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premierpark

macrumors member
Original poster
Nov 5, 2016
37
2
Hi everyone!


I need a keyboard for my M4 Mac Mini.
What’s important to me:


  • ISO layout
  • Slim design
  • Wireless connection

What do you think would be a good choice? One of Apple’s official keyboards, or maybe a product from another brand?


I really like the look of Apple’s official keyboards and the feel of the keystrokes.


Thanks a lot for your help!
 
If you can check out various ones on display that might help.

This is the Logitech combo that I'm using and it's been fine...
 
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Did you happen to post the same thread on Reddit? I'm quite certain I responded to the same question there. :)

If not, here's my answer. I own the Apple Magic Keyboard, the Logitech K750 (solar-powered), the Logitech K780, and the Logitech MX keys mini. Among these keyboards, the MX keys offer the best typing experience. It's simply a pleasure to type on. However, I alternate between the MX keys and the K780 because the K780 has the numeric keypad, which is convenient at times.
 
Hi everyone!


I need a keyboard for my M4 Mac Mini.
What’s important to me:


  • ISO layout
  • Slim design
  • Wireless connection

What do you think would be a good choice? One of Apple’s official keyboards, or maybe a product from another brand?


I really like the look of Apple’s official keyboards and the feel of the keystrokes.


Thanks a lot for your help!

I also recommend the Logitech MX Keys mini, as suggested in a previous reply. I currently use one and love it.


richmlow
 
For a premium experience, consider Keychron. I have a wired version and its the best keyboard I've ever owned.
 
First off, take a look at the Keyboard Discussion thread to get a list of options you might find useful. I'm not familiar with ISO specifically, but let's take a look at other things you mentioned.

1.) You said 'slim design.' To me, that says one of 2 things, or a combo. - a low-profile keyboard (thinner) or a more compact keyboard that gives up some keys to make it narrower horizontally and sometimes vertically (e.g.: a 75% keyboard, or even 60%).

2.) Wireless connection. There are 2 forms; Bluetooth and via a 2.4 GHz receiver. Often the latter is referred to as 'wireless,' even though Bluetooth is also a wireless technology. And with the 2.4 GHz receiver, you might pay attention to polling rate if you're into gaming.

A big question you need to decide on is membrane vs. mechanical, and if mechanical (a big rabbit hole to go down), do you want hot swappable switches and if so which?

That Nuphy Air75 V3 @xraydoc mentioned has been getting attention; Cameron Dougherty Tech has a video review on YouTube about it: NuPhy Air75 V3 Review: The Next Evolution of Low-Profile Keyboards

I really like the look of Apple’s official keyboards and the feel of the keystrokes.
I'm guessing you're talking about their membrane keyboards. Question...do you need this keyboard to operate only via Bluetooth for wireless connection, and only with one device?

If you want, oh, say, the keyboard to have 3 buttons you can hit to switch between 3 devices (e.g.: Mac, iPad, something else), then you're not buying Apple. On the other hand, if you want a touch I.D. finger print function on a keyboard, I understand Apple has a keyboard with that.
 
If you're okay with an older keyboard from Apple, you really can't go wrong with the Apple A1048. You could find one for under $30 on eBay, although you can get them for much cheaper if you're willing to retro bright and/or clean them up to work like new. They're also available in ISO layout as well, to my knowledge.

If you're on the market that feels more premium and new, and you really don't mind breaking the bank a bit, you can invest in a Topre keyboard. If you're willing to get used to a slightly quirky layout and go minimal in this regard, you can look into a HHKB.

1751298906387.png


If you want something with a full layout and the same key feel, look into just about any Realforce boards, although they're pretty pricey too. I like Realforce so much that I actually own three different boards from them. Still, if you type frequently, it's going to be extremely worthwhile, especially for something nice like an M4 Mac Mini. While ISO layouts for Topre boards in general are harder to come by, they still exist.

If you don't mind a clickier switch and a keyboard that feels like Apple might have designed it 20 years ago, there's also the Matias Tactile Pro. It has slider switches almost like the alps boards Apple used to make way back for older systems.
 
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