backlit keyboards...

[fisherking]

am surprised that apple doesn't make a backlit keyboard for the imac, but... they don't. and i want one...

i've looked at the logitech K811; it's over 6 years old, and the few new ones out there are about $200... twice what it originally sold for.

i bought a 'tecknet' (seems the last new one left!); it works, it's imperfect (the action is awful), but i use it with logic pro x, and don't really type on it.

logitech never came out with a replacement for the K811 (damn u, logitech!), and can't find much else (i want small, thin; i do NOT want the numeric keypad).

apple should be offering one; so it goes.

anyone else wish for this? or have suggestions?

 

[mikehalloran]

I know, you don't want the numeric keyboard... but how else will you get the Forward Delete key? I just can't live without that and don't like the fn Delete combo on the non-numeric keyboards.

Depending on the year your iMac was built, the F3/4/5/6 defaults are probably going to be different than what you are used to but you can remap these in System Preferences. This one may be similar to my 2010 wired — turned out it was allergic to spilled coffee (who knew?) and I had to replace it with a later one. I had to remap F4 & F5 to get what I wanted.

I can't find a single backlit, non-numeric Mac keyboard. Plenty out there for Windows. "Windows & Mac" means Windows, of course.

Macally still makes them. Here's some older ones at Amazon. To find more, just enter backlit keyboard Mac into the search box.

https://www.amazon.com/Macally-Keyboard-Illuminated-Desktops-Computers/dp/B07JJBCFDB/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=backlit+keyboard+Mac&qid=1557442508&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Macally-Back...+keyboard+Mac&qid=1557443168&s=gateway&sr=8-3

 

[fisherking]

I know, you don't want the numeric keyboard... but how else will you get the Forward Delete key? I just can't live without that and don't like the fn Delete combo on the non-numeric keyboards.

Depending on the year your iMac was built, the F3/4/5/6 defaults are probably going to be different than what you are used to but you can remap these in System Preferences. This one may be similar to my 2010 wired — turned out it was allergic to spilled coffee (who knew?) and I had to replace it with a later one. I had to remap F4 & F5 to get what I wanted.

I can't find a single backlit, non-numeric Mac keyboard. Plenty out there for Windows. "Windows & Mac" means Windows, of course.

Macally still makes them. Here's some older ones at Amazon. To find more, just enter backlit keyboard Mac into the search box.

https://www.amazon.com/Macally-Keyboard-Illuminated-Desktops-Computers/dp/B07JJBCFDB/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=backlit+keyboard+Mac&qid=1557442508&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Macally-Back...+keyboard+Mac&qid=1557443168&s=gateway&sr=8-3

there are a number of them out there, even newer ones from logitech, but again, not what i want. coming from macbook pros (the imac is new, and my first), i want a small keyboard. something like the apple keyboard, but backlit.

how is it that apple doesn't make one, like the macbook keyboards? anyway, horrible action notwithstanding, will make do with what i have; am not dropping $200 for the old logitech one...

 

[mrvo]

Aizo makes one with changable blue switch keys for Mac function.

 

[mikehalloran]

how is it that apple doesn't make one, like the macbook keyboards?

I know, right? It seems to be a no-brainer for someone...

Anyway, I don’t know of any that aren’t Windows-centric.

 

[fisherking]

Aizo makes one with changable blue switch keys for Mac function.

where? i can't find anything online (i can find 'alzo digital' products, but no keyboards, mac or otherwise...

 

[mrvo]

where? i can't find anything online (i can find 'alzo digital' products, but no keyboards, mac or otherwise...

https://aziocorp.com/products/retro-classic-bt

 

[MacDaddyPanda]

https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-K...+keyboard&qid=1557454005&s=electronics&sr=1-4

Would you consider low profile mechanical BT keyboard?

 

[fisherking]

yikes, the retro stuff, and the mechanical keyboards are not for me; plus, am looking for a smaller footprint.

coming from macbooks (and powerbooks before that), i prefer the newer low-profile keyboards. the size and design of apple's default keyboard is pretty great, just disappointed that they've yet to make a backlit one. wish i could rip the base off my 12" macbook and use that (keyboard & trackpad). ok, something like that...

will stick with my 'tecknet' for now; not good for typing (but really, i only use my imac for logic and final cut... no real typing).

c'mon apple! give us a backlit magic keyboard already!!

