Wired keyboard for 2011 Mac Pro

[Ravich]

I have a 2011 Mac Pro, and as is expected, wireless mice and keyboards are a nightmare with it. I'd imagine this is partially just because of the aluminum casing, but it also seems like the USB controller (or something) is having issues because occasionally one of the ports (different ones on front or back, not consistent) will just stop working and I'll have to swap ports.

Anyways, I was wondering if anyone has recommendations for *wired* keyboards and mice. I was looking at super basic options on amazon and realized I couldnt seem to find any options that have a USB port on the keyboard (so that I only need one port on my mac pro for the keyboard and the wired mouse can then plug into the keyboard)

Is there a term for this? Anyway, figured other Mac Pro owners might have experienced similar issues so I thought I'd ask.

 

[pb69]

I have a 2011 Mac Pro, and as is expected, wireless mice and keyboards are a nightmare with it. I'd imagine this is partially just because of the aluminum casing, but it also seems like the USB controller (or something) is having issues because occasionally one of the ports (different ones on front or back, not consistent) will just stop working and I'll have to swap ports.

Anyways, I was wondering if anyone has recommendations for *wired* keyboards and mice. I was looking at super basic options on amazon and realized I couldnt seem to find any options that have a USB port on the keyboard (so that I only need one port on my mac pro for the keyboard and the wired mouse can then plug into the keyboard)

Is there a term for this? Anyway, figured other Mac Pro owners might have experienced similar issues so I thought I'd ask.

I use a MACALLY ICEKEY2. It is the best keyboard I've ever used. I recommend buying one of the current MACALLY's from Amazon.

 

[theluggage]

Anyways, I was wondering if anyone has recommendations for *wired* keyboards and mice.

Sadly, the wonderful Apple aluminium wired keyboard with numeric keypad (& two USB ports built in, perfect for a wireless mouse dongle) was discontinued in the summer in favour of a (not quite so nice IMO) wireless version. If you can find one of those... (unless you're a die-hard long travel key fan).

 

[pl1984]

Sadly, the wonderful Apple aluminium wired keyboard with numeric keypad (& two USB ports built in, perfect for a wireless mouse dongle) was discontinued in the summer in favour of a (not quite so nice IMO) wireless version. If you can find one of those... (unless you're a die-hard long travel key fan).

Plenty of them still available from Amazon and Ebay (though likely used).

On another note anyone have any experience with the Magic Keyboard (the wireless version referred to) being bowed? I've purchased two in the past month and both have had some bowing in them.

 

[William Payne]

I still use the wired apple keyboard, great keyboard no problems. I still use the wired mouse, which is actually a great little mouse and if not for the ball getting gunked up now and then would be perfect as I actually love the balls 360 degree range of movement.

As for the original poster, there are a bunch of options but it depends on what you want as far as keys and aesthetics. (As in appley styling or more generic looking and mechanical keys or butterfly.

 

[h9826790]

For wired keybaord. I use the Apple wired full size keyboard since day one, so no other experience, but a quick search in Amazon give me this result.

https://www.amazon.com/Macally-Wire...&qid=1511600153&sr=8-4&keywords=mac+keyboards

If you want some better keyboard, e.g. with backlight, then this one seems pretty good

https://www.amazon.com/Azio-Mechani...qid=1511600325&sr=8-22&keywords=mac+keyboards

If you really want a Mac keyboard with USB port, and not the Apple one. I found this one.

https://www.amazon.com/Matias-Tacti...qid=1511601494&sr=8-35&keywords=mac+keyboards

Anyway, I use Magic Mouse (1st gen) since it was released, I experienced some interference, and tried few different solutions.

1) stop using 2.4GHz Wifi, this is important. If it's a must, manually select the higher channel (e.g. channel 11 or 13 etc) avoid the small number channel.

2) If you are still using the stock BT card, then you can simply plug in a $5 USB dongle to replace it (need to activate via BT Explorer, which is a free software from Apple available in the developer page). Since the USB antenna now is "external", it should have better reception, or you can use a USB extension cable, etc to make the USB dongle closer to the mouse.

3) If you have an upgraded Wifi ac / BT 4.0 card, and you prefer to keep that "native" BT 4.0 for Handoff etc. You may use a IPX -> SMA extension cable, and attach a SMA antenna onto it. Then you can place the antenna anywhere you want. e.g. in my case, the black 10cm long antenna is just few inch away from the mouse. With this external antenna, my $20 BT headset can play music 20 feet away from the Mac without any issue. The mouse of course can work properly.

Last but not least, all my native USB 2.0 port is very reliable, never have any issue. Not sure if your issue is the USB ports problem, or the USB devices' issue, or software crash.

By considering the Apple keyboard is relatively expensive and offer no extra function except that 2x USB ports. I prefer spend less money to get a USB hub, and then you can connect any keyboard, mouse, dongle onto it. USB 2.0 hub is really cheap nowadays.

 

[JesterJJZ]

My favorite keyboard is still the Acrylic and white ones. I bought a lot of like 12 of them from a college, should last me long enough!

 

[Squuiid]

On another note anyone have any experience with the Magic Keyboard (the wireless version referred to) being bowed? I've purchased two in the past month and both have had some bowing in them.

Yep, they all do this. Terrible design by Apple. Pathetic really.

 

[pl1984]

Yep, they all do this. Terrible design by Apple. Pathetic really.

Thanks. After the first one I thought about checking the next one. Then thought to myself "What are the chances of two being bowed?" It's disappointing Apple has placed so much emphasis on form over function.

 

[CapnDavey]

older mac usb keyboards are also a good option

 

[flowrider]

I'm using a Logitech G710+ wired gaming KB. Luv the mechanical feel and the "G" keys. My mouse is a Logitech MX Master, it's wireless, but not BT. I've never had connection issues with Logitech mice.

