Every 24-inch iMac comes with a specially designed, Apple-branded Magic Keyboard, and you either love it or hate it. The keyboards on this list are specifically for those of you who like the Magic Keyboard's general design but are looking for something slightly different. Whether you need to replace your old keyboard or you just want some additional features, here are the best alternatives to Apple's Magic Keyboard.
Here are the best alternatives to Apple's Magic Keyboard
Easy multi-pairing
This little ditty is an iMore 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.
Comes with numeric keypad
If you love everything about the Magic Keyboard, but 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. It doesn't have Touch ID, however.
Definite upgrade
If you want Apple's best, check out this one. Not only does it have that handy numeric keypad and function keys, but it also has Touch ID for ultra-fast and secure authentication for your logins and purchases. Note that it's only compatible with Macs that sport Apple silicon chips (2020 and newer).
Clever look-alike
This Bluetooth keyboard will work with your Mac, iPad, iPhone, and even non-Apple devices. The slim design and low-profile scissor-switch keys make for smooth, quiet, and comfortable typing. It's available in various colors, including silver, which looks very much like Apple's.
Minimalist, smart, and compact
This delightful little keyboard is ultra-portable yet comfortable to use. Smart backlighting adjusts to your environment and smart keys add extra functionality. Easy switch buttons let you connect to up to three different devices with a tap.
Backlit
Arteck's well-priced Bluetooth keyboard is slim, portable, and 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 Magic Keyboard alternative should you choose?
If you love the look of the Magic Keyboard, but you want something just a little bit different, you're sure to like one of the keyboards on this list. They all have a similar design but offer something a bit different. An iMore favorite is the Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard. It's great to be able to switch between your Mac, iPhone, and iPad quickly. You can't go wrong with any of the Logitech keyboards. Of course, those of us who need to type a lot of numbers love Apple's Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad and find it worth the upgrade.
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 at just 9.7-inches-by-5.9-inches-by-0.24-inches and the battery will last six months between charges with typical use. Plus, you get backlighting in all of those fun colors.
On the other hand, if you're looking for something else besides Apple-style keyboards, we've rounded up some other great keyboards for Mac for you. That list includes a variety of different styles, something for everyone.
Karen is a contributor to iMore.com as a writer, social media manager, and co-host of the iMore Show. She’s been writing about Apple since 2010 with a year-long break to work at an Apple Store as a product specialist. Before joining iMore in 2018, Karen wrote for AppAdvice and WatchAware. She’s an early adopter who used to wait in long lines on release days before pre-ordering made things much easier. Karen is a wife and mom (and dog mom) who is also a part-time teacher and occasional movie extra. She loves to travel the world and is always looking for portable tech and accessories so she can work from anywhere.
