The Best Mac Keyboards for 2024

Apple’s Magic Keyboard is compact and elegant, but it’s far from the only worthy keyboard option for Mac users. Whether you write all day, play fast-paced games, need superior ergonomics, or prefer the cacophonous comfort of mechanical keys, you can find lots of great Mac keyboards out there.

That said, not every keyboard works perfectly with Macs, so you’ll need to be aware of what works—and what works well. To help you find what works best for you, we’ve crafted a list of our favorite Mac-compatible keyboards across a wide range of categories, including gaming, ergonomics, and value. Read on to learn more about what it takes to buy a keyboard for a Mac.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard

Best Mac Keyboard Overall

Bottom Line:

Satechi’s wireless SM1 is a beautifully built mechanical keyboard that will delight Mac users looking for an alternative to Apple’s Magic Keyboard.

PROS

• Sturdy, attractive build
• Excellent typing feel
• Multiple wireless connection options
• Long battery life (with backlighting off)
• Much cheaper than Apple’s Magic Keyboard

CONS

• No customization software
• Low-profile design is not for everyone
• 2.4GHz dongle uses USB-A, not USB-C

SPECS

Name	Value
Number of Keys	84
Interface	Bluetooth, USB-C, 2.4 GHz Wireless
Key Switch Type	Low Profile Brown Switches
Key Backlighting	Single-Color
Media Controls	Shared With Other Keys
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports	None
Palm Rest	None

Learn More

Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard Review

Logitech MX Mechanical Keyboard

Best Alternative to the Satechi SM1

Bottom Line:

Logitech finally serves up office workers a mechanical keyboard from its own stable. The wireless, low-profile MX Mechanical is a winner, offered in two sizes with three switch types.

PROS

• Full-size and tenkeyless models available
• Excellent, not-too-noisy typing feel
• Attractive backlighting
• Choice of three switch types
• Handy setup software

CONS

• Dull, dark appearance
• Impractical emoji key
• No wrist rest
• No macro programming

SPECS

Name	Value
Number of Keys	110
Interface	RF Wireless, Bluetooth
Key Switch Type	Kailh Choc V2 Linear (Red)
Key Backlighting	Single-Color
Media Controls	Shared With Other Keys
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports	None
Palm Rest	None

Learn More

Logitech MX Mechanical Keyboard Review

Apple Magic Keyboard With Touch ID

Best Keyboard for the Classic Apple Experience

Bottom Line:

The latest Magic Keyboard is a stylish companion for your Apple Silicon-based Mac, but improvements amount to Touch ID and little else, making the $179-to-$199 asking price hard to swallow.

PROS

• Thin and lightweight
• Long-lasting battery
• Touch ID is a nice inclusion
• Easily connects to Apple products

CONS

• Flat-out expensive
• Touch ID can be used only with M1-based Macs
• Uncomfortable to use for long periods of time
• No significant changes from the previous Magic Keyboard

SPECS

Name	Value
Number of Keys	109
Interface	USB-C, Bluetooth, RF Wireless
Key Switch Type	Scissor-Switch
Key Backlighting	None
Media Controls	Dedicated
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports	None
Palm Rest	None

Learn More

Apple Magic Keyboard With Touch ID Review

Logitech MX Keys S

Best Value Alternative to the Apple Magic Keyboard

Bottom Line:

The MX Keys S isn’t new enough to justify an upgrade if you own any of Logitech’s recent productivity keyboards, but it combines a fine wireless typing experience with truly helpful software.

PROS

• Elegant design and form factor
• Smart Actions are a useful addition to customization app
• Responsive backlighting
• Excellent battery life

CONS

• Minimal improvement over previous MX Keys keyboard
• Wrist rest is thin, uncomfortable, and sold separately

SPECS

Name	Value
Number of Keys	108
Interface	USB-C, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz Wireless
Key Switch Type	Scissor-Switch
Key Backlighting	Single-Color
Media Controls	Dedicated
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports	USB
Palm Rest	None

Learn More

Logitech MX Keys S Review

Monokei Standard

Best Wired Compact Mechanical Keyboard for Macs

Bottom Line:

As mechanical keyboards move from the enthusiast elite to the mainstream, Monokei’s Standard is too good to stay under the radar despite lacking accustomed features like programmable keys or a USB wireless receiver.

