Apple Makes Magic Keyboard with Touch ID Available for Purchase(apple.com)
apple.com
Apple Makes Magic Keyboard with Touch ID Available for Purchase
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK293LL/A/magic-keyboard-with-touch-id-for-mac-models-with-apple-silicon-us-english
145 comments
Why isn't there a version with the touchpad??
Twelve South and other firms used to make gizmos to pair the then no-numpad version and trackpad so they'd work on your lap or as a Mac Mini living room media center accessory etc.
Was fantastic. Apple should MagSafe that jazz.
Was fantastic. Apple should MagSafe that jazz.
I also wonder about this.
You can buy the touchpad seperately. Which makes sense, because you don’t know where it’s ergonomically correct to put it for individual users.
I place mine rather far to the left. Most right handed people won’t like that setup.
I place mine rather far to the left. Most right handed people won’t like that setup.
Only for Apple silicon Macs. Shame.
Of course, it's not like older Macs had access to some kind of security coprocessor to secure this... oh wait
Yeah, indeed. My 2019 MacBook Pro has a touchbar, but 90% of the time, I use it in clamshell mode with two external monitors.
I can use my Apple Watch to authenticate things like passwords in Safari, but I would MUCH prefer to not have to lift my hands off the keyboard. A lot of the time I just type my password. A million times a day. This would be a quality of life improvement.
I can use my Apple Watch to authenticate things like passwords in Safari, but I would MUCH prefer to not have to lift my hands off the keyboard. A lot of the time I just type my password. A million times a day. This would be a quality of life improvement.
Jury’s still out but I’m not convinced this is a software limitation. It is possible that Apple’s previous implementation of a Secure Enclave couldn’t electrically work with any external handshake.
Apple should have designed the keyboard with older devices in mind, then. It's a little bit frustrating from a developer standpoint, knowing that the entire purpose of the T2 chip is to facilitate this exact type of "next generation" hardware, yet it's being laid to waste since the engineers didn't want to factor in back-compat.
"Only for Apple silicon Macs. Shame."
You mean the touchID integration, right ?
That is, this keyboard would still pair and function with any old bluetooth host, right ? Right ?
You mean the touchID integration, right ?
That is, this keyboard would still pair and function with any old bluetooth host, right ? Right ?
Maybe? But you would save yourself $50 and get the non-TouchID one surely?
Is the keyboard materially improved over the previous model in various ways? I’ve burned through several of the previous model and I’m wondering if they brought back key switch changes from the laptops.
Right.
Meh… no touch bar.
You're the first person that I know that is disappointed in not seeing a touchbar...why?
I wonder if people have come around to the touchbar. It was almost universally derided on HN when it became a thing. Personally, I haven't, which is one of the reasons I'm glad I switched to the M1 Macbook Air which doesn't have the touchbar. Now I can change the volume and the brightness without having to look down!
Judging by the fact the thing never made it into any other devices, I'd posit it's no runaway success.
I cannot wait to see if the new MacBook Pros have options without the touchbar.
If not I’ll be specifically choosing an Air over a Pro just to keep my function keys.
If not I’ll be specifically choosing an Air over a Pro just to keep my function keys.
It's a bad product. Touch controls are always a bad fit when they're not someplace you should be looking at directly.
I think the touchbar is terrible because I'm constantly fat-fingering it causing the computer to randomly switch fonts or change directories.
I never used it, but I'd love to try. I think that it's a great concept, because I rarely use Fx buttons, I can't memorize them. They're useful for debuggers, but every IDE defines them differently, so I just gave up. I think that I'd love this feature and it's sad to see it gone, I'm considering buying M1 Macbook 16" and according to rumors it'll have ordinary keyboard.
Of course Esc must be a separate physical key, but they did it right in the latest revisions.
Of course Esc must be a separate physical key, but they did it right in the latest revisions.
Nope, it's still absolutely atrocious. My least favorite thing about my Macbook by far.
It still speaks volumes how out of touch Apple is that it got included on a device that is supposed to be for professionals.
It still speaks volumes how out of touch Apple is that it got included on a device that is supposed to be for professionals.
I think if “anyone” actually cared for it, they’d have offered it. I don’t see them introducing a pro-pro-keyboard with Touch ID plus Touch Bar in addition to one with just Touch ID, but I can imagine a world where only an upgrade with both existed.
I’m on the side that mostly dislikes touch bar (although my opinion is nowhere that extreme. Slight preference at best).
