Keyboard Discussion

[drrich2]

How badly do you want one? First, I went to SkinIt's site and they do ship internationally:
Production time of 2 - 3 business days.
International shipping takes 10–14 business days.
I can't imagine that international shipping is 'free,' though.

So I went to Amazon UK online and entered some postal code for part of London to see what can be shipped there. While the offerings weren't immediately all that enticing, I found some interesting things.

XSKN Final Cut Pro EU US Common Version Silicone Keyboard Cover Skin for 2020-2023 Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad A2520 (Left 3 Keys Not Suite for 2024 New One Model) This one's for Final Cut Pro users.

XSKN Shortcuts and Languages Silicone Keyboard Cover Skin Compatible with Apple 2021 iMac M1 Chip Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad A2520 Accessories (EU&US Version, Premiere Pro) Has short cuts for some app.s. Even if that's not a big draw, still a splash of color.

Silicone Keyboard Cover Skin for 2017/2018 Apple iMac Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (Model:MQ052LL/A A1843), US Layout, Peony 5 Different options.

Cute Keyboard Cover Skin for 2021 Apple iMac Magic Keyboard (Model: A2520) with Numeric Keypad and Touch ID, Silicone Keyboard Protector, US Layout, Cute Bunny

Keyboard Cover Skin for Apple iMac Magic Keyboard MLA22LL/ A (Model: A1644), Silicone Skin Protector with Pattern & Big Letter Design, US Layout, Cute Cat

Ultra Thin Silicone Full Size Wireless Bluetooth Numeric Keyboard Cover Skin for iMac Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad MQ052LL/A A1843 2017 2018 Release US Layout(Van Gogh Starry Sky)

Silicone Keyboard Cover Skin for 2017/2018 Apple iMac Wireless Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad MQ052LL/A(Model: A1843), Cute Print, US Layout, Bohemian

Colorful Keyboard Cover Skin for 2023 2021 Apple iMac 24 Inch Magic Keyboard M3 Chip/M1 Chip with Touch ID, Ultra Thin Keyboard Skin for 2024 2023 2022 2021 iMac 24 Model A2449 Protective Accessories

I didn't find the sheer range of options for compelling, often 'edgy' designs/colors/patterns, so if the UK buyer has options comparable to the U.S. without resorting to international shipping, I didn't uncover that. But you do have options.

Oddly, it seemed easier to find options for Magic Keyboards for iPads, and for Apple laptop keyboards - check this out, with many options to choose from:

Laptop Cover Compatible with New MacBook Air 13 inch with Retina Display Touch ID Model M1 A2337 A2179 A1932 Released in 2020 2019 2018, Protective Hard Shell Case & Keyboard Cover, Pink Gold

I use a similar decorative hard shell + soft keyboard overlay on my old 2017 12" MacBook, and like it fine.

Note: QSkinz even has their product made in the U.K., and they make skins for MacBooks and iPads, but I don't see that they do Apple Magic Keyboard (for desktop Macs) skins. Might be worth shooting them an e-mail. They have the gripping, edgy looking stuff.

 

[drrich2]

Couple of updates, in case anybody runs across this thread researching options.

The Lofree Flow has been a well-reviewed mechanical keyboard; now they have an Edge model, said to be the thinnest, lightest mechanical keyboard they've made.

Nuphy recently announced pre-order availability for the Nuphy Air75 v3.

 

[xraydoc]

Couple of updates, in case anybody runs across this thread researching options.

The Lofree Flow has been a well-reviewed mechanical keyboard; now they have an Edge model, said to be the thinnest, lightest mechanical keyboard they've made.

Nuphy recently announced pre-order availability for the Nuphy Air75 v3.