I could never understand the draw for a wireless KB. Mine always stays in one place

Lou

 

[Dr. Stealth]

On another note anyone have any experience with the Magic Keyboard (the wireless version referred to) being bowed? I've purchased two in the past month and both have had some bowing in them.

Ha, Sorry but this struck me as funny... I just bought a new K750 Logitech keyboard and one of the first things I noticed was it was bowed. The center of the keyboard is about 1/8 inch too high. The little pads in the center of the keyboard sit about 1/8 inch in the air on my very flat desk. It bugs me...... I don't think I've ever owned a bowed keyboard before this. It points to very poor engineering and cheap Chinese manufacturing. (I'm a Manufacturing Engineer)

 

[Ravich]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm not sure what causes the connectivity issues either, but without a clear solution I'm reluctant to spend the time diagnosing it.

The USB port being on the keyboard is mostly a convenience thing, so it's definitely not worth the ~$100 increase in price.

At least now I have some good options for wired keyboards and I can just get a wired mouse to go with it.

 

[William Payne]

I one day wouldn't mind trying out a DasKeyboard. Its been a while since I have used a mechanical keyboard and not being a typist I never really developed the love. Wouldn't mind trying out a new one.

 

[dlopan]

I am using the Apple large wired keyboard and a logitech m510 mouse via a kvm switch, the switch locks up sometimes and needs to completely disconnected from everything which is major pain but no usb 2 or 3 problems. I have a Apple magic mouse which a totally useless piece of trash. I've use the magic keyboard before which also trash.

 

[AmanO]

For wired keybaord. I use the Apple wired full size keyboard since day one, so no other experience, but a quick search in Amazon give me this result.
............
By considering the Apple keyboard is relatively expensive and offer no extra function except that 2x USB ports. I prefer spend less money to get a USB hub, and then you can connect any keyboard, mouse, dongle onto it. USB 2.0 hub is really cheap nowadays.

What is that stand you are using with the card readers?

 

[h9826790]

What is that stand you are using with the card readers?

Monitormate Prostation 3.0

 

[tu2thepoo]

Out of curiosity, are you running any kind of USB3.0 card or hub? I had to cover my USB3 hub and the Mac Pro's BT module in foil tape before I could get my Apple Wireless Keyboard and Magic Trackpad to work more than a few feet away (I'm plugged into my TV).

 

[rawweb]

I have a 2011 Mac Pro, and as is expected, wireless mice and keyboards are a nightmare with it. I'd imagine this is partially just because of the aluminum casing, but it also seems like the USB controller (or something) is having issues because occasionally one of the ports (different ones on front or back, not consistent) will just stop working and I'll have to swap ports.

Anyways, I was wondering if anyone has recommendations for *wired* keyboards and mice. I was looking at super basic options on amazon and realized I couldnt seem to find any options that have a USB port on the keyboard (so that I only need one port on my mac pro for the keyboard and the wired mouse can then plug into the keyboard)

Is there a term for this? Anyway, figured other Mac Pro owners might have experienced similar issues so I thought I'd ask.

I wonder if you're having issues with your 2011 Mac Pro because a 2011 Mac Pro was never made?

Apple's old USB Keyboard with Numeric Pad is great. I'm currently using the new wireless Magic Keyboard with Numeric Pad, however, if you're having troubles, you can use the supplied USB charging cable and use the device as a wired keyboard. https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MQ052LL/A/magic-keyboard-with-numeric-keypad-us-english?fnode=56

Unlike what others said, I enjoy the keyboard a great deal. It's a breeze to type on, IMO. Mine looked bowed out of the package, but it sits on the desk just fine and never wobbles. It's fine.

 

[Auggie]

I've used many an Apple keyboard over the decades and my favorite was the Apple Extended Keyboard II. Alas, these were only ADB. The first generation Apple USB extended keyboards, although very usable, weren't quite up to the 'II's. But when Apple switched to white keyboards, both with traditional switches then the laptop-style switches, I had to look elsewhere because they would get dirty and grimy quickly. The aluminum keyboards certainly look sleek and modern, but as a fast touch-typist, I just never got the hang of its chicklet keys.

But I need backlit keyboards since I'm usually using my computer with lights off at night after a long day at work. I came across the Moshi Luna Backlit Illuminated Keyboard and it's been my favorite so far. But, it doesn't have USB ports, its clear frame scratches easily (my dog's paw nails saw to that), and requires periodic cleaning of fingerprints and smudge marks to maintain it's clear aesthetics. I would have probably bought another one (I spilt a lot of coffee on it and several keys are now "sticky"-just haven't found the time to disassemble and do a proper cleaning), but it's now been discontinued.

I decided to try a mechanical keyboard for gaming and am using the backlit Corsair K70 with Cherry MX Red switches. Definitely noisy and requires plugging into two USB 2 ports (but only one port is needed if it's USB 3). However, it does have one USB expansion port. It's major drawback is that it's a PC-only board so none of the special keys (Alt and Windows) are recognized during boot up to invoke startup functions, such as the boot volume picker.

As you can see, I'm using two different keyboards to fulfill my needs so I'm still looking out for the "perfect" keyboard...

 

[monokakata]

Plenty of them still available from Amazon and Ebay (though likely used).

On another note anyone have any experience with the Magic Keyboard (the wireless version referred to) being bowed? I've purchased two in the past month and both have had some bowing in them.

Yes, mine bowed after only a few weeks of typing, and Apple support refused to replace it, claiming that I must have damaged it myself.

I put it over my thigh and bent it back. Then I took some athletic tape and put a strip underneath, where it bowed. The tape is the same thickness as the pads on the corners, so it gets center support. So far it remained unbowed.