Mechanical keyboard for mac and windows

Finding a good mechanical keyboard can be a complicated affair. The search is made worse if you are a Mac user and want one that plays nice with your device, as the mech market is heavily tilted toward Windows users. The Keychron K8, however, might be just what you are looking for.

That is because it is a rare breed: A mechanical keyboard that comes with a Mac layout. By default, all the keycaps are ready-made for Mac use (there are Windows keycaps in the box if you want to switch). There are even dedicated Siri/Cortana and screenshot buttons (great on a Mac). Throw in a very reasonable starting price of $69 (most quality mechanical keyboards are $100-plus) and we are off to a good start.

Better yet, you can connect to three devices at once and change between them at the flick of a switch thanks to its cable and Bluetooth 5.1 combo. For someone like me who frequently flips between a Mac and a Windows PC, that is an absolute godsend. Before I got the K8, I was getting by with two full-sized mechanical keyboards on my desk, each connected to a different computer. Leaning over from one to the other was a pain — literally and figuratively. Now, all I need to do is push a switch on the K8 and a second later I am typing on my second device.

There is also a control for changing from the Mac to the Windows keyboard layout and vice versa. The two operating systems place their modifier keys (think Alt or Command) in different places, so this switch is perfect for avoiding unexpected keypresses.

A joy to type on

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The K8 is configured in a “ten-key-free” layout (I have the U.K. version), which means the numpad of a full-sized keyboard has been lopped off (most laptops are ten-keyless). That makes it much more compact than its larger brethren and ideal for travel and cluttered desks. This is something I was reluctant about before getting the K8, until I realized the only reason I wanted a numpad was to use the large Enter key at the end, and then only infrequently. Once I got over myself, I grasped that the ten-keyless option is much more practical.

Keychron offers even more compact alternatives like the K6, but these squash the arrow keys close to the main bulk of the board. The result is they can be harder to find by touch, making it a less practical option for apps and games that use the arrow keys. The K8, on the other hand, does not suffer from this inconvenience.

The K8 comes with three different switch options: Gateron red, blue, or brown. These determine how the keys feel when you press them — whether they feel smooth or clicky, for instance. Gaterons are essentially clones of the popular Cherry MX switches but come in cheaper, and their inclusion helps keep the K8’s price reasonable. If you change your mind about the switch you want, there is a hot-swappable version of the K8, which lets you substitute in different key switches should you desire.

My K8 has Gateron blue switches, which are analogous to Cherry MX blues. These are tactile, meaning you can feel a small bump as you press down on the key, and produce an audible click in use. That bump is great for writers, programmers, and anyone else who spends hours every day typing, as it gives feedback to help you avoid thumping your fingers on the keys too hard and making them “bottom out.”

Gateron reds are smooth and good for gaming, while browns have the tactile bump but are quieter than blues.

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The result is that this keyboard is a joy to type on. When you are writing for a living, the last thing you want is tired, fatigued fingers after a day’s work.

After a month’s use, I have not even come close to that with the K8. In my pre-Keychron makeshift solution, the secondary keyboard I was using had red switches, which lack the tactile bump of blues. The difference is like night and day in terms of fatigue.

Note that the keys are not low-profile but are the usual chunky fare you get with a mechanical keyboard. Remember how I said finding a good mech for Mac is tough? Well, try finding a Mac-focused mechanical keyboard with low-profile keys like you get on a MacBook or the iMac’s Magic Keyboard.

You basically have the Keychron K1 and the Vinpok Taptek … and that is about it. If you are desperate for a low-profile keyboard with a Mac layout, one of these is your best bet.

Battery life and extras

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Another reason why the K8 is such a comfortable keyboard to type on is its adjustable stand. You can have it lying flat on your desk or propped up using one of two different stand heights, making it easy to customize to your needs.

What it lacks, though, is a wrist rest. I cannot say this has been a huge problem so far, but it would certainly be a great addition and is something to be aware of if you are thinking of buying the keyboard.

