Is the Touch ID Magic keyboard worth it?

[xraydoc]

So how do you qualify this extended Bluetooth Apple keyboard? Medium, Good, Very good, Excellent?

If you like the Apple laptop keyboards, they are very similar. For a membrane keyboard, I'd say it's one of the better ones.

Battery is decent. Depending on how much you use it, plan on charging once a month (occasional use) to once a week (daily all-day use).

I guess the round corner keys don't really bother me.

There's several companies that make nice trays and wrist rests if you like that kind of thing. One of my favorites is: https://grovemade.com/product/wood-keyboard-tray/?initial=448 (I've got the one for the smaller keyboard without the numpad). Make sure to select the correct model on the webpage.

 

[Cham2000]

If you like the Apple laptop keyboards, they are very similar. For a membrane keyboard, I'd say it's one of the better ones.

Battery is decent. Depending on how much you use it, plan on charging once a month (occasional use) to once a week (daily all-day use).

Well, I use my computer each day, for a pretty long period. Recharging the keyboard each week is a total turn-off! Can we use it permanently with the lightning cable to the USB-3 behind the Apple Studio display? Or is it better to hook it behind the mini M2 (on a TB port, since the other ports are USB A)?

 

[xraydoc]

Well, I use my computer each day, for a pretty long period. Recharging the keyboard each week is a total turn-off! Can we use it permanently with the lightning cable to the USB-3 behind the Apple Studio display? Or is it better to hook it behind the mini M2 (on a TB port, since the other ports are USB A)?

Don't quote me on the once a week. It was just a guesstimate. I charged mine maybe every three weeks.

You can leave it plugged in to any port you want. No need to use up a USB-C/TB port for the keyboard. It'll happily live on a USB-A port.

 

[VietKinh]

Question?

Can Touch ID be use for every single type of purchase and account sign-in? Can I use Touch ID with Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc. Can I use Touch ID with all types of sign in from Rakuten to Spotify or does it only work with Apple apps/accounts? If so, does this mean I never have to remember any of my passwords (for all types of accounts) ever again?

Lastly, is Touch ID available for any other keyboard beside Apple?

I have 4 things I look for in a keyboard. Mechanical (blue/red switches), volume knob, backlight, and finger scanner/Touch ID.

I can live without mechanical, but volume knob and backlight are crucial elements.

 

[meson]

TouchID is a nice feature, but the short answer to your question is NO. It is not the end of remembering passwords, etc.

TouchID integrates nicely with Safari, and will pull usernames and passwords for sites with a tap, but not in other browsers, unless I’ve missed some settings on my MBP. When installing apps, it seems hit or miss whether TouchID is triggered when requesting admin privileges, so I assume, either not all devs are using the appropriate API or some are using custom installers.

For me, I opted for the non-TouchID Magic Keyboard when I got my mini. I’d rather just rely on my Keychain, and my various browsers’ autocomplete features. For most admin requests that work with TouchID, I can use my AppleWatch and double click if I don’t feel like typing.

If you prefer mechanical, with backlights, and volume knobs, TouchID isn’t the game changing feature that will make you give them up.

 

[Gudi]

It’s important to notice that even without TouchID the rounded-corner Magic Keyboards require a fairly recent Mac desktop. For example no iMac without a Retina display will connect with the keyboard over Bluetooth, only over cable. This could mean the new keyboards work with Bluetooth Low Energy, which could mean, their battery might last even longer than the square-corner keyboards. The difference is probably more than just cosmetic.

 

[Cham2000]

I'm the one who started this thread. After almost two weeks with my mini M2 Pro and the Apple TouchID keyboard (black, extended version), I may now say that I'm very glad I selected this keyboard. The TouchID button is indeed very useful, and I couldn't live without it now! My only critics is the feel of the keys: The keys are a bit too low for my taste. I don't feel much the keys under my fingers. I prefer the touch of my very old Apple keyboard. Also, the lack of backlit keys is a bit deceiving. However, the various new keys and functions on the TouchID keyboard makes that keyboard really worth it!

 

[VietKinh]

I'm the one who started this thread. After almost two weeks with my mini M2 Pro and the Apple TouchID keyboard (black, extended version), I may now say that I'm very glad I selected this keyboard. The TouchID button is indeed very useful, and I couldn't live without it now! My only critics is the feel of the keys: The keys are a bit too low for my taste. I don't feel much the keys under my fingers. I prefer the touch of my very old Apple keyboard. Also, the lack of backlit keys is a bit deceiving. However, the various new keys and functions on the TouchID keyboard makes that keyboard really worth it!

The older wired Magic Keyboard has a little bit of a raise platform that I wish was carried over to this new one.

 

[Royksöpp]

You don’t even know how nice it is to barely touch the button and have your Mac unlocked instantly.

 

[VietKinh]

Touch ID is a great way to improve security and privacy options, and it works exceptionally well.

I am waiting for my Mac to get here before I buy the Magic Keyboard. It takes Apple Store 9 days to ship the Mac Mini M2.

 

[coolbreeze2]

Apple won't allow third-party manufacturers for keyboards with Touch ID. That I think is true. I searched all over the internet to find a third-party model and they don't exist. The price is too high and to not get a backlight and rechargeable battery.

 

[H_D]

Absolutely. Only wish there was AppleCare+ on these keyboards ;-).

 

[Pointillism]

I didn't go for the Touch ID keyboard when I upgraded my old Macbook (that had Touch ID) to my current Mac Studio setup and - while I do kind of miss having it - I don't miss it enough to justify spending money on yet another keyboard... I've already got more than enough of those lying around.

If Apple ever figures out a way to integrate Touch ID into an updated Magic Trackpad though, I'd definitely buy one of those.

 

[Fravin]

It’s important to notice that even without TouchID the rounded-corner Magic Keyboards require a fairly recent Mac desktop. For example no iMac without a Retina display will connect with the keyboard over Bluetooth, only over cable. This could mean the new keyboards work with Bluetooth Low Energy, which could mean, their battery might last even longer than the square-corner keyboards. The difference is probably more than just cosmetic.

Bear in mind that the one with touch id requires an M-powered-Mac to work out the fingerprint sensor. I'm not sure if one could connect it with Intel Macs, but the touch id button demands an M chip