But I tell you what, it was the first time in my 30 years of being around computers that I had to reinstall the OS because my Esc key disappeared. No joke.
Even tried contacting Apple support.. nobody was able to help me to reset settings and make Esc come back. I think that’s kinda hilarious situation.
Even tried contacting Apple support.. nobody was able to help me to reset settings and make Esc come back. I think that’s kinda hilarious situation.
A Streamdeck is infinitely better and far more useful. And you never have to worry about function keys disappearing.
There is some weird point to your comment. If the touchbar was truly useful/successful it would be on the Magic Keyboard.
Due to laws regarding workplace ergonomic you’re required to have a real keyboard, you cannot use the one on the laptop (this is in Denmark). That means that the Magic Keyboard is a requirement in professional settings. The touchbar therefor is specifically NOT for professional use, it’s not available.
Due to laws regarding workplace ergonomic you’re required to have a real keyboard, you cannot use the one on the laptop (this is in Denmark). That means that the Magic Keyboard is a requirement in professional settings. The touchbar therefor is specifically NOT for professional use, it’s not available.
Not really on point, but perhaps worth noting that having had some wrist stiffness and pain lately, I tried a Magic Keyboard (not this one, the one with the numpad) as an intermediate step between my previous Majestouch 2 and Ergodox/Moonlander/Kinesis esoterica, and over the last few weeks it's actually been pretty good. I don't know if I'll stick with it indefinitely, but I'm glad I decided to give it a try; the low profile and short throw really do seem to make eight- and ten- and twelve-hour workdays significantly easier on my wrists.
Check out the K3 or K1 from Keychron; you get benefits of low profile with the tactility of a mechanical keyboard
They're twice as thick as a magic keyboard
+1 for the K1, I’ve been very happy with it
[deleted]
Funny I switched from a Mac keyboard to an ergodox and it’s done wonders for my wrists. Have you tried elevating your wrists and adjusting the keyboards on stilts to make them more ergonomic? That helped me a lot too
I concur with this. My experience with Apple’s short-throw low profile keyboards has been great. It reduces the angle of my wrist at the the keyboard. Yes, I’m sure it could be typing differently, but I find these to be the most comfortable for my typing style.
I’ve tried to find non-Apple brand with similar feel, but nothing has matched the quality or comfort.
I’ve tried to find non-Apple brand with similar feel, but nothing has matched the quality or comfort.
A custom mechanical keyboard with low profile switches is probably what you're looking for. Although they are a lot less spongey feeling than the mac keyboards.
E.g. https://www.reddit.com/r/ErgoMechKeyboards/comments/j1877x/k...
E.g. https://www.reddit.com/r/ErgoMechKeyboards/comments/j1877x/k...
Maybe slightly better but still no substitute for an actual ergonomic keyboard. For developers and others spending hours a day with their hands on a keyboard, it's a no brainer to have proper wrist support, better spacing between hands and more natural elbow/wrist angles. Have lost count of the number of 20-somethings I know with carpal tunnel syndrome.
As a side note, I had a much bigger improvement from ditching my Magic Mouse for a vertical mouse: https://honeypot.net/post/pain-free-with-logitech-mx-vertica...
My right wrist was starting to seriously hurt at the end of each day, and now it's completely painless.
My right wrist was starting to seriously hurt at the end of each day, and now it's completely painless.
Compatibility:
Mac Models:
MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020)
iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021)
Mac mini (M1, 2020)
Mac Models:
MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020)
iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021)
Mac mini (M1, 2020)
There is also a larger version with numeric keypad.
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK2C3LL/A/magic-keyboard-...
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK2C3LL/A/magic-keyboard-...
But why the hell is the Touch ID sensor _not_ in the top right corner there? I agree with the other poster that said apple design is in the tank right now. Man that is awful.
What's the difference? You can register the fingerprint of any finger, not just the thumb.
For me (not the op), the difference is between going to a corner of a physical device (mindless, immediate); vs having to hunt for specific position in the middle of device (more conscious, intent).
Put it differently, "one of these things is not like the other", so it makes intuitive sense -- for me :) -- for it to be in a corner and "isolated" from typing keys.
20 years ago I read in a very basic "Intro to UI" that 1-pixel in the corner of your screen is effectively the biggest button on the screen (this was for mouse and desktop monitor, of course), as you can just push your mouse there without aiming or stopping. The wisdom of being able to use motion to go to an extreme of device intuitively stuck with me ever since.
