I bought the Magic Keyboard and it's okay, but it doesn't really match the feel of the MacBook Pro keyboard, which I much prefer. I don't think it has anything to do with the keys, but rather the weight and solidness of the MacBook Pro. The Magic Keyboard just feels cheap and flimsy, and I wish there was something more solid. Is there anyone out there that makes a more hefty keyboard? I wish Apple would just remove the cheap plastic bottom of the Magic Keyboard and make the whole thing aluminum for the extra heft.
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Is there a Mac keyboard that mimics the feel of the MacBook Pro keyboard?
- Thread starter Admiral Fart
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I was looking at apple magic keyboard Vs Logitech MX keys, and ended up going with mx keys. It has THE best feel and i think it’s the closest to the MBP keyboard, and you can use it with 3 devices, and is backlit. Couldn’t be happier with it!
Have you seen the "Logitech MX Keys Mini for Mac". It looks sharp. I knew about the MX Keys but didn't know they made a smaller one. If I get a mini that looks like what I'll go with!
I would love to get that MX Keys Mini... Unfortunately, unlike the full size MX Keys they messed around with the functions on the FKey row and insist on putting the stupid Function key in the bottom left of the keyboard. I hate that.
Beyond that, I've gotten so used to having TouchID on the Apple keyboard that I just can't imagine using any keyboard that doesn't have it. But if I did, the MX Keys (full size or mini) would be the only one I would consider.
Isn't that what's on the Mac keyboard? I have an "fn" key on my bottom left that is set by default to launch emojis.
TouchID would be the one sticking point. I kind of fell in love with it on my iMac and love it on my Air. It's just so easy to log in without having to type in a password and also works with Apple pay.
Yes, and I hate using the built-in keyboard if I don't have to on my MBPro.
You wouldn't think you would get so attached to the feature, but it's amazing how many times per day I use it.
I think the Apple Wireless Keyboard (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Wireless_Keyboard), which predated the Magic Keyboard, comes fairly close to the feel of my 2014 MBP; and the keyboards on the 2014/15 MBP's are considered by many to be the best Apple has ever put in a laptop (even a bit better than on the current models, since I think they have a bit more key travel).
I have the 3rd gen (Apple Wireless Keyboard MC184LL/A Model A1314), but you might want to consider the 4th gen (Apple Wireless Keyboard MC184LL/B Model A1314), since the batteries run out quickly, and that last model is chargeable.
These can be had on Ebay for ~$20 and $30, respectively.
The one thing I don't like, about both my MBP's keyboard and the fairly similar Apple Wireless Keyboard, is that, as nice as they are, they require a bit more force to press than I prefer (I like a really soft, no-effort press to avoid fatigue), so I got one of the much-beloved (and now discontinued) Logitech K811's, which are designed for Macs. This also has a bit more key travel than on the MBP/Wireless, which I prefer as well. They run about $50 on Ebay:
I have the 3rd gen (Apple Wireless Keyboard MC184LL/A Model A1314), but you might want to consider the 4th gen (Apple Wireless Keyboard MC184LL/B Model A1314), since the batteries run out quickly, and that last model is chargeable.
These can be had on Ebay for ~$20 and $30, respectively.
The one thing I don't like, about both my MBP's keyboard and the fairly similar Apple Wireless Keyboard, is that, as nice as they are, they require a bit more force to press than I prefer (I like a really soft, no-effort press to avoid fatigue), so I got one of the much-beloved (and now discontinued) Logitech K811's, which are designed for Macs. This also has a bit more key travel than on the MBP/Wireless, which I prefer as well. They run about $50 on Ebay:
Logitech K811 920-004161 Wireless Keyboard for sale online | eBay
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I also use it to fast user switch between personal and work user accounts. You can register a separate finger for each: my index finger is for my main account and my middle finger (hah) is for my work account. Pressing down to read the corresponding fingerprint switches immediately to the other account. It's a nice little timesaver.
Can't say it exactly matches the current MBP keyboards, but one that I like, and have gotten good feedback from other users is:
Excellon USB C Mac keyboard
Beyond the very nice, solid keys, I like the USB C plug + USB A hub built in. Have not found a better corded USB C keyboard with Mac keys.
Installed about 35 of these on M1 iMacs in labs, and they have held up well to abuse. 2 were DOA out of the box (weird key repeats, or dead keys) but were quickly replaced without issue by B&H. Likely a bad part or productions run, as none of the others have failed with over a year of moderate lab use.
Excellon USB C Mac keyboard
Beyond the very nice, solid keys, I like the USB C plug + USB A hub built in. Have not found a better corded USB C keyboard with Mac keys.
Installed about 35 of these on M1 iMacs in labs, and they have held up well to abuse. 2 were DOA out of the box (weird key repeats, or dead keys) but were quickly replaced without issue by B&H. Likely a bad part or productions run, as none of the others have failed with over a year of moderate lab use.