Mac keyboard showdown: Apple versus chiclet versus mechanical

Posted:
in macOS edited July 2022
There are many different keyboards on the market for Mac users, and choosing between them can be complicated. To help you out, we've broken down the pros and cons of some of the most popular types.

Mac keyboards
Mac keyboards


In general, there are three major keyboard categories that Mac users might want: Apple keyboards, chiclet-style keyboards, and mechanical keyboards. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as some popular models to consider.

Apple keyboards

There's a good chance that your Mac model already came with a keyboard. MacBooks, of course, have their own scissor-switch style keyboards, but some desktop Macs also ship with an Apple Magic Keyboard.

Apple keyboard pros

Apple keyboards are lightweight, minimalist devices with a clean and modern aesthetic. While you can find keyboards out there that are just as minimal, it's hard to beat the design synergy of an Apple Magic Keyboard with an Apple Mac.

Apple Magic Keyboard
Apple Magic Keyboard


The typing experience on an Apple keyboard is generally top-notch. It's quiet but tactile. There aren't really any frills here, just a solid typing experience.

More than that, Apple Magic Keyboards are also the only keyboards to come with Touch ID on some models.

And they reliably can invoke command key combinations at startup. You can get this from Apple's wireless keyboards by connecting a Lightning to USB cable.

Apple keyboard cons

Compared to similar chiclet-style keyboards, you're going to be paying a premium for an Apple Magic Keyboard. They're typically much more expensive than comparable models.

Ergonomically, the Apple Magic Keyboard is hit or miss. Some people might like the feel of it for long typing sessions, but others might be better served by going with another type. For gaming, they also don't register as many key presses as a mechanical keyboard.

The aforementioned Touch ID functionality also only works with Apple Silicon Macs. As with other chiclet keyboards, they're also hard to clean.

Models to consider

The Apple Magic Keyboard is pretty much what you think of when you think of an Apple keyboard. It's a no-frills affair for $99 that also comes in a larger format with a number pad.

If you can Touch ID built into your keyboard, expect to pay a premium -- they go for around $149. They're only compatible with M1- or M2-equipped devices.

Chiclet keyboards

Apple Magic Keyboards are chiclet-style, but there are also a variety of third-party chiclet keyboards available on the market. Chiclet keyboards are generally characterized by flatter and thinner keys.

Chiclet keyboard pros

Like the Apple Magic Keyboard, chiclet keyboards generally provide a comfortable but quiet typing experience. For offices and work-at-home situations, that means your neighbors won't hate you.

Logitech MX Keys
Logitech MX Keys


They're also lightweight and travel friendly -- both things that also apply to the Apple keyboards we spoke about earlier.

On the other hand, third-party chiclet keyboards can be much less expensive than an Apple Magic Keyboard. If you're on a budget, they can provide a similar feel for a fraction of the price.

Chiclet keyboard cons

Chiclet keyboards are generally hard to clean, especially if you get dust or other debris underneath the keycaps.

Compared to a mechanical keyboard, chiclet keyboards also aren't as durable. While most will hold up for longer periods of time, they just can't compete with the durability of mechanical key switch.

As with Apple's own keyboards, chiclet-style keyboards are also not well-suited for hardcore gaming.

Models to consider

The Logitech MX Keys is a best-in-class chiclet keyboard that many users love for productivity and content creation tasks. It costs $119.99.

For a simpler and cheaper model, the Dell Wired Keyboard provides a lot of value for its $17 price tag.

Mechanical keyboards

Compared to chiclet and Apple keyboards, mechanical keyboards are in a category all their own. Instead of a scissor-switch mechanism, mechanical keyboards use an actual mechanical switch, which offers a set of advantages and disadvantages.

And, if you've used Apple's original pair of ADB keyboards, the original Mac keyboard, or the Apple II keyboard, you've used a mechanical one.

Mechanical keyboard pros

Mechanical keyboards are highly tactile, providing a typing experience more akin to an old-school typewriter than a chiclet keyboard. They also offer a variety of different feels based on what key switch you go with.

Keychron K2
Keychron K2


Key switches are the mechanisms that register key presses, and there are a variety of different types. The three most common, for example, are red switches, blue switches, and brown switches. Red switches are fast and the quietest of the bunch, but not as tactile as others.