 

[alien3dx]

yikes, the retro stuff, and the mechanical keyboards are not for me; plus, am looking for a smaller footprint.

coming from macbooks (and powerbooks before that), i prefer the newer low-profile keyboards. the size and design of apple's default keyboard is pretty great, just disappointed that they've yet to make a backlit one. wish i could rip the base off my 12" macbook and use that (keyboard & trackpad). ok, something like that...

will stick with my 'tecknet' for now; not good for typing (but really, i only use my imac for logic and final cut... no real typing).

c'mon apple! give us a backlit magic keyboard already!!

just give us durable keyboard. I no need slim keyboard and i do hate to link with lightning cable each time the mac sleep and on again.

 

[TheIntruder]

Matias makes a couple.

As an owner and big fan of the vintage Ext I/II keyboards, I found the claims that the Tactile Pro was their second coming to be mostly hype; the product itself wasn't nearly as well made and somewhat disappointing.

That said, they make decent stuff.

 

[smirking]

There are plenty of low profile keyboards hitting the market. Mechanical keyboards aren't really retro anymore. They're very much in the now and some really interesting variants are coming out these days. Apple's not the only company that has a new type of switch. Cherry's been releasing some switches they dub as "Speed" switches that are mechanical switches with a shorter throw. You might have an interest in checking some of those out. Razer made one too.

But what to do for a forward delete key? You can easily remap some keys and make your own forward delete. I can't live without a forward delete so I assign my own using a program like Keyboard Maestro. Holding down my Caps Lock and pressing either { or } will give me a forward delete.

If you absolutely need that fwd delete as a separate key, here are a couple of very interesting layouts that aim to be as compact as possible, but also give you some keys that you only normally get in a full 101 key layout. These two novel layouts only scratch the surface. There are so many interesting layouts being produced these days. You just have to know how to find them. You can click through on those images to a site that has a lot of very interesting keyboards.

It also may be easier to find mechanicals that are backlit. Lots of switches are designed with spacing for LED lights these days.

 

[bushman4]

an illuminated wireless keyboard would most likely Be a good seller. Unfortunately Apple has forgotten about the simple things which make people happy

 

[smirking]

an illuminated wireless keyboard would most likely Be a good seller. Unfortunately Apple has forgotten about the simple things which make people happy

Why does Apple have to make it? There are so many excellent keyboards out there and an increasing number of them are wireless. If you're not looking for an Apple logo, your options are endless.

 

[fisherking]

Why does Apple have to make it? There are so many excellent keyboards out there and an increasing number of them are wireless. If you're not looking for an Apple logo, your options are endless.

right, but i don't want the numeric keypad, & have never needed a 'forward delete' key. what i'm looking for is a magic keyboard, with a backlight.

the logitech is the closest thing; just annoying (to me) that it's over 6 years old, and, because new ones are scarce, selling at twice the original price.

my tecknet is good enough for now. so it goes...

 

[mikehalloran]

I no need slim keyboard and i do hate to link with lightning cable each time the mac sleep and on again.

What? You might want to give Apple Support a call on that. Something's wrong.

The Magic Keyboard goes for about a month between charges for me. I can plug my lightening cable in when the charge gets low and keep on working—same as the Magic Trackpad II.
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yikes, the retro stuff, and the mechanical keyboards are not for me; plus, am looking for a smaller footprint.

There are some backlit wireless Apple iPad keyboards out there—I have one but, since I use it with my iPad, it didn't occur to me to make the recommendation.

These have clips to attach to an iPad but otherwise, the Mac versions have the layout you want—except that the fn key is replaced by one that calls up Siri (microphone icon). They go a few months without a charge if the backlight is off (the claim is a year but I can't verify that). With the backlight on, it depends on the intensity but I get a couple weeks at least. The size of the footprint depends on the iMac it's designed for. The clips fold into the depressions when not connected.

Mine is for my 12.9" iPad Pro but they have them for the complete line. Here's a link to the 9.7"
https://www.brydge.com/products/brydge-9-7-apple-ipad-keyboard

Come to think of it, there are a lot of iPad BT keyboards out there. Perhaps one of those others may just be the ticket.