Put it differently, "one of these things is not like the other", so it makes intuitive sense -- for me :) -- for it to be in a corner and "isolated" from typing keys.
20 years ago I read in a very basic "Intro to UI" that 1-pixel in the corner of your screen is effectively the biggest button on the screen (this was for mouse and desktop monitor, of course), as you can just push your mouse there without aiming or stopping. The wisdom of being able to use motion to go to an extreme of device intuitively stuck with me ever since.
I'm betting it was a minimal change: they replaced the Eject key on the previous model, which makes sense given that no Apple Silicon devices have a drive with removable media.
Because someone would whine about it either way.
If it's not in the upper right corner, it's wrong. If it's not within easy reach of the more typical position of the right hand (for people who touch type at least) then it's in the wrong position. It's a lose-lose, doesn't matter what they do some people will be unhappy. And whatever they do, some people will be content or happy. So they picked one that made sense for people who don't rest their hand on the number pad all day long.
If it's not in the upper right corner, it's wrong. If it's not within easy reach of the more typical position of the right hand (for people who touch type at least) then it's in the wrong position. It's a lose-lose, doesn't matter what they do some people will be unhappy. And whatever they do, some people will be content or happy. So they picked one that made sense for people who don't rest their hand on the number pad all day long.
Heh I suppose I did whine about it. But if you opt for a 10 key it’s probably because it’s going to get used, and putting it absolute top right would keep it consistent with its placement on other products.
Is it? I personally think it makes more sense there, it replaces the eject button (is that an eject symbol? It's been a while since I've had to care about eject) – and it matches the button position on the laptops, e.g. above the backspace button.
It’s in the top right corner on every other device that has one though. If I’m reaching for it that’s just where I expect it to be.
The downvotes clearly indicate an unpopular opinion, but this to me just looks like they bolted on a 10 key to the existing product.
The downvotes clearly indicate an unpopular opinion, but this to me just looks like they bolted on a 10 key to the existing product.
> The downvotes clearly indicate an unpopular opinion
That's one conclusion. Could also be your attitude / way you expressed your opinion too. ;)
That's one conclusion. Could also be your attitude / way you expressed your opinion too. ;)
> That's one conclusion. Could also be your attitude / way you expressed your opinion too. ;)
Maybe, but I'm generally not a jerk around here, I just really don't like this design and expressed it. It really does hit me as shockingly bad. Like "why did they do that?" bad. That others like it as much as I hate it is a real surprise to me, but that's life.
Maybe, but I'm generally not a jerk around here, I just really don't like this design and expressed it. It really does hit me as shockingly bad. Like "why did they do that?" bad. That others like it as much as I hate it is a real surprise to me, but that's life.
> I'm generally not a jerk around here
Scanning over your recent comment history, I agree with you. I wouldn’t even say the comment in question was jerk like, but rather hyperbolicly negative. You were essentially damning an entire company over a keyboard button position you disagreed with. We get it, you think it should always be far top right. I definitely see your point of view, but I can also see the point of view where they put it. I’m undecided which is better, but that doesn’t change the fact saying their entire design team sucks over that might be going to far. As someone who easily gets fired up with passion when I dislike something, I completely empathize. That’s why sometimes you need to take a breadth before posting.
Scanning over your recent comment history, I agree with you. I wouldn’t even say the comment in question was jerk like, but rather hyperbolicly negative. You were essentially damning an entire company over a keyboard button position you disagreed with. We get it, you think it should always be far top right. I definitely see your point of view, but I can also see the point of view where they put it. I’m undecided which is better, but that doesn’t change the fact saying their entire design team sucks over that might be going to far. As someone who easily gets fired up with passion when I dislike something, I completely empathize. That’s why sometimes you need to take a breadth before posting.
[deleted]
To be more precise, it is right above the backspace/delete key on every other device that has one. So they decided to stay consistent and put it in the exact same spot here too.
When you make an extended version of a keyboard, it makes sense to me to stay consistent and not rearrange keys on the part of the keyboard that's shared between the extended and regular-sized versions.
When you make an extended version of a keyboard, it makes sense to me to stay consistent and not rearrange keys on the part of the keyboard that's shared between the extended and regular-sized versions.
> To be more precise, it is right above the backspace/delete key on every other device that has one. So they decided to stay consistent and put it in the exact same spot here too.
Is it really more precise to say above the backspace/delete vs. the absolute top right corner? Until this product rolled out, those statements would have been practically equivalent.
