Difference between revisions of "Apple Magic Keyboard"

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(Succession in infobox)
(Incorporated portable keyboards.)
Line 11: Line 11:
 
| switch      = [[Scissor switch]]/[[Rubber dome]]
 
| switch      = [[Scissor switch]]/[[Rubber dome]]
 
| layouts      =  
 
| layouts      =  
| features    =  
+
| features    = Automated pairing (compact, full-size)
| interface    = [[Bluetooth]], Apple Lightning ([[USB]])
+
| interface    = [[Bluetooth]] 3.0 (compact, full-size)<br>Proprietary "Smart connector" (iPad Pro)
| weight      = 231g (compact), 390 (full-size)
+
| weight      = 231g (compact), 390g (full-size)
 
| dimensions  = 279×115×109 mm (compact), 419×115×109 mm (full-size)
 
| dimensions  = 279×115×109 mm (compact), 419×115×109 mm (full-size)
 
| keycaps      = [[Keycap printing#Laser etching|Laser-etched]] [[Keycap profile#Chiclet|chiclet]]
 
| keycaps      = [[Keycap printing#Laser etching|Laser-etched]] [[Keycap profile#Chiclet|chiclet]]
Line 23: Line 23:
 
}}
 
}}
  
The '''Apple Magic Keyboard''' is the current keyboard line sold with new desktop Apple Macintosh computers. They are also available separately.
+
The '''Apple Magic Keyboard''' is Apple's current keyboard line for [[Macintosh]] computers and the iPad Pro.
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
 +
The first "Magic" keyboard was introduced in 2015 as a successor to the [[Apple Aluminium Keyboard#A1314 MC184LL/B|aluminium Apple Wireless Keyboard]] to be shipped with desktop [[Macintosh]] computers. The keyboard was also available separately.
 +
The "Magic" moniker is shared with Apple's contemporary [[Apple Magic Mouse|Magic Mouse]] and the [[Apple Magic Trackpad|Magic Trackpad]].
 +
 +
The key travel was shortened, but not as much as on the "[[Apple butterfly mechanism|butterfly]]" keyboards on Apple's laptops introduced the same year.
 +
As on that other keyboard, the keycaps are also very wide, the keys on the bottom row
 +
are no longer slightly larger vertically than on other rows.
 +
On the desktop keyboards, the left and right [[cursor keys]] are no longer halved in height to make an inverse-T shape. The [[Function keys|function key row]] is also not halved in height on the desktop keyboard.
 +
 +
In late 2019, a thinner variation of the "Magic" keyboard's scissor and rubber-dome design started replacing the problem-ridden [[Apple butterfly mechanism|"Butterfly" mechanism]] on Apple's laptops. And in early 2020, the Apple iPad Pro also got a "Magic" keyboard as part of its stand. On these portable keyboards, the left and right cursor keys ''are'' halved in height.
 +
 +
==Desktop models==
 
Unlike its predecessors (the [[Apple Aluminium Keyboard]]) it uses a fixed rechargeable battery. This is difficult to replace but allows the keyboard to have a flatter profile.
 
Unlike its predecessors (the [[Apple Aluminium Keyboard]]) it uses a fixed rechargeable battery. This is difficult to replace but allows the keyboard to have a flatter profile.
The left and right [[cursor keys]] and the keys on the [[Function keys|function-key]] row are not halved in height.
 
The keys are also slightly larger in size - which is well known to cause more typing errors.
 
  
The [[rubber dome]]/[[scissor switch]]es have very little key travel (less than its predecessor) but not as little as the [[Apple butterfly mechanism|"butterfly"]] switches found in contemporary Apple laptops.
+
The [[function keys]] are the same size as other 1u keys, but the [[Escape key]] is wider.
  
The keyboard uses [[Bluetooth]] and pairs automatically to a Macintosh when connected via the charging cable - which requires the use of MacOS X 10.11 "El Capitan" or higher.
+
The keyboard uses [[Bluetooth]] and pairs automatically to a Macintosh when connected to it via the charging cable - which requires the use of [[MacOS]] X 10.11 "El Capitan" or higher.
The cable is only for charging and pairing - there is no USB hub.
+
The cable is only for charging and pairing there is no USB hub.
  
