Image rights from left: Satechi, Keychron.
This bluetooth keyboard has excellent build quality and is
small and lightweight enough to be carried around, but feels
equally at home on a desktop. The key action is pleasant to
the touch, responsive, and suitable for extended periods of
use. It charges over USB–C, and Satechi claims up to 600
hours of use between charges depending on whether and
how brightly you use the backlit key option (there are ten
levels of brightness).
It connects to your recent Mac or iOS device using
Bluetooth 5, and pairing is quick and easy. You can pair with
up to three devices and switch between them using the
device select buttons on the keyboard. This does away with
tedious menu-diving. This is an aļordable and well-
designed keyboard with the latest tech, a great keybed, and
the ability to easily ľip between connection to three devices.
THE BOTTOM LINE. A portable and well–featured wireless
keyboard that’s easy to set up and works for both iOS and
Mac users. HOLLIN JONESThis is available in plastic or aluminium frames,
and with white or RGB backlit keys. It’s larger than
many external keyboards but there are a couple of
reasons for this. The first is its 4000mAh battery,
which is higher capacity than most competitors.
This is used for wireless mode, and there’s also
USB–C for charging and regular wired use. The
second is that it has big, clicky keys for those who
prefer a more tactile typing experience.
There’s a build–to–order choice of three types
of switches: blue, brown or red Gateron, each of
which offers a different experience and level of
resistance. Manual controls on the side let you
choose wired or wireless operation mode, and
either Windows/Android or Mac/iOS mode. The
keyboard feels solid and responsive, and the depth
of travel and “clickiness” of the keys is well suited
to long periods of typing. The backlighting and
solid battery life work well, and it’s a pleasing
experience for typing on more or less any device.
THE BOTTOM LINE. A great mechanical
keyboard with more flexibility than many of its
rivals. HOLLIN JONESSatechi Compact Backlit
Bluetooth Keyboard
Adds handy touches to a familiar idea
$79.99 From Satechi, satechi.net
Features USB–C rechargeable, multi–device connection (up to
three over Bluetooth), backlit illuminated keysKeychron K2
keyboard
Flexible, versatile keyboard
From $74 From Keychron, keychron.com
Features White or RGB backlit keys, wireless or
wired, multi–device connection (up to three)SATECHI COMPACT BACKLIT BLUETOOTH KEYBOARD
Great key action
Switches easily between three devices
Good battery life
Requires a relatively new Mac or iOS device
EXCELLENTKEYCHRON K2 KEYBOARD
Great typing experience
Works with basically any device you own
Excellent battery life
May be overkill for casual users
EXCELLENTTough testing, trusted ratings
maclife.com MAR 2020 51