Best Mac Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

It can be almost impossible to find a mechanical keyboard that is wireless and compatible with Mac, how crazy is that? Since I had such trouble finding a keyboard with those specifications, I decided to put together a resource to help everyone else find the perfect wireless keyboard for Mac.

It's worth noting you can use any mechanical keyboard with Mac and it will work just fine, you'll just need to go into the settings and make a few changes (we'll go over that later).

But if you're looking for a wireless mechanical keyboard you can use right of the bat without changing any settings, keep reading!

The Top 4 Best Wireless Mechanical Keyboards for Mac:

1. Runner Up Logitech G613 Lightspeed Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Buy Now - $59.99 Months before Corsair unveiled their own wireless mechanical keyboard, Logitech became the first major keyboard brand to launch a wireless mechanical board of their own.
2. Sep 29, 2020 Whether it's a wireless keyboard for iPad or your desktop Mac, you'll be able to use Apple's built-in Bluetooth connectivity feature via the Bluetooth Preferences menu. Your Mac will scan for devices, and while your wireless keyboard is in Discoverable Mode, your Mac will locate and pair your device.
3. There are certain qualities like compact design, strong build-up and smooth keys that I never compromise with while buying a wireless keyboard. And primarily based on those special qualities, these are the best Wireless keyboards for MacBook Pro in 2020. Apple Magic Keyboard; Macally Wireless Solar Keyboard for MacBook.

The Best Wireless Keyboard for Mac Users. One of the best wireless keyboards form Apple is its Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad. Its extended layout makes it extremely convenient in use. Such a keyboard will suit both office workers and enthusiastic gamers.

1. Keychron K2 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
2. Keychron K6 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
3. Keychron K4 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
4. Keychron K1 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

Why are all the Keyboards from Keychron?

And no, we are not sponsored by Keychron.

Keychron is the only mechanical keyboard company out there that have wireless with built-in Mac compatibility on all of their keyboards. With their keyboards you can switch between Windows/Mac OS with the same keyboard flawlessly.

All you need to do is toggle the sliding switch on the side of the keyboard. No need to change the settings on your computer, it's simple and easy to use.

1. Keychron K2

The K2 is a 75% keyboard layout, this means that the keyboard does not have a numberpad and only part of the home cluster.

The K2 is a mechanical keyboard with wireless functionality, which can connect to 3 devices at once making it quite easy to toggle between devices. The keyboard also has an impressive battery that can last up to two weeks. The keyboard is also functional with Windows and Apple operating systems as well. Located on the side of the keyboard is a sliding switch that makes it easy to toggle between the different operating systems.

Out of the K2, K4, and K6, the K2 had the best keycaps, they are high contrast which makes them much easier to see and use. We also found the 75% layout to be the most efficient as well. The K6 had the same overall width, but had less total keys, so you don't save much space at all.

The only things we didn't like about the K2 was how thick the keyboard is. It makes it very difficult to type on without a wrist rest and can cause some wrist pain. On top of that, the USB-C power cable connection was on the left side of the keyboard which is a little awkward to plug in. Usually the port is located on the backside of the keyboard.

2. Keychron K6

The Keychron K6 is a 65% sized keyboard, which means it does not come with a numberpad or the very top row that comes on standard keyboards. The overall design is very similar to the Keychron K2, but instead of being a 75% layout (meaning no number pad), the K6 it is scaled down to smaller, more bite-sized 65% layout.

Loaded with features, the K6 and allows you to customize whether you want a lighter, cheaper plastic base or a more sturdy, pricey aluminum base. The aluminum base will give the keyboard a more solid feel and may be better if you plan on primary keeping the keyboard in one place.

The plastic base is a few ounces lighter and is better if you plan on using the wireless capability more or want to take it on the go. The lighter weight makes the keyboard easier to carry and more portable. Overall, the aluminum base will cost about $10 more.

