Using Full Size Magic Keyboard and Trackpad

[rustyosaurus]

I've been using the smaller magic keyboard for over a decade along with the Magic Trackpad. I just bought the full size (with Num pad) magic and black trackpad. I love the way they look.

I used them briefly and don't really like having to stretch the extra 6 inches. I feel it in my shoulder.

Is this something you get used to?

 

[fwmireault]

I’ve had the previous space gray Magic Keyboard for a few years which was also offered only with the numpad, and the Magic Trackpad. I just switched to the new Magic Keyboard and trackpad. I’d like the extra space provided by the numpad (which I don’t use), but after a few years I don’t really think about it when reaching to the Magic Trackpad. You’ll probably get used to that, but I agree that a shorter black keyboard would be the best

 

[major77]

That's exactly why I'd never buy a full-size keyboard. I'd rather teach myself to use the trackpad left-handed than put it way out to the side like that.

 

[flapflapflap]

That's exactly why I'd never buy a full-size keyboard. I'd rather teach myself to use the trackpad left-handed than put it way out to the side like that.

I used to use to have the trackpad to the left of the smaller magic keyboard and my MX Master 2 on the right. I then moved to the Logi Tech Keyboard so I can toggle back and forth between my M1 Pro and Windows PC (work laptop) and it's too wide.

I did see that Logi came out with this which looks sharp but I really like the Touch ID feature on the magic keyboard. MX Keys Mini

 

[astrorider]

I've been using the smaller magic keyboard for over a decade along with the Magic Trackpad. I just bought the full size (with Num pad) magic and black trackpad. I love the way they look.

I used them briefly and don't really like having to stretch the extra 6 inches. I feel it in my shoulder.

Is this something you get used to?

I was in the same boat in 2020 when I got the full-size keyboard and Magic Trackpad after years of using Apple's smaller keyboards. I never used the number keys on the right side and it was frustrating to be constantly moving my hand so much further everytime I reached for the trackpad, not to mention fear of RSI for how often I use a computer. I liked the feel of the new keyboard, though, and the trackpad was fantastic.

While deciding what to do, I moved the trackpad on top of the number keys so the trackpad was a closer reach. It was on the right side of the arrow keys, so about half of the trackpad was on the number keys and half hanged off the right side of the keyboard. I had to put something under the right size of the trackpad so it would rest evenly and not depress any keys underneath (two coasters near the top and one at the bottom did the trick). Two years later I'm still using it like that. I can click the trackpad with no effect on the keys below. I'd buy the smaller wireless keyboard if they ever release one to match my black trackpad, but honestly this has worked fine for me.

 

[haruhiko]

I always buy the full size keyboard since I work in the finance field and sometimes I need to input quite a few numbers into spreadsheets. It also works better with Windows when I connect my Mac to my company’s VMWare remote.

 

[rustyosaurus]

I don't think I can get used to using the trackpad on the left side as I am right handed and have always used with my right hand. And really, I don't need the full sized keyboard. I just like the way it looks. I'll probably send back the full size keyboard and black trackpad and just get the white version. It doesn't clash with the Studio/Studio Display. Hopefully, at some point they will release a small Touch ID keyboard with black keys.

 

[flapflapflap]

I'm handicapped because I have a windows PC for work. It's nice to use Logi Tech's keyboard to go back and forth between the PC and my Mac. If not for work, I'd get the black Touch ID keyboard with numeric pad.

 

[appleuserindc]

I don't think I can get used to using the trackpad on the left side as I am right handed and have always used with my right hand. And really, I don't need the full sized keyboard. I just like the way it looks. I'll probably send back the full size keyboard and black trackpad and just get the white version. It doesn't clash with the Studio/Studio Display. Hopefully, at some point they will release a small Touch ID keyboard with black keys.

I'm so happy I found this thread. I do like the look of the black keys but I don't need the numeric keypad and I spend most of my time on the trackpad and don't want it so far away. Glad to hear I made the right choice with the smaller keyboard. The white keys are fine -- they match the silver aluminum and in fact have been the standard for years.

 

[rustyosaurus]

I ended up returning the full size keyboard with black keys and black trackpad for the smaller sized one. For one, it was harder to see the keys in the dark, but the main reason is my fingerprints showed up like an oil slick and that drove me nuts. I'm sure my fingerprints are on the white version too - you just can't see them as well.

I also decided that since I use a MacBook Air some of the time that it's best to have the same keyboard for both.