If the Air75v3 sounds anything like the Kick75 low-profile, then it will be a really nice keyboard. It uses the same Gateron low-profile 3.0 switches that the Kick75 LP does (and the now discontinued Nuphy Nos75). I've got a Kick75 LP that Nuphy sent me for evaluation, and it sounds and feels really good. Most low-profile keyboards leave a lot to be desired in the sound & feel department, but the Kick75 really improves on Nuphy's prior low-profile keyboards — I'm sure the new switches, which of course aren't compatible with Gateron LP 2.0 or 1.0 switches, have a lot to do with it.

I've never used a LoFree model. I hear good things about them, but I've not had the opportunity to use one, though I prefer keyboards that use VIA or another web-based configuration tool like Keychron's Launcher or Nuphy's NuphyIO rather than a proprietary app since I can't install anything on my work computers (IT has them locked to admin access and all that).

 

[drrich2]

Most low-profile keyboards leave a lot to be desired in the sound & feel department

This is a frustrating aspect of (mainly mechanical) keyboard shopping - the 'feel' (a mix of key cap travel distance when depressed, resistance to press, whether there's a tactile emphasis during the press, sound intensity and quality) is important but hard to quantify and compare.

YouTube videos can compare keyboard sound to a point, but that is dependent on their microphone setup. It doesn't tell me how it'd sound to me if I were typing on it.

Going off review and comments testimonials and the limited idea gleaned from YouTube videos and written descriptions is what many people are stuck with. The one exception is if you can type on a display model at a retail location (e.g.: Logitech MX Keys Mechanical at OfficeMax), but you likely won't get much variety to compare, and who likely is a retailer to have a Keychron out, much less a Nuphy or Lofree?

I don't live in a large city. Is what I just described pretty much a universal, or does anyone know a major retailer likely to have some of these out to type on? BestBuy is out of the way for me, but I could get to one if I wanted to.

 

[xraydoc]

This is a frustrating aspect of (mainly mechanical) keyboard shopping - the 'feel' (a mix of key cap travel distance when depressed, resistance to press, whether there's a tactile emphasis during the press, sound intensity and quality) is important but hard to quantify and compare.

YouTube videos can compare keyboard sound to a point, but that is dependent on their microphone setup. It doesn't tell me how it'd sound to me if I were typing on it.

Going off review and comments testimonials and the limited idea gleaned from YouTube videos and written descriptions is what many people are stuck with. The one exception is if you can type on a display model at a retail location (e.g.: Logitech MX Keys Mechanical at OfficeMax), but you likely won't get much variety to compare, and who likely is a retailer to have a Keychron out, much less a Nuphy or Lofree?

I don't live in a large city. Is what I just described pretty much a universal, or does anyone know a major retailer likely to have some of these out to type on? BestBuy is out of the way for me, but I could get to one if I wanted to.

Unfortunately, for many keyboards, it has to be a buy, ship, try & return process. Like you said, most good keyboards aren't available anywhere at retail. I will only buy if I know I'm not going to return it or if returns will be a simple process (like with Amazon). Otherwise, one has to try to unload a disliked keyboard on eBay or Reddit or someplace.

 

[TheIntruder]

It should go without saying that keyboards, like other input peripherals, are highly subjective; one size does not fit all. Preferences change as well.

Coming from a background of having learned to type on a mechanical typewriter, my hall of fame would include the IBM Selectric typewriters, which were the kings of their day.

Then the renown Apple Extended I and II with their Alps switches (linear and clicky, respectively); solid, sturdy pieces of quality hardware. Though with prices to match. Their $150 EDU price in the late 80s would be over $400 today.

After that, I wasn't a fan of the keyboards produced during the membrane era. The Apple Design Keyboard was a cheaper imitation of its predecessors, but the worst were the translucent-era keyboards, whose switches tended to become sticky when they aged. Along with the round mouse, not a proud period for Apple input peripherals. Alternatives that tried to fill the gap, like the Matias Tactile Pro, fell short of their promises, with high prices and so-so build quality.

