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My top keyboard picks for Mac
For most people, the choice comes down to simplicity, Touch ID, or price. These are the three keyboards I would start with.
Apple Magic Keyboard
The simplest choice for most Mac users, with automatic pairing, a Mac-specific layout, and a rechargeable battery.
Keep in mind: Choose another Magic Keyboard variation if you want Touch ID or regularly enter long columns of numbers.
Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
Adds fingerprint login and purchase approval for Macs with Apple silicon.
Keep in mind: It costs more and requires a Mac with Apple silicon running macOS 15.1 or later.
Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s
A lower-cost choice that switches among a Mac, iPhone, iPad, or PC.
Keep in mind: It uses two AAA batteries, and a Logi Bolt receiver is sold separately for devices that don’t have Bluetooth (all Apple devices have Bluetooth).
The right keyboard depends on you
Keyboards are highly personal, so I really can't make a universal recommendation for everyone. But the good news is that because they are one of the oldest peripherals for a computer, almost any keyboard is going to be a good choice.
You may want to visit your local computer or office supply store to try the display models out yourself. Either way, a few things are worth considering.
Keyboard comparison
| Keyboard | Where to buy | Key feel | Numeric | Touch ID* | Connection | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Magic Keyboard Easy pick | Slim | cancel | cancel | Bluetooth USB-C |
Rechargeable | |
| Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID* Upgrade pick | Slim | cancel | check_circle | Bluetooth USB-C |
Rechargeable | |
| Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID* + Numeric Keypad | Slim | check_circle | check_circle | Bluetooth USB-C |
Rechargeable | |
| Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s Budget pick | Slim | cancel | cancel | Bluetooth Logi Bolt |
2× AAA | |
| Logitech Signature Slim K950 | Slim | check_circle | cancel | Bluetooth Logi Bolt |
2× AAA | |
| Macally USB Keyboard (compact) check_circle No Battery | Slim | cancel | cancel | USB-C USB-A |
N/A | |
| Macally USB Keyboard (full) check_circle No Battery | Slim | check_circle | cancel | USB-C USB-A |
N/A |
* Touch ID requires a Mac with Apple silicon running macOS 15.1 or later.
What to look for in a keyboard
Brand: As long as you go with a good brand name, you should be fine. I usually prefer Apple keyboards because of their tight integration with the Mac ecosystem. Logitech is a great option because most of their modern keyboards are designed to work well with both Mac and PC. For a no-frills wired option at a good price, Macally is worth a look. And if you love the feel of an old-fashioned clicky keyboard, Keychron is the brand to explore.
Wired vs. wireless: Wireless keyboards are everywhere. But is removing the cord really worth the added cost, the hassle of changing or charging batteries, and (yes) the added chance of losing your keyboard? Only you can answer that.
Bluetooth vs. dongle. Just because a keyboard is wireless doesn't mean it's Bluetooth. For most people, Bluetooth is the right choice: nothing to lose, no ports used up, and nothing to snap off a MacBook. If you do want a dongle, the one worth considering is Logitech's Logi Bolt receiver: keyboards and mice that support it are also compatible with Bluetooth, so you get flexibility either way. (The old Unifying Receiver logo looks similar to the Bluetooth symbol, so read the packaging carefully.) The one exception: a shared workstation, where leaving the Logi Bolt receiver in a monitor or hub means any computer can use the keyboard without pairing each time.
Compact or full: This usually doesn't refer to the size of the keys, but simply whether there is a number pad on the side. Unless you regularly do number entry, I recommend sticking to a compact keyboard. Most people find that the number pad gets in the way since it goes right where you would want to put your mouse.
Mechanical or low-profile: The trend over the past two decades has been toward low-profile keyboards where the keys don't press down far, like virtually every laptop. I prefer this because I can type faster when I don't have to move my fingers as much. But some prefer the feedback and feel of a mechanical keyboard. This is a highly personal preference. If the feel of a keyboard matters a lot to you, I suggest going to Staples or Best Buy to type on their display models.
Mac or PC: Yes, there are differences between Mac and PC keyboards. But if you really like the feel of a particular PC keyboard, you can absolutely use it with your Mac. The only thing you need to be aware of is that the modifier keys will be labeled differently and in different locations: Command = Windows, Option = Alt, Control = Ctrl. Some keyboards I've seen from Logitech can even sense whether they are connected to a Mac or PC and adjust these keys accordingly, so they have both labels printed on the keys.
The easy choice for most Mac users
The Apple Magic Keyboard is a great keyboard. It's rechargeable and pairs automatically with your Mac over Bluetooth. No fussing with pairing mode.
Apple has several options:
Numeric keypad: I don't recommend this unless you do a lot of number entry. The extra desk space it takes up is not worth it for most people. Note that the numeric keypad is only available combined with Touch ID, at MSRP: $179.
Touch ID: This adds about MSRP: $50 to the cost and lets you log into your computer using a fingerprint in many situations. It only works with a Mac with Apple silicon running macOS 15.1 or later.
Color: Most are available in white or black (black costs a bit more). These keyboards are also available in colors that match the different iMac colors, but not through retail. I've heard that some people have been able to talk Apple Support into selling them one if they need a replacement.
Other languages: Apple does offer different language layouts worldwide, so if you search the Apple Store website or call customer service, they can usually get you any localization you need.
Best budget keyboard for Mac
The Logitech K380s is my budget pick for people who want a compact keyboard that can switch among a Mac, iPhone, iPad, or PC. The full-size K950 adds a numeric keypad. Both support Bluetooth and Logi Bolt, but only the K950 includes the Logi Bolt receiver; the K380s receiver is sold separately.
Both can switch among up to three devices and automatically use the appropriate Mac or Windows key layout. The K380s and K950 each run on two AAA batteries, with Logitech rating battery life at up to 36 months. Press one of the three Easy-Switch buttons to change devices, or hold one to pair a device to that button.
Best wired keyboard for Mac
If you want an inexpensive keyboard that requires no pairing and no batteries, Macally makes two wired USB options: a compact model and a full model with a numeric keypad. Some people swear by Macally products, though I've never used them for more than a few minutes myself.
Best mechanical keyboard for Mac
If you prefer the feel of a mechanical keyboard, check out Keychron keyboards on Amazon.
Key Takeaways
If you have a Mac with Apple silicon running macOS 15.1 or later, the Touch ID keyboard is a worthwhile upgrade because fingerprint login is a genuine time-saver
Skip the numeric keypad unless you do regular data entry; it pushes your mouse further to the right than most people want
Look for the word "Bluetooth" on the box, not just "wireless" — the two aren't the same thing
If key feel matters to you, try display models at Staples or Best Buy before buying
The Logitech K380s is my budget pick and can switch among a Mac, iPhone, iPad, or PC
Further reading
My mouse recommendations — if you're also shopping for a mouse
What Mac should I buy? — your keyboard choice can depend on which Mac you have
The best products for Mac and iPhone users — my full recommendations hub
If you're still not sure which keyboard is the right fit for your setup, that's exactly the kind of thing I help clients sort out. Book a session and we can work through it together, whether you're in San Francisco or connecting via Zoom.