I don't believe that is true, at least for the previous magic keyboard. The wire was used for charging but it also carried data and could be used as a wired keyboard
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Apple Makes Magic Keyboard With Touch ID Available for Separate Purchase
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I got mine today. First impressions:
It's the same as the old one...
...but it has TouchID, more rounded corners, and a USB-C to Lighning braided cable.
Actually, at a push I'd say it's slightly quieter and better damped than the old one. Not a big jump, not like the recent changes in MacBook keyboards, but it does feel slightly different. Maybe it's because it's new and hasn't been used much, I don't know, but if a change is there it's very subtle.
I bought it for TouchID so I'm happy regardless. I couldn't possibly recommend it as an upgrade to an existing Magic Keyboard user as the differences vs cost don't stack up for most people, but I am content with my purchase because it addresses the only thing I miss from using an external keyboard and a MacBook Air in clamshell mode.
It's the same as the old one...
...but it has TouchID, more rounded corners, and a USB-C to Lighning braided cable.
Actually, at a push I'd say it's slightly quieter and better damped than the old one. Not a big jump, not like the recent changes in MacBook keyboards, but it does feel slightly different. Maybe it's because it's new and hasn't been used much, I don't know, but if a change is there it's very subtle.
I bought it for TouchID so I'm happy regardless. I couldn't possibly recommend it as an upgrade to an existing Magic Keyboard user as the differences vs cost don't stack up for most people, but I am content with my purchase because it addresses the only thing I miss from using an external keyboard and a MacBook Air in clamshell mode.
Odd then that you've felt the need to announce that you're sickened & disgusted at the pricing on a device you're not interested in buying.
Go for it. I just thought it was over the top to use the words "disgusting" and "sickening" about the price of a product you don't even need to buy to use your Mac (and apparently don't even like the keyboard itself to begin with, based on your comment here, so it's price should be irrelevant to you). I mean, if Apple somehow locked up the OS to only be compatible with their own keyboards, then I could see people getting that heated about it. But of course that's not the case.
My 3x4k (1x32, 2x27) monitors cost me $1K total and there you go comparing it to a $6000 monitor mr. moneybags.
I still have more screen space with the 27” monitors in vertical orientation surrounding the main 32” monitor.
Just a quick thanks to folks here who mentioned the Logitech MS Keys for Mac. I'm really loving it. Favorite keyboard ever.
Received the extended magic keyboard with Touch ID yesterday. The first use experience is pretty amazing. I simply plugged it into a lightning connector that was already attached to a USB-C dock connected to my M1 MacBook Air and the Touch ID worked immediately with no setup. I used it to wake my MBA that was in clamshell mode and my Mac was unlocked. Magic. Unplugged the lightning and the keyboard was paired with Bluetooth. Again no setup.
The keyboard itself is close to my retired Apple Wireless Keyboard but not the same. The keys are “softer” with slightly less travel. In the coming days I will find out if this has any affect on my typing speed or accuracy. The initial impression is that the keys feel pretty good.
The price for the keyboard is outrageous but I can’t complain about the results.
I got mine today, I use it when my laptop is in clamshell mode. One issue I've noticed so far is that with 1Password it says "Touch ID is unavailable when your MacBook lid is closed." Uh... yeah but I have Touch ID on my external keyboard. :/ Hopefully 1Password can fix this.
So you can confirm that the keyboard cable is not simply a charging cable and the keyboard may also be used wired?
Yes otherwise how could it setup the Touch ID and pair automatically with Bluetooth if data wasn't transmitted. Keyboard communication can work easily over USB 1.0 so there is no reason that the cable wouldn't be a data connection as well as power.
Nice but still same lighting port to charge (please b***)
And same unproductive arrow keys layout...
2029: introduce the magic keyboard with standard arrow keys layout AND backlit keys...
And same unproductive arrow keys layout...
2029: introduce the magic keyboard with standard arrow keys layout AND backlit keys...
Glad to hear it! I thought the palm rest was a rip-off, so not bad to get for free. If only I had an affiliate link 😂
FYI - this keyboard (with touch ID) works with older match (but not the touch ID aspects). I have a 2016 MBP and works find. I got the touch ID keyboard because I needed a new keyboard now, but won't upgrade to new mac until the apple silicon MBP comes out.
The regular calculator that is on the iPhone.
No fancy app. 😊
It's still useful when you put your watch down to charge and want quick authentication.
This is a big plus for me. I have a Logi BT/illuminated keyboard and it's tough to use it when rebooting into an external drive using the Option key. I used to manage about 1 in 12 tries but now not at all. So I keep an OEM wired keyboard plugged in to use its Option key. Using the Startup Disk in Sys Prefs got old quick.
Using just one keyboard, wireless until I need to change boot disks or charge will be much more convenient.
The Touch ID will also be handy for logging into websites. Very handy on my MBA but like an animal I have to use the cursor and click with my M1 mini. So more convenience. First world solution to a first world problem and I'm ok with that cuz it works for me.
I don't believe Apple will ever make an illuminated external keyboard, but if they added it to this keyboard as a new version I'd grab one.
Even the overpriced **** of a coffee that Starbucks is, ain’t that expensive. Civet Coffee maybe?