For the past two years, I’ve been using a Keychron mechanical keyboard. Before I started using a mechanical keyboard, for years I’d used the standard Apple Magic Keyboard that came with my iMac.
A couple of months ago, I decided to experiment with using an Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad for Mac models with Apple silicon. I picked it up at a local Apple Store with the idea I’d try it out, and if I decided I didn’t like it, would return it within the 14-day return period.
I was motivated to do this for two reasons:
- I was learning how to use the automation app Keyboard Maestro and I thought I might need the extra keys on the extended keyboard; and
- I wanted to see what it would be like to have Touch ID on the keyboard for my Mac Studio. My 14” MacBook Pro has this feature, and I enjoy using it.
At the end of the 14-day trial, I decided to keep the keyboard.
Positives and Negatives of Using the Extended Keyboard
As is true with just about everything else in life, there are both positives and negatives associated with using the extended keyboard.
These comparisons are regarding the layouts of the standard Apple keyboard and the extended keyboard, but most apply to my mechanical keyboard as well.
1. The positives:
• Touch ID on the keyboard.
When I used my mechanical keyboard, I set up my Apple Watch to serve as a Touch ID substitute.Using Touch ID seems much easier to me than reaching across my body to double-tap the side button of my watch. Sometimes it took a couple of tries to get the tapping timing right, and the whole operation felt awkward. Touch ID works every time, with no hassle.
• Much larger keys on the extended keyboard for the control, option, command, and space bar. The arrow keys are also full size. On the standard keyboard, they were extremely narrow.
Having larger keys makes it easier to find the intended keys when typing.
• An additional control key on the right side of the keyboard. This allows me more flexibility to use either hand when pressing multiple keys, such as keyboard shortcuts.
• 7 additional F keys, and 10 additional keypad number keys that can be programed. This gives me many more options for unique and simpler keyboard shortcuts I can program to trigger Keyboard Maestro automations or other app shortcuts.
• Much quieter than the mechanical keyboard. My mechanical keyboard was so loud that I was afraid it might disturb my wife when she was sleeping in the morning or taking a nap. The Apple keyboard is almost silent, so I don’t have to be concerned about the noise.
2. The Negatives:
• It’s big on my desk! It’s a full 4” longer than the standard Magic Keyboard, and the same for my mechanical keyboard. As David Sparks has said, “it sometimes looks like you have a battleship parked on your desk.”
• My mouse sits 4” further to the right. While this could be a problem for others, it’s not a problem for me. I don’t notice the difference in my reach.
• I miss the clicky sound and feel of my mechanical keyboard. Although I miss it, it’s not enough of a factor to keep me from switching to the extended keyboard. I’d miss having Touch ID more than the clicky feel.
• My cats walk and lay on the keyboard. When they do so, crazy things happen. The mechanical keyboard was so high they went around it, and didn’t walk or lay on it.
Overall, the Extended Keyboard Had More Benefits Than my Mechanical Keyboard
While there are negatives to switching from my mechanical keyboard to the Apple extended keyboard, the positives far outweigh the negatives.
I’m enjoying using the new keyboard, and I’ve found it much more functional overall. Touch ID, larger keys, and more keys to program were my biggest selling points.