Mechanical Keyboards Work on Mac
Whether you’re looking for a new keyboard for your Mac, or you just want a more comfortable experience for typing, mechanical keyboards are a great option. They offer a more responsive and customizable typing experience, as well as a more pleasant noise level. Mechanical keyboards also provide a more satisfying feel, and can often offer a wider range of layouts and customization options than membrane keyboards.
For Mac users, there are two main categories of mechanical keyboards. First, there are keyboards that use Cherry MX-style switches, which use mechanical switches that use a spring and metal contact points to actuate the switch. Second, there are keyboards that use optical switches, which use an infrared sensor to actuate the switch. While they’re similar in design, they aren’t interchangeable with mechanical Cherry-style switches. Optical switches are usually compatible with the same keycaps, but they don’t have physical contacts.
Mechanical keyboards come in a variety of styles, from ultra-minimal to workhorses with function keys. There are also gaming keyboards, which use programmable macro keys and customizable RGB lighting. Some mechanical keyboards are available with a tenkeyless layout that retains standard navigation keys while removing the scroll lock and number pad. If you’re looking for a keyboard that saves space on your desk, a tenkeyless keyboard may be a good option. You can get keyboards with a TKL or 100% layout, and some models are available with replaceable keycaps for Mac-style function keys.
Mechanical keyboards can be noisy, but a few of the quietest keyboards feature gasket-mounted switches. Typically, gasket-mounted keyboards are more quiet than other mechanical keyboards because they sandwich the switches between pads made of vibration-absorbing material. The downside is that the switches aren’t hot-swappable, so you’ll have to replace or repair the keyboard if something breaks.
Do Mechanical Keyboards Work on Mac?
There are other options for mechanical keyboard, including those that use the Blue switch, which is similar to Cherry MX-style switches but uses different pin configurations. These keyboards are popular among gamers, and some manufacturers offer these keyboards as Mac-specific options.
If you’re looking for a keyboard with mechanical switches that is also Mac-friendly, you may want to consider the Das Keyboard brand. The brand’s high-end model, the Model 4, offers a sturdy construction and responsive typing. It also features a magnetically attached footbar. The brand also offers a budget-friendly model, the Model S, with a less expensive price tag.
Another brand that offers Mac-compatible keyboards is Logitech. Among the many products from this brand, the MX Mechanical keyboard is one of the most affordable models. It offers ultra-precise switches, a stable form factor, and easy-to-use Logi Options+19. You can customize the keys with this keyboard using its web-based configuration tool. It’s also easy to remap the keys to different functions with the LogiCue software.
The Anne Pro 2 is an older keyboard with a comfortable key profile and palm rests. The Anne Pro 2 lacks flip-out feet and attachments for angle adjustment. It also does not support QMK or graphical interfaces like VIA. However, it has a comfortable angle and features dual-color keycaps, which make it easy to see which keys are occupied.