Computers Apple iMac Comes with the proprietary Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse to meet the needs of most users. However, there will always be those who are looking for something more. Especially for them, we have prepared an overview of alternative keyboards for Mac.

Apple variants

Despite the steady growth in popularity Mac computers, it is more difficult for them to choose accessories and peripherals than for the ubiquitous Windows-PCs. Including the keyboard. If necessary, you can connect almost any keyboard from a Windows computer to a Mac, however, due to differences in the layout, many of the usual keyboard shortcuts will not work (this problem can be partially eliminated by adjusting the layout for yourself). But it's much more practical and convenient to use a keyboard that's certified for Mac.

V this moment Apple is making the transition from the time-honored classic keyboard mechanism to new technology"butterfly". The older version of the keyboard was designed for the first all-aluminum MacBook, which was introduced in 2008. At the same time, on stationary computers Apple users could use a wired or wireless Apple keyboard, which were designed with an eye on laptop computers... As a result of the unification, the owner of Apple computers did not experience the inconvenience of switching from an iMac or Mac mini to MacBook and vice versa. The sensations when typing were the same.

For the first time, a keyboard with a butterfly mechanism was used in MacBook laptop 12 '', introduced in 2015. It didn’t fit the usual keyboard, so Apple developed updated version with increased key area and travel depth of 14 mm versus 17 mm in the classic version. At the same time, the thickness of the keyboard has decreased by 40%. When using it, the pressure is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the keys, which in theory should increase the accuracy and increase the typing speed (in fairness, we note that not all users enthusiastically accepted the rejection of the usual mechanism with a greater depth of travel).

Then an updated wireless keyboard Magic Keyboard 2, which also uses a butterfly mechanism.

In 2016, the updated MacBook Pro... Compared to the Pro-series of previous years, these laptops have become significantly thinner, as a result of which they also received a keyboard with a butterfly mechanism, but already in the second generation, in which a number of characteristics have been improved. After their presentation, rumors appeared on the network that the company would introduce a wireless keyboard with a touch area. Touch bar and a Touch ID fingerprint sensor (not yet confirmed).

At the time of this writing, users who prefer Apple branded peripherals are limited to a choice of three models.

Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (MB110RS)

The model has a venerable age (on the market since 2008), but at the same time it is fully compatible with latest version macOS also looks good with modern models of computers from Apple.

It is made of anodized aluminum and has function keys for quick access to common Mac commands like adjusting screen brightness, volume level, and launching Mission Control and Launchpad.

However, the main advantage of the model is full-size digital block, which is especially important when working with large amounts of numerical data.

Connection to a computer is carried out using a USB cable. On the side ends there are 2 USB hub slots, which allow you to conveniently connect both a mouse and storage devices or digital equipment to the computer directly through the keyboard.

Apple Wireless Keyboard MC184RU / B

Apple standard wireless keyboard without number pad with 24% less desktop space. At the same time, all function keys are preserved for quick access to frequent operations on Mac.

The body of the device is made of anodized aluminum in the same style with Apple technology.

The range of the keyboard is 10 m, so if necessary, you can remove it from the table and put it on your knees, continuing to work in the way that suits you best.

Island flat keys have a clear click and tangible stroke, so typing even large text will not cause difficulties.

Powered by two AA batteries. Due to its small thickness and weight, this model is suitable for use with an iPad as portable device input.

The price is about 120 USD in equivalent.

Apple Magic Keyboard (MLA22RU / A)

Updated Apple Wireless Keyboard, introduced in 2015. Takes up 15% less desktop space than the Wireless Keyboard and features a first-generation butterfly mechanism (like the MacBook 12 '') for an even lower profile.

The keyboard has a full complement of extra buttons for performing frequent actions on the macOS operating system.

The body is made of anodized aluminum, the buttons are made of slightly matte polycarbonate.

One of the main features of the Apple Magic Keyboard is the built-in battery, the capacity of which is enough for 4 weeks of operation with an average load. The charge can then be restored by connecting the keyboard to the computer using the Lighning-USB cable, which is well known to all iPhone, iPad or iPod owners.

Weighing only 231g, the device is a great portable solution for iPad owners who often write on a tablet.

The price is about 150 USD in equivalent (in the USA - 99 USD).