I'm thinking of this like I do the power button. On my Macbooks, that's one and the same with touchid, and is in the top right corner (and yeah, above the delete key, but for me the significance is the absolute position). The power button on my non-Apple keyboards is also in the top right, above the numpad - albeit not a touch sensor as well. Not where the eject key is, but in the absolute top right on the old Logitech Wave I'm typing on right now.
Quite honestly, I didn't expect I'd be in the minority on this one. I suppose this is why design teams exist. I wonder if there's a better spoken version of me at Apple arguing like an asshole for the exact same thing!
Is it really more precise to say above the backspace/delete vs. the absolute top right corner? Until this product rolled out, those statements would have been practically equivalent.
I'm thinking of this like I do the power button. On my Macbooks, that's one and the same with touchid, and is in the top right corner (and yeah, above the delete key, but for me the significance is the absolute position). The power button on my non-Apple keyboards is also in the top right, above the numpad - albeit not a touch sensor as well. Not where the eject key is, but in the absolute top right on the old Logitech Wave I'm typing on right now.
Quite honestly, I didn't expect I'd be in the minority on this one. I suppose this is why design teams exist. I wonder if there's a better spoken version of me at Apple arguing like an asshole for the exact same thing!
> Is it really more precise to say above the backspace/delete vs. the absolute top right corner?
Yes, because that specifies the position of the key in all keyboards, no matter what extra keys they might have.
If your keyboard doesn't have an F-button row, then your numerical row is at the very top of the keyboard. If your keyboard has an F-button row, then your numerical row is the second row from the top. But in reality, it is in the exact same place it has always been, right above the the QWERTY row.
We don't shift the numerical row to the top when we add an F-button row. Neither do we shift arrow keys or Enter key to the far right when we add a numpad. So I don't see why touch ID button should behave any differently.
In general, extended versions of keyboards add more stuff compared to the smaller versions, but they never mess with the layout of buttons present in the original.
Yes, because that specifies the position of the key in all keyboards, no matter what extra keys they might have.
If your keyboard doesn't have an F-button row, then your numerical row is at the very top of the keyboard. If your keyboard has an F-button row, then your numerical row is the second row from the top. But in reality, it is in the exact same place it has always been, right above the the QWERTY row.
We don't shift the numerical row to the top when we add an F-button row. Neither do we shift arrow keys or Enter key to the far right when we add a numpad. So I don't see why touch ID button should behave any differently.
In general, extended versions of keyboards add more stuff compared to the smaller versions, but they never mess with the layout of buttons present in the original.
> just looks like they bolted on a 10 key to the existing product.
Isn’t that precisely what an extended keyboard is?
Isn’t that precisely what an extended keyboard is?
There's more than one way to look for consistency: in terms of key it was next to, or overall position on physical item.
In other words:
"It was above delete button"
vs
"It was in top right corner of the device"
From my personal usability perspective, FWIW, there's a difference between "Go to physical corner of a device" and "hunt for a very specific place in the middle of keyboard", but preferences differ.
In other words:
"It was above delete button"
vs
"It was in top right corner of the device"
From my personal usability perspective, FWIW, there's a difference between "Go to physical corner of a device" and "hunt for a very specific place in the middle of keyboard", but preferences differ.
My muscle memory wants things to stay where they are relative to one another. With it at the top right extreme, I would have to remember which computer I was at, since that location changes relative to all other keys.
Shows again how different people are :)
I suppose it depends what your muscle memory is coded to?
To me, muscle memory would be coded to "find top right extreme of device, then back off a little". I suppose yours night be "find delete key, go a bit above" or "this far from home row".
(normally home row might be what I'd key too as well, but turning on and fingerprinting device is typically before I settle on home key in my workflow - I. E. I might not even be fully sat down...)
I suppose it depends what your muscle memory is coded to?
To me, muscle memory would be coded to "find top right extreme of device, then back off a little". I suppose yours night be "find delete key, go a bit above" or "this far from home row".
(normally home row might be what I'd key too as well, but turning on and fingerprinting device is typically before I settle on home key in my workflow - I. E. I might not even be fully sat down...)
I agree with you. It’s much easier to press the button without having to look for it when it’s in the corner. I, too, thought that was a strange design choice.
Both positions are equally weird. Why is it not on the left… not that I would give up the Esc button. I’m left handed, so I feel it’s more natural to use the fingers on my left hand.
