Best compact Bluetooth keyboard for Mac

Why Apple's Magic Keyboard is the best

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Ultra portable, rechargeable and a keystroke to fall in love with.

It isn't often that we see Apple refresh its Mac accessories, but recently the company unveiled the Magic Keyboard. Taking the strong points of the previous wireless keyboard and improving upon them, Apple has made a really desirable product here. Slimming the profile while increasing the stability with a scissor mechanism, this keyboard will be great for cranking out quick emails and long term papers alike.

There are a number of third-party options available, and most of them come in at a lower price point. Apple charges more than its competition for a reason this time around.

iMore editor-in-chief, Rene Ritchie, said this in his Magic Keyboard review:

The Magic Keyboard is Apple's next-generation wireless keyboard. In every sense of the word. Technologically it incorporates Lightning for charging and quick-pairing, and new scissor mechanisms for better stability. But it also builds on what Apple has been doing with the MacBooks and especially with the MacBook.

By offering a similar feel to the MacBook, Apple has created a comfort for users so they can quickly adapt to using the keyboard as soon as it is taken out of the box. Pairing the keyboard has never been easier. If you get it with a new computer, it will come pre-paired, but if not you will have to do it on your own.

Pairing is as simple as using the supplied Lightning cable to connect the keyboard to your computer. That's it. There will be a notification that confirms that you have paired the keyboard and then you can begin typing. You are able to switch between multiple devices on the go by powering the keyboard off and on again.

If you are looking to use the keyboard with an iPad or iPhone, you will need to use the conventional way to connect the keyboard and phone / tablet through the Bluetooth menu.

The battery is said to last around a month per charge, and with the built-in battery you can easily recharge with with a Lightning cable. This means you won't have to go hunting around for some AA batteries when you get the low battery warning, and instead you can hook up the cable and keep on typing.

If you want the best compact Bluetooth keyboard to hook up to your Mac, MacBook, iPad or iPhone, this is the one.

Conclusion

If you really want the best quality, you are going to have to pay for it. Apple's offering is the best you can get, but if your budget has other plans you can always pick from one of the others for a similar experience.

Jared DiPane

Jared started off writing about mobile phones back when BlackBerry ruled the market, and Windows Mobile was kinda cool. Now, with a family, mortgage and other responsibilities he has no choice but to look for the best deals, and he's here to share them with you.