Buy or Wait: Magic Keyboard w/ Touch ID & Magic Trackpad?

[Robdmb]

I'm considering picking up a Magic Keyboard w/ Touch ID (number pad version) and a Magic Trackpad. Is it worth picking up now or should I wait for an inevitable USB-C version?

Also, if you have an Apple Watch, is the Touch ID still a big benefit? Or does it simply provide another means of things that can already be unlocked with the watch?

Thanks!

 

[YatBob]

In my opinion Touch ID is a benefit because unlock with watch is intermittent, may work but a lot of times does not work

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

I'm considering picking up a Magic Keyboard w/ Touch ID (number pad version) and a Magic Trackpad. Is it worth picking up now or should I wait for an inevitable USB-C version?

If you want my take, just buy a Magic Keyboard second hand. Touch ID is convenient but it's not worth the extra $50 they're demanding, for an already overpriced keyboard.

A retailer I shop at frequently called Discount Electronics sometimes has Magic Keyboards available for purchase. I got two Magic Keyboards from them for $50 each. They also have old Wired USB Mac layout keyboards too. https://discountelectronics.com/apple-products?sort=NEWEST#

Also, if you have an Apple Watch, is the Touch ID still a big benefit? Or does it simply provide another means of things that can already be unlocked with the watch?

Thanks!

While some say Touch ID would be better than the Apple Watch unlock, most of the times especially when I have my Macbook Pro in desktop mode I just use the Apple Watch to unlock it. It's ultimately just convenience at a premium, and in my opinion not worth the extra they're charging, especially if you want the extended keyboard with a keypad as having that with Touch ID costs $200!!!!!!

Which brings me to my main point: You don't have to get the Magic Keyboard. There's other alternatives out there for about the same price as it that are higher quality mechanical keyboards.

• There's the Mathias Pro which uses Alps Switches and has extra USB-A ports on it. Essentially a modern throwback to classic iconic Apple II keyboards. http://matias.ca/tactilepro4/
• There's the Keychron Q1 which is an amalgamation of Windows and Mac layout with a switch to switch between the two, and can be fully customized should you choose. https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-q1
• There's the Vissles LP85 that's an ultra thin mechanical if prefer a thin industrial design like the Magic Keyboard. https://vissles.com/products/vissles-lp85-low-profile-mechanical-keyboard
• And lastly is the NuPhy Air75 that's really cheap but light, wireless, and feels and sounds great https://nuphy.com/products/air75

To see (and hear) these great keyboards in action see Mac Address' video on alternative keyboards for Mac users.