Replacement for the Apple Wireless Keyboard?

[RedTheReader]

Hey all,

A few months ago, I managed to break 2 of the keys on my Apple Wireless Keyboard. Now, it still works, but those keys wiggle around and I figured it was about time to replace it anyway. I know the standard recommendation is the Apple Magic Keyboard, but I tried moving to that back in 2019 and didn't like how the key travel was noticeably shorter than on either the WK or the Magic Keyboards built into MacBooks. I also feel part of the tactility of the WK comes form its hollow wedge shape. I ended up giving the MK a family member who coincidentally returned it around the same time my old one broke. I'm typing this on it right now, and it's just not for me.

Another keyboard I had recommended to me that was nearly perfect was the Logitech Mx Keys Mini. That thing was nearly perfect; it even has that wedge shape I like. Unfortunately, it doesn't have dedicated brightness keys which I use pretty frequently with my monitor.

Does anyone know of a quality board out there like the old Wireless Keyboard or the Mx Keys Mini, just with a normal Mac function row? I think something with that one aspect fixed would be pretty much perfect for me.

Thanks!

 

[enricoclaudio]

If you don't mind mechanical keyboards, look at Keychron. They are macOS keyboards with identical layout as the Apple Magic Keys. They also offer a slim profile series that could be the right for you.

Low Profile Keyboard

Go ultra-slim with our Keychron low-profile mechanical keyboards.

www.keychron.com

 

[haruhiko]

The current version of the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID has more travel than the previous magic keyboard. So you may give it a try again at an Apple Store to help make your decision. It's more like the 2021 MacBook Pro keyboard.

 

[art-fanatic]

I have a two Mac setup and swapping the keyboard pairing between both was painful. I sold my magic keyboard and bought Logitech MX Keys for Mac. Never looked back. It has the best typing experience for a normal business user. Super quiet on conference calls and I never get fatigued. I also have it connected with the unifying receiver and it wakes the Mac much faster than Bluetooth would on the magic keyboard.

 

[haruhiko]

I have a two Mac setup and swapping the keyboard pairing between both was painful. I sold my magic keyboard and bought Logitech MX Keys for Mac. Never looked back. It has the best typing experience for a normal business user. Super quiet on conference calls and I never get fatigued. I also have it connected with the unifying receiver and it wakes the Mac much faster than Bluetooth would on the magic keyboard.

Thanks, it looks great, and with backlight. The only cons seems to be the lack of Touch ID.
Logitech's keyboard were always good in my past experience. By the way, how is the battery life?

 

[art-fanatic]

Thanks, it looks great, and with backlight. The only cons seems to be the lack of Touch ID.
Logitech's keyboard were always good in my past experience. By the way, how is the battery life?

It’s pretty good! Biggest drawback is no Touch ID. I have an Apple Watch that Auto Unlock’s one of my macs but the secondary is a work Mac and they have blocked this feature which is a shame. I usually reach over and use Touch ID on my MacBook’s keyboard or I just type the password.

The battery is awesome. I have probably charged it every 2 months so far. That’s with daily use for 8-10 hrs per day. It’s USBC which imo is better than lightning for a Mac peripheral.

 

[haruhiko]

It's very promising. Thanks!

 

[salamanderjuice]

You might want to check out the Vissles LP85 which is an optical mechanical keyboard in a similar style to the Magic keyboard. Also has a backlight. If you want Touch ID though your ONLY option is the Magic keyboard.

 

[mdwsta4]

Another vote for Logitech's MX Keys. Picked one up in April of 2020 once lockdowns began. Could not be happier. I have two machines (personal and work) and can use the same keyboard for both with a switch of a button. Backlight is nice, although I never really use it. Number pad is another plus. USB-C charging is convenient. I charge mine every 3-4 months with 8+ hours of use M-F and no backlit keys

 

[fishingfromakay]

I second what @mdwsta4 said, very happy with it.

 

[dizmonk]

Another vote for Logitech's MX Keys. Picked one up in April of 2020 once lockdowns began. Could not be happier. I have two machines (personal and work) and can use the same keyboard for both with a switch of a button. Backlight is nice, although I never really use it. Number pad is another plus. USB-C charging is convenient. I charge mine every 3-4 months with 8+ hours of use M-F and no backlit keys

I bought this one but it was a little too big. I'm going to the try the mini version.