Ever since I learned how to type when I was child, I’ve loved trying out different keyboards. There’s something so satisfying about the quiet tippy tap on a new keyboard. Making the experience of working nicer with accessories makes me feel more creative and productive, and just generally more excited about my work.
Starting with some facts: I don’t prefer full size keyboards. I have found the 75% keyboard layout the best for my needs. I almost never need the number pad, but like having the function row of keys. I also keep the Apple Magic Trackpad on the right of the keyboard, and full-size keyboards just take too much space. Over the last few years, I’ve transitioned into more of a “white” aesthetic for my desk setup, and so I like my accessories (keyboards, trackpad, chargers, monitor, even monitor arm) to all be white. Another important requirement from my everyday keyboard is portability. I like sleeker designs which can fit into my every day bag to carry to the office when I want.
Here is a list of keyboards I alternate between and my thoughts on them
All of the keyboards I talk about are made for Mac. Some may also work with windows, but if you like any of these, make sure you check for compatibility to your system before buying!
The Apple Magic Keyboard
This was the first external keyboard I treated myself to. Although there were several options available, I opted for the cheapest one in white. It met all my requirements, so I chose the 75% keyboard without touch ID (as the touch ID feature was an additional 5k, which I deemed unnecessary). What I appreciate most about this keyboard is its portability. It is lightweight, compact, sleek, and aesthetically pleasing. The keys have a low profile, are quiet, yet provide a satisfying typing experience. It is the ideal keyboard for taking silent notes during meetings. My main frustration with this keyboard is its limitation to connect to only one device at a time. Moreover, switching it to my other Mac requires a brief physical connection using a lightning cable, which can be irritating. Despite this, it remains my preferred choice, earning a solid rating of 9.5/10.
Logitech MX Mechanical Mini
Is this the most expensive keyboard I've ever purchased? Absolutely. The buzz surrounding its build quality was so intense that I felt compelled to buy it, and thereby started my journey into the world of mechanical keyboards, a subject that had always intrigued me as I watched keyboard enthusiasts' videos (who would cringe at this uninformed keyboard post if they ever saw it, haha!). Amongst pre-built Mechanical keyboards, this particular one was highly recommended. I indulged in it as a birthday treat last year, and the typing experience was truly satisfying! Designed as a "low-profile" 75% mechanical keyboard tailored for Mac users (although a Mac + Windows version is also available, only in black), this keyboard is an excellent entry point to test the mechanical keyboard waters before delving deeper. While I enjoy this keyboard, I've come to the realization that mechanical keyboards may not be my cup of tea (more on that later!). The keyboard boasts a beautiful appearance, delightful key feel, and I wholeheartedly recommend it if you have the budget. An added advantage of all Logitech keyboards is their ability to connect with three devices simultaneously, allowing seamless switching with a single button. I rate it a solid 9/10!
Keychron K2V2
Keychron is known for crafting exquisite mechanical keyboards, and this particular one had the "hot-swappable" feature that lets you play keyboard surgeon with ease. I took a leap of faith and bought the Keychron K2V2 with red linear switches, only to find the typing experience not satisfying at all. Swapping to browns gave it a bit of a boost, but the keycaps' sharp edges left my fingertips in pain. I also didn’t love the amount of noise the keystrokes made, even though this was the “quiet” version. This whole ordeal made me rethink my relationship with mechanical keyboards. I typed slower, made more errors, and had to look at my keyboard to type much more than I'd like to. While the vintage typewriter vibe is charming, the practicality just wasn't cutting it for me. But hey, if you're all about that tactile feedback life, this budget-friendly option might be the one for you. From what I hear the company has a good reputation of listening to their customers. In my books, it's a solid 5.5/10, which makes it occupy that spot in my closet that I hardly ever go back to.
Logitech Pebble Keys 2
I recently got this one in white, and it took some time to grow on me. It’s sleek and beautiful, just like I like them. The keys initially felt a little rubbery and not “clicky” enough, but over time I've found this to be the perfect combination of aesthetics, sleek design, practicality and portability. They typing experience is not too great and not bad, its just the right amount that you don't think about the keyboard at all. This one gets the job done. A good 8.5/10 for me.
Logitech K480
This is the most well used keyboard in our household. I got this about 5 years back, and after continuous rigorous use, it finally gave away and broke. I loved that it had a groove to put your phone or iPad in, but nothing notable about this one. It's not the nicest to type on. 4.5/10.
MacBook Pro keyboard
My primary computer is an M1 Pro MacBook Pro, and I must say that the built-in keyboard is the best I have ever used on a laptop. (Believe me, I used the 2016 MacBook Pro's "butterfly" keyboard for 6 years!) It is comfortable to type on, provides good feedback, and the typing sounds are just perfect. I usually connect my laptop to a monitor, so I typically opt for external keyboards, but this one is truly excellent! 10/10 !!
Apple Magic Keyboard for the iPad
How can you not get this when you buy an iPad? Well, easily. I bought this, but hardly use the keyboard. I now realise you don't buy an iPad to turn it into a computer, when you already have other computers. The magic keyboard is impressive, in the way that it holds up the iPad with magnets, but honestly not much useful, and definitely not as nice to type on as the others on the list. 3/10.
Dell wireless and wired keyboards
These are the ones I used a few years ago when my primary work laptop was a Windows machine. I didn’t like that they were full size keyboards and that they were black in color. But they’re economical, functional and easy to use. If you’ve read this so far, I’m sure you’re not just looking for functionality out of your keyboard, so let’s set these aside :)
Let me know if there are any other keyboards out there that you swear by! I'd be happy to test them out :)
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