mechanical keyboards

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on mechanical keyboards:

You wish you had this MacBook workstation’s killer keyboard [Setups]

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Keychron Q3 Pro mechanical keyboard setup
This setups has two MacBooks, but the external keyboard is a Keychron Q3 Pro custom mechanical keeb.
Photo: chrisonhismac@Reddit.com

Today’s featured computer setup runs on two powerful MacBooks, which of course have their own keyboards. But the user doesn’t settle for those, except maybe when he’s away. Instead, he chooses to use a mechanical external keyboard with his dual laptops and dual displays. It’s a Keychron Q3 Pro custom keyboard, and it’s a beauty. 

Big Logitech sale: Up to half off keyboards, mice, webcams and more

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Logitech peripherals and accessories sale - Logitech MX Master 3S mouse
Logitech's MX Master 3S wireless mouse is a major Magic Mouse rival.
Photo: Logitech

Amazon bargain site Woot goes big on Logi Friday in its Logitech Peripherals and Accessories Sale. Keyboards, mice, iPad keyboard cases, webcams, gaming devices, headsets — you name it, it’s there. Some items are priced at half off.

As of Friday morning, 55 discounted new and refurbished items await you. The sale ends April 20 at 10 p.m. PT (but when items sell out, they’re gone).

Mechanical keyboard clicks with Mac Studio workstation [Setups]

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Keychron K8 mechanical keyboard
This Keychron mechanical keyboard beat out a couple of Razer keyboards to be here.
Photo: bucketofmonkeys@reddit.com

Some people love peace and quiet. Others love mechanical keyboards. That clackety-clacking noise is the very sound of productivity, isn’t it? The feel of the keys. The way you can practically make a lifelong hobby out of customizing a “hot swappable” model with different keycaps, switches and more. Today’s Mac Studio and Studio Display setup relies on a Keychron K8 mechanical keyboard. 

The user swears by it, having chosen it over a couple of well-regarded Razer keebs. He’s still got the Razer wrist rest, though. 

Mac Studio and Studio Display refurbs seem new [Setups]

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Mac Studio and Studio Display refurbs in setup
This user said it's hard to tell his Mac Studio and Studio Display aren't new.
Photo: bucketofmonkeys@reddit.com

When new Apple gear comes out, sometimes it pays to wait a bit and grab it when the iPhone giant and other sellers start offering refurbished versions of it. Today’s setup boasts a Mac Studio desktop computer and a Studio Display, both refurbished, and the user said he had a hard time telling they’re not actually new.

Custom mechanical gaming keyboard ups ‘cool’ factor [Setups]

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NuPhy mechanical gaming keyboard
The user describes the key caps on his NuPhy Halo75 mechanical gaming keyboard as "fire."
Photo: mcaputo023@reddit.com

Mechanical keyboards are all the rage for folks who love their nuanced typing feel, customizability and all that clickety-clackety noise.

Today’s featured Mac Studio and dual-Studio Display setup boasts a great mechanical gaming keyboard, the NuPhy Halo75, with custom keycaps.

Mechanical Mac keyboard packs useful features into small package [Review] ★★★★

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Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard review★★★★
Satechi SM1 offers mac users a compact mechanical keyboard with multiple connectivity options.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard offers a 75% layout with low-profile brown switches so it’s easy to type on while not taking up much room on your desk. This mechanical keyboard for Mac can connect with up to four computers, including your iPad and iPhone, plus Windows machines. And it uses a variety of connectivity methods: Bluetooth, wired and more.

I’ve used it for several weeks now in my home office. I found a lot to like.

Find the best affordable, feature-packed keyboard for Mac mini

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Photo of a hand holding a Mac mini with the words
You'll find plenty of options in our guide to the best keyboards for Apple's pint-size Mac.
Photo: Teddy GR/Unsplash License/Cult of Mac

Apple’s smallest desktop computer is a powerhouse in a small package, but it doesn’t come with peripheral devices — so what are the best keyboards for Mac mini?

Whether you use a Mac mini for work or gaming, adding the right keyboard is crucial for maximizing your productivity and comfort.

I’ve always been fascinated with keyboards and have several. I’ll show you 10 of my favorite choices for great keyboards to use with Mac mini below.

This slim, wireless mechanical keyboard connects to four devices

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Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard
Satechi's first mechanical keyboard won't take up much room on your desk.
Photo: Satechi

The Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard offers a 75% layout with low-profile brown switches. It can connect with up to four computers, whether Mac, iPad, iPhone, Windows, etc.

The wired/wireless keyboard debuted at CES 2024, and is available now.

Studio Display stars in designer’s Lego-rich home office [Setups]

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Setups Jose Munoz desk with MacBook Pro and Studio Display
Munoz loves his Studio Display the most, but he also praises his 14-inch M1 MacBook Pro and other gear.
Photo: Jose Munoz

If Apple’s popular but pricey Studio Display is well-suited to anyone, it’s any type of designer because of the monitor’s formidable graphics chops.

In today’s loaded MacBook Pro setup, a designer sets apart his Studio Display for the highest praise among many items in a remarkably well-equipped workstation. And his Lego collection is epic, too.