My favorite feature of the K6 is the choice of getting hotswappable switches. It's easier than ever to swap out keyboard switches. Without having to solder a single switch, all you need to do is pull out the old switches with a switch puller and press the new ones into the PCB. This keyboard was recently released through a Kickstarter and started to ship in March/April of 2020.

3. Keychron K4

The Keychron K4 is a widely available 1800 compact mechanical keyboard prebuilt. This keyboard is the only one on the list that is wireless and features Windows/Apple compatibility. The keyboard comes in a light grey/brown aesthetic, with a boxy rectangular look to it. You have your choice between Gateron Red, Blue, Yellow, and Brown switches, so you can really customize how the keyboard feels. This keyboard also has RGB LED lighting so you can type easily in the dark.

The layout places the home cluster laid out horizontally instead of the usual 3×3 grid layout. This conserves space and makes the keyboard even more narrow. In addition, there are also some addition keys to control the RGB backlighting of the keyboard. It may take a little while to get used to this layout, but the keys aren't used too often anyways so it shouldn't impact the typing experience too much.

Some of my main criticisms of this keyboard, and Keychron keyboards in general, is how high the front of the keyboard is. This can be uncomfortable or even painful on the wrists and is difficult to use without a wrist rest. With a wrist rest it's slightly better, just be ready for the keyboard to be a little bit higher in the front than usual.

Overall, it's a great keyboard that's absolutely packed with features. If this sounds interesting to you, you can check it out on Amazon for a relatively cheap price.

4. Keychron K1

The K1 is a low-profile mechanical keyboard. The K1 is has wireless & wired capabilities and is easy to use to both Mac and Windows computers. The K1 comes in either tenkeyless or full-sized layout, with the full-sized layout costing an additional $20. We went for the full-sized layout for the purpose of our review. You also get to pick between Gateron Low Profile Red/Blue switches, depending on if you want clicky feedback or a linear switch.

In addition, you can also pick between white back lighting or full RGB lighting. The RGB lighting comes with 18 different settings, so there are a lot of options to get the perfect light set-up for you.The price comes out between $74 – $94, depending on if you want TKL or full-sized, and if you want RGB or white backlighting.

Overall, the keyboard has a nice aesthetic, but the low profile switches may be difficult to type on. When we tested the keyboard out, we found it difficult to get used to typing on, and had to slow our typing speed to avoid finger pain from impact during keystrokes. We have a more in-depth full review of the K1 here.

If you're interested in trying out the keyboard for yourself, you can find the K1 through this link listed on Amazon for a competitive price.

How to Use a Normal Mechanical Keyboard with Mac?

In 2018, over 18 million people bought Macs each year from 2014-2018. That's a whole lot of Macs. Overall, you should not need a special keyboard to use with your Mac.

Many keyboards offer programming layers or DIP switches to be Mac-compatible. There are Mac-specific keyboards out there which we'll discuss below. Make sure you do your research and see if any reviews have any problems on Mac, but the general rule of thumb is it will work, with some small modifications.

What the heck is a DIP switch?

It stands for dual in-line package switch or DIP for short. In keyboards, it lets you change from one configuration into another without doing anything on the computer's side.

Using Any Mechanical Keyboard with a Mac

When you plug in a mechanical keyboard into your Mac that isn't specifically made for it, such as the many keyboards (that are not mechanical), there are some steps that you might need to take first.

Setting up your keyboard on a Mac

I used my Razer Blackwidow TE with my Macbook Air.

1. Plug in your keyboard.
2. It might prompt you to press the keys next to your Shift buttons to see what layout the keyboard is in. It did for me.
3. Now go to settings -> Keyboard
4. Press on Modifier keys on the bottom right.
5. At the drop-down menu to select keyboard: select the keyboard you just plugged in.
6. Change the modifier keys to suit your needs.

Currently, my Windows key acts as Command. Ctrl is Control. And my Alt key is the Option key. I tried a few things such as copying and pasting, opening new tabs, closing tabs and closing windows. It worked like a charm.

