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Keyboard Compatibility (MERGED)

AVP_NEWB

AVP_NEWB

macrumors member
Original poster
Feb 3, 2024
47
92
I was bummed when I discovered on Friday that my 1st generation "magic keyboard" isn't compatible with the AVP.

I don't want to buy a Magic Keyboard with a lightning port in it. I liked lightning just fine, but with the transition to USB C already over, I don't want to need to carry yet another cable just for the keyboard.

Does anyone know how to figure out whether a particular 3rd party keyboard will be compatible or not?

TIA!
 
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EyeRiseCardioPhoneMount said:
They can't list every single keyboard under the compatible section. It works with any bluetooth keyboard
Click to expand...
Sadly(for me), this is not accurate. It does not work with any Bluetooth keyboard. The first generation Magic Keyboard is Bluetooth, and yes, it is the one with two AA batteries. But Apple’s documentation says it is not compatible, and that is also my experience when I try to pair it. I see a message in the AVP stating “incompatible”

What I’m hoping is that there’s some version of Bluetooth which guarantees compatibility. For example, “any keyboard that supports Bluetooth 5.0 or higher.” I just can’t find documentation of that anywhere.
 
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I use the 2nd gen Magic keyboard A1644 and works great.
IMG_1572.JPG
 
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I use a Logitech MX Keys for Mac with all of my Macs--full size numpad and 3 BT profiles for fast switching. If you're looking for something smaller and more portable, they make the MX Keys Mini for Mac.

MX Keys Mini for Mac

If you'd like to go even more minimal and use replaceable batteries, check out their PEBBLE KEYS 2 K380S.
 
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tbayrgs said:
I use a Logitech MX Keys for Mac with all of my Macs--full size numpad and 3 BT profiles for fast switching. If you're looking for something smaller and more portable, they make the MX Keys Mini for Mac.

MX Keys Mini for Mac

If you'd like to go even more minimal and use replaceable batteries, check out their PEBBLE KEYS 2 K380S.
Click to expand...
This from Apple:

”Most Bluetooth keyboards made by Apple and other manufacturers can connect to Apple Vision Pro. “

Maybe I’m over thinking this, and most keyboards really do work. I was just hoping that there was someway to determine that in advance before ordering.
 
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AVP_NEWB said:
This from Apple:

”Most Bluetooth keyboards made by Apple and other manufacturers can connect to Apple Vision Pro. “

Maybe I’m over thinking this, and most keyboards really do work. I was just hoping that there was someway to determine that in advance before ordering.
Click to expand...
From Apple:

"Apple Vision Pro isn't compatible with older models of Apple keyboards and trackpads that use removable batteries. Apple Vision Pro also isn't compatible with Bluetooth mice."
 
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Polinsky said:
From Apple:

"Apple Vision Pro isn't compatible with older models of Apple keyboards and trackpads that use removable batteries. Apple Vision Pro also isn't compatible with Bluetooth mice."
Click to expand...
Yes, this incompatibility was mentioned in my original post. My goal now is to figure out if there’s a way to determine whether-or-not a particular 3rd party keyboard is compatible. This might be based on some specification (bluetooth version, etc.).

At the present time Apple doesn’t appear to have any documentation on this. They just say “most should work”
 
AVP_NEWB said:
Yes, this incompatibility was mentioned in my original post. My goal now is to figure out if there’s a way to determine whether-or-not a particular 3rd party keyboard is compatible. This might be based on some specification (bluetooth version, etc.).

At the present time Apple doesn’t appear to have any documentation on this. They just say “most should work”
Click to expand...

So I doubt you are going to find a written answer, or it would be out there already. But I would think a reasonable guess would be to ask what protocol the current Magic Keyboard supports, and assume all those that follow that protocol will work. Probably best you are going to get.
 
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G5isAlive said:
So I doubt you are going to find a written answer, or it would be out there already. But I would think a reasonable guess would be to ask what protocol the current Magic Keyboard supports, and assume all those that follow that protocol will work. Probably best you are going to get.
Click to expand...
That's a good suggestion.