PROS

• Compact, rock-solid design
• Choice of three Cherry MX switches and four colors
• Superlative typing feel
• Amazingly quiet for a mechanical keyboard

CONS

• No control or customization software
• No backlighting or wrist rest
• No RF wireless link (Bluetooth only)
• No volume dial or USB pass-through

SPECS

Name	Value
Number of Keys	87
Interface	USB-C, Bluetooth
Key Switch Type	Cherry MX Silent Red
Key Backlighting	None
Media Controls	Shared With Other Keys
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports	None
Palm Rest	None

Learn More

Monokei Standard Review

Corsair K70 RGB Pro Mini Wireless

Best Wireless Compact Mechanical Keyboard for Macs

Bottom Line:

The feature-rich Corsair K70 RGB Pro Mini Wireless is a stunner and one of the finest 60% keyboards we’ve seen.

PROS

• Excellent RGB implementation
• Hot-swappable key switches
• Included key cap and key switch puller
• Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connection options
• Compact and lightweight
• Can create up to 50 user profiles via Corsair iCue app

CONS

• Expensive
• 8,000Hz polling maximum may be overkill

SPECS

Name	Value
Number of Keys	61
Interface	USB-C, Bluetooth, RF Wireless
Key Switch Type	Cherry MX Speed Silver
Key Backlighting	RGB Per-Key
Media Controls	Shared With Other Keys
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports	None
Palm Rest	None

Learn More

Corsair K70 RGB Pro Mini Wireless Review

Cloud Nine ErgoTKL

Best Split Ergonomic Keyboard for Macs

Bottom Line:

The Cloud Nine ErgoTKL is an excellent split keyboard that will appeal to anyone looking for a more ergonomic typing experience for both work and play.

PROS

• Comfortable
• Bright, varied RGB lighting
• Additional USB passthrough included
• Three mechanical key switches to choose from

CONS

• Wrist rest requires installation
• Split design takes some getting used to
• Software is Windows-only

SPECS

Name	Value
Number of Keys	91
Interface	USB Wired
Key Switch Type	Kailh Red Box
Key Backlighting	Multi-Color LED
Media Controls	Shared With Other Keys
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports	USB
Palm Rest	Detachable (Separate)

Learn More

Cloud Nine ErgoTKL Review

8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard

Most Stylish Mechanical Keyboard for Macs

Bottom Line:

8Bitdo’s Retro Mechanical Keyboard is packed with value and wrapped up in your choice of two retro Nintendo-inspired designs, making it an ideal peripheral for just about any gamer, nostalgic or not.

PROS

• Eye-catching NES or Famicom color options
• Key switches offer comfortable, reliable typing
• Supports Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired use
• Easy to remap
• Inexpensive

CONS

• Nintendo-inspired aesthetic isn’t for everyone
• Keys might feel slightly spongy to keyboard enthusiasts
• Super Buttons have limited usefulness

SPECS

Name	Value
Number of Keys	87
Interface	Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz Wireless, USB Wired
Key Switch Type	Kailh Box White (Clicky)
Key Backlighting	None
Media Controls	Volume Roller Only
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports	None
Palm Rest	None

Learn More

8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard Review

Montech MKey

Best Full-Size Mechanical Keyboard for Mac Gamers

Bottom Line:

The Montech MKey’s beautiful keycaps, stunning RGB effects, hot-swappable key switches, and reasonable price make this mechanical gaming keyboard a winner.

PROS

• Hot-swappable key switches (Gateron Browns installed)
• Extra keycaps for customization
• Striking color scheme
• Per-key RGB lighting
• Three typing angles

CONS

• Can’t reprogram rotary knob
• Subpar software utility

SPECS

Name	Value
Number of Keys	105
Interface	USB Wired
Key Switch Type	Gateron G Pro 2.0 Brown
Key Backlighting	Multi-Color LED
Media Controls	Shared With Other Keys
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports	None
Palm Rest	None

Learn More

Montech MKey Review

Das Keyboard MacTigr

Best Cost-No-Object Full-Size Mechanical Keyboard for Mac

Bottom Line:

Das Keyboard’s MacTigr would be the aftermarket Mac mechanical keyboard to beat—if it didn’t cost so much.

PROS

• Extremely comfortable typing feel
• Cherry MX switches deliver field-leading feedback
• Soft-touch volume roller
• USB-C hub

CONS

• So, so expensive
• No wireless options
• No customization software
• Lacks height adjustments or feet

SPECS

Name	Value
Number of Keys	105
Interface	USB-C
Key Switch Type	Cherry MX linear low-profile
Key Backlighting	None
Media Controls	Dedicated
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports	USB
Palm Rest	None

Learn More

Das Keyboard MacTigr Review

Buying Guide: The Best Mac Keyboards for 2024

Technically, you can use most any modern keyboard with your Mac. Plug it in (possibly with the aid of a USB-A-to-C adapter) or pair it over Bluetooth, and its basic typing functions will just work. That said, if you’re used to a Mac and especially if you’ve been using Apple’s Magic Keyboard, you’ve grown accustomed to certain keys and features that you’ll want in any new keyboard you buy.