 

[fisherking]

What? You might want to give Apple Support a call on that. Something's wrong.

The Magic Keyboard goes for about a month between charges for me. I can plug my lightening cable in when the charge gets low and keep on working—same as the Magic Trackpad II.
[doublepost=1557501385][/doublepost]

There are some backlit wireless Apple iPad keyboards out there—I have one but, since I use it with my iPad, it didn't occur to me to make the recommendation.

These have clips to attach to an iPad but otherwise, the Mac versions have the layout you want—except that the fn key is replaced by one that calls up Siri (microphone icon). They go a few months without a charge if the backlight is off (the claim is a year but I can't verify that). With the backlight on, it depends on the intensity but I get a couple weeks at least. The size of the footprint depends on the iMac it's designed for. The clips fold into the depressions when not connected.

Mine is for my 12.9" iPad Pro but they have them for the complete line. Here's a link to the 9.7"
https://www.brydge.com/products/brydge-9-7-apple-ipad-keyboard

Come to think of it, there are a lot of iPad BT keyboards out there. Perhaps one of those others may just be the ticket.

thanks, good idea, will look into that!

EDIT: the brydge is for ios only, not mac os. and most of the 'ipad keyboards' on amazon are the same, or variations on, the 'tecknet' keyboard i already have.

i may just get the logitech, and call it a day...

 

[xgman]

the 811 is probably the bets bet. I have one but the magic keyboard seems more reliable for some reason. maybe the new MP will get a new keyboard, but I really doubt it.

 

[fisherking]

the 811 is probably the bets bet. I have one but the magic keyboard seems more reliable for some reason. maybe the new MP will get a new keyboard, but I really doubt it.

just curious; how is it less reliable? a pairing issue? or..? thanks

 

[alien3dx]

What? You might want to give Apple Support a call on that. Something's wrong.

The Magic Keyboard goes for about a month between charges for me. I can plug my lightening cable in when the charge gets low and keep on working—same as the Magic Trackpad II.
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macos bugs keyboard

 

[fisherking]

macos bugs keyboard

what does that mean? i get a loooong time with my magic keyboard 2; if something is wrong with yours, get help with it. it should last a long time on a single charge.

 

[macduke]

I just got an iMac Pro at work and I've never wanted a backlit keyboard more in my life after laying my eyes on that space gray/black beauty. I wonder if someone has hacked one together using keycaps from an older MBP and soldering in some tiny LEDs? Not sure if that would be compatible but 3D printers are also a thing.

 

[alien3dx]

what does that mean? i get a loooong time with my magic keyboard 2; if something is wrong with yours, get help with it. it should last a long time on a single charge.

not charging issue. The battery still got juice.

 

[fisherking]

not charging issue. The battery still got juice.

so what's the problem?....
[doublepost=1557525656][/doublepost]

I just got an iMac Pro at work and I've never wanted a backlit keyboard more in my life after laying my eyes on that space gray/black beauty. I wonder if someone has hacked one together using keycaps from an older MBP and soldering in some tiny LEDs? Not sure if that would be compatible but 3D printers are also a thing.

i wish. here's my plan: i'm going to carve out every letter of every key on my magic keyboard, then place candles under each one.

seriously, if i could rip my keyboard/trackpad from my 12" macbook.... that would be awesome for the imac.

 

[mikehalloran]

EDIT: the brydge is for ios only, not mac os.

and yet I am typing with it on my iMac right now.

The Brydge is a bluetooth keyboard. Really, they pair with Macs. Same as iMac wireless keyboards can be used with iOS.
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I just got an iMac Pro at work and I've never wanted a backlit keyboard more in my life after laying my eyes on that space gray/black beauty. I wonder if someone has hacked one together using keycaps from an older MBP and soldering in some tiny LEDs? Not sure if that would be compatible but 3D printers are also a thing.

I gave links in my first reply. Black backlit keyboards with number pads for the iMac are readily available.

The only issue is that the F3/4/5/6 keys will have to be remapped if System Preferences if you want to change to the current iMac keyboard.