Matias Wireless Aluminum

This accessory has successfully filled the gap that exists in lineup Apple keyboards. The company's portfolio includes a wired keyboard with a numeric keypad and two compact wireless keypads without a numeric keypad. But what about users who want to take advantage of a full-size keyboard with a separate numeric area but are tired of wires?

Matias came to the rescue with the release of the Wireless Aluminum keyboard. This model is specifically designed to run on a Mac. This can be seen not only in maintaining the familiar layout, but also in the use of a single design language with Apple products, thanks to which the keyboard looks organically next to the Mac.

However, the designers of Matias went further than Apple and, in addition to the usual silver and white option, presented versions of the keyboard in the color of the iPhone, including dark gray and gold (both with black keys), as well as pink with white keys.

Layout function keys for managing frequent operations on Mac, it is fully consistent with that on proprietary Apple keyboards. In addition to Mac, support for iOS, Windows and Android is announced. Matias Wireless Aluminum can be paired with up to four devices at the same time, instantly switching between them using special buttons above the digital block.

An additional advantage of the model is the built-in 1600 mAh battery, which is on average 7-8 times more than other wireless keyboards. Charging from 0 to 100% takes 5 hours, after which you can expect a full year of use (with daily use of several hours).

Unfortunately, it is difficult to find Matias Wireless Aluminum on sale in the CIS.

Price - 99 USD in the USA.

Microsoft Sculpt Mobile Keyboard (T9T-00017)

Compact bluetooth keyboard from the Redmond giant. The model is positioned as a universal input tool that can be connected to Windows computers, Android devices, iPad, and Mac computers.

However, the device is primarily optimized to work with operating systems family Windows, as evidenced by a number of additional function buttons above the number row.

But Mac compatibility is also implemented, which the manufacturer did not forget to mention on the box.

The slightly curved shape provides improved ergonomics for long typing, and the thickness of less than 2 cm, light weight and dimensions allow you to use the Sculpt Mobile Keyboard as a keyboard for a tablet.

Powered by two AAA batteries. According to the manufacturer, the battery life under average load is 40 weeks.

The price is about 60 USD in equivalent.

Logitech K810 Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard

Classic wireless keyboard for Apple computers, iPad, PC and Android devices. Made of practical plastic.

The stylish design makes it stand out from other wireless keyboards for Mac with its backlighting, which makes it especially attractive for working in the dark or in low light conditions.

The brightness level can be adjusted.

Implemented the ability to connect to three various devices, between which you can switch with one touch.

Charging is done using a standard USB to micro USB cable. From 0 to 100%, the keyboard takes about 3 hours to charge. The operating time with a fully charged battery is 10-14 days in medium load mode (discharge time depends on the brightness level of the backlight).

The price is about 110 USD in equivalent.

Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard (920-008043)

Stylish keyboard with full-size numeric keypad that can connect to three devices at the same time (all popular platforms are supported, including macOS).

In addition to the frequently used Logitech trick - one-touch switching between different devices - this model is distinguished by silent input, as well as the presence of a special rubber stand for mobile devices. It easily fits a smartphone and tablet, including iPad Pro with a 12-inch screen. This ensures the most comfortable tilt angle, and the desktop remains uncluttered by wires and devices.

No noise when typing thanks to Logitech's proprietary PerfectStroke ™ key system. The large, rounded keys combine with the familiar Mac layout for an instantly addictive and impressive user experience.

Power is supplied by two AAA batteries (according to the manufacturer, the keyboard will work up to 2 years from one battery change).

The price is about 80 USD in equivalent.

Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480

Wireless desktop keyboard for computer, tablet and smartphone. Layouts for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows and Chrome OS are supported (keys with mismatched functions across platforms are marked with a line).

Like other Logitech models that support multiple devices, the ability to switch instantly is implemented. A special Easy-Switch disc is used for this.

The top row of function buttons completely repeats that in branded keyboards for Apple computers and, when paired with a Mac, allows you to adjust the backlight brightness, volume, and control the playback of multimedia files with one touch.

The keys have a slightly rounded concave shape for high accuracy and speed of typing. Moving to the Logitech K480 from a standard Apple keyboard can take a couple of hours to get used to the shape of the keys and the actuation mechanism.