Of course when I check Apple's specs for what seems to be the oldest-compatible-magic-keyboard, there aren't any specific standards listed 🙃

Magic Keyboard - Technical Specifications - Apple Support

support.apple.com support.apple.com
 
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tbayrgs said:
I use a Logitech MX Keys for Mac with all of my Macs--full size numpad and 3 BT profiles for fast switching. If you're looking for something smaller and more portable, they make the MX Keys Mini for Mac.

MX Keys Mini for Mac

If you'd like to go even more minimal and use replaceable batteries, check out their PEBBLE KEYS 2 K380S.
Click to expand...

THIS!

Can't say enough about the MX Keys. I use the regular one (non Mac) because I share it with a PC.
 
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AVP_NEWB said:
Yes, this incompatibility was mentioned in my original post. My goal now is to figure out if there’s a way to determine whether-or-not a particular 3rd party keyboard is compatible. This might be based on some specification (bluetooth version, etc.).

At the present time Apple doesn’t appear to have any documentation on this. They just say “most should work”
Click to expand...
Have you tried any other Bluetooth keyboard, other than the one that we know will not work?
 
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Can confirm Logitech K380 works fine, is AA battery powered and cheap. I too refused to buy an apple keyboard with lightning. Another dumb move by Apple, what were they thinking not refreshing the keyboards and trackpads in the fall when the refreshed the iMacs?!?!?!?!?
 
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tbayrgs said:
Have you tried any other Bluetooth keyboard, other than the one that we know will not work?
Click to expand...
I would have, but the only bluetooth keyboard I had is the one that we know won‘t work 🙃
 
Last edited:
Thanks to all for the suggestions, especially the jqc’s confirmation that the Logitech keyboard was working OK.

I went and tried out a couple of the Logitech options at Best Buy, and I agree that the MX Mini is feels great. They were out of stock of all Mac versions of the Logitech keyboards, however.

So I just bought a used Magic Keyboard for $25 locally. I couldn’t stomach $100 for a new one with a lightning port, but for a quarter of that, this will get me by until Apple deigns to grace us with keyboard with USB C (maybe even a backlight? Dare to dream :D
 
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I'll be honest, I was a bit annoyed last night when I tried to connect my new Apple Vision Pro—the most expensive thing I've ever purchased—to my Apple Bluetooth Keyboard and it didn't work. The Vision Pro said "Device Not Supported".

To be clear, I'm not talking the Magic Keyboard. It's the Magic Keyboard's predecessor, the MC184LL/B. It takes AA batteries.

I realize it's not the latest and greatest Apple keyboard on the market. However, it is a standard Bluetooth keyboard, which works fine with non-Apple devices like my Windows PC. I don't understand why it wouldn't work.

Any ideas? Typing with my index finger is, uh, not great!
 
Wow. Thank you. But also, what the actual $#@%.

So a non-Apple bluetooth keyboard from a decade ago would work, but Apple keyboards specifically don't?

This is frankly infuriating.
 
So I've used two BT keyboards with my VP. Just bought this one from Logi as i prefer ergonomic keyboards. It's awesome too - three profiles so I can use it with my work laptop, MacBook Pro, and VP. The page up/down key area (the 6 keys there) don't work with it, but otherwise it works. I will say, there are times I type too fast for it for the VP. Don't have that issue with the laptops.

www.logitech.com

Logitech ERGO K860 Wireless Split Keyboard

Shop ERGO K860. Features ergonomic split design, palm rest cushioning, tilt legs, integrated num pad, Bluetooth & Unifying connectivity, up to 2 years battery life & more
www.logitech.com www.logitech.com

The other BT keyboard I initially used with it was from Microsoft. Got it about 5/6 years ago:

www.ebay.com

Microsoft GU5-00010 Universal Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard - Charcoal for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Microsoft GU5-00010 Universal Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard - Charcoal at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com

It worked well. Will use it when I travel.
 
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