Keep in mind that I have a TKL keyboard, so I didn't get to try any number pad keys. I also never use my function row for anything either. Now let's jump into Mac-specific keyboards.

Pretty much all mechanical keyboards can be compatible with Macs. It just takes a little bit of tinkering in the settings and remembering the location of the keys like we discussed above.

There are many Mac-specific keyboards out there with the same aesthetic with Apple's white and simple look. Many of those keyboards are under $100 and have wireless and Bluetooth capabilities.

We looked at all of Keychron's lineup, which offer the best compatibility options between Mac and Windows, coming with different keycaps for the Command, Option, Alt, Control, and Windows keys.

They have keyboards in all different sizes: full-sized low-profile, 65%, 75%, and a compact full-sized keyboard. There are options for everything. They have a variety of Gateron or optical switches to pick from as well as lighting options such as white or RGB.

If I were to buy a keyboard for my Macbook Air, it would be the Keychron K2 or the newer Keychron K6. I prefer the smaller keyboards. The more portable, the better. If you need to do a lot of number entry, I would recommend looking at the K4, as it comes with a number pad.

I highly recommend Keychron keyboards because they are made by people who know what they're doing. They don't just make keyboards, they love keyboards and use them on a regular basis. Of course they know what the people want because they are the people.

Anyways, hope this helped you find a keyboard for you Mac and Apple usages. Happy typing!

Sources

Global Apple Mac sales in the fiscal years from 2002 to 2018 statista.com

DIP Switch Deskthority.net

Our Favorite Mechanical Keyboards Thewirecutter.com

Keychron.com

Wireless keyboards serve many masters. They're great if you're trying to declutter, or like typing with your keyboard on your lap. Mobile productivity hounds who want gear that's ready for travel swear by them, too, and some models let you swap one typing peripheral among desktops, laptops, and tablets.

In the vast majority of situations, there's no difference between using a keyboard with a wireless connection and a standard wired one.

There's no longer anything to lose from cutting the cord, either. The best wireless gaming keyboard offers fast gaming response. Wireless keyboards have come a long way: We're no longer living in the days of one-hour battery life, laggy action, and poor reliability. These days there is practically no discernible difference between a wired gaming keyboard and the best wireless keyboards. So why put up with the cables?

Connectivity type is also another consideration, whether that's Bluetooth, a USB dongle, or both. USB dongles have slightly lower latency and are generally quicker to set up, but you'll be restricted to devices that have a spare USB port. Bluetooth connections can be a reliable choice, although can be problematic if you have a lot Bluetooth devices around. With that in mind, on to our recommendations.

Who this is for

Wireless and Bluetooth keyboards can help you declutter your desk, type more comfortably on your phone or tablet, or use a computer or TV streaming box while remaining comfortably perched on your couch. Desktops, laptops, tablets, phones, smart TVs, and streaming boxes all use Bluetooth, and the best Bluetooth keyboards can switch easily between multiple devices without requiring you to re-pair them.

Although they used to be more expensive than their wireless counterparts, they're getting cheaper all the time. Most manufacturers are focused on making Bluetooth keyboards rather than wireless models, too, which means more choices and higher-quality keyboards.

All of our picks are Bluetooth keyboards, not traditional RF (radio frequency) wireless keyboards, but we have a pick that supports both Bluetooth and RF wireless with a USB dongle, if that's what you require.

10 Best Wireless Keyboards of 2020:

1. Logitech G915 TKL

The Logitech G915 TKL is definitely one of the best gaming keyboards you can get when going cable-free. The keyboard offered great wireless performance during our testing. You have the option to connect via Bluetooth or a USB Type-A dongle powered by Logitech's Lightspeed technology. For mainstream gaming, the keyboard seemed as responsive as a wired one without dropouts.

The G915 TKL is a smaller and cheaper version of the full-sized Logitech G915 Lightspeed. For $20 more than the tenkeyless version, it offers programmable G keys and a numpad. The G915 TKL, however, frees up more desk space for your mouse and makes a very expensive mechanical keyboard a tad more accessible.

