Update 10/28/2021: We changed the size from 60% to 75% because this keyboard has a function row and arrow keys.
The Apple Magic Keyboard has a very small footprint since it's a compact [75%] keyboard. However, there's also a full-size variant with a numeric keypad available.
Keycap Material ABS
The build quality is remarkable. It has a rigid aluminum chassis that's both very lightweight and sturdy-feeling. Also, since the keys are very low-profile, it leaves very little room for debris to accumulate, which helps to keep the keyboard clean.
Curved/Angled No
Split Keyboard No
Key Alignment Staggered
Minimum Incline 2.8°
Medium Incline N/A
Maximum Incline N/A
Home Row Height 7.2 mm [0.3"]
This keyboard has decent ergonomics. It doesn't have incline settings and doesn't come with a wrist rest; however, the low-profile keys are very comfortable to type on without one.
Replaceable Cherry Stabilizers No
Stabilizer Fixation Non-Customizable Design
Spacebar Stabilizer Size Non-Customizable Design
Size Of Right Mod Keys Non-Standard
Hot-Swappable Switches No
Switch Stem Shape Non-Customizable Design
Switch PCB Socket Non-Customizable Design
North-Facing Cherry MX Interference Non-Customizable Design
Backlighting No
RGB No
Per-Key Backlighting No
Effects No
Software Controllable No
The Apple Magic Keyboard doesn't have any backlighting, making it unsuitable for use in dark rooms. If you're looking for a mobile keyboard with backlighting, check out the Brydge 10.2 Keyboard for Apple iPad.
Connectivity Wireless
Detachable Yes [Wired Mode and Charge]
Length 3.3 ft [1.0 m]
Connector [Keyboard side] Lightning
The keyboard charges via Apple's proprietary lightning connector, and you can also use it wired.
Bluetooth Yes
Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing No
Proprietary Receiver No
Battery Type Rechargeable
This keyboard has good wireless versatility, as you can connect it via Bluetooth with almost any device, except for devices running on Android. It has a built-in rechargeable battery that Apple claims should last over a month between charges. Unfortunately, there's no multi-device pairing feature. If you need a wireless keyboard that can connect to multiple devices simultaneously, check out the Logitech K780 or the Logitech MX Keys Mini.
Dedicated Macro Keys Count 0
Onboard Macro Programming No
Macro Programming With Software No
Media Keys Non-Dedicated
Trackpad / Trackball No
Scroll Wheel No
Control Knob No
USB Passthrough No
Numpad No
Windows Key Lock No
Lock Indicator Caps Lock
Unfortunately, this keyboard has very few extra features apart from media control hotkeys. However, the updated version of this keyboard, the Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad, features the new Touch ID feature that you can use with Mac computers.
- Apple Magic Keyboard 2017
- Lightning to USB-A cable
- User Guide
Typing Experience
Key Spacing 19.0 mm [0.748"]
Update 10/28/2021: We reevaluated the typing experience on this keyboard after testing the Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID. We've determined that typing on this keyboard feels slightly worse compared to the updated version, as the keys offer noticeably less tactile feedback. Because of this, we decided to drop the typing quality from 8 to 7.5.
The Apple Magic Keyboard 2017 provides a good typing experience similar to most Apple laptops. The scissor switches give some tactile feedback, and the keys are well-spaced and very stable. However, they also feel a bit mushy. Typing feels responsive thanks to the very short pre-travel distance, and although it takes a bit of force to get over the tactile bump, typing on them feels only slightly heavy, and it shouldn’t cause fatigue over time. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a wrist rest, but most people shouldn’t need one due to the keyboard’s low profile.
Average Loudness 36.8 dBA
High Pitch Clicks No
Typing on this keyboard is very quiet and shouldn't bother those around you.
Switch Name No Marketed Name
Switch Type Scissor
Feel Tactile
Analog No
Operating Force 64 gf
Actuation Force 35 gf
Pre-Travel 0.9 mm
Total Travel 1.0 mm
As with most scissor switches, the pre-travel distance is very short, making the keyboard feel very responsive. However, it requires a fair amount of force to get over the tactile bump. This makes the typing feel a bit heavier but helps reduce unintended keystrokes. If you want a slim keyboard but prefer mechanical switches, check out the Keychron K7.
Performance
Best Connection 23.4 ms
Best Connection Std Dev ±2.2 ms
Wired 23.4 ms
Receiver N/A
Bluetooth 37.0 ms
PCB [Estimated] 23.1 ms
Update 03/03/2022: Originally, this test was performed on a PC setup according to the testing methodology. The test was performed again using a macOS setup; the results show a difference of 16.4ms between a wired connection [41.8ms] and a Bluetooth connection [58.2ms], which is in line with user reports of a higher latency difference between the connection types while using macOS. However, as this retest can't take the system latency of macOS into account, these retest results aren't comparable to the originally published results, so the review remains the same.
The latency on the Apple Magic Keyboard is fairly high. It's fine for general desktop use, but it isn't ideal for gaming.
Connection Evaluated Bluetooth
Key Press 33.4 ms
Key Release 27.3 ms
Connection Evaluated Bluetooth
USB Polling Rate 1,000 Hz
Effective Update Rate N/A
N-Key Rollover [NKRO] No
Multiple Keys Per USB Report No
4 Chord Split Delay 11.8 ms
8 Chord Split Delay N/A
Software and Operating System
Software Name No Software
Software Windows Compatible No
Software macOS Compatible No
Onboard Memory No
Profiles No Profile
This keyboard doesn't have any software for customization.
Windows Partially Compatible
macOS Fully Compatible
Linux [Ubuntu 22] Fully Compatible
Media Key Compatibility MacOS & Linux
The keyboard has full functionality when used with Apple operating systems; however, function keys and OS-specific keys like the Launch Pad and Mission Control don't work on Windows and Linux. If you want a keyboard with a similar build and full Windows compatibility, check out the Microsoft Surface Keyboard.
Is Apple Magic Keyboard 2 worth it?
As someone who spends more time typing than shooting pictures, I value the keyboard I use quite a lot. Having tried a number of keyboards over the years, I still stick with the Apple Magic Keyboard.
Why was space grey keyboard discontinued?
The company introduced the new M1 iMac last month along with a new version of the Magic Keyboard with the Touch ID and redesigned, colourful versions of the Magic Mouse and the Magic Trackpad. So the older space grey accessories do not match the new, more colourful offerings.
Which Magic Keyboard color is better?
The Magic Keyboard is — hands down — the best writing tool for the iPad Air and iPad Pro. But if you're going to get one, I recommend getting the white model, as surprisingly, that color will remain looking newer for far longer than the dark gray.