Built-in kickstand with rubber cradle securely holds your smartphone and tablet at a comfortable angle so you can read text while typing and editing. On our site you can buy an iPhone inexpensively.

For the most convenient keyboard experience on Mac, you can download an application from the developer's website that will allow you to customize the keyboard according to your needs.

In addition to the gray version with light green accents, a white keyboard version with light gray elements is available.

Power is supplied with two AAA batteries (operating time from one shift is about two years).

The price is about 40 USD in equivalent.

Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K760

An innovative keyboard with a built-in rechargeable battery, the user does not need to worry about recharging at all, since the charge is replenished by solar cells. To do this, it is enough to stay the device in a room with normal room lighting for about six hours. After that, the keyboard can work in complete darkness for up to two weeks.

Like other Mac-optimized keyboards from Logitech, the Wireless Solar Keyboard K760 supports simultaneous connection to three devices. Switching between them is carried out in one click.

When connected to Mac computers, the top row of function keys allows you to perform the same operations as standard keyboards for Apple computers, including adjusting screen brightness, volume, opening the Launch Pad, and Mission Control.

For correct operation it is required software, which can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website.

The price is about 70 USD in equivalent.

Xiaomi Yuemi Mechanical White

Mechanical keyboard from a well-known Chinese company, which is known in the CIS countries as a manufacturer of affordable and high-quality electronics.

The keyboard is made of H32 aluminum and has a six-tier design. Thanks to the anodic oxidation procedure and additional sandblasting, the device has received an additional half-life resistance to external damage and corrosion.

The keycaps are made of high quality ABS plastic and are made in the style of old computer keyboards. But in fact it is modern device, which can compete with the products of venerable manufacturers of peripherals. TTC RED switches provide a duty cycle of 50 million clicks. At the same time, the keys are located as tightly as possible, which minimizes the possibility of debris and dust getting between them. The built-in 32-bit STMicroelectronics microprocessor provides instant processing of clicks, which will be a pleasant bonus for gamers and those who type with a blind typing method.

Connection to a computer is carried out using a white USB - micro USB cable.

Yuemi Mechanical White keys have a soft LED backlight, which can be adjusted in six steps.

Special feet at the bottom provide a 6-degree lift, which reduces brush fatigue during prolonged use of text.

The price is about 80 USD in equivalent. The model can be purchased in the CIS.

Das Keyboard Model S Professional for Mac

A premium mechanical keyboard optimized for Mac. Equipped with gold-plated Blue MX switches for precise actuation and tangible feedback.

The built-in USB hub allows you to connect up to two external devices to your computer. Extra-long cable provides easy connection and allows you to conveniently position the keyboard on your desktop.

The Sleep feature is designed to instantly put your Mac to sleep during breaks.

Das Keyboard for Mac has dedicated keys for quick adjustment volume, mute, multimedia playback control, and screen brightness control.

The Option and Command keys familiar to Mac users are in place. Reading up to 5 simultaneous clicks is supported, making the Das Keyboard Model S Professional for Mac an excellent choice for gamers or touch typists.

Price - 133 USD on the manufacturer's website.

Lofree

Retro design wireless mechanical keyboard. Outwardly, it resembles a typewriter from the 19th century (this effect arises from the use of round keys that perceptibly rise above the base). However, the keyboard does not lose its futuristic halo.

The manufacturer is positioning the Lofree keyboard as a mechanical input tool that is suitable not so much for gamers as for designers, writers and journalists. That is, ordinary users who are forced to work with large amounts of text.

Unlike most mechanical keyboards, Lofree comes with the familiar Magic Keyboard layout that all Mac users are familiar with. Moreover, the top row of keys is auxiliary and allows you to adjust the brightness, volume and control the playback of multimedia files - just like when using Apple branded keyboards.

Lofree's specs are impressive:

• the ability to operate in a wired or purebred mode
• compatible with Mac, iOS, Windows and Android
• simultaneous connection to three different devices with the ability to instantly switch between them
• built-in button illumination with the ability to adjust in three levels
• up to 100 hours of battery life
• charging the built-in battery via micro USB cable
• several color options
• reliable mechanical switches

The only drawback of the model is its inaccessibility in the territory of the CIS countries. The device can be purchased in the US by pre-ordering it from the Indiegogo crowdfunding site. Unlike many other crowdfunding projects, the inventors of the keyboard managed not only to raise the required amount, but also to set up production. The reviews from the owners are overwhelmingly positive. We hope that in the foreseeable future the keyboard will appear on sale with us.