However, the tide changed with the Aluminum era. The simply named "Apple Keyboard" without or without numeric pad, were sleek, compact, proved to be durable, and to me didn't sacrifice good feel for a low-profile form factor. Also very reasonably priced for an Apple product. They are what converted me to membranes and compact, low-profile form factors.

The desire for wireless, and the backlighting that Apple has failed to offer on a desktop keyboard, lead me to the MX Keys.

Logi hardware runs the gamut. Their high-end stuff can be very good, and I'd include the MXK in that class. Traditionally, their software, and the countless incarnations for each line/model/type, has been pretty bad, and not something you'd want interfacing, and often interfering with the OS. Thankfully, the MXK doesnt sacrifice much functionality without it. The current Options+ software seems like a straightforward, and lightweight solution, but history teaches one to be wary.

The renaissance of the mechanical keyboard market has been welcome, and offers many options. Almost too many if one doesn't want to make it a hobby.

I bought the Nuphy Air75, and liked it, but not enough to keep it, or try to adjust to it. I also realized that I missed the numeric keypard more than I expected. But, if/when this MXK fails, I'd certainly consider the Air96, or something similar.

I have also tried the Keychron Q-series, and the all-metal construction reminds me of old school hardware, in the good ways. I have no issues going back to mechanical keyboard, but the tall form factor, and need for a cluttering wrist pad are deterrents, as well as the orientation of the lighting making it more difficult to illuminate the glyphs, not just the gaps.

During the period when membranes ruled, it was pretty bleek for those seeking a quality keyboard, but thankfully, we're now spoiled for options.

 

[drrich2]

Most low-profile keyboards leave a lot to be desired in the sound & feel department, but the Kick75 really improves on Nuphy's prior low-profile keyboards — I'm sure the new switches, which of course aren't compatible with Gateron LP 2.0 or 1.0 switches, have a lot to do with it.

I've been wondering about that. On the one hand, low profile mechanical keyboards may have less sound dampening capability; on the other, it seems many users LIKE the racket they make. Then a couple of days ago I got an e-mail from Nuphy about their upcoming Air75 vs. 3, with some interesting tidbits:

"

🚩Extended Travel Distance: The Feel of High-Profile in a Low-Profile Design​

Compared to the Nano Switch 2.0, the Nano Switch 3.0 has an increased total travel distance of 3.5mm. This longer stroke helps distribute key pressure, greatly enhancing comfort for heavy users.​

"

I would've though the low travel distance of membrane keyboards would result in shorter time to depress a key, letting the fingers whip across the keyboard faster, and from what I understand some people type a tad faster on them. But we have praise for greater travel distance as a good thing.

And on the noise front, this: "

🚩Blush Switch: A Silent Masterpiece​

The Blush Nano (Silent) stands out as the silent variant of the Nano Switch 3.0, featuring a unique combination of materials and an innovative sound-dampening structure. Silent Operation: Built-in silicone dampers minimize both internal and external noise. Enhanced Typing Experience: Ensures key stability while providing lighter and more dynamic feedback. Ideal Application: Perfect for offices, co-working spaces, and other quiet environments.

"

A key question is how the keyboard with Blush switches will compare in noise to, say, membrane keyboards. And how the user base will react.

 

[xraydoc]

A key question is how the keyboard with Blush switches will compare in noise to, say, membrane keyboards. And how the user base will react.

I am not a fan of silent switches. I've tried them, but I find I need auditory feedback as well to increase my typing accuracy. Sometimes I can feel when I mash a neighboring key by mistake. Other times I hear when I do it. I prefer both tactile and auditory feedback.

 

[drrich2]

Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard For Macs - MelGeek O2 - Mac Keys and Cool Design

That links to a YouTube video by Craig Neidel posted May 15, 2025. Just now on Amazon, $129 with Prime shipping available.