There are no position they could pick that will make everyone happy.
There are no position they could pick that will make everyone happy.
I'm right-handed, but top left corner of the keyboard would also be better than where it is now, to me at least. I keep my laptop to the left of my keyboard and monitor when I'm docked (like I am now) and reaching with my left hand to the corner of the Macbook keyboard is also pretty natural.
> There are no position they could pick that will make everyone happy.
Seems that way!
> There are no position they could pick that will make everyone happy.
Seems that way!
Really missed an opportunity to provide an affordance here to align with Fitt's Law. Or they saw how useful F19 was in comparison to the touchID sensor :)
> But why the hell is the Touch ID sensor _not_ in the top right corner there?
It _is_? What am I/are you missing here?
> apple design is in the tank right now
There have been a diverse group of trolls screaming this for about 40 years. Meanwhile they are only the best by default. Don’t like it? Make something better
It _is_? What am I/are you missing here?
> apple design is in the tank right now
There have been a diverse group of trolls screaming this for about 40 years. Meanwhile they are only the best by default. Don’t like it? Make something better
Nice. Now make an ergonomic one...
This is awesome! Touch ID is a great feature, especially for computers (I am not sure how Face ID can ergonomically work for approving purchases as one is always staring at the screen - ie some sort of button press must be required, hence Touch ID is better as it avoids the Face ID step :)
Note that it appears for only Apple Silicon Macs (probably due to the security chip)
Note that it appears for only Apple Silicon Macs (probably due to the security chip)
I would love a Bluetooth or usb TouchID only accessory. I mainly use my work laptop with an external monitor and keyboard, but I have to keep the laptop open to quickly access my password vault.
You can set this up with some hardware tokens. I've done it in the past with a Yubikey.
1Password allows unlocking with touch id, but not hardware keys like yubikey.
Same, I have the keyboard sitting on a nearby shelf to my iMac for the TouchID feature. For anyone that uses some kind of keyboard a standalone TouchID device would be a godsend. :/
I wonder how beefy the processor in this keyboard is - could be interesting to hack into.
By the numbers, the secure enclave implementation is $50. I wonder if Logitech will get a shot at TouchID like the Crayon did for the Apple Pencil? I'd pay $50 to add it to my K380.
$99.00 Magic Keyboard - US English
$149.00 Magic Keyboard with Touch ID for Mac models with Apple silicon - US English
$129.00 Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad - US English
$179.00 Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad for Mac models with Apple silicon - US English
$99.00 Magic Keyboard - US English
$149.00 Magic Keyboard with Touch ID for Mac models with Apple silicon - US English
$129.00 Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad - US English
$179.00 Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad for Mac models with Apple silicon - US English
I’m honestly almost a little bit appalled by myself when I realize that I probably would be willing to pay an extra $50 to have a TouchID interface on my ErgoDox EZ Shine, just to save myself from having to reach over and extend my arm an extra half of a meter several times a day when I am stationed with my keyboard and external monitor, and my MacBook Pro that is connected to them sits out of reach over there where I keep it.
I'm also spoiled by (what I consider) a great keyboard, the Kinesis FreeStyle 2. I don't think I'm going back to this Apple keyboard, but boy would Touch ID be useful.
Moonlander user who also would definitely pay money to not have to reach over to my laptop several times a day.
I continue to hope they bring FaceID to the Mac in a manner similar to Windows Hello, where you can buy a webcam certified for it
Face ID works with something more like an XBOX Kinect with an infrared light projecting a pattern to understand depth.
https://www.macrumors.com/2017/09/13/how-iphone-x-face-id-wo...
https://www.macrumors.com/2017/09/13/how-iphone-x-face-id-wo...
That would mean updating the "isight" webcam for the first time in a decade or so.
As if. If Apple ever brings FaceID to macs, it will be with the webcam of their own monitor and nothing else.
I have a Freestyle 2 and the Freestyle Edge (the blue version). I completely understand what you are talking about.
Freestyle 2 (blue) is good. Feels good, bluetooth just works, battery life is great. Non mechanical, but if you like Apple Keyboards that shouldn't matter. Also no backlight if it matters.
The Edge has survived multiple coffee spills (although the backlight on the "2" key doesn't work anymore, after the last one).
Left it to dry and sunlight warped one of the spacebar caps. Those keys are custom and so impossible to find. Tried 3d Printing one but it wasn't really usable. Contacted Kinesis support fully expecting them to say that it's no longer supported... not only it is supported, but they mailed me a new spacebar keycap, for free.