You can find the G915 TKL with three different types of mechanical switches: either tactile, clicky or linear. Regardless, the switch will be from Logitech's low profile GL line and have 2.7mm travel rather than the traditional 4mm. That means quicker actuation while gaming and typing. However, without a wrist rest your wrists will feel neglected on the G915 TKL, especially when remembering the price.

Mac Keycaps For Mechanical Keyboard

• Slim, sturdy build
• Comfortable low-profile switches
• Easy switching between wireless dongle or Bluetooth connection

• No G keys for programming
• No wrist rest or USB passthrough
• Expensive

2. Logitech G613

The technology behind wireless peripherals has come a long way, and Logitech's Lightspeed wireless connectivity is a prime example. The G613 never once dropped a connection despite the plethora of wireless devices on our desks. It matches wired peripherals in terms of stability and responsiveness. It's efficient too; a pair of AA batteries can push up to 18 months of continuous use.

Back to my mac el capitan. Though it's designed for practicality first, it's anything but bland. A second glance reveals a row of dedicated macros, media controls, and a volume rocker. The grippy wrist rest is spacious too, although it's worth noting that it isn't removable. Understandably, backlights were cut to conserve battery.

This proprietary Romer-G switch features a travel distance of just 3mm and a subtle tactile bump. Its mild, quiet nature makes it suitable for both gaming and typing.

• Best wireless system to date
• Great feature set
• Long battery life

3. Dell Wired Keyboard – Black KB216

Trying to get a good, reliable keyboard to get your home office up and running? Don't want to spend a lot? Well, Dell's got you covered. Not only does this wired keyboard — which should make for a super-easy setup — work with the USB port found in most computers (sorry MacBooks owners without hubs, we've got a good option for you below), but it's incredibly affordable too.

On top of that, the Dell has got a full number pad for spreadsheet jockeys and standard multimedia keys, so you're not sacrificing anything even at this affordable price. Also, it's wildly popular on Amazon, with a 4.5 star average score that's based on more than 4,200 ratings.

Since when do you get practically everything you need at a price this affordable? Of course, those who keep their monitor really far from their screen, or have another reason to want a wireless keyboard, should keep scrolling for our other recommendations.

• No wireless option
• Ho-hum design

4. ARTECK HW192

When it comes to freedom and convenience, the Arteck HW192 comes to mind, as it checks all the important boxes: it's wireless, full size, well built, affordable, looks pretty cool, and, on top of that, it's made (partially) from high-quality stainless steel, despite its low price.

We know, it sounds too good to be true, but Arteck managed to pull this off and the end result is nothing short of impressive. For less than 30 bucks, you'll be able to upgrade your 'internet surfing experience' so to speak, with a proper keyboard that features quiet keys, a roomy layout and a nice design.

Even if we're talking about a full-size keyboard, the Arteck HW192 only measures 16.9 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches and weighs a bit under one pound; yes, despite using stainless steel in its chassis, it's as light as a unicorn feather, provided such thing exists. All jokes aside, only the bottom half of the chassis is made of stainless steel, while the keys and the top half are made of plastic.

However, the keyboard feels solid and built to last, which is kind of rare in this price bracket, especially when it comes to light and thin keyboards like this one. The HW192 is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which takes something like 5 hours to charge completely, and the company claims it will run for 6 months on a single charge, provided you only use it 2 hours (non-stop) per day. When it's not in use, the keyboard will enter 'hibernation mode', but it will resume full function at a touch of a key.

• Solid build quality and ergonomically designed
• Easy to set up, connects via dongle
• Works with both Windows and Mac machines
• Excellent for touch typing

5. Keychron K2

Pretty much any mechanical keyboard is good for typing and productivity tasks, as long as it doesn't use a switch you don't like for typing (sorry, all you linear switches out there). But Keychron's K2 75% Bluetooth model works in both wired and wireless modes, is compact without giving up too much in the way of functionality (that is of course, if you don't need a number pad) and comes with your choice of three switch types, as well as either white backlighting (as we tested) or RGB. There's also a model with RGB and an aluminum frame and RGB for $95, but even the version with a plastic frame, which we tested, feels solid.