I watched his review today, and thought it was good! A few things caught my attention:

1.) Low profile 75% mechanical keyboard with gasket mount hot-swappable linear switches that can connect by cable, Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless receiver. User adjustable multi-option backlighting. From the Amazon product page, a bit about the switches:

"

• Exclusive Sunlight Switches --- Custom Kailh Sunlight Switch brings pleasing acoustics. Smooth 45g linear actuation, quieter than Cherry MX Reds. Gasket mount + 5-layer dampening, suitable for office, study, and meetings.

"

2.) He indicated it's made specifically for Mac, and while you can use with Windows, the function keys do what they're supposed to with Macs, which he hasn't found to be the case with a number of other non-Apple keyboards.

3.) He mentioned it was made with 'super low latency' and can wake your Mac from sleep instantly. He indicated it's not very loud (the sound on his video sounded nice to me).

4.) Thought to have a strong rechargeable battery that can go a long time between charges.

-------------

Now here's what really caught my eye and led me to add it to this thread. One of the things Apple's keyboard competitors often have over it regarding wireless keyboards is they can often connect to more than 1 device via Bluetooth and (in various ways) toggle between them, whereas Apple's (far as I know) cannot. Neidel noted the MelGeek O2 can connect to a 'whole bunch of different devices' - he thought 8 or 9; I went to the Amazon product page and dug around - it said the keyboard has '8 channels,' so I'm guessing it can switch between 8 devices?

I've dealt with a few non-Apple low profile wireless non-mechanical keyboards, and they generally handled 3 devices via Bluetooth. But think about what a user might have:

1.) Personal desktop Mac.
2.) Notebook computer - whether Windows or Mac, personal or work computer.
3.) iPad.
4.) iPhone.

It's not hard to exceed a 3 Bluetooth device limit.

Aesthetics are a matter of personal taste; Neidel was impressed with it, you do you.

If you want a quality wireless mechanical keyboard that can switch between multiple Bluetooth devices without requiring you to change the pairing often, this sounds like a worthy contender.

 

[ascender]

I really to switch to a non-Apple keyboard but losing touchid would be a big compromise for me. I remember reading about various hacks people had done, from attaching a Magic Keyboard upside down to the bottom of their desk, to disassembling one, removing the sensor and putting it in a 3d printed case.

Has anyone done something like this yet who could recommend an easy way to switch keyboards and retain touchid?

 

[Daydog]

How come the switch? I really like my Magic keyboard with touch id.

 

[MacGizmo]

I thought I would miss Touch ID when I switched to a Logitech keyboard and mouse, but as it turns out I didn't miss it as much as I thought I would. Virtually everything automatically fills passwords, and the Apple Passwords app does the rest. Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE to have the feature back, but not if I have to use an Apple keyboard or mouse again.

 

[Daydog]

Touch ID comes into its own specially when computer asleep no need for password....

 

[drrich2]

Touch ID comes into its own specially when computer asleep no need for password....

I thought I read an Apple Watch can be set to unlock your Mac in close proximity. If so, how useful is Touch ID on the keyboard for Apple Watch owners?

 

[MacGizmo]

I thought I read an Apple Watch can be set to unlock your Mac in close proximity. If so, how useful is Touch ID on the keyboard for Apple Watch owners?

That feature works about 95% of the time for me. Sometimes it just doesn't work, even though I'm sitting just inches from the Mac. But it's not just about unlocking the Mac. It also approves log-ins via apps, which can be a pain sometimes for one reason or another.

Touch ID is really nice and quite handy. But it's also easy enough to live without it.

 

[xraydoc]

That feature works about 95% of the time for me. Sometimes it just doesn't work, even though I'm sitting just inches from the Mac. But it's not just about unlocking the Mac. It also approves log-ins via apps, which can be a pain sometimes for one reason or another.

Touch ID is really nice and quite handy. But it's also easy enough to live without it.

And if you want to live with a little reduced security (but with some obscurity), on most quality mechanical keyboards you can set persistent macros... program one with your password. A quick press of Fn-<key> can unlock your computer, authorize logins, etc., and is actually faster than TouchID. Though don't do this if your Mac is accessible to others or in a shared office space.