=="Magic Keyboard"==
+
==="Magic Keyboard"===
 
A compact variety, without numeric keypad. Successor to the [[Apple Aluminium Keyboard#A1314|aluminium "Apple Wireless Keyboard"]].
 
A compact variety, without numeric keypad. Successor to the [[Apple Aluminium Keyboard#A1314|aluminium "Apple Wireless Keyboard"]].
 
Only in silver/white. Shipped with iMac.
 
Only in silver/white. Shipped with iMac.
Line 41: Line 50:
 
Rumour has it that some symbols were changed from June 5 2017 onwards.
 
Rumour has it that some symbols were changed from June 5 2017 onwards.
  
=="Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad"==
+
==="Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad"===
 
The full-size varities are wireless, unlike the previous [[Apple Aluminium Keyboard#A1243 MB110B/A|full-size Apple Aluminium Keyboard]] which had been wired only.
 
The full-size varities are wireless, unlike the previous [[Apple Aluminium Keyboard#A1243 MB110B/A|full-size Apple Aluminium Keyboard]] which had been wired only.
  
 
The silver/white introduced in June 2017, available only separately.
 
The silver/white introduced in June 2017, available only separately.
 
A "Space Gray" variant with black keys was introduced with the iMac Pro in Dec 2017, and has been available separately since March 2018.
 
A "Space Gray" variant with black keys was introduced with the iMac Pro in Dec 2017, and has been available separately since March 2018.
 +
 +
==Portable==
 +
The "Magic" keyboards for Apple's portable computers replace the [[Apple butterfly mechanism|butterfly mechanisms]] in previous MacBooks and in the "Smart" "keyboard" for the iPad Pro line.
 +
The keyboards are backlit.
 +
 +
The scissor mechanism is slimmer than on the desktop keyboards, with less key travel but are otherwise the same mechanically.
 +
 +
The left and right [[cursor keys]] are halved in height, making them easier to find by touch. The cursor keys are however slimmer than on pre-2015 keyboards where the entire space-bar row was thicker to begin with.
 +
 +
Laptop keyboards have a [[Function keys|function keys]] that are halved in height, or a [[touch bar]]. Unlike previous keyboards with touch bar, the [[Escape key]] is now always a physical key however.
 +
 +
The keyboard for the iPad Pro is also a cover and an adjustable stand.
 +
The keyboard itself lacks function keys and an [[Escape key]], but Escape can be mapped on another key in iPadOS.
 +
It also has an integrated [[touchpad]], battery and USB C battery charging port. It is connected to the tablet via a proprietary pogo-pin connector ("Smart keyboard" connector) over which it is able to charge itself and provide power ''to'' the iPad Pro, thus leaving the tablet's USB C port free.
 +
It is however very expensive, for which it has received much criticism.
  
 
==External Links==
 
==External Links==
 +
'''Desktop keyboard''':
 
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Keyboard Magic Keyboard] on Wikipedia.
 
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Keyboard Magic Keyboard] on Wikipedia.
 
* Macworld: [http://www.macworld.com/article/2995375/input-devices/apple-magic-keyboard-review-should-have-called-it-basic.html Apple Magic Keyboard review: Should have called it basic]. Retrieved 2016-08-01.
 
* Macworld: [http://www.macworld.com/article/2995375/input-devices/apple-magic-keyboard-review-should-have-called-it-basic.html Apple Magic Keyboard review: Should have called it basic]. Retrieved 2016-08-01.
 
* iFixit: [https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Magic+Keyboard+Teardown/50995 Magic Keyboard Teardown]. Dated 2015-10-15. Retrieved 2016-10-28.
 
* iFixit: [https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Magic+Keyboard+Teardown/50995 Magic Keyboard Teardown]. Dated 2015-10-15. Retrieved 2016-10-28.
 +
 +
'''MacBook''':
 +
* iFixit: [https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/MacBook+Pro+16-Inch+2019+Teardown/128106#s249716 MacBook Pro 16" 2019 Teardown]. Dated 2019-11-18. Retrieved 2019-11-18.
 +
 +
'''iPad Pro''':
 +
* https://www.engadget.com/apple-magic-keyboard-review-ipad-pro-299-349-130015291.html
  
 
[[Category:List of all keyboards]]
 
[[Category:List of all keyboards]]

Revision as of 14:37, 24 April 2020

This article is a stub. You can help Deskthority by expanding it.