The Keychron K2 is also versatile, with keycaps for both Apple and Windows included in the box and support for Android as well. The two-level feet lift up the back-end by as much as 9 degrees for more comfortable typing, and you can choose between Gateron Red, Blue, or Brown switches, as well as ABS or PBT keycaps. So you can kit out the Keychron K2 in whatever fashion fits you best.

Really, though, it's that orange Escape key that gives the K2 that extra level of retro appeal. These days, it always feels good when escape is as easy as possible to find.

• Compact, efficient design
• Cool old-school looks
• Good build quality
• Mac- and Windows-centric keycaps included

• No number keys or dedicated media controls
• RGB model with aluminum frame costs extra

6. Corsair K63 Wireless

The compact Corsair K63 Wireless comes packed with features. Cherry MX Red switches? Check. Media controls and wrist rest? Check. Blue backlights…check?

The reason for my hesitance on the last point is that the battery life of the K63 Wireless is already pretty abysmal without it. Its integrated rechargeable battery lasts a measly 15 hours with the lights set to medium and 25 hours at the lowest brightness.

Corsair quotes the battery life to be 75 hours with the backlights off, at which point the inclusion of the backlight seems like a redundant decision. Corsair recommends plugging it in for uninterrupted gameplay, but doesn't that defeat the purpose of a wireless keyboard?

Battery issue aside, the K63 Wireless is a solid board. The keys are responsive, and all its handy features make getting through your day a little easier. As it stands, there's no better option if you need a compact, wireless mechanical keyboard. You can also seat the K63 wireless in the Corsair Lapboard for gaming in the living room. Neat.

• No wrist rest

7. Apple Magic Keyboard

Apple users should start here, as this keyboard isn't just designed for their needs, it matches them. The Magic Keyboard is one of the best keyboards because it's a step up from the keyboards in the MacBooks made between 2016 and 2019, and it's pretty similar to the well-reviewed 16-inch MacBook Pro's keyboard — using a reliable scissor-switch mechanism and not the controversial butterfly-switch design.

The Magic Keyboard is one of the smaller keyboards in this set, making it much easier to throw in your bag or use at a small desk. Apple also makes the Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, which has a full number-pad if you're OK with the larger size and do a lot of number-crunching. Both models feature a keyboard layout designed for use with Mac, making this one of the best picks on this board. It connects over Bluetooth.

• Great-feeling keys
• That Apple aesthetic
• Small and portable

8. LOGITECH K600 TV

As its name suggests, the Logitech K600 TV is built and designed to make your smart TV experience great again, and since we're talking about the granddaddy of PC peripherals, it comes as no surprise that the K600 is pretty awesome.

Besides being couch-friendly, the K600 TV is also affordable, being specifically engineered to please smart TV enthusiasts, and truth be told, it's able to make the already thin line between PCs and smart TVs blurrier than ever.

Since today's smart TVs are basically mini-computers hooked on a big-real-estate screen, and just as functional as a regular PC in some aspects, the Logitech K600 TV keyboard will make your smart TV the center of your 'digital/online life' if one so inclined. Measuring 14.4 x 4.6 x 0.8 inches, this baby is not as large as a regular full size keyboard, but it's perfect for typing nevertheless, and it's fully compatible with Samsung SUHD/UHD (Tizen 2016 or newer), LG OLED/SUHD/UHD (webOS 2016 or newer), Sony Bravia UHD (Android TV 2016 or newer). Logitech chose to use a directional pad (remote control style) instead of a numpad that comes pretty handy with your smart TV, even if it lacks the precision of a regular mouse.

External hard drive not backing up mac. On top of that, you'll find additional buttons on the left side of the keyboard, plus some extra function ones in the center, for easy navigation, and once you set up the keyboard nice and proper, you'll be able to fully control your smart TV sans a remote. Finally, we must mention that the K600 TV supports Bluetooth pairing, which means you can use it on multiple devices simultaneously.

