There’s a big demand for mechanical keyboards for Mac laptops for one good reason: mechanical keyboards are back in style. You can’t get a better typing experience than one on a mechanical keyboard, which is why so many people are turning to them. In this article, we’ll go over some of the best mechanical keyboards out there for Mac users and how they’ll improve your productivity.
READ MORE: 5 Best Wireless Mechanical Keyboards in 2022
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Keychron K2 V2
PROS
- Comfortable concave keys
- Adjustable backlighting features
- Good switch options
- Durable design
- Long battery life
CONS
- ABS keycaps
- No 2.4GHz dongle
- Slow in waking up from sleep mode
Specs:
- Layout: 75%
- Hotswappable: Yes
- Switch options: Gateron G Pro Red/Brown/Blue
- Keycaps: ABS (cheap plastic)
- Wireless options: Bluetooth 5.1
- Battery: 72 hours
A USB port and 75% layout make this keyboard a great option for Mac users who need to connect with peripherals like mice and trackballs, or for those who want to save desk space by using their computer’s built-in keyboard as an external hotkey interface.
Keychord’s K2 V2 mechanical keyboard has blue switches, which are clicky and loud but provide a tactile response that many typists prefer. The keys have a concave shape that makes them easy to press and the board itself is weighty and sturdy, so you can feel confident in its durability while typing on it every day. It also has macro keys, which can be programmed with different functions depending on what software you’re using (if any).
The backlighting features adjustable brightness levels as well as color options: white, red, or blue LEDs shine through each keycap when activated by pressing FN + F8 or F9; if you don’t want your entire room illuminated at night when working late into the evening (or if you share an office with others), there are sliders under each switch so that only certain parts of each keystroke will light up—that way just enough light shines through where needed without being distracting during daytime hours when most people don’t need extra illumination anyway—but if not enough illumination is still needed then simply turn off all of the lights instead!
Logitech K380
PROS
- Great budget option
- Multiple device connection
- Good battery life
- Quiet and responsive
CONS
- No backlight
Specs:
- Layout: 75%
- Hotswappable: No
- Switch options: Various
- Keycaps: ABS (cheap plastic)
- Wireless options: Multi-device Bluetooth
- Battery: 2-year battery life
This is the best keyboard for anyone who’s looking for a wireless, lightweight, and portable keyboard that can connect to 3 devices at once. The Logitech K380 has a good battery life and has an option to buy with a Logitech mouse. You’ll be able to type comfortably with this model thanks to its low-profile keys, which are quiet and responsive when typing at speed or gaming. The only downside is the lack of a backlight, but still remains a great option for those who want a good budget option
Keychron K3 V2
PROS
- Hotswappable option
- Affordable mid-range price
- Low profile, quiet technology
- Backlit keyboard
CONS
- ABS keycaps
- Battery could be better
Specs:
- Layout: 75%
- Hotswappable: Yes
- Switch options: Red/Brown/Blue
- Keycaps: Low-Profile Keychron Optica ABS (cheap plastic)
- Wireless options: Bluetooth 5.1 Wireless
- Battery: 34 hours
The Keychron K3 (Version 2) adds a unique element to your setup. This keyboard features low-profile mechanical switches rather than scissor switches in comparison to other mechanical keyboards. These switches provide a more pleasant keystroke that you might choose to utilize, especially if you frequently make mistakes or hit the wrong key on the Magic Keyboard by accident.
Despite having different switches, this keyboard has a low profile compared to the other two described above, making it feel comfortable and familiar to use. Additionally, this keyboard comes with two sets of additional keycaps for the modifier keys to make them operating-specific and has a toggle switch on the top to switch between operating systems. This is a good, flexible alternative if you occasionally deal with Windows systems, even though we are aware that you are expressly looking for a Mac keyboard.
Logitech G915 Lightspeed Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
PROS
- Backlit keyboard
- Hotswappable
- Great wireless response
- Durable, rigid design
- Stylish
CONS
- Battery can be better
Specs:
- Layout: Full/TKL
- Hotswappable: Yes
- Switch options: GL Tactile, GL Linear or GL Clicky
- Keycaps: Doubleshot ABS plastic
- Wireless options: Bluetooth Wireless
- Battery: 32 hours
With a design that’s both stylish and functional, Logitech’s G915 Lightspeed Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is the perfect choice for Mac users looking to add some flair to their desktop setup. Designed with gaming in mind, this keyboard features customizable LED lighting that can be programmed to display over 16 million colors across 10 light zones.