The price is about 80 USD in the USA.

For most people, Apple computers are something of a fantasy, something strange, incomprehensible and very inconvenient. In part, such remarks are true, because apple laptops and table machines are very different from the usual Windows computers. The newly minted Mac user already at the initial stage falls into a stupor, faced with the fact that the keyboard does not work the way he used to.

It is not known whether such dramatic changes are caused by Steven Jobs' hatred of Microsoft products, or Apple's own ideas about the anatomy of hands, but the usual hotkeys on their computers look and work somewhat differently. In this material, the reader will find answers to basic questions, such as: "Why does the layout change not work?"; "What does the Option key look like on a Mac?" and others. The solution to those and other problems is very close, you just need to devote some time to setting up.

Keyboard shortcuts (modifier keys)

Keyboard shortcuts in Apple computers are not much different from those in Windows, with the exception of changing the layout. This means that all the usual combinations, such as: "copy", "paste", "undo" in place, have changed only the modifier key, instead of Control, Command is used. Command + C, Command + V and so on (which is logical, because that's what Command is for, to execute commands).

Modifier keys are often denoted with special characters:

Name	Symbol	Meaning
Command		Performs the function used as the base of the modifier.
Shift		Performs a function similar to that of Windows.
Option		Calls up alternative options.
Control		Used in complex combinations.
Caps lock		It can be used as a modifier after installing Karabiner Elements, and commands can be assigned manually, regardless of system limitations.

The Mac Option Key: Where Is It And How To Use It?

Some advanced Mac users call this key magic, because almost every function with its use opens up new horizons in the use of a computer. First you need to find out where Na modern laptops and Apple Option keyboards is located next to the Command buttons, and it says, attention, Alt. The same Alt, familiar to everyone who at least once in their life sat down for modern keyboard... What possibilities does this button give?

Access to additional information in the toolbar:

• By holding Option and hovering over the apple icon, you can access more complete information about the system.
• On laptops, you can get information about the status of the battery.
• If you open the sound settings by holding Option, you can select the playback source.

Quick access to settings and alternative options:

• If you hold Option while pressing, the system will automatically open the settings related to the specific function key.
• All applications offer alternative keyboard shortcuts, one way or another associated with the Option key, to do this, just hold it down while viewing the function in the toolbar.
• When using the backup tool copies of Time The Machine Option key allows you to identify all drives that contain at least one copy.

Also, the Option button allows you to enter alternative characters, identical to Windows (this applies to those who still put a hyphen instead of a dash).

Keyboard layout

With the fact that the key assignments in Mac are different from those in Windows, figured out. Now it's worth understanding how the layout differs and how to fix it. Yes, yes, correct, because by default the Mac uses the keyboard layout familiar to those who used a typewriter - Russian typescript. The technical structure of the typewriter forced the designers to put punctuation marks in the top row of keys so that they did not touch each other, but on a computer, this approach only slows down the typing speed, so you need to immediately change the layout. This is done simply:

• Go to " System settings».
• Sub-item "Keyboard".
• Input Sources submenu.
• Next, you need to add a new layout - Russian PC, and delete the old one.

Now all the keys have returned to their places, and although the engraving on the keyboard does not coincide with the real purpose of the buttons, anyone familiar with the blind text input method will be happy after changing the layout. Also, after that, the letter E will return to its place, which many still use in print.

Switching layouts

The most ingrained habit of all Windows users- the keyboard shortcut Shift + Alt is a big problem for those new to the world of apples. There are two options for solving the problem: either get used to the new combination of Command + Space (which is anatomically much more convenient), or install Punto Switcher from Yandex, which allows you to use both modifiers at the same time to change the keyboard layout, and also carries a lot of other functions (for example, automatic language change without using a key combination at all).

