Summary
Has your Magic Keyboard lost its sparkle?
Perhaps its time for you to move up in the world and try a mechanical keyboard instead.
Thats exactly what I did after nearly two decades of tapping away on a MacBook.
Tim Brookes / How-To Geek
Here are my findings.
Why Bother With a Mechanical Keyboard?
Mechanical Keyboards have an almost cult-like following in some circles, which can be intimidating.
Tim Brookes / How-To Geek
Mechanical keyboards useindividual switches for each key actuation.
Standard non-mechanical keyboards use a membrane, which is a rubber cover that provides resistance when you throw in.
Membrane keyboards are typically cheaper than mechanical ones, but the Magic Keyboard is the exception.
Tim Brookes / How-To Geek
Like most Apple accessories, this peripheral sells for a premium.
Since they use individual switches, mechanical keyboards are far more durable.
Switches can be swapped out if they stop working (soldering may be necessary on cheaper boards).
Tim Brookes / How-To Geek
The typing experience is also considered to be superior to that provided by often mushy feeling membrane keyboards.
And then theres the sound.
Perhaps the most subjective aspect of all, mechanical keyboards are often coveted for their acoustics.
Tim Brookes / How-To Geek
This varies from clicky, noisy, jot down-writer-esque snaps to creamy, dampened, almost silent thuds.
Lastly, theres customization.
Many keyboards also come withRGB lightingif thats your thing too.
Tim Brookes / How-To Geek
Apples basic Magic Keyboard mirrors the MacBook keyboard almost perfectly, and it feels identical to punch in on.
Theres also quite a bit of difference in terms of the typing experience.
The Magic Keyboard is an almost flat board, with minimal travel.
Tim Brookes / How-To Geek
The keys dont get in your way because they barely protrude.
Id describe it as light and bouncy.
Mechanical keyboards, even low-profile ones, are completely different.
It can feel fatiguing when youre used to the sort of light typing experience Apple keyboards provide.
There are some other considerations to make too.
If you depend on it, youll lose Touch ID.
I had no such issues since I just startedauthenticating macOS requests with my Apple Watch instead.
Theres also the small matter of aesthetics.
Dont forget that Apple charges more money for black accessories if you want a set of matching dark peripherals.
you might add a fingerprint scanner for $149.
Its hard to put a price limit on productivity.
Mechanical keyboards are available at all price points.
it’s possible for you to spend Magic Keyboard money on something a little cheaper like theSatechi SM1.
This is the point at which the mechanical keyboard scene can start to feel a bit overwhelming.
Some are consumed by the pursuit of the creamiest sound,the perfect switch, or custom-made keycaps.
If possible, we recommend trying a few keyboards and switch types before you buy.
How Much Do You Love Your Magic Keyboard?
The main question you have to answer is: how do you really feel about the Magic Keyboard?
Do you hate typing on your MacBook?
Are you a competent Magic Keyboard typist who is just a bit bored?
Do you make a lot of mistakes?
A few rounds onMonkeyTypemight be worth a shot.
If youre just looking for some variety, you might find the experience more frustrating than eye-opening.
I moved from the Magic Keyboard to the NuPhy Air75 V2.
I felt a strain in my hands as I adjusted to the heavier typing experience.
Weeks later and Imstilla slower typer on the NuPhy.
It has me frequently reaching for the Magic Keyboard.
I still enjoy using the NuPhy, and typing is arguably more satisfying.
Speed isnt everything, and I say that as someone who writes and edits text for a living.
I appreciate being able to use the NuPhy with other devices thanks to its easy Bluetooth profile switching.
A 1000Hz polling rate on wired and 2.4GHz wireless put the Magic Keyboard to shame.
But Im not getting rid of my Magic Keyboard any time soon.
Its a good job theres room for two keyboards on my desk.
Looking for some mechanical keyboard recommendations?
Check out ourbest overall mechanical keyboards,best portable mechanical keyboards, andbest tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical keyboards.
