Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard Review

Yes, most mice and keyboards designed for Windows PCs work just fine with Apple iMacs and MacBooks, but they’re usually missing something. Whether the software is incompatible, or you’re stuck with Windows-specific keys in place of Apple ones, the user experience often feels like it’s cut short. Satechi’s latest keyboard, the SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard ($99.99), doesn’t check every box, but it does deliver a premium typing experience with Macs and Mac users in mind. Thanks to an elegant design, strong wireless connectivity options, and tactile low-profile switches that give each keypress a satisfying punch, it’s one of the best Mac-minded keyboards, and it types its way to an Editors’ Choice award.

The Design: Ditch Your Magic Keyboard, Keep the Magic

The last time we tested a Satechi keyboard, it was the Satechi Slim X3 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard, a slim full-size board that positions itself as an alternative to Apple’s Magic Keyboard. It is an alternative, and a solid one at that, but it relies on scissor switches, which aren’t exactly the most comfortable key switch technology for those who type for long periods of time. The SM1 Slim opts for proprietary, low-profile “brown”-class mechanical switches, which provide a smoother keypress with a tactile response.

This keyboard also opts for the trendy 75% footprint rather than a 60% layout or tenkeyless design. This keeps the keyboard compact, chopping off the number pad, while retaining just enough space for function keys so that you don’t have to rely too heavily on shortcuts. The tight, rounded corners of the frame sink below the keycaps, giving the keyboard a slim silhouette. The white-and-gray color scheme also presents well above the white backlights, and while it is Windows-compatible, it looks very good when paired with Apple devices thanks to its clean, white aesthetic.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

The SM1 measures 0.8 by 4.6 by 12.2 inches (HWD), which is slimmer than 75% gaming keyboards like the Alienware Pro Keyboard and the Razer 75% BlackWidow. However, at just 1.1 pounds, the SM1 weighs practically nothing—much like the Apple keyboards it seeks to replace. This is partly thanks to the SM1’s aluminum body, which keeps the board light and sturdy. Underneath the keyboard, you’ll find two adjustable feet and a small indent for the 2.4GHz receiver, which oddly uses a USB-A port that modern Macs lack. You’ll need to use a dongle or stick with Bluetooth. At the top of the keyboard, you’ll find an on and off switch next to a USB-C port, which you can use for charging the battery, as well as for plugging in to make a wired connection.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

But the keyboard’s wireless functionality is one of the its main draws. With support for Bluetooth 5.0 as well as the 2.4GHz option, the keyboard can be paired with up to four devices at once. Unlike the Logitech MX Keys, however, the SM1’s wireless connections are not instantaneous. It’s not as simple as plugging in the USB receiver. You must hold the FN button along with the number 3 key to pair the keyboard with its dongle. Bluetooth connections are handled the same way, but with the numbers 1 and 2, and a wired pairing is available by using FN and the number 4. It’s not an obvious mode of operation, but it’s not a deal-breaker, either. You initiate switching between Windows and Mac modes in a similar manner, though in testing the board immediately recognized the operating system I was working on.

The keyboard provides specific shortcuts and keys for each operating system. By default, it comes equipped with Command and Option keys for Macs installed, but you can swap the keycaps for corresponding Windows ones included in the box.

Features: It Works With Windows, Too

Now, while the SM1 keyboard does serve as an excellent Magic Keyboard replacement, it does not have any dedicated software for either Macs or Windows. That means building macros and other custom shortcuts is off the table. The board is also not hot-swappable like some higher-end gaming keyboards are today, so if you’re not satisfied with the low-profile key switches, you’re out of luck. Then again, this is an elegant productivity keyboard, not a gamer or power-user one.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

But even though you can’t customize, you’ll still find a lot of functionality. Shortcut keys that work across operating systems, a set of media keys (shared with some of the function keys), and a full function row are all here. You also have a choice of up to 14 different backlight presets, a welcome addition and one you don’t often see outside of gaming devices.

The keyboard lacks a wrist rest, which is fine for quick PC sessions that don’t involve lots of typing, but it’s also not very ergonomic, either. Apple users may not mind and might even prefer low-profile keyboards, but for me, long periods of typing begin to strain my wrist. If that might be an issue for you, you may want to consult our guide to the best ergonomic keyboards or at least consider a third-party wrist rest. Those gripes aside, there are benefits to the low-profile design. Notably, the shorter key-travel distance can allow for faster typing, depending on your typing style (light-fingered versus a key-pounder).

Battery life for the SM1 is solid. Without the backlighting, you’re looking at up to two months of life on one charge, according to Satechi. With lights on, that number shrinks to a rated 16.5 hours.

Verdict: Mac Users, Rejoice

Minor gripes aside, the Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard is an excellent keyboard. It’s lightweight and portable, with satisfying key switches, plenty of wireless connectivity, and immaculate build quality. While it doesn’t quite nail every detail that fussy users might want in a keyboard for use with a Mac, it gets a lot right, and at $99.99, it’s a decent value versus Apple’s own gear. While it may be lacking in the ergonomics department, it’s an easy recommendation for those looking for a more affordable alternative to Apple’s line of Magic Keyboards.