Top 6+ Best External Wireless Keyboards for MacBook Pro 2024

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There are so many factors to consider when choosing a wireless keyboard for your MacBook Pro. 

The last thing you want is to end up getting a wireless keyboard that is not compatible with your Mac. Or one that does not give you the right typing feel because of its poorly designed keystroke pressure.

Also, consider the frustration you will experience when all the factors are right, but it has terrible wireless connectivity issues. Causing major lags throughout the course of your work. 

In this article, we’ll show you a list of the best wireless keyboards, help you pick the right one, and put the spotlight on a few of our personal favorites.

Quick Summary

External keyboards come in a variety of styles and many offer special quirks that other brands may not. Here’s our breakdown of what’s best when it comes to available features:

• For the official Apple option that is sure to work perfectly with your MacBook, we recommend Apple Magic Keyboard and Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad.
• For a classic mechanical keyboard with a modern touch, we recommend Logitech MK545 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo.
• For a full-size keyboard with glossy, flat keys and a USB dongle connection, we recommend Arteck HB030B Universal Slim.
• For a compact and Bluetooth option that will work on more than one device, we recommend Anker Ultra Compact.
• Also worth checking out is Logitech MX Keys Advanced Wireless Illuminated Keyboard which provides typing comfort to writers and coders.

Do I Need an External Keyboard for My MacBook Pro

External keyboards can be a great asset to your MacBook Pro setup. They offer a variety of benefits, such as greater adjustability and positioning freedom for your screen. You can also sit further away from the harsh light, which is better for your eyes (and health).

If you plan on selling your MacBook Pro eventually, an external keyboard will prevent the built-in keys from accumulating wear and tear. That means your Mac laptop will get a higher resales value.

You’ll also benefit most from a keyboard if you’re someone who tends to use your MacBook Pro along with other devices or papers that take up a lot of space on your desk, or in a relaxed environment where you have the freedom to spread out as much as you need.

That said, an external keyboard will be less helpful if you tend to use your MacBook Pro while commuting, in isolation, or do not have enough space at your workplace to expand.

Also, for those who own the newest MacBook Pro with the beautiful touch bar, you’ll be giving up easy access to Apple’s latest innovation if you choose to purchase an external keyboard.

So, as you see: it’s not always a good (nor bad) idea to buy an external keyboard, all depending on your goals and preferences. If you’ve decided to purchase one, make sure you also learn the following criteria.

Best Wireless Keyboard for MacBook Pro: Top Picks

Please note that all the products listed below are chosen based on the guidelines above and our personal preferences. They are not in any particular order.

1. Apple Magic Keyboard

Made by Apple for Apple, the magic keyboard is the best option if you’re a pure Apple fan who decides to go all the “Apple” way to your setup. It’s a clean membrane keyboard that comes in silver and white that will flawlessly match your MacBook Pro.

Pros:

• It’s designed and made by Apple, one of the world’s most trusted brands.
• It looks beautiful with clean design, and it’s extremely light and comfortable to carry around.

Cons:

• It’s a bit pricey and certainly not the most portable design available while compared to some of our other recommendations.
• Also, it doesn’t have a numeric keypad which can be a productivity boost if you deal with numbers on a regular basis.

2. Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad 

The Apple Magic Keyboard is the original wireless option explicitly built for MacBooks and other Apple computers. 

This option has an extended numeric keypad that makes it great for anyone who crunches numbers or needs that added feature. 

It also has document navigating controls and larger arrow keys, which can be great for gamers. 

Pros: 

• Extended layout offers a full numeric keypad as well as quick navigation controls
• Scissor mechanism keys are responsive and provide an optimized travel feel

Cons: 

• As with all Apple products, it’s expensive
• Extended length adds a more extensive profile – wider than most laptops

3. Logitech MK545 Advanced Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo

From the long-trusted Logitech brand, this mechanical keyboard is complete with a number pad and comes with a free mouse as well.

It’s a great option if you’re looking for a modern wireless keyboard with an old-school touch in the form of classic clicking keys.

Pros:

• It’s battery operated and claims long lifetime before batteries need to be replaced.
• The mechanical style is great if you don’t like membrane keys.
• Also, it has a number pad and shortcuts keys.

