The best Magic Keyboard alternatives can improve the typing experience for those using Macs and iPads for their work, while potentially also saving money in comparison with Apple's own offerings. While there's no denying that Apple's own keyboard has its strengths, it's not the best value, and other keyboard provide additional benefits in customisation and ergonomics.
We've reviewed and tested most Macs and iPads and related accessories, and many of our reviewers use Magic Keyboard alternatives for their own work. As such, we're well placed to compare the benefits of the best Magic Keyboards available, from mechanical keyboards to iPad keyboard cases. We've compared build quality, ergonomics, features and value to help you find a keyboard that works for you.
The best Magic Keyboard alternatives
Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The best Magic Keyboard alternatives for Mac
Full-size keyboard: Yes
Multiple devices: Up to three
Battery life: 10 days (backlighting on), five months (backlighting off)
Logitech knows how to design devices for Mac fans and the company’s MX Keys for Mac keyboard is no different. It comes with a full Mac layout so you’ll feel instantly at home. You can pair it with up to three devices and work across them seamlessly using Logitech’s Flow software.
Full-size keyboard: Yes
Multiple devices: Yes, up to three
Battery life: 80 hours
Satechi’s Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard looks and feels great, and there are several Apple-like colours available. You can connect up to three devices at once, although there’s no equivalent to Logitech’s Flow software. We found the battery duration to be a little lower, too, but for the price, you’ll struggle to get a Magic Keyboard alternative that looks and performs as well as this. It’s a superb choice.
Best mechanical alternative
Full-size keyboard: No
Multiple devices: Yes, up to three
Battery life: 240 hours (backlighting off)
If you spend a lot of time typing, this could be the perfect Magic Keyboard alternative for you thanks to the super comfortable key switch mechanism. It comes with a proper Mac layout, and you can switch to a Windows layout at the flick of a switch. The Keychron K8 can connect to three devices at once and has several LED lighting options.
Full-size keyboard: Yes
Multiple devices: Yes, up to three devices
Battery life: One week (backlighting on), three months (backlighting off)
The Logitech Craft takes everything that’s good about the Logitech MX Keys for Mac and dials it up – literally. The Craft comes with a special dial that is pre-loaded with shortcuts for your favourite apps, so it's ideal for making quick refinements during creative work, like adjusting Brightness in Photoshop.
Full-size keyboard: Yes
Multiple devices: Yes, up to three devices
Battery life: Uses AAA batteries (three years' life)
We think the Logitech POP keyboard is super fun. It's not only amazing to look at, with multiple colour combos to choose from, but it has a pleasant bouncy type feel. It can connect via Bluetooth or a Logi Bolt USB receiver with support for macOS. It also comes included with 8 swappable emoji keys because who doesn't love them?
Full-size keyboard: Yes
Multiple devices: Yes, three devices
Battery life: 2000 mAh rechargeable battery
The JLab Epic keyboard has a smart media dial in the top right to control volume, play/pause functions, and track skipping on your device. It can connect via Bluetooth or the included 2.4GHz wireless dongle, plus you can program hotkeys through the JLab Work App. The quiet soft touch keys are nice for those who want to keep a low profile or who work late into the night.
The best Magic Keyboard alternatives for iPad
Multi-touch trackpad: Yes
Backlit keyboard: Yes
The Logitech Combo Touch is the iPad keyboard case that does it all. We found the keyboard is spacious and comfortable to use, as is the large trackpad, while the case offers solid protection. There’s a cut-out to magnetically charge an Apple Pencil on the side. The keyboard can be detached from the case and it weighs 780g.
Multi-touch trackpad: Yes
Backlit keyboard: Yes
If you’re not too fussed about trackpad gestures, the Brydge Pro+ is a good option. It includes instant-on connection and adjustable backlit keys with plenty of travel. It has a solid construction and there’s also a magnetic back cover to protect your tablet, plus the trackpad works with all the iPadOS gestures you would expect. This is a more affordable alternative to the Brydge 12.9 MAX+.
Multi-touch trackpad: Yes
Backlit keyboard: Yes
The ZAGG Pro Keys with Trackpad has a lot going for it. Like the Logitech Combo Touch, you can detach the case from the keyboard and it has a built-in slot to protect an Apple Pencil. However, it’s made of plastic instead of something more solid like aluminium, and the trackpad is only available for some iPads.
Multi-touch trackpad? Yes
Backlit keyboard? Yes
This ultra-rugged Urban Armor Gear Bluetooth keyboard case boasts a sturdy tactical grip, 8ft of drop protection, storage for your iPad stylus, and a built-in kickstand. The keyboard is supposedly near-indestructible (and spill-resistant) with a rechargeable battery making it an excellent choice for protecting your iPad as well as offering a keyboard that can withstand the outdoors.
Multi-touch trackpad? No
Backlit keyboard? No
The K480 keyboard from Logitech is far from simple, offering an excellent typing experience, easy design, and connectivity for up to three devices at once, allowing you to switch between them using a handy dial. The keyboard is cross-platform, too, with up to a year of battery life before needing a replacement, so it’ll keep going for as long as you need it.
Multi-touch trackpad? No
Backlit keyboard? No
Logitech’s Slim Folio case is another Magic Keyboard alternative that offers the functionality of a typical iPad keyboard while maintaining your iPad's portable and travel-friendly appeal. It’s also one of the few iPad keyboard cases that provides all-over protection for your device, and has a slot for an Apple Pencil too. There's no trackpad, but the keyboard is sturdy and great for typing on.