Presumably, its exclusion was one way Keychron managed to keep the cost down, another being the lack of a cable adapter. The bundled cable only fits USB-A computers, so you will need a dongle if you want to use it wired with a MacBook or USB-C Windows PC (wireless is obviously not a problem).

If you want backlighting, you get it on every version of the K8. There is a model with plain white backlighting and one with the full RGB smorgasbord for an extra $10 (although it currently lacks software customization). Regardless of which you opt for, there is a dedicated backlighting button, which on the RGB version cycles through different lighting effects.

The downside to backlighting is battery drain.

The downside to backlighting is battery drain — a key concern for wireless keyboards. Keychron says you will get around 240 hours from the K8’s 4000mAh battery if you turn the lighting off. Using a single LED color plummets the battery life to 68 hours, while using RGB drops you 72 hours. That is a drastic decline.

Yet in practice, it is not at all bad, provided you use the K8 over its cable every now and then. I have mine connected to my main computer using its cable, while my secondary device connects over Bluetooth. That way I do not excessively drain the battery, and frequently top it up over the cable. The result is that in over a month of all-day usage, I have never come close to running out of juice.

That is just one reason why the Keychron K8 excels and is a great keyboard option. Sure, it would be nice to have a wrist rest, but there is precious little else to complain about. It is one of the few mechanical keyboards out there designed for Mac users, yet it also plays nice with Windows and whatever other device you want to connect. The switches are top-notch, using it is comfortable, and it has a fantastic price. That makes it an offering that is hard to beat.

What is a Mechanical Keyboard

A computer keyboard with spring-activated switches is referred to as a mechanical keyboard. Unlike a standard keyboard, A mechanical keyboard has a separate control for each key.

Mechanical keyboards require significantly less pressure to record a keystroke. This is because mechanical keyboard switches, which have a mechanism under each key, replace the rubber layers.

Best Mechanical Keyboards For Mac (macOS Layout)

After reviewing numerous reviews, we’ve compiled a list of the top keyboards that balance comfort, reliability, and budget factor. Take a look.

We should buy macOS (Command, Control, Shift, Option Keys) layout keyboard for mac users. Checkout the below list…

1. NuPhy Air75 Mechanical Keyboard (Mac layout)

Thanks to its unique design and cutting-edge aluminum alloy stamping technology, the Air75 mechanical keyboard, which uses a 75% layout (and only 84 keys), is the smallest mechanical keyboard currently available.

Similar to the membrane keyboard, there is no requirement for a wrist rest because it’s a low-profile keyboard and this type of keyboard does not require a wrist rest. Even continuous usage will not harm the wrist. Its narrowest point measures just 16 mm.

Surprisingly, Several connection options offer Air75, including 2.4G wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, and USB C wired mode. It is ideal for use at home, in the workplace, outside, and with casual games because it can connect up to four devices simultaneously and easily switch between them.

Overall, Air75 is compatible with Mac and Windows, and It has 21 backlight modes and 4 side light modes. The battery may be used constantly for 48 hours and has a life expectancy of three to four years.

2. Logitech MX Mini Keyboard (Mac layout)

Introducing the Logitech ultimate performance combo is MX Mechanical Mini and MX Master 3S for Mac; both tools are created and customized for macintosh.

3. Velocifire Wireless Bluetooth Mechanical Keyboard (Mac layout)

Surprisingly, This keyboard has an 1800 mAh built-in rechargeable battery. In Wireless mode, it can utilize a backlight opening for 16 to 32 hours. Additionally, the keyboard provides a Low Battery Alert; if the “Fn” key keeps flickering, the keyboard has to be recharged.

4. Logitech K845ch RGB Mechanical Keyboard

The brand’s name is sufficient. Logitech. It contains strong 4-8 degree tilt-adjustable legs and a slim front. As a result, you benefit from typing at a comfortable angle. Choose from Red, Blue, or Brown switches for the ideal volume of sound and tactile key feedback.

