By opting for one of the best Magic Keyboard alternatives, you'll benefit your typing experience no end, whilst also making a significant saving by not going for the official Apple keyboard offerings. While there's no denying that Apple make great products, not everyone has the money to outlay on accessories...
And that's why we've created this guide for you: we've been testing these products for both iPad and Mac over the years and have compiled a range of options for you. We've specified details like connection type, comfort during use and value for money, so you can choose a keyboard that works for you.
We start with the best Magic keyboard alternatives for Mac before moving onto iPad, so keep on reading if that's for you. And if you want a broader range of options that aren't Apple specific, check out our guide to the best keyboards.
The best Magic Keyboard alternatives
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The best Magic Keyboard alternatives for Mac
Best Magic Keyboard alternative 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.
A great wireless keyboard for Mac
Full-size keyboard: Yes
Multiple devices: Yes, up to three
Battery life: 80 hours
Satechi’s Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard looks and feels great, with several Apple-like colours available. You can connect up to three devices to it 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 offering could be perfect for you, as it works using a comfortable key switch mechanism. The Keychron K8 also comes with a proper Mac layout, but 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.
Superb alternative for creatives
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.
Best mechanical retro alternative
Full-size keyboard: Yes
Multiple devices: Yes, up to three devices
Battery life: Uses AAA batteries (three years' life)
The Logitech POP keyboard is super fun for expressive creatives. This keyboard is not only amazing to look a but has a "bouncy" type feel and multiple colour combos to choose from. 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?
Best ergonomic alternative
Full-size keyboard: Yes
Multiple devices: Yes, three devices
Battery life: 2000 mAh rechargeable battery
The new 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. Quiet soft touch keys will let you keep a low profile or work late into the night.
The best Magic Keyboard alternatives for iPad
Best alternative for iPad users
Multi-touch trackpad: Yes
Backlit keyboard: Yes
The Logitech Combo Touch is the iPad keyboard case that does it all. The keyboard is spacious and comfy, and is paired with a 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.
Best value alternative keyboard
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. The Brydge Pro+ offers a better deal to its sibling, the Brydge 12.9 MAX+.
A more lightweight alternative
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.