So yeah. The Edge is pricey, non-removable switches unfortunately. Doesn't come with palm rests but it really, really should. Great onboard software(again, only the Edge). And great support, to the point that I'm here advertising for them for free.
Also split keyboards in general are great since you can have all sorts of stuff in between them :)
The Touch ID issue was solved with the Apple Watch. I'm not going back to Apple Keyboards. Really trying to avoid the custom keyboard rabbit hole too :)
Freestyle 2 (blue) is good. Feels good, bluetooth just works, battery life is great. Non mechanical, but if you like Apple Keyboards that shouldn't matter. Also no backlight if it matters.
The Edge has survived multiple coffee spills (although the backlight on the "2" key doesn't work anymore, after the last one).
Left it to dry and sunlight warped one of the spacebar caps. Those keys are custom and so impossible to find. Tried 3d Printing one but it wasn't really usable. Contacted Kinesis support fully expecting them to say that it's no longer supported... not only it is supported, but they mailed me a new spacebar keycap, for free.
So yeah. The Edge is pricey, non-removable switches unfortunately. Doesn't come with palm rests but it really, really should. Great onboard software(again, only the Edge). And great support, to the point that I'm here advertising for them for free.
Also split keyboards in general are great since you can have all sorts of stuff in between them :)
The Touch ID issue was solved with the Apple Watch. I'm not going back to Apple Keyboards. Really trying to avoid the custom keyboard rabbit hole too :)
That's quite the review, I'll definitely consider it for the future. The thing with the Freestyle 2 is, it's actually very cheap for a split keyboard. But to hit that price point, it's really quite a conventional keyboard in other aspects.
I once built a custom keyboard but made a couple of mistakes, and I realized the Freestyle is not bad at all :)
I once built a custom keyboard but made a couple of mistakes, and I realized the Freestyle is not bad at all :)
In many ways a much more expensive way to solve the problem, but since I switched to the same keyboard (and I leave my laptop shut) I have been glad of the Apple Watch unlocking.
Assuming you are not interested in the Apple Watch. Otherwise, the watch can do everything TouchID can (edit: on the mac).
My laptops operate almost exclusively in clamshell mode. So, having a Touch ID on the external keyboard would be great!
Sure would be nice if it worked with Intel-based hardware, though. ;(
Sure would be nice if it worked with Intel-based hardware, though. ;(
Seems like a lot for a keyboard.
Logitech can't even connect to the laptop via BT before you are logged in, I doubt it will get this integration.
This goes for all non-Apple BT keyboards, and is a security feature (or so Apple says).
I mean if they can't get Apple to include them in this (like you said you can use BT magic keyboard so clearly there's a way built-in) they have no chance at getting touchid
Someone will probably reverse engineer the protocol. And you'll be able to build your own keyboard with touch ID as long as it doesn't rely on each keyboard having a unique key that you can't read out of it. Which, knowing Apple, it probably does.
With the level of complexity involved, I’d bet a homegrown solution would cost more than the keyboard Apple makes.
This looks nice as long you don't bundle with Magic Mouse.
Just ordered one. Was hoping this would happen!
Really sucks that Apple doesn't offer this in Space Gray and discontinued all the Space Gray Magic accessories (keyboard/trackpad/mouse)...
Wait, those are already discontinued?
At this rate we'll need a killedbyapple.com page
At this rate we'll need a killedbyapple.com page
yeah, apparently Apple only "intended" them to be used with the iMac Pro line to align it with that Mac's color scheme. Since the line was discontinued, they killed the matching accessories, or so the theory goes.
That sucks. Though I don't know how much I give for their space grey - my M1 and iPad are both supposed to be space grey but they are not ever close to each other in color.
For me it wasn't about the matching the machine (although I do expect the trackpad and keyboard to match), it was about having the black keys and the non-shiny surface. Thankfully I have ~3 sets of the keyboard/trackpad, but I might have bought a spare had I known it was being discontinued.
I quickly bought a space gray trackpad just after they discontinued them. Patiently waiting for them to release the space gray compact version of this new keyboard along with the new pro macs ;)
Ah, the new "more round corners" Magic Trackpad is also available: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK2D3AM/A/magic-trackpad
If you don't know: The new (iMac) keyboard is more round on the corners and so is the trackpad.
If you don't know: The new (iMac) keyboard is more round on the corners and so is the trackpad.