Template icon--Illustration.png This article requires photographic illustration
Magic Keyboard
Model no. A1644 MLA22LL/A (compact silver/white),
A1843 MQ052LL/A (full-size silver/white),
A1843 MRMH2LL/A (full-size grey/black)
Branding Apple
Features Automated pairing (compact, full-size)
Keyswitches Scissor switch/Rubber dome
Keycaps Laser-etched chiclet
Interface Bluetooth 3.0 (compact, full-size)
Proprietary "Smart connector" (iPad Pro)
Battery 2.98 Wh Li-Ion (compact)
Dimensions 279×115×109 mm (compact), 419×115×109 mm (full-size)
Weight 231g (compact), 390g (full-size)
Introduced 2015 (compact), 2017 (full size)
Supersedes Apple Aluminium Keyboard
Price $99 (compact), $129 (full size)
Website www.apple.com/shop/mac/mac-accessories/mice-keyboards

The Apple Magic Keyboard is Apple's current keyboard line for Macintosh computers and the iPad Pro.

Description

The first "Magic" keyboard was introduced in 2015 as a successor to the aluminium Apple Wireless Keyboard to be shipped with desktop Macintosh computers. The keyboard was also available separately. The "Magic" moniker is shared with Apple's contemporary Magic Mouse and the Magic Trackpad.

The key travel was shortened, but not as much as on the "butterfly" keyboards on Apple's laptops introduced the same year. As on that other keyboard, the keycaps are also very wide, the keys on the bottom row are no longer slightly larger vertically than on other rows. On the desktop keyboards, the left and right cursor keys are no longer halved in height to make an inverse-T shape. The function key row is also not halved in height on the desktop keyboard.

In late 2019, a thinner variation of the "Magic" keyboard's scissor and rubber-dome design started replacing the problem-ridden "Butterfly" mechanism on Apple's laptops. And in early 2020, the Apple iPad Pro also got a "Magic" keyboard as part of its stand. On these portable keyboards, the left and right cursor keys are halved in height.

Desktop models

Unlike its predecessors (the Apple Aluminium Keyboard) it uses a fixed rechargeable battery. This is difficult to replace but allows the keyboard to have a flatter profile.

The function keys are the same size as other 1u keys, but the Escape key is wider.

The keyboard uses Bluetooth and pairs automatically to a Macintosh when connected to it via the charging cable - which requires the use of MacOS X 10.11 "El Capitan" or higher. The cable is only for charging and pairing — there is no USB hub.

"Magic Keyboard"

A compact variety, without numeric keypad. Successor to the aluminium "Apple Wireless Keyboard". Only in silver/white. Shipped with iMac.

Rumour has it that some symbols were changed from June 5 2017 onwards.

"Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad"

The full-size varities are wireless, unlike the previous full-size Apple Aluminium Keyboard which had been wired only.

The silver/white introduced in June 2017, available only separately. A "Space Gray" variant with black keys was introduced with the iMac Pro in Dec 2017, and has been available separately since March 2018.

Portable

The "Magic" keyboards for Apple's portable computers replace the butterfly mechanisms in previous MacBooks and in the "Smart" "keyboard" for the iPad Pro line. The keyboards are backlit.

The scissor mechanism is slimmer than on the desktop keyboards, with less key travel but are otherwise the same mechanically.

The left and right cursor keys are halved in height, making them easier to find by touch. The cursor keys are however slimmer than on pre-2015 keyboards where the entire space-bar row was thicker to begin with.

Laptop keyboards have a function keys that are halved in height, or a touch bar. Unlike previous keyboards with touch bar, the Escape key is now always a physical key however.

The keyboard for the iPad Pro is also a cover and an adjustable stand. The keyboard itself lacks function keys and an Escape key, but Escape can be mapped on another key in iPadOS. It also has an integrated touchpad, battery and USB C battery charging port. It is connected to the tablet via a proprietary pogo-pin connector ("Smart keyboard" connector) over which it is able to charge itself and provide power to the iPad Pro, thus leaving the tablet's USB C port free. It is however very expensive, for which it has received much criticism.

External Links

Desktop keyboard:

MacBook:

iPad Pro: