Best Alternatives to Apple's Magic Keyboard iMore 2020

What is the best Magic Keyboard alternative? Every iMac and iMac Pro comes with a specially designed, Apple-branded Magic Keyboard, and you either love it or hate it. There are plenty of third-party keyboards for Mac on the market. The keyboards on this particular list are specifically for those of you that like the Magic Keyboard's general design but are looking for something slightly different.

Easy multi-pairing: Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard

Staff pick

This little ditty is my personal favorite. It's a compact keyboard perfect for your Mac that has plenty of useful additional features. It has the added benefit of being specially designed to control features on your iPhone or iPad, like navigating to the Home screen or switching apps. With one button, you can switch between three different devices, including Windows and Android products.

Write comfortably for longer: Satechi Compact Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard

Satechi's Bluetooth keyboard has great key travel, convenient backlighting, and a handy number pad, and it charges over USB-C. Best of all, it can pair to up to three devices and quickly switch between them with the press of a button.

$80 at Amazon

Comes with numeric keypad: Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad

If you love everything about the Magic Keyboard, but you really want a numerical pad, this model's nearly identical to the Magic Keyboard except that it has a 10-key number pad, a couple of additional function keys, and dedicated control keys. It's the perfect solution for Mac users that need more keyboard functionality.

Trackpad connection: Twelve South MagicBridge

If you already have a Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad and want to keep it in a tidy unit, the MagicBridge is the perfect setup for you. It's not a keyboard, but a case for your keyboard and trackpad. It fits both perfectly, and you can switch the trackpad to either side. All ports and switches are exposed for convenient access.

Mouse included: FENIFOX Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

FENIFOX's keyboard looks very similar to the Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, but it comes with a mouse as well. The set is available in the Pink color shown here as well as Silver. The sloped angle makes typing more comfortable.

Solar charged: Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750

The K750 is a hugely popular alternative to Apple's Magic Keyboard because it's a full-sized keyboard, complete with a very similar spacing pattern. Though it's called "solar," it actually charges up using any light, including a desk lamp in your hotel room.

Backlit: Arteck HB030B Universal Slim Keyboard

Arteck's well-priced Bluetooth keyboard is slim, portable, and it can be used with your Mac or iOS device as well as non-Apple computers. You can choose from seven backlight colors and two brightness levels on this keyboard. The rechargeable lithium battery can go up to six months on a single charge.

Which one should you choose?

If you love the look of the Magic Keyboard but don't love the feel, or maybe you were hoping for a little more than what comes in the box, you're bound to like just about any of the keyboards on this list. They all have a similar design but offer something a bit different. My personal favorite is the Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard. I love being able to switch between my Mac, iPhone, and iPad quickly.

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However, if you want something inexpensive that you can toss into your bag when you're on the go, then pick up an Arteck HB030B Universal Slim Keyboard. It's compact, just 9.7-inches-by-5.9-inches-by-0.24-inches. The battery will go six months between charges with typical use. Plus, you get all of those fun backlighting colors.

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