It’s been a few years since Apple last updated the Magic Keyboard, and that was just a minor refresh to add more color options, plus Touch ID for use with compatible Apple Silicon-powered desktops and laptops. Another revision was overdue, so it’s no surprise that the announcement of the M4 iMac in October came with an updated lineup of peripherals, which, in addition to the Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse, includes the new Apple Magic Keyboard With Touch ID and Numeric Keypad reviewed here. Apple’s flagship typer finally adopts USB-C, marking the retirement of the Lightning connector (at least when it comes to Apple’s latest lineup of iMacs, MacBooks, and iPhones). But nothing else on the keyboard has changed. The build is identical; it still has no key backlighting; and it remains expensive—$179 for the white version and $199 if you want black keys. If you’ve used this keyboard before and liked it, then you probably still will. But if you’re waiting for Apple to update the board in a significant way, you’re better off picking from one of the many Mac keyboard alternatives.
Design: Mostly, It’s Magic on Repeat
At the risk of sounding like a hater, I should say up front: I know Macs, but I don’t use one as my primary computer. That said, I review a lot of keyboards, and Apple’s classic Magic model retains lots of charm, at least as far as aesthetics go. The design remains as gorgeous as ever, from its chiclet keys to its lightweight frame. The white keys pop against the keyboard’s silver body if you choose that color option, but it’s the version with the black keys that really catches the eye. I tested the latter, which is shown in the photos. (As noted, it costs a $20 premium.)
At 0.4 by 16.4 by 4.5 inches, it’s exactly the same size as the previous model, and at 0.8 pound, it is far lighter than any of its competitors. If you don’t need a numeric keypad and a full-size keyboard would command too much of your desk space, you can go even smaller: the numpad-less Magic Keyboard is also getting a USB-C update. It’s available in a $149 version with Touch ID and a $99 version without it.
The full-size board slopes slightly from front to back, giving the keyboard a slight lift. It has no adjustable feet or wrist rest, however, so from an ergonomic standpoint, it pales in comparison to Mac-friendly keyboards like the Logitech Wave Keys, which offers far superior wrist and finger support.