Satechi SM3 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard arrives with a full layout

AppleInsider

Satechi's SM3 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth keyboard is its first full-size version, offering many of the key features of the smaller predecessor, the SM1.

Satechi SM3 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard - Image credit: Satechi

During CES 2024, Satechi introduced the SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard. For 2025, it's introducing a bigger version.

The SM3 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard is Satechi's first full-size mechanical keyboard. It offers a very similar spec list to its stablemate, the SM1, including the use of low-profile brown switches and a rechargeable battery, but it's a lot bigger.

The SM1's 75% layout has been switched for a full 108-key layout, complete with a numeric pad. The extra keys give users full keyboard control of the desktop, without cramping the keys into a small space.

It still retains a sleek aluminum enclosure and ergonomic design, removable keycaps, and adjustable feet. With its use of dual Bluetooth 5.0 channels, a 2.4GHz USB receiver, and a wired connection, it can also accommodate four devices, including iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices among others.

The backlighting is also adjustable with 14 different patterns, three brightness levels, and four LED speeds to choose from.

Inside is a rechargeable 2,500mAh battery, with a USB-C port performing double duty for connectivity and recharging.

The Satechi SM3 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard is available now for $119.99.



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Clarus

When the SM1 keyboard was released I ordered it before reviews came out. I ended up liking it a lot, and it’s my daily driver. Nice typing experience and feels durable. I'll bet this new one will be great. I didn’t need it in extended keyboard form but it's nice to see they released that since lots of users were asking for an extended version.

My only quibble is that most of the SM1 lighting patterns are kind of annoying…frantic gamer-style key light animations, but all the LEDs are white. I leave it on the slow fade cycle setting which is kind of soothing.

dewme

I really wish Apple would release a Space Gray keyboard without the numeric keypad and with Touch ID of course. The full size keyboard places my Trackball Mouse too far away. I prefer the black keys and would be okay with the silver aluminum chassis if it had black keys. It seems rather strange that Apple does not make a silver keyboard with black keys for desktop Macs when they sell millions of MacBooks with that same combination. Why?

Clarus

Agreed...my only interest in the Apple compact keyboard was for Touch ID, but that makes it expensive for what it is.

I have ended up with third-party keyboards like the Satechi for two reasons:
More color choices
Ability to pair with multiple devices - I prefer being able to type on my Mac, iPad, or iPhone with a simple switch. This has become non-negotiable for me, but I don’t think Apple keyboards can do it.

charlesn

This looks really nice, and I'd be inclined to give it a try IF Touch ID hadn't ruined me for any keyboard other than Apple's. I use it so often throughout each day, the loss in convenience if it weren't there makes any other keyboard a non-starter. 

dewme

charlesn said:

This looks really nice, and I'd be inclined to give it a try IF Touch ID hadn't ruined me for any keyboard other than Apple's. I use it so often throughout each day, the loss in convenience if it weren't there makes any other keyboard a non-starter. 

If Apple put Touch ID in a new Magic Trackpad we could select any keyboard we wanted without losing the functionality we now depend on. Which is probably why they’ll never do it.