Instead of a conclusion

As you can see from the above material, the transition to the Apple universe is not only a pleasure, but also a number of difficulties associated with certain habits that we acquire in the course of using a computer. It's up to the buyer to put up with them and set up the computer, or opt out and go back to Microsoft, but the difficulties are always rewarded, and in the case of the Mac, it's really worth it. Moreover, going over the habit, you can understand that the keyboard shortcuts are more logical and more convenient than in Windows, and the Option key on the Mac is really magic and the notorious Alt is not like it.

In this article, we will talk about third-party keyboards, or, to be more precise, Windows counterparts working in tandem with a Mac, about the inconveniences of everyday use and how to fix them.

And even the MacBook's own keyboards are far from perfect. It certainly depends on the tasks being performed. not very convenient when using in games and does not have additional programmable keys, Magic Trackpad 2 is generally tailored for creative personalities, and keyboards also cannot boast additional features possessed by gaming tools from renowned peripheral manufacturers.

Well, you have become or want to become the proud owner of some kind of gaming, simply programmable keyboard, or you have lost an external USB keyboard with a numeric pad that you want to connect to your MacBook. Or maybe you have a hackintosh at all? Essentially, all keys are identical - Ctrl - Control (⌃), Windows - Command (⌘), Alt - Option (⌥), but the only problem is that the pens remember that on a Mac the sequence from left to right is as follows ⌃ | ⌥ | ⌘, and on Windows ⌃ | ⌘ | ⌥. And it is the castling of the Option and Command keys that will often lead to misses and not the actions that the brain wants to perform.

In order not to resort to third-party utilities, it seems, you can get off with the standard OS X settings and change the layout of the keys to your taste:

1 ... Go to the menu  → System settings → .

2 ... In the tab “ "In the lower right corner, click the button with a strange translation" Modification keys ...».

3 ... Select connected external keyboard(USB Keyboard) and assign the following actions to the keys:
- for the key Option (⌥) → Command (⌘);
- for the key Command (⌘) → Option (⌥).

4 ... Save your changes with OK and enjoy.

Many Mac users never stop admiring the MacBook Keyboards and Apple Magic Keyboard. However, most app developers, designers, and sound engineers prefer third-party keyboards.

For example, if you use several Apple computers at the same time, or the MacBook is located on a special stand and connected to a monitor, some models of wireless keyboards may become ideal solution for comfortable work. In this article, we will talk about best analogs Magic Keyboard from third parties.

Logitech craft

The model is stylish and comfortable keyboard that connects to a Mac using Bluetooth. The main advantage of this model is the touch control dial, with which you can quickly and easily execute various commands. The keypad is equipped with a presence sensor that activates the backlight.

Price: from 10 690 rubles.

Satechi Aluminum Bluetooth Keyboard

The Satechi Wireless Keyboard is made entirely of aluminum and shares a stylistic design with Apple devices... Island-style keys allow you to type with high precision. The full-size digital block is especially useful when processing statistical data or any other arithmetic calculation. The keyboard can connect to multiple compatible Bluetooth devices, allowing you to quickly change them using dedicated buttons. The built-in battery allows you to work in active mode for up to 80 hours or up to 100 days in standby mode.

Price: from 6 990 rubles.

Logitech K480

The multimedia keyboard is equipped with a recess at the top, which allows you to install an iPad or iPhone there. Logitech K480 supports connection to 3 gadgets at the same time. The Easy-Switch wheel can be used to switch between devices.

Price: from 2,990 rubles.

Logitech Wireless Solar K750

Stylish wireless keyboard. A distinctive feature of this model is the built-in solar panels, which provide the ability to charge the battery from both natural light and light from a lamp.

Price: from 5 300 rubles.

XtremeMac Bluetooth Keyboard

Xtrememac Bluetooth Keyboard is a full-size keyboard with wireless connection... Outwardly, it is similar to the Apple Magic Keyboard, but it costs 2 times cheaper. The model is compatible with iOS, Android and Windows gadgets and allows you to simultaneously connect to 4 devices.

Price: from 4,990 rubles.

Logitech K780 Multi-Device

The fully functional K780 Wireless Multi-Device keyboard is compatible with absolutely any device, regardless of OS. The keyboard switches between devices at the touch of the Easy-Switch button. At the same time, it adapts to any gadget and adapts the key assignment. This model is powered by 2 AAA batteries.

Price: from 5 790 rubles.