 

[Scottish_Scrooge]

Any views on the typing experience between the Apple Magic Keyboard and the original apple keyboard (the one with the batteries). I keep trying to talk myself into upgrading but not sure there will be any benefit.

 

[MacGizmo]

... program one with your password.

I hadn't considered doing that. Great idea!

 

[xraydoc]

I hadn't considered doing that. Great idea!

I have to enter my password at work sometimes upwards of 200 times per day. And the password is not particularly short or easy to type. And of course, it's not visible when typing it, so if I make a fat-fingered mistake somewhere in the middle, I have to delete the whole thing and start again). I use a Nuphy Air75v2 and a Nuphy Air75HE as portable keyboards at work (depending on my mood; each has a different set of keycaps) that I bring with me, programmed with my password and several other handy macros. Saves me a good 15+ minutes per day, not to mention my sanity when having to type my password so many times... then again if I make a typo...

 

[JPIndustrie]

I will say I just upgraded my old AA battery-powered Apple keyboard (from around I want to say 2010) to the latest full-size Magic Keyboard (w/ touch ID) and so far I am loving the upgrade. I also checked out all the latest mechanical keyboards and while they were satisfying in their own way only the Apple keyboard typed like my older one. Also the rechargeability and not having to stand up to reach the Touch ID sensor on the laptop is pretty awesome.

 

[Scottish_Scrooge]

I will say I just upgraded my old AA battery-powered Apple keyboard (from around I want to say 2010) to the latest full-size Magic Keyboard (w/ touch ID) and so far I am loving the upgrade. I also checked out all the latest mechanical keyboards and while they were satisfying in their own way only the Apple keyboard typed like my older one. Also the rechargeability and not having to stand up to reach the Touch ID sensor on the laptop is pretty awesome.

How big a difference is the typing experience between the two? Is it noticeable?

 

[Big_D]

I live in Germany and the biggest problem with Apple layouts is that the "special" symbols aren't even printed on the keyboard! []|{} for example aren't printed anywhere, you are supposed to know that they are on Option+5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, which is different from Windows layouts, which are generally printed on third-party keyboards - Alt-Gr + 8, 9, <>, 7 and 0 respectively! (<> is next to the left shift in Germany, although Apple often swaps this out with the ^° key, which is left of the 1 key and below Esc for no apparent reason (I am currently using a Perrix keyboard and when it is connected with cable, the two keys (and only those 2) are reversed, but when I connect it via Bluetooth, macOS swaps them back to their correct locations!)

Any grievances with the keyboard layout aside, I have used ergonomic keyboards since the mid-90s, starting with the Microsoft Natural, and I have used every version since. The quality of the keyboards has deteriorated over the years. The Surfance Ergonomic looks lovely, but it uses the scrabble tile keys on a membrane and, whilst the positioning of the keys is good, it feels spongy and the travel is too short.

A few months ago, I stumbled across the Perrix Periboard 835 series, which is available as a cabled compact (with cursor block, but no Num Pad) or a full sized keyboard either cabled or Bluetooth (and BT also includes LED backlighting in various colours, but only the BT version). What was really interesting with the keyboards is that they use mechanical switches in Red (with noise reduction, linear), Brown (tactile) and Blue (clicky) variants.

I went with the reds and I have to say, it is one of the best keyboards I've used in recent years and the best ergonomic keyboard since the original Natural ca. 1995.

 

[MacGizmo]

How big a difference is the typing experience between the two? Is it noticeable?

VERY noticeable, in my opinion. I really like the newer Apple keyboards in comparison to the older ones. But then, I even liked those butterfly key versions that everyone was all up in arms about.

That being said, I use a Logitech Mechanical Keyboard and love it. I wouldn't consider switching back to the Apple Magic Keyboard – at least not the ones they currently sell. Perhaps if they release a new version with different key travel and key backlighting I would buy one just to try.