I bought this mechanical keyboard made for Macs — and you should, too

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I bought this mechanical keyboard fabricated for Macs — and you should, too

(Paradigm credit: Keychron )

Considering that I handle the phones coverage for Tom's Guide, information technology might surprise some of you that one of my side passions is mechanical keyboards. I have several in my role closet and I savor them all for different things, mostly typing. Simply ever since I switched to a MacBook Pro for work purposes, I've missed a seamless mechanical keyboard experience.

You lot can utilize Windows layout, which is far and abroad the default with keyboards, and get on fine. Command is in a dissimilar spot and you substitute Alt for Option, and you might miss out on the part row/laptop controls. It'southward doable, but retraining my brain to translate Mac commands to a Windows layout wasn't something I wanted to spend time on.

The need for something ameliorate

When looking for an external keyboard, I had a few options. The first was the $99 Magic Keyboard from Apple tree, but I didn't want to drop that kind of coin on a keyboard I didn't actually like to begin with. I establish a cheaper knockoff from Macally, which was just a plastic Magic Keyboard. It worked fine for a few months, peculiarly since it was $35 when I purchased it.

I started looking for a wireless mechanical keyboard with a Mac layout and tactile switches. And I found one.

I type a lot. Not merely for my job here at Tom's Guide, but I'grand also working on a novel and so I blazon just as much (and sometimes more) in my downtime at dark and on weekends. I typically pull out my favorite board, a heavy 65% using Halo True switches and the MiTo Laser SA keycap set (in a purple Tofu65 case) — this is my pride and joy.

Only in addition to the layout upshot, which was just a distraction from my writing, I had to sacrifice i of the two USB-C ports on my 2017 MacBook Pro if I wanted to employ my favorite keyboard with it. This meant I couldn't use my second monitor, which is vital to the way I piece of work. I wasn't willing to brand that merchandise-off, and since all of my keyboards are wired, I couldn't use any of them for work.

Finding the Keychron K2

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Then I started a search for — and bear with me hither — a wireless, Mac layout, mechanical keyboard, preferably with switches that wouldn't drive me mad while typing, every bit linears and clickys tend to. (Come across our guide to mechanical keyboard switches to learn more near the differences.) This was an incredibly strict set of criteria, but one late dark while browsing Amazon, I found ane.

The Keychron K2 had everything I wanted: Bluetooth and wired, 75% Mac layout, and a selection betwixt Gateron Brown, Bluish, or Red switches, all for under $100. If you lot know mechanical keyboards, you lot know they tin become very expensive, especially custom-built ones. And so for $79, I could take a keyboard that met all of my needs.

I made the purchase and when the board arrived, I was ecstatic. I think Gateron switches are fine, especially as less expensive alternatives to Cherry switches. Of all the options, I went with the Browns for that satisfying tactile bump. There was an RGB version of the K2 for $10 more, merely I went with the patently white backlight since my RGB is reserved for my gaming setup on my other desk.

Writing with the Keychron K2

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

In the time since, typing has been an absolute joy. I'm participating in November's National Novel Writing Calendar month (NaNoWriMo), where the goal is to write 50,000 words in thirty days. Between my work and that, I've already typed tens of thousands of words on the Keychron. When y'all're trying to get yourself to write at the pace that NaNoWriMo requires, having tools that you're excited to employ massively improves your motivation.

I could have worked on my novel on my Windows machine, where I accept my choice of keyboard, but I purchased a Scrivener license for my MacBook and then that I could utilise the powerful novel-writing software anywhere I chose. I admit that I'chiliad a niche case. But ever since an onetime colleague at my first major freelance gig introduced me to the wonder of mechanical keyboards, I've been crazy about them.

Keychron K2 outlook

(Prototype credit: Tom's Guide)

Missing out on having a keyboard I liked on my MacBook didn't delight me. I'chiliad very picky nearly my typing experience, which differs from what I prefer for gaming — I employ Kailh Box Blacks on my gaming keyboard. Gateron Browns aren't my first option of switch (that honor goes to the Glorious Panda), only for the Keychron K2's toll, I'm more than satisfied. (You lot'll want to bank check out our picks for the best gaming keyboards to find i that suits your fashion).

If you lot're on a Mac and want a wireless mechanical keyboard experience without any hassle, I highly recommend checking out the Keychron K2. Information technology's the all-time buy I've fabricated and then far in 2021.

Jordan is the Phones Editor for Tom's Guide, covering all things telephone-related. He's written near phones for over 5 years and plans to go along for a long while to come. He loves nothing more than than relaxing in his home with a book, game, or his latest personal writing projection. Jordan likes finding new things to swoop into, from books and games to new mechanical keyboard switches and fun keycap sets. Jordan tends to lurk on social media, only you can all-time accomplish him on Twitter.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/opinion/i-bought-this-mechanical-keyboard-made-for-macs-and-i-love-it

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