The default Magic Keyboard has a compact, 78-key design that crunches all of its keys, including the arrows, into the smallest possible typing block. Very few other keyboards, even small ones, use this kind of layout. Apple also makes a full-size Magic Keyboard with a number pad, but Apple treats that more like an XL model, whereas most keyboard manufacturers see the full-size 104-key layout as the default.

If you like a smaller keyboard, a useful term to look for is “tenkeyless” or TKL, referring to a keyboard that lacks the 10-key number pad. You may also see keyboards referred to in percentage terms—that’s not a percentage of a full-size keyboard’s length and width, but a percentage of keys, based on the 104-key standard. Some omit arrow keys, function keys, and more to get as small as 60% or 65%, often with a very compact layout.

(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)

The keys in the top row of an Apple keyboard are assigned to system-level tasks such as screen brightness and volume controls. They can be used as classic F1 to F12 function keys, but you’ll need to press the Fn key for that. On most keyboards not specifically made for Mac, the roles are reversed: F1 to F12 are the primary uses for those top-row keys, and the system-level tasks require some sort of shortcut. 

A last consideration: Macs have a few unique keys. The one you probably know best is the Command key, which is used for many popular keyboard shortcuts. It’s used very differently from the Windows key. The Option key is a more direct parallel to the Alt key on Windows. And the newest Magic Keyboard model, which works only with Apple Silicon Macs, has a Touch ID button that has no equivalent on a Windows keyboard.

(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)

If you want a keyboard that ships with Mac key configurations, your options are very limited. Some companies, like Logitech, do make Mac-specific models of their keyboards with Command and Option keys; these models tend to be labeled “Mac Edition” or “Made for Mac.” But that’s not the only way to get the keys and functions you need. Remappable keyboards are increasingly popular among Windows gamers, and Mac users can often benefit from them, too.

Keyboard Software on Macs: Mapping and Customization

If you’ve only used standard productivity keyboards, you’ll be amazed by the wide world of mechanical, gaming-oriented, and ergonomic keyboards. Gaming keyboards bring the shiny with customizable multi-colored RGB lighting, an aesthetic that can be a refreshing break from Apple’s clean monochrome style, and many have programmable macro keys for commonly used functions. Mechanical keyboards have a satisfying typing sound and tactile feel, and most of them feature longer travel—the distance your keycap moves when you press it all the way down—to be more supportive and comfortable.

(Credit: Mike Epstein)

If you’re starting to experience pain in your hands, wrists, or shoulders while you type, you may want to consider switching to an ergonomic keyboard that’s designed to mitigate the pain of repetitive stress injuries. A keyboard that’s easier and more comfortable to type on can be a life-changing upgrade.

Most premium productivity and gaming keyboards can be reconfigured with software provided by the manufacturer. Configuration apps allow you to change (remap) what each key does; alter other settings, such as how quickly a wireless keyboard falls asleep; and program RGB lighting. This is how you can turn a Windows key into a Command key, set your Caps Lock to activate Option, or otherwise create your ideal keyboard layout.

Corsair’s iCUE software makes it easy to remap the K100 RGB Gaming Keyboard. (Credit: Corsair)

When you’re setting up a keyboard that isn’t explicitly designed for Macs, being able to use its configuration software is crucial. Unfortunately, many manufacturers’ configuration apps don’t run on macOS, so you need to make sure you find one that does. The biggest Mac-friendly names in productivity keyboards are Logitech and Kensington. For gaming, we’re talking about Corsair, Logitech, and SteelSeries.

(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)

Some smaller manufacturers, including Kinesis and Drop, don’t have traditional config apps. Instead, they provide customization support through a combination of onboard controls and either driverless apps that work through the keyboard or web apps. These processes can be a little less convenient than an app, but they’re broadly compatible.

The web-based configuration tool for the Drop Shift Mechanical Keyboard works on any computer. (Credit: Drop)

If you think it’ll confuse you to remap a key’s function without relabeling the key, don’t resort to masking tape. Instead, purchase a sheet of inexpensive key label stickers. They’re intended for keyboards where the legends have worn off, but they work just as well for relabeling a remapped key. Some mechanical keyboards come with replaceable keycaps for Command and Option, but if you want to set up Mac-style function keys, you’ll probably need labels.

So, Which Keyboard Should I Get for My Mac?

Armed with all the details, you’re ready to pick the best keyboard for your Mac. Our recommendations and reviews will help you figure out which of our favorites will be a good fit. If you’re looking for specific features, check out our lists of the best wireless keyboards and the best ergonomic keyboards. And if you need a mouse to match, consider the best mice for Macs as well as the best gaming mice for Macs, which are designed for gaming but work well for any purpose.