Mechanical Keyboards For Mac

• Works great with Android
• Pretty unique in its niche
• Well designed
• Can successfully replace your remote control

9. HP Wireless Elite Keyboard v2

The HP Wireless Elite Keyboard v2 is a comfortable, full-size keyboard includes fast-access hot keys, versatile function keys and a built-in number pad. The modern, high-end design and a sleek, ultra-slim form factor take the ordinary keyboard to a new level.

Superior functionality combined with comfort feels smooth to the touch The Wireless Elite v2 Keyboard was built for those that work from home and like to roam.

Compatible with most desktops and notebooks, a 2.4 GHz wireless connection gives you the freedom to move up to 30 feet (10 meters) away.

• Quiet, low-profile keys
• Sleek, clean lines
• Ultra-slim

10. iClever BK03

The iClever BK03 features a tri-fold design and aluminum alloy construction, making it ultra-compact and durable for travel. With a range of 33 feet, the wireless keyboard uses the latest Bluetooth 5.1 technology to connect with up to three devices simultaneously.

To help preserve battery power, the keyboard has an automatic off and sleep function. The rechargeable battery gives you up to 960 hours on a single charge and takes just two hours to reach full charge. It's compatible with Windows, Android, and iOS devices, and dedicated hotkey functions allow you to quickly change between devices with the press of a button.

• Excellent design
• Clever expandable mouse mat
• Full Chroma lighting

• Some Chroma hiccups
• Limited library of compatible Xbox One games

Who needs wireless keyboards?

Best Mac Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Rgb

The decision to buy a wireless keyboard will be more obvious to some than others. Those with traditional tower or mini PCs need a keyboard to use their machines, and they may opt for a wireless keyboard to save desk space.

Wireless Gaming Keyboard

As the name suggests, these keyboard do not connect to PCs with wires—instead they use tiny USB receivers or a Bluetooth connection to connect to a machine. That makes them ideal for those who hate cluttered desk areas, or those who already have enough wires taking up space in their work spaces.

Wireless keyboards, particularly Bluetooth wireless keyboards, are also convenient for those who want to use one text input device across multiple devices. Many (but not all) Bluetooth keyboards can connect to different devices running different operating systems—you could buy one that lets you type on your Windows PC and then switch to your Android smartphone with just a few presses of the proper keys.

Mac Compatible Mechanical Keyboard

For those who frequently go back and forth between a PC and a mobile device like a smartphone or a tablet, a wireless keyboard can make it easier to type and interact with all of your devices.

How we picked and tested

Whether you're using a Bluetooth keyboard or a wireless keyboard with a dongle, it should never feel like anything but a 'normal' typing experience. For this guide, we prioritized:

• Typing comfort: This includes the size and feel of the keys, the typing angle, and how it feels to use the keyboard for long periods of time. We prefer full-size, well-spaced keys. The amount of pressure necessary to hit the keys should feel natural and satisfying.
• Easy pairing/no dropped signals: At this point, Bluetooth and wireless keyboards should have no problems related to pairing or dropped signals. Your keystrokes should show up on the screen as soon as you make them.
• Portability: A portable keyboard needs to strike a balance between compactness and ergonomics. It should be small and light, but it shouldn't be too cramped for you to type or use it normally.
• Materials: Even if your keyboard remains at your desk, you should feel comfortable knowing the keys won't start popping off or wearing away after a short period of use.
• Battery life: Most modern Bluetooth and wireless keyboards offer long battery life, but they still have differences in this regard. A keyboard can use built-in rechargeable batteries or swappable batteries, and each kind has its advantages.

Conclusion

Now that you what to look for in a good wireless keyboard, we've taken all the guesswork out of the equation and put together a list of the best ones we've reviewed. Whether you're planning to use the board for work, gaming, or just everyday computing, it isn't hard to cut the cord without compromises.