Also for all the perifs: "And it includes a woven USB-C to Lightning Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB-C port on your Mac."
Even the venerable Magic Mouse gets a "new" badge when it gets a woven cable.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Mouse
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK2E3AM/A/magic-mouse
Even the venerable Magic Mouse gets a "new" badge when it gets a woven cable.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Mouse
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK2E3AM/A/magic-mouse
I wonder if we'll ever see 3rd party support for Touch ID - it'd be amazing to have touch ID in a mechanical keyboard!
This keyboard is extremely ugly. I’ve noticed for a long time now a weakening in the design of Apple products. This is certainly the most disgusted I’ve been at an Apple product since 2011.
Disgusted? This seems like an extreme reaction to have to a keyboard.
Extreme reaction is usually used to describe a persons actions, the action they took in response to something. Acute reaction is more appropriate for involuntary things like a person fainting from the sight of blood, gagging at a bad smell or mentally gagging at a bad design.
Isn't the design just the normal keyboard, except with rounded corners?
You can quickly see the differences by opening these two images in separate tabs and flipping between the tabs: https://store.storeimages.cdn-apple.com/4982/as-images.apple... https://store.storeimages.cdn-apple.com/4982/as-images.apple...
You can quickly see the differences by opening these two images in separate tabs and flipping between the tabs: https://store.storeimages.cdn-apple.com/4982/as-images.apple... https://store.storeimages.cdn-apple.com/4982/as-images.apple...
It’s amazing how such a small difference can completely change the identity of the object. That rounding of the corners transformed it from sleek and sophisticated to Fischer price. It’s utterly revolting. Especially because it keeps the same materials so it looks like a pig with a dress and lipstick on.
That keyboard with the ability to pair with multiple computers seamlessly would be the MX Keys killer for me.
If they're both Macs you could use AirBuddy's "Magic Handoff" to transfer the connection between them with one click, but that's still less powerful than just having buttons on the keyboard (for iPad and Windows support). I have a K380 and the 3-device pairing works great.
https://support.airbuddy.app/articles/how-to-use-magic-hando...
https://support.airbuddy.app/articles/how-to-use-magic-hando...
I was hoping they would return to the old-style (upside-down T shaped) arrow keys with smaller left/right keys.
Agree. Easier to feel.
I wonder how they determine which to use? Seems like they switch back and forth.
I wonder how they determine which to use? Seems like they switch back and forth.
I would love just a TouchID button. I have an mechanical split keyboard (Ultimate Hacking Keyboard, I love it) and I reach over to my MacBook Pro to use TouchID, but having a button I could put on my desk would be great and would solve that problem.
I don't see Apple making it to be honest, but I would love it.
I don't see Apple making it to be honest, but I would love it.
They do make it, it just comes with a keyboard attached :)
That's a solution that takes up an awful lot of desk space.
Most of the time I’m able to use my watch instead of reaching over to the fingerprint sensor.
There you go. I haven't missed the fingerprint sensor after the Apple Watch, since the laptop sits most of the time in clamshell configuration.
Pricey button, but it has other uses.
Pricey button, but it has other uses.
Part of me really wants one of these, but I don't want to support Apple because they're holding the web back.
https://www.safari-is-the-new-ie.com/
https://www.safari-is-the-new-ie.com/
If Safari is the new IE what should I use instead that doesn't suck down battery like it's going out of style, works with iCloud Keychain, and is fast?
I'm not going to spend time moving to Edge, or Firefox (Chrome is not even an option, see https://chromeisbad.com) if I have to reset passwords across hundreds of websites and those passwords don't automatically sync across all of my devices.
These other browsers also don't integrate well with the system, have a different look/feel, don't behave the same when managed using Moom for resizing because they have their own layout engines, and don't hook into the system dictionary or editing features.
I want a single cohesive whole that works well together.
I'm not going to spend time moving to Edge, or Firefox (Chrome is not even an option, see https://chromeisbad.com) if I have to reset passwords across hundreds of websites and those passwords don't automatically sync across all of my devices.
These other browsers also don't integrate well with the system, have a different look/feel, don't behave the same when managed using Moom for resizing because they have their own layout engines, and don't hook into the system dictionary or editing features.
I want a single cohesive whole that works well together.
They have a financial incentive to hold the web back, because it threatens their AppStore monopoly. You can't blame a company trying to extract more profit in a lawful way. If you think that Apple must improve web support, build awesome web apps which will not work in Safari, that's the only thing that makes them worry IMO.
