Apple Keyboards & Mac Compatible Keyboards

Best Apple Keyboards & Mac Compatible Keyboards to Buy in 2025

Usually, Mac users prefer Apple keyboards for multiple reasons, for instance, these keyboards feature seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, premium build quality, touch ID support, aesthetics, and matchless ergonomics. However, they are not the only keyboards worthy of Mac users.

No matter whether you need to type all day long, play fast-paced games, or prefer the cacophonous comfort of mechanical key switches, these alternative Mac-compatible keyboards can provide you with all you need. Having said that, not all Apple keyboards suit your needs, nor do third-party Mac-compatible keyboard solutions. You need to understand precisely which one will work for you. 

This is where this write-up comes in. You will learn everything you need to know to choose a better option depending on typing comfort, value, software customization, and other features. At the end of this write-up, we will also make our keyboard recommendation tailored for the specific needs of various user groups in the UK.

Let’s start with understanding the keyboard product line that Apple offers.

1. Apple Keyboard Lineup Overview:

Apple comes up with the following types of keyboards: 

• Magic Keyboard (USB-C)

• Magic Keyboard with Touch ID

• Magic Keyboard with Touch ID & Numeric Keypad

• Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (No Touch ID)

• Magic Keyboard for iPad (iPad Pro & Air)

Now, discuss each of them one by one.

Magic Keyboard (with/without Touch ID): What’s the Difference?

Apple’s magic keyboards are designed to deliver exceptional performance, including a comfortable and precise typing experience for Mac Desktops, MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Vision Pro. They come with multiple innovative features; for instance, they are wireless and rechargeable, allowing Mac and Vision Pro users to connect instantly with their devices.

They also provided a minimalist and lightweight design with a scissor mechanism, allowing you to enjoy a quiet and comfortable typing experience. Apple has introduced a long-lasting battery that helps keep powering keyboards for a month or even more between charges.

Besides USB-C charging for quick charging, some keyboards also feature Touch ID. What is this?

Magic Keyboard with Touch ID:

These keyboards are provided with a built-in Touch ID sensor, allowing users to quickly and securely unlock their Mac with the help of their fingerprints. Users can also use Touch ID to authorize purchases from Apple Pay, and they can sign in and log in to websites and apps that support Touch ID. 

Magic Keyboard with Touch ID works only with an Apple silicon Mac (M1 chip or later). Furthermore, they also need Macs running macOS 15.1 or later. 

Magic Keyboard vs Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad:

Magic Keyboard with numeric keypad is provided with an extended layout, featuring a numeric keypad, full-size arrow keys, and document navigation keys, making it suitable for spreadsheets, data entry, and other users. 

They are also wireless and come with a rechargeable battery, providing a month-long battery life. USB-C port and a woven USB-C Charge Cable are also there for connection with Mac and quick charging. 

They need a Mac with Apple silicon using macOS 15.1 or later, and they are compatible with iPhone models, Mac models, and iPad models. 

Here is a table showing differences between the standard Magic Keyboard and the Magic Keyboard with Numeric keypad.

Magic Keyboard for iPad vs Mac: Key Differences:

Apple has also come up with Magic keyboards designed specifically for various iPad models. These keyboards feature a sleek, portable design with an aluminum palm rest, allowing users to enjoy an amazing typing and trackpad experience.

Magic Keyboard for iPads comes with the following features: 

• Thin and portable cantilever design provides smooth adjustability and delivers the perfect viewing angle.

• Built-in larger glass trackpad with haptic feedback.

• 14-key function row for quick access to screen brightness, volume controls, and other features.

• Comfortable backlit keys and a scissor mechanism with 1 mm travel for quiet, responsive typing.

• Designed for multi-touch gestures and the cursor in iPadOS.

• Durable machined aluminum hinge includes a USB‑C connector.

• Folds into a case to provide front and back protection for traveling with iPad Pro

Apple Smart Keyboard vs Magic Keyboard (for iPads):

When it comes to keyboards for iPads, Apple offers two types of specialized solutions: Magic Keyboard and Smart Folio Keyboard.

On the face value, both appear to be some. They don’t support connection by Bluetooth; instead, special connectors are used for connections. They don’t have a battery; therefore, they draw power from the iPad. Finally, both of them support the same number of 64 keys and protect the iPad when they are shut.

However, they are different in many ways as well. Here is a table showing their differences in a summarized manner.

Touch ID Keyboards for M1/M2/M3 Macs: 

Normally, Keyboards with Touch ID are compatible with Macs (including MacBooks, iMac, and Mac Desktops) equipped with Apple Silicon chips, including M1, M2, and M3 models.

Here is a list of Mac Models that are compatible with the Touch ID Magic Keyboard of Apple.