Even in the dark, you can be productive with white illumination in 5 patterns. All the mechanics of a gaming keyboard are provided in a sleek, premium form with long-lasting Aluminium Construction.

Furthermore, Extra-durable keyboard keys have tested 50 million clicks with a solid anodized aluminum top. Long-lasting characters that are molded won’t fade or disappear.

At last, It’s one of the best mechanical keyboards. It connects to other devices through USBs, and the keys’ style is Cherry Red. The real keys are 104, and this keyboard is valuable for gaming purposes and enhances your working flow.

5. Razer BlackWidow V3 Keyboard

6. SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Mechanical Keyboard

7. Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Mechanical Keyboard

The premium mechanical gaming keyboard from CORSAIR is the K70 RGB MK.2. Its a lightweight, strong aluminum structure. It’s a German-made 100% CHERRY MX gold-plated kind of ducky keyboard; Its contact key switches provide the reliability and accuracy you demand with a smooth, linear response.

Comprehensive system lighting synchronization, vivid dynamic multi-colored illumination, and extensive macro programming are all made possible by the powerful CORSAIR iCUE software.

Moreover, It includes a USB pass-through, dedicated multimedia controls, a removable soft-touch wrist rest, and textured FPS and MOBA keycaps. So no matter how fast your in-game actions are, every keypress registers precisely.

At last, the real number of keys is only around 104. You may buy a wireless mechanical keyboard (Corsair K70 PRO MINI WIRELESS RGB 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard).

8. Cooler Master CK552 Mechanical Keyboard

Firstly, it supports Mechanical Gateron Red switches: Providing fast responses for speedy in-game action.

This Cooler Master gaming Keyboard supports On-the-fly controls: Modify the lighting and macros in real time without using any software. And it was built with a simple appearance and a curved top plate out of a polished aluminum frame.

RGB Backlighting: Per-key LEDs with various lighting effects to draw attention to all of your impressive kill streaks. Map of Software Customization adjust lighting settings, apply 16.7 million colors to any key, and fine-tune macros. It includes a sakura pink mechanical keyboard, Mint green, ck352, and even more.

Durable mechanical switches with a 50 million keystroke rating or above. At last, It supports various styles Red switch, MK730, Doubleshot PBT, Blue Switch, and Brown Switch.

At last, the real number of keys is only around 87.

9. Womier K66 60% Mechanical Keyboard

10. ANNE PRO 2, Wired/Wireless Mechanical Keyboard 

The ANNE PRO 2 Wireless RGB mechanical keyboard is 60% in size. It’s practical and reduces desk space. Despite having only 61 keys, the key configuration allows it to function like a regular 104-key keyboard.

Premium Mechanical Switch & PBT Keycap: The RGB Gateron and Kailh Box switches provide a quick and reliable typing experience. Intense practice and competition ensure that PBT Keycaps maintain their texture.

16 MACRO KEYS For a more advanced gameplay experience, create custom macros or remap keys. Full-Key rollover and 100% Anti-Ghosting
complete n-key rollover (NKRO) support over USB

Up to 4 devices can be connected wirelessly and switched between with good Bluetooth connections. This keyboard is known as the White/Bluetooth mechanical keyboard, which has ultra-fast wireless and wired modes.

At last, it offers brilliant per-key RGB backlighting; you can experience unlimited backlight customization.

11. Portable 60% Cheap Mechanical Keyboard

MK-Box is a 68-key mechanical keyboard used for work or gameplay while saving space and delivering accurate tactile feedback for games and writing. It has unique arrow keys and all the F-keys you need.

Wide-ranging Connection: MageGee MK-Box devices feature a USB 2.0 connector, making them plug-and-play suitable with Windows (2000, XP, ME, Vista, 7, 8), Linux, and macintosh. So far, it is one of the cheapest macintosh mechanical keyboards.

It consists of different keyboard colors, such as Grey/Blue Switch, Black White/Blue Switch, Blue/Blue Switch, Black/Red Switch, White Black/Red Switch, White Grey/Red Switch, and even more. 

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