You can absolutely blame a company for this, because some things are legal but you're still an ass if you do them.
Do you know if the key switches are the same as before, or if they were improved?
I was wondering about this too and so far haven’t found any reviews addressing this question.
The only thing I found was this forum post[0] which implies the old and new magic keyboards feel the same (though the author thinks they feel like the butterfly keyboards, which I do not agree with having used all types of Apple keyboards except for this new one).
[0] https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/imac-magic-keyboard-fee...
[0] https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/imac-magic-keyboard-fee...
Buwhahah $150.
I wonder if keys in this keyboard can be rearranged to Dvorak layout?
I once bought to their keyboard with numpad only to discover that for some silly reason they rotated the keypress mechanism letters F and J by 90degrees. This, of course, made key rearrangement impossible.
I once bought to their keyboard with numpad only to discover that for some silly reason they rotated the keypress mechanism letters F and J by 90degrees. This, of course, made key rearrangement impossible.
This is why I learned to type without looking at my keyboard. I'm also a dvorak user, and since it's almost impossible to get a macbook with dvorak layout, I invested the time to learn to touchtype.
It will pay off, I promise you.
Also, the look on the face of some coworker/familymember/whoever that takes over your keyboard and they type gibberish is worth more then the two weeks of training.
My external keyboards now all have blank keycaps.
Also, the look on the face of some coworker/familymember/whoever that takes over your keyboard and they type gibberish is worth more then the two weeks of training.
My external keyboards now all have blank keycaps.
Thanks, of course, but I've been using Dvorak since 2007 and of course I touchtype. Still, I prefer keys to be in their proper positions.
Also, I did rearrange keys on MacBook (2009) and MacBook Pro (late 2013) without issues. The problem was with their wired keyboard (MB110).
Also, I did rearrange keys on MacBook (2009) and MacBook Pro (late 2013) without issues. The problem was with their wired keyboard (MB110).
I also used dvorak and rearranged my keyboards whenever I can, but some keyboards simply has several keys that can't be rearranged (e.g. the keys near the pointing stick on a thinkpad). In that case, I would rearrange whatever keys I can, and for those keys that can't be arranged I'll just slap some keyboard sticker (ideally one that matches the keyboard model so it's not noticeable).
I would prefer to have a touch ID peripheral be separate from the keyboard.
Can anyone think of a reason why this peripheral still has a lightning port and a USB-C to lightning cable rather than a USB-C port and USB-C to USB-C cable?
Apple peripherals use lightning, and Apple doesn’t seem to be willing to change that policy.
Main devices uses usb-c, so a lightning to usb-a cable, would not be appropriate.
Main devices uses usb-c, so a lightning to usb-a cable, would not be appropriate.
we know from tear-downs that the previous magic keyboard uses the same charging IC as some other apple devices, so it’s likely something to do with using existing manufacturing processes to save on cost. that’s just a guess, though — it’s hard to say for sure without seeing someone dissect one of these (or knowing exactly how they’re made).
Yes, because there’s no benefit to their business to invest time switching it to USB-C, and significant upsides to existing customers if they continue using Lightning.
What use case do you envision should be higher priority to Apple’s customers than being able to recharge their keyboard, trackpad, and phone from a single Lightning cable left plugged into their desktop computer’s USB port?
What use case do you envision should be higher priority to Apple’s customers than being able to recharge their keyboard, trackpad, and phone from a single Lightning cable left plugged into their desktop computer’s USB port?
Maybe getting rid of all the e-waste generated by having a proprietary standard that is not used anywhere outside the apple ecosystem? I think that's quite a compelling reason.
Changing the charging cables for a billion phones to reduce E-waste would be an effective way to turns billions of perfectly good cables into E-waste. Do you feel it would break-even within ten years?
I don't think you're factoring in that many of those cables would need replacements during the lifetime of the device they're used with.
So yes, I think that it would "break-even" quite fast.
So yes, I think that it would "break-even" quite fast.
This is indeed inexplicable
Note- From what I can tell this is only for M1 powered apple computers. Ive an iMac Pro that I would be keen to use with this, but no space grey and intel chips mean I cant use this.
The original title mentions with Apple silicon. Wish that was here, since many only read the titles and easy to miss that this only works with new M1 Macs.
But not available in the lovely iMac colours? That's a bummer.
I just need the Touch ID button from this, not the other aspects of the subpar typing experience.