The G915 also boasts an impressive 2ms report rate and 1000Hz polling rate — numbers which are even more impressive when you consider that it’s wireless! This means no wires getting tangled or snagged on other peripherals or your legs while you work or game.
Das Keyboard 4 Professional for Mac
PROS
- Dedicated media options
- USB options
- Premium build and keycap quality
- Built-in USB 3.0 hub
- Comes with a long cord
CONS
- Cord not removable
- No backlight
- No wristrest
Specs:
- Layout: Full
- Hotswappable: No
- Switch options: Various
- Keycaps: UV hard coat-protected keycaps
- Wireless options: None
- Battery: N/A
If you want a premium, professional-feeling keyboard, the Das Keyboard 4 Professional for Mac is the mechanical keyboard for you. It has an aluminum top case and a built-in 2-port USB hub, giving that high-quality look and feel. The keyboard also has dedicated volume knobs and media control buttons, making it easy and accessible to adjust media options. The keycaps are UV hard coat-protected keycaps, giving that nice smooth texture. They will also fade much slower even after repeated use. If only it comes with a wireless option, but alas you are stuck with the cord for this keyboard.
KINESIS Gaming Freestyle
PROS
- Switch options
- Ergonomic design
- Customizable backlight
- Wristrest
CONS
- No wireless options
- Takes some getting used to
Specs:
- Layout: Split Keyboard
- Hotswappable: No
- Switch options: RGB MX Blue/Brown/Red/Silver
- Keycaps: PBT Keycaps
- Wireless options: None
- Battery: N/A
The Kinesis TKO mechanical keyboard, which stands for “Technically Kosher,” is definitely not kosher. This unique split-layout design makes it easy to type at speed, but you’ll have to be comfortable with a few compromises. Its ergonomic split keyboard design takes some getting used to. But is definitely comfortable once you get used to it. The Kinesis features two halves, each of which can be angled separately toward the user. Each half also has its own set of dedicated keys and function keys (F1 through F12). In general, these function keys are used for common tasks like opening an application or maximizing a window; pressing them together with another key gives you access to additional features.
Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
PROS
- Portable and lightweight
- Touch ID included
- Great battery life
- Easy sync for Apple products
CONS
- Not hotswappable
- Expensive
- Not much customization and changes
Specs:
- Layout: Full
- Hotswappable: No
- Switch options: Black/White
- Keycaps: Not stated
- Wireless options: Bluetooth
- Battery: 1 month
Apple’s own keyboard is the Magic Keyboard With Touch ID. This is one of the slimmest and sleek keyboards available, as it was specifically designed for Macs. It weighs just 1 pound and is about half as thick as some other keyboards.
While this keyboard lacks a number pad, you can use your Mac’s trackpad to enter numbers instead of having to type them in manually. You can also use Siri or dictation on an iPhone or iPad to enter text into any app that supports it (such as Notes).
Finally, there are no buttons on this keyboard so you won’t accidentally hit any keys when using it at night with low lighting conditions—or while wearing gloves in cold weather. If you’re looking for that classic Mac experience, then this is for you.
Choosing mechanical keyboards for Mac
Mechanical keyboards are very durable and responsive. They can withstand more wear and tear than rubber dome keyboards, which means you won’t have to replace them as often. They’re also more responsive because the keys have physical switches that require less pressure, allowing for faster typing speeds than membrane keyboards. The downside is that mechanical keyboards are usually far more expensive than regular keyboards; however, this price difference is worth it if you type often and fast (and don’t mind paying extra).
In conclusion, they are a great way to improve your Mac experience. Not only can they be used as a standalone product, but they also work well with other devices such as phones, tablets, and consoles. As we’ve explained above, there are many benefits of using one including durability and responsiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do mechanical keyboards work with Mac?
Yes. Most keyboards work with Macs. The only difference you may experience are wireless options and differences in size and layout.