Best Compatible Keyboards for Mac

With its understated look and premium features, Logitech’s Craft model is the connoisseur’s choice for Mac keyboards. My favorite part of this keyboard is the dial on the top that lets you do things like change the volume and configure other software options. The keys feel precise and comfortable with just the right amount of feedback to give you confidence in knowing that you’ve hit the right key. The backlighting on this model is particularly nice for working in dim lighting conditions.

For anyone who loves the cute look of the standard Apple Magic keyboard but wants something that’s a little more comfortable, the MX Keys Mini is your best bet. This compact keyboard fits neatly off to the side of your desk but offers the same plush feeling of larger counterparts. The battery life is excellent, and I’ve spent weeks of solid typing on this device without having to recharge. It’s got a solid aluminum build that looks and feels great and should last for years.

If you absolutely must have a keyboard that matches your Mac in every possible way, then your best option is Apple’s own keyboard. It’s got the exact same look and feel as most Mac computers. The keys aren’t as nice to press as many other keyboards on the market, but some people actually prefer the lighter feel of the Apple keys, which are akin to those on many laptops. This model includes a nicely sized numeric keypad. For $50 more, you can get the same Apple keyboard with touch ID.

The A80 is a delightful accessory with a firm yet yielding keystroke and a rugged design that should hold up to years of pounding. I loved the solid feel of the A80 during my recent test, and it didn’t slide around on my desk. Also great was the unusual color scheme that highlighted important keys and made the A80 stand out in a sea of drab equipment. The rechargeable battery lasts long enough that I saw no decrease in power even after several weeks of use.

I’ve owned the Logitech Mx Keys for more than a year, and it’s become one of my favorite keyboards. It offers a firm feel when you depress the keys, and the frame is reassuringly solid and doesn’t move around on your desk no matter how feverishly you type. I love the subtle backlighting and minimalist look that match both my MacBook Pro and my M1 iMac. Battery life is excellent; I’ve gone months without having to charge this model.

If you love the solid feel of a mechanical keyboard, then this Macally model is your best bet. The keys have a delicious, deep feeling that offer great feedback when you depress them. The backlighting is terrific, with three settings for varying levels of intensity. My favorite part of this keyboard is the slight angle at which it’s tilted, which makes it more comfortable than flat models (ahem, looking at you, Apple). The aesthetic of this keyboard screams early 2000s, but some people might find that charmingly retro.

If you want to fantasize that you’re writing the great American novel on a typewriter, this Azio model has the look you’re going for. With its round keys and metal and leather accents, the Retro Classic doesn’t look like any other keyboard on the market. Personally, I love the look, but in my recent hands-on test I found the keys to be a little uncomfortable compared to modern designs. The battery also didn’t last as long as that of some other wireless keyboards I’ve tried.

At first glance, the Mistel looks bizarre, like the love child of a typewriter and an old-school pair of headphones. But once you start to use this keyboard, the genius becomes apparent, with the split design allowing you to position it into the most comfortable configuration with your Mac. It’s also got tons of goodies, like smooth mechanical keys and RGB backlighting for bling. Macro nerds will love the fact that the entire keyboard is programmable.

This Macally keyboard offers the slim look and feel of Apple’s own keyboard, but the key presses are more comfortable. I love the fact that the Macally is USB-powered, because that way I don’t have to worry about connection problems or the keyboard running out of juice at a critical moment. The backlighting is nice and bright and is adjustable to three levels. This model doesn’t have the same solid feel as some of its more expensive competitors, but I appreciated its slim design when I packed it as a backup for a recent trip.

The BK06 has been my travel companion for years when I need a keyboard to toss in my carry-on luggage that won’t weigh me down. It folds up into a tiny package and weighs just over 6 ounces, yet it is surprisingly comfortable to type on. I love the fact that I can use this keyboard with my Mac, iPhone, and iPad just by switching the Bluetooth connection. Don’t expect the same level of key travel as you'd get with a full-sized keyboard, however.

My fingers fly over the Air75, thanks to its low profile keys and perfect feedback. The result is my typing speed gets a boost, and my hands are less tired after a long typing session. I love the long battery life this keyboard offers and the RGB lighting mode with different effects. Another nice feature is that this keyboard supports both a wired and Bluetooth connection. Not everyone will love the slightly gaudy design, however.