Cons:

• Plastic keys are rougher than classic Mac keys, and may feel unappealing in comparison.

Do you wish to know how to connect a Logitech mouse to your MacBook? Go through this article for easy instructions.

4. Arteck HB030B Universal Slim Portable Wireless Keyboard

If you’re looking for a full-sized membrane keyboard but don’t want to sacrifice a good-sized chunk of space, this model from Arteck is beautifully designed and it’s much smaller than a standard keyboard. It also offers function keys and a glossy finish.

Pros:

• It’s small enough to carry easily.
• The membrane keys are smooth and can be pressed easily.
• It also includes programmable hotkeys, can be connected via USB dongle.

Cons:

• It uses a “Windows” key rather than “Command” despite Mac compatible, and the keyboard may feel cramped.

5. Anker Ultra Compact Profile Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard

With this keyboard, you won’t be limited to just your MacBook Pro – it’s compatible with your iPad as well. It’s about 30% smaller than your normal laptop keyboard, so your desk will remain uncluttered.

The 6-month battery life means you won’t be worried about the lack of charge when it’s time to work.

Pros:

• The rechargeable battery can last up to one month without having to recharge (based on 2 hours of non-stop use per day).
• It has clean white style, Bluetooth connection, extremely compact and slim.
• Also, it’s very light and weighs in at a featherlight about 10.4 ounces.

Cons:

• Keys might feel cramped compared to a normal keyboard, and there’s no number pad.

6. Logitech MX Keys Advanced Wireless Illuminated Keyboard 

This Logitech wireless keyboard is a dream to type on. It has spherically dished keys that match your fingers’ shape for a very comfortable and intuitive working experience. 

This is a solid option for writers, coders, or anyone else who hits a high amount of keystrokes and wants added comfort or a unique experience. 

Pros: 

• Smart illumination control senses when your hands are close to light up the keys without wasting battery.
• The long-lasting battery of up to 10-days with back-lighting turned on and five months with it turned off.

Cons:

• Spherical keys can take some getting used to.
• Extended length increase desk profile.

Useful Tips & Resources

Sometimes it’s less about what keyboard you use, rather more about how you use it. If you’re interested in some helpful key shortcuts, check out this list from ComputerWorld that will reduce the amount of time you spend unnecessarily clicking on certain tasks.

Maintaining and cleaning your keyboard is also necessary if you want to maximize its life and keep it in good shape, you may be interested in reading this article from Logitech where the author shared four quick tips to keep your device clean.

If you’ve decided to purchase an external keyboard, also consider adding these two items to your shopping cart:

• ColorCoral Keyboard Cleaner Universal Cleaning Gel  – helps remove dust, hair, and crumbs from the surface of a keyboard.
• MECO Rechargeable Mini Vacuum – helps clear off the dirt from inside the keyboard.

How to Choose an External Keyboard for MacBook Pro

Take the following things into account while shopping for a wireless keyword for your MacBook Pro.

Keyboard Style

The first thing to consider when choosing an external keyboard is the style, which is dependent on your needs. Many laptop owners are used to membrane-style keyboards, which means your keys travel a short distance and press very quietly.

But if you’re getting an external keyboard, you may prefer the mechanical keyboard that produces the classic “clacking” sound while you work. You should also determine if you need a full-size keyboard with a number pad or just the standard QWERTY lineup.

Connection Type

If you only plan on using it at a single location, you might be fine with a wired option. But if you’re always on the go, wireless is probably the better choice. Additionally, wireless keyboards come in several different types themselves. Many models use Bluetooth, but a good amount of keyboards use a USB dongle instead.

Battery Life

Since you are buying a wireless option, battery life is definitely a factor to consider. Most external keyboards will be battery-operated, but some are rechargeable. Whichever you end up choosing, you should keep checking if the charge length is long enough not to inconvenience you.

FAQs

Here are some related questions you might have about the topic, we’ll briefly answer them below.

Final Words

An external keyboard is a fantastic investment if you like versatility in your workplace. It will allow you greater comfort and help you be more productive by allowing you to customize your workplace.

Do you already use an external keyboard with your MacBook Pro? Tell us which model you use and what your experience has been like.

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