOS offers a built-in method for reconfiguring the four most frequently used modifier keys. This simple reconfiguration allows you to correct one of the most common problems associated with using a Windows keyboard on a Mac: the physical location of the Alt and Windowskeys. Since their functions are identical, you can simply adapt to their location on the Windowskeyboard.
But if you're a long-time Mac user who can't map these functions, you have another option. You'll need to use the Keyboard preferences pane to reconfigure the Windowsmodifier keys so they match the standard Mac keyboard layout. The modification procedure is as follows:
- Launch System Preferences, then select the Keyboard preferences pane
- Make sure the Keyboard tab is selected, then click the Modifier Keys button
You'll see four modifier keys that you can reconfigure: the Caps Lock key, the Control key, the Option key, and the Command key. For example, we'll swap the Option and Command key pairs to match the layout of a standard Mac keyboard.
For that :
- Use the drop-down menu next to the key : to select Command ⌘
- Use the drop-down menu next to the Command (⌘) key to select Option
- Click the OK button
- Close System Preferences.
The reconfiguration of modifier keys is done keyboard by keyboard. In other words, if you have a MacBook Pro with its integrated keyboard, as well as a separate Windows keyboard that you use when you're sitting at your desk, you can choose to modify only the Windowskeyboard, while leaving the integrated keyboard untouched.
If you have more than one keyboard connected to your Mac, use the drop-down menu to select the keyboard on which you want the modifier keys reconfigured.
We all have the choice of opting for one of these best keyboards for Mac or using a Windowskeyboard. In this case, you will have to choose between 3 alternatives:
- The first step is to master the analogies between the keys on Mac and Windows keyboards, which have different names but identical functions.
- The second method involves using Windows keyboards with the special key images already modified to match those used by Apple.
- The last alternative is to use sophisticated software integrated into the keyboard, capable of reconfiguring the keys globally as well as by application.
The downside of this option is that if macOS is updated, a keyboard driver may no longer be supported. If this happens, simply revert to the first alternative and you'll be all set!