Blue switches provide the most audible and tactile feedback, but are also the loudest. Brown switches can be thought of as a mix of the two.

Mechanical keyboards are also much more durable, with most rated for millions of key presses. If you get dust in them, you can also easily remove the keycap and clean the keyboard. Generally, mechanical keyboards are also the standard for professional gaming.

Mechanical keyboard cons

Compared to pretty much any other modern keyboard on the market, mechanical keyboards are heavy devices. Many of them also don't look as aesthetically minimal as a chiclet or Apple keyboard.

Mechanical keyboards are also noisy. Some people love the clatter of a mechanical key switch, but do note that it might just drive your loved ones or office-mates crazy. They're also really loud for phone or Zoom calls.

Generally, mechanical keyboards are also more expensive than a chiclet keyboard, depending on the brand you get.

Models to consider

When it comes to mechanical keyboards for Mac, Keychron makes some of the best on the market. The Keychron K2 is an affordable entry-point to the world of mechanical keyboards, and provides a lot of bang for your buck.

For something even cheaper, you could consider this Logitech keyboard for $69.99. It's a wired-only keyboard and doesn't feature Mac-specific keycaps, but it'll work with your Apple computer just fine.

Try them out before you buy them

There are three main interfaces between a human and computer. You need someplace to sit, a monitor to view things on your computer, and a keyboard and mouse to control it. All three categories are areas that you should plan to spend good money on, since they're more than worth it in the end.

Because of that, think of a good keyboard for your Mac as a long-term investment. Certain models will last you years and potentially enhance your productivity.

We recommend going to a retail store and try out several types. Although many gaming users or typists prefer mechanical keyboards, you might have a different opinion.

Mechanical keyboards are generally heavy, less aesthetically modern, and loud. If you work in an office with others or have people in your household sensitive to noise, a chiclet keyboard may be the better choice.

It's also crucial that you think about the ergonomics of the keyboard. A keyboard should never be painful to type on, even during extended writing, coding, or gaming sessions. Whether you go for a chiclet or mechanical keyboard, prioritizing comfort and ergonomics over flashy features is a best practice.

You may not be able to tell how comfortable a keyboard is for long typing sessions at the store, but look into what others have to say about its ergonomics.

There are a lot of different keyboard types on the market, but which one will suit you best is largely a matter of personal preference. There's no "best choice" for every user since it all comes down to personal preference.

Read on AppleInsider

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 11
    DAalsethDAalseth Posts: 2,974member
    Got a Logitech MX Keys for Mac about six months ago. I like it much better than the Magic Keyboard. Actually my SO liked it too and stole mine, so five months ago I had to get a second one.

    They're both working well. We work from home and are on them all day and they haven't missed a beat. I like the typing feel better. I like that they keyboard itself has some heft to it and feels more solid. I like the way the letters on the keys don't immediately start wearing off like they've done for a series of Magic Keyboards we've owned. 

    My only complaint would be that paring them with the Mac has been quite finicky. They are supposed to work with the Mac's bluetooth, but if that's not available they include a USB device to connect through. I had trouble with them thinking the USB thing was plugged in, but it wasn't so it would not connect to BT, but if I plugged the thing in it would insist it was on BT already. With each of therm it was far harder to connect the first time than it needed to be, taking ~10 minutes. But once each of them were connected they've been very solid from then on. 
    Japheybandits1watto_cobra
  • Reply 2 of 11
    dewmedewme Posts: 5,679member
    Keyboards are like gloves and shoes. You have to try them on to see what fits and what is comfortable for how you use your computer. Hearing what others like or dislike about a particular type or brand and looking at the feature list helps to narrow the list of ones you need to try, but you literally must go "hands-on" when selecting a keyboard.
    bandits1watto_cobra
  • Reply 3 of 11
    mikethemartianmikethemartian Posts: 1,473member
    I was a bit surprised how easy it was to damage an Apple keyboard with just a few drops of liquid.
  • Reply 4 of 11
    I bought a Keychron K3 and really enjoy it. It's one of their low profile models, which is good because their standard models are quite thick. I tried both blue and brown switches, finally choosing the brown because the blue was quite "clicky," read: noisy. I switch back and forth between the butterfly keyboard on my MBP and the Keychron on my iMac and prefer the Keychron, although the butterfly is quite acceptable. When I have a lot to type, I connect the Keychron to the MBP, which is easy because switching between any of three Bluetooth devices takes all of two keystrokes. Even use it with my iPad Pro.

