Apple’s Magic Keyboard is compact and elegant, but it’s far from the only worthy keyboard option for Mac users. Whether you write all day, play fast-paced games, need superior ergonomics, or prefer the cacophonous comfort of mechanical keys, there are lots of great Mac keyboards out there. That said, not every keyboard works perfectly with Macs, so let’s talk about what you need to know before you pick a new one.
Why You Need a Mac-Friendly Keyboard
Technically, you can use any keyboard with your Mac. Plug it in (possibly with the aid of a USB-A–to–USB-C adapter) or pair it over Bluetooth, and its basic typing functions will just work. That said, if you’re used to a Mac and especially if you’ve been using Apple’s Magic Keyboard, you’ve grown accustomed to certain keys and features that you’ll want in any new keyboard you buy.
The default Magic Keyboard has a compact, 78-key design that crunches all of its keys, including the arrows, into the smallest possible typing block. Very few other keyboards, even small ones, use this kind of layout. Apple also makes a full-size Magic Keyboard with a number pad, but Apple treats that more like the XL model, whereas most keyboard manufacturers see the full-size 104-key layout as the default. If you like a smaller keyboard, a useful term to look for is tenkeyless or TKL, referring to a keyboard that lacks the 10-key number pad.
The keys in the top row of an Apple keyboard are assigned to system-level tasks such as screen brightness and volume controls. They can be used as classic F1–F12 function keys, but you’ll need to press the Fn key for that. On any keyboard not specifically made for Mac, the roles are reversed: F1–F12 are the primary uses for those top-row keys, and the system-level tasks require some sort of shortcut.
Lastly, Macs have a few unique keys. The one you probably know best is the Command key, which is used for many popular keyboard shortcuts. It’s used very differently from the Windows key. The Option key is a more direct parallel to the Alt key on Windows. And the newest Magic Keyboard, which comes with the M1 iMac, has a TouchID button that has no equivalent on a Windows keyboard.
If you want a keyboard that ships with Mac key configurations, your options are very limited. Some companies, like Logitech, do make Mac-specific models of their keyboards with Command and Option keys; these models tend to be labeled “Mac Edition” or “Made for Mac.” But that’s not the only way to get the keys and functions you need. Remappable keyboards are increasingly popular among Windows gamers, and Mac users can often benefit from them too.
Redrawing the Map
If you’ve only used standard productivity keyboards, you’ll be amazed by the wide world of mechanical, gaming-oriented, and ergonomic keyboards. Gaming keyboards bring the shiny with customizable multi-colored RGB lighting, an aesthetic that can be a refreshing break from Apple’s clean monochrome style, and many have programmable macro keys for commonly used functions. Mechanical keyboards have a satisfying typing sound and tactile feel, and most of them feature longer travel—the distance your keycap moves when you press it all the way down—to be more supportive and comfortable.
If you’re starting to experience pain in your hands, wrists, or shoulders while you type, you may want to consider switching to an ergonomic keyboard that’s designed to mitigate the pain of repetitive stress injuries. A keyboard that’s easier and more comfortable to type on can be a life-changing upgrade.
Most premium productivity and gaming keyboards can be reconfigured with software provided by the manufacturer. Configuration apps allow you to change (remap) what each key does; alter other settings, such as how quickly a wireless keyboard falls asleep; and program RGB lighting. This is how you can turn a Windows key into a Command key, set your Caps Lock to activate Option, or otherwise create your ideal keyboard layout.
When you’re setting up a keyboard that isn’t explicitly designed for Macs, being able to use its configuration software is crucial. Unfortunately, many manufacturers’ configuration apps don’t run on macOS, so make sure you find one that does. The biggest Mac-friendly names in productivity keyboards are Logitech and Kensington. For gaming, we’re talking about Corsair, Logitech, and SteelSeries.
Some smaller manufacturers, including Kinesis and Drop, don’t have traditional config apps. Instead, they provide customization support through a combination of onboard controls and either driverless apps that work through the keyboard or web apps. These processes can be a little less convenient than an app, but they’re broadly compatible.
If you think it’ll confuse you to remap a key’s function without relabeling the key, don’t resort to masking tape. Instead, purchase a sheet of inexpensive key label stickers. They’re intended for keyboards where the legends have worn off, but they work just as well for relabeling a remapped key. Some mechanical keyboards come with replaceable keycaps for Command and Option, but if you want to set up Mac-style function keys, you’ll probably need labels.
Ready for Our Recommendations?
Armed with all the details, you’re ready to pick the best keyboard for your Mac. Our recommendations and reviews will help you figure out which of our favorites will be a good fit. If you’re looking for specific features, check out our lists of the best wireless keyboards and the best ergonomic keyboards. And if you need a mouse to match, consider the best gaming mice for Macs, which are designed for gaming but work well for any purpose.