• MacBook Air (13-inch, M4, 2025)

• MacBook Air (15-inch, M4, 2025)

• MacBook Air (13-inch, M3, 2024)

• MacBook Air (15-inch, M3, 2024)

• MacBook Air (15-inch, M2, 2023)

• MacBook Air (13-inch, M2, 2022)

• MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

• MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020)

• MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2024)

• MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2024)

• MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2023)

• MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2023)

• MacBook Pro (13-inch, M2, 2022)

• MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2021)

• MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021)

• MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)

• MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020)

• iMac (24-inch, M4, 2024)

• iMac (24-inch, M3, 2023)

• iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021)

• Mac Studio (2025)

• iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019–2020)

• Mac Studio (2023)

• Mac Studio (2022)

• Mac mini (2024)

• Mac mini (2023)

• Mac mini (M1, 2020)

• Mac mini (2018)

• Mac Pro (2023)

• Mac Pro (2019)

Now we have discussed comprehensively about Apple Keyboards. However, as we have discussed earlier that multiple third-party keyboards work perfectly fine with Mac models. Knowing these keyboards can help make a more well-informed decision. 

Let’s discuss third-party Mac-compatible keyboards. 

Third-Party Mac Compatible Keyboards:

Here are our top picks when it comes to the best third-party Mac-compatible keyboards. 

1. Best Wireless Keyboards for Mac in 2025:

Here are specific recommendations depending upon your needs.

2. Best Mechanical Keyboards for Mac:

Keychron Q1 HE is rated as the best tinkerer-friendly mechanical keyboard for Macs.  Featuring Magnetic switches that offer variable key-press detection levels, a Machined aluminum frame, Hot-swappable switches, and seamless compatibility with both Windows and macOS. 

Available in two colors, Keychron Q1 HE is often ranked as an excellent mechanical keyboard with additional customization features, making it suitable for users who love to tweak every aspect of their keyboard.

3. Best Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for Mac:

Corsair K65 Plus is a wireless 75% gaming keyboard that comes with pre-lubricated Corsair MLX Red v2 linear switches, making sure that every keystroke is silky smooth and responsive.

Here are the salient features of this Mac-compatible gaming keyboard.

• ABS keycaps with per-key RGB shine-through.

• Pre-lubricated CORSAIR MLX Red v2 linear switches.

• Hot-swappable switches.

• Multi-device wireless connectivity.

• Secure AES encryption.

• Up to 266 hours of battery life with RGB off.

• Multi-function rotary dial.

• Two layers of sound-dampening.

4. Ergonomic Keyboards Compatible with Apple Devices:

Here are some ergonomic keyboards compatible with MacBooks, iMacs, and other Apple devices. 

• Kinesis Freestyle2 Blue for Mac

• Logitech ERGO K860 and MX Keys for Mac

• Satechi SM1 & SM3 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboards

5. Multi-device Bluetooth Keyboards (Mac + iPad + iPhone):

Logitech K585 Slim Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard is compatible with iMac, iPad, iPhone, and other Apple devices. It can help you enjoy maximized space, seamless switching between devices with the help of Easy Switch™ buttons, strong and secure wireless connectivity, fluid laptop-style typing, an ultra-quiet work experience, 24-month battery life, and compatibility with desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

What to Look for in a Top-Quality Keyboard for your Macs in 2025:

Here are keyboard features & specs that you should look into to make sure that the intended keyboard serves your needs. 

1. Keyboard Size & Layout: 

Keyboard sizes and layouts are crucially important features that you should look into. When it comes to layout and size, keyboards can be classified into three broader groups: 

• Full-size and extended layout keyboards include all standard keys, a function row, and a number pad. They are suitable for data-entry operators and other professionals. 

• Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards come with no number pads, making them suitable for space-constrained desks. 

• 60% or &75% Keyboards that come without either arrow keys, function keys, or numpad, allowing users to enjoy enhanced portability.

2. Switch Types: 

Depending on typing experience, the keyboards can be divided into three categories. 

• Linear Switches support smooth typing with no tactile feedback. They are quiet, suitable for a noise-sensitive working space.

• Tactile switches come with a noticeable bump at the actuation point, helping users avoid errors. 

• Clicky keyboards generate an audible clicky sound. 

3. Ergonomics:

Obviously, for users who need to work hours upon hours, they need a keyboard that provides a comfortable typing experience. Ergonomic keyboards feature various designs. For instance, adjustable typing angles, wrist rest, and split/curved layouts are some of the ergonomic keyboards compatible with Macs that you can look into. 

Keyboard Use Cases & Recommendations:

Here are our recommendations for a specific set of users. 

Final Words:

Keyboards play a key role in boosting the productivity of IT professionals as well as hardcore gamers. Their choice must be made after due consideration, keeping in mind typing experience, size, layout, switch types, durability, and the like. Apple Keyboards are known for offering innovative features and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. 

However, there are multiple third-party Mac-compatible keyboards that you can look into, particularly if you are interested in extensive customization and ergonomic design. In this article, we have helped you understand every in and out of Apple keyboards and Mac-compatible keyboards. We do hope that you can now make a well-informed decision. Thanks for reading.