    It's great that they're configured for Macs by default. All the function keys work like they're supposed to and have the right legends for media functions, Mission Control, Launchpad, etc. It has proper Command and Option keys yet have a toggle on the back to instantly switch to Windows mode, with those keys swapped.
    bandits1watto_cobraFileMakerFeller
  • Reply 5 of 11
    The only thing I miss from my windows days 20 years ago is the Microsoft natural ergonomic keyboard. The older ones from the 90s were dead on perfect for hours and hours of typing for me.

    I tried to continue to use them on macs, but as they weren’t native it was a bit clunky and then finally gave them up at some point in the Bluetooth era.

    Still wish though to this day that someone would out right rip that design off but make it a native Mac keyboard. 
    coolfactorwatto_cobra
  • Reply 6 of 11
    neilmneilm Posts: 995member
    Keyboards are like love interests: there’s no accounting for taste, and no arguing with it.

    Of course if you’re a laptop user, then the built-in keyboard is what it is. Fortunately the one in my 2021 14” MBP is pretty good.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 7 of 11
    coolfactorcoolfactor Posts: 2,323member
    I still don't understand why straight keyboards are the norm. Extended sessions of using them leads to proven wrist and elbow pain. Is this just one of things where it's just too risky trying to break human habit?

    Microsoft has it right with their split ergonomic keyboards. Once you adjust, they are faster to type on and way more comfortable. It's just making that adjustment that's the challenge.

    Come on Apple... this is a big area where you can break the mold. Stop making straight keyboards.
    edited July 2022 watto_cobraAI_lias
  • Reply 8 of 11
    coolfactorcoolfactor Posts: 2,323member
    The only thing I miss from my windows days 20 years ago is the Microsoft natural ergonomic keyboard. The older ones from the 90s were dead on perfect for hours and hours of typing for me.

    I tried to continue to use them on macs, but as they weren’t native it was a bit clunky and then finally gave them up at some point in the Bluetooth era.

    Still wish though to this day that someone would out right rip that design off but make it a native Mac keyboard. 

    Agreed! I swallowed the pill and purchased a Microsoft keyboard 20 years ago and it was such a joy to type on for. hours at a time! 
    AI_lias
  • Reply 9 of 11
    jeffharrisjeffharris Posts: 826member
    The only thing I miss from my windows days 20 years ago is the Microsoft natural ergonomic keyboard. The older ones from the 90s were dead on perfect for hours and hours of typing for me.

    I tried to continue to use them on macs, but as they weren’t native it was a bit clunky and then finally gave them up at some point in the Bluetooth era.

    Still wish though to this day that someone would out right rip that design off but make it a native Mac keyboard. 
    Check out Matias keyboards. They have a few ergonomic keyboards. http://matias.ca/

    I picked up a nice wired backlit extended keyboard from them several months ago.
    The backlighting is a great feature and different colors can be assigned. It has scissor keys and is excellent!
    edited July 2022
  • Reply 10 of 11
    keithwkeithw Posts: 146member
    Mechanical all the way!  I use a Matias keyboard on my Mac and a "Das Keyboard" on my work Windows laptop.  I HATE the current Apple keyboards!  My wife still uses the old Apple "transparent" keyboard from generations ago and it still works fine.
  • Reply 11 of 11
    MarvinMarvin Posts: 15,445moderator
    I still don't understand why straight keyboards are the norm. Extended sessions of using them leads to proven wrist and elbow pain. Is this just one of things where it's just too risky trying to break human habit?

    Microsoft has it right with their split ergonomic keyboards. Once you adjust, they are faster to type on and way more comfortable. It's just making that adjustment that's the challenge.

    Come on Apple... this is a big area where you can break the mold. Stop making straight keyboards.
    Most people use laptops (without widespread pain), Apple's Mac userbase is over 80% laptops now, likely over 85%. Laptops have straight keyboards and people who switch between laptop and desktop would have to adjust. The amount of people who type long enough to prefer a more ergonomic keyboard don't make up a significant portion of the Mac userbase. These kind of options are best handled by 3rd parties.
    muthuk_vanalingam
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