Wireless keyboards

Fully featured wireless keyboards for Mac and iOS

Third–party keyboards have evolved far beyond the standard, basic models of old. And with working from home the new normal for many of us, freeing yourself from your laptop or getting more features than Apple’s smaller Magic Keyboard offers can be a good move. Priced the same as Apple’s keyboard and in some cases a little less, these can all work in wired or wireless mode, pair with more than one device at once, and be used across multiple operating systems. There’s never been a better choice of wireless keyboards on the market. Hollin Jones

> Penclic KB3

$99.99 From Penclic, penclic.se

Features Slim design, good looks, clever key labels

Penclic’s KB3 is the smallest on test but has full–size keys and a very low profile to help keep your wrists flat and discourage RSI. Beautifully built in aluminium with three color options, its keys have a relatively small amount of travel but are smooth and responsive. Although there are some LEDs for feedback, the keys are not backlit. It has wired or wireless modes and charges over micro USB, with a battery life of two weeks between charges. It can be switched between OS X 10.1 or later and iOS, Android or Windows modes using easy key combinations, and the many keys are labelled in different colors to denote OS–specific functions. iOS–specific keys include Home, search, screen lock, and the standard desktop commands.

Stylish and compact No backlighting EXCELLENT

> Logitech MX Keys For Mac

$99.99 From Logitech, logitech.com

Features Intelligent backlighting, number pad, USB–C

This model is full–sized, with an ergonomically rounded design and spherically dished keys that have rounded edges and a matte coating for extra–smooth contact with your fingers. Although it does work with Windows it’s very Apple–focused — it can pair with up to three of your Mac or iOS devices and you can use dedicated keys to switch between them without re– pairing. It charges over USB–C and works in wired or wireless mode, with an option to use the USB receiver that’s included in the box. One standout feature is that it’s not just backlit, but a sensor knows when you’re moving towards or away from the keyboard and will switch on and off accordingly. Battery life is 10 days, or up to five months with backlighting switched off.

Backlight sensor Ergonomic design AWESOME

> Keychron K3

$74 From Keychron, keychron.com

Features White or RGB lights, swappable keys, mechanical action

Keychron’s mechanical wireless keyboards offer a tactile typing experience. The K3 is its most compact model, lacking a number pad but using ultra–slim keyswitches. Fitting a great selection of keys with subtle color coding into its aluminium frame, it’s wireless or wired over USB–C and works across Mac, iOS, and more. It also comes with some swappable command keys for different systems. It can connect to up to three devices and switch between them, and the keys come in white or RGB backlit versions. Battery life on a full charge is 34 hours with backlighting on. Key reaction time is lightning fast and the typing experience solid and tactile. It’s not as pretty as some others but this is a compact, great–feeling mechanical keyboard.

Unique typing feel Unique looks GREAT

> Satechi Slim X3

$89.99 From Satechi, satechi.net

Features Pair up to four devices, multi–level backlight, full key set

Sporting a low profile for a full–sized keyboard with number pad, Satechi’s Slim X3 has a sleek aluminium finish. It will of course work with iOS, and there are a couple of dedicated iOS shortcut keys too. Charging over USB–C and working in wired or Bluetooth modes, it can pair with up to four different devices and switch between them using the four dedicated Bluetooth buttons. The keys feel very much like the ones on a 16–inch MacBook Pro, which are excellent. There’s backlighting with ten adjustable light levels and a battery life of up to 80 hours, though this will be less if high levels of backlighting are used for long periods. It’s a smooth keyboard to use, and great for sustained periods of typing whatever your device of choice.

Keys feel great No backlight sensor EXCELLENT