New Keychron mechanical gaming keyboard supercharges customization

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Keychron Q1 HE mechanical keyboard
Special switches make the new keyboard super responsive and customizable.
Photo: Keychron

Keychron launched a crowdfunding campaign December 5 for its new Q1 HE, calling it the first 75% layout wireless QMK custom keyboard with Hall Effect Gateron 2.0 magnetic switches, the company said.

The company noted the switch provides advantages to gamers with its extreme responsiveness and expanded customizability.

Old and new MacBook Pros work in harmony [Setups]

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This setup features an M2 MacBook Pro, but it still uses a 2015 Retina model, too.
This setup features an M2 MacBook Pro, but it still uses a 2015 Retina model, too.
Photo: izzyontheweb@Reddit.com

Who says an 8-year-old MacBook Pro is too old? Today’s featured setup relies on a new M2 MacBook Pro for most of the real work, but a 2015 Retina model still contributes regularly.

“Used it for school but recently graduated in May, only use for it now is YouTube/visuals until it dies,” graphic designer and Redditor izzyontheweb said. “Could you believe it’s a 2015 model and still works amazing?”

Drop’s new mechanical keyboards take customization to new level

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The magnetically attached polycarbonate cases come in five colors. You can also get black or silver aluminum.
The magnetically attached polycarbonate cases come in five colors. You can also get black or silver aluminum.
Photo: Drop

Drop rolled out its new CSTM80 line of customizable mechanical keyboards starting with a tenkeyless model, the company said Tuesday.

“CSTM” in the name hints at how much you can modify them — in addition to easily swapping out keycaps and switches, you can change the magnetically attached case for a different look.

This could be clicky music to mechanical keyboard lovers’ ears

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Cherry calls its new MX2A switches
Cherry calls its new MX2A switches "the new gold standard." And they include some actual gold.
Photo: Cherry

Some of the best-known and most commonly used switches for mechanical keyboards worldwide are getting a major redesign, German company Cherry said Thursday.

Known for its popular Cherry MX mechanical switches, it now debuts Cherry MX2A switches. And they come with the company’s new XTRFY K5V2 mechanical keyboard, but they may be everywhere soon enough.

This mechanical keyboard comes with a personalized display

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You can personalize the LCD screen just below the large multi-use control knob.
You can personalize the LCD screen just below the large multi-use control knob.
Photo: Epomaker

The new Epomaker TH80-X compact keyboard comes with a large, multi-use control knob and a built-in LCD screen for customization.

Available today, the latest member of Epomaker’s TH80 family of mechanical keyboards features a space-efficient 75% layout rather than a full-size one.

Mac Studio drives wild 4-monitor formation with Bat-Signal [Setups]

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The Bat-Signal is displayed on a giant screen atop three other monitors in a Batman-themed computer setup.
Gotta love the Bat-Signal.
Photo: Rasputin_mad_monk@Reddit.com

Today’s featured Mac Studio setup found an interesting way to arrange its four displays — three little ones in a row and one huge one broadcasting the Bat-Signal on top.

With Batman undoubtedly on his way (OK, maybe it’s just the logo, not the actual signal), the workstation also boasts a 12.9-inch iPad Pro with Apple’s Smart Folio and a remarkably affordable mechanical keyboard for use with the desktop machine.

New QuietType mechanical keyboard cuts down on the clackity-clack

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"Silent" may be a stretch, but Kensington's new full-sized mechanical keyboard cuts down on the keystroke noise.
Photo: Kensington

Kensington unveiled a new “silent” mechanical keyboard for business and home use Tuesday. It’s the new MK7500F QuietType Pro Silent Wireless Mechanical Keyboard with Meeting Controls.

“Ideal for use in noise-sensitive home or office work environments, the MK7500F delivers a combination of beauty, durability and functionality, to provide professionals with a premium, quiet typing experience,” the company said.

Cherry’s sleek new mechanical keyboard boasts an ultra-low profile — at a price

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This mechanical keyboard is low-profile enough you could mistake it for a membrane keyboard.
This mechanical keyboard is low-profile enough you could mistake it for a membrane keyboard.
Photo: Cherry

Known for its mechanical keyboard switches and other office accessories, Cherry just released its new KW X ULP mechanical keyboard.

The “ultra low profile” keeb sports Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile (ULP) switches and costs a somewhat high-profile price of $250.

High-end MacBook Pro sits in a forest of tall 5K displays [Setups]

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This setup's not exactly lacking for upscale 5K screen real estate, is it?
This setup's not exactly lacking for upscale 5K screen real estate, is it?
Photo: Overtime@Reddit.com

At Cult of Mac, we’re no strangers to looking at computer setups loaded with displays — even as many as six. But we’re less used to seeing certain orientations, like in today’s featured M1 MacBook Pro and custom PC setup.

The workstation seems to reach for the ceiling with four 5K displays. Two stack horizontally in landscape mode and two stand tall, shoulder-to-shoulder in portrait mode.

New OnePlus mechanical keyboard plays well with Macs

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It's designed in collaboration with keyboard maker Keychron, and it looks it.
It's designed in collaboration with keyboard maker Keychron, and it looks it.
Photo: OnePlus

Best-known for its smartphones, OnePlus broadened its horizons Tuesday by rolling out the new OnePlus Featuring Keyboard 81 Pro wireless mechanical keyboard, among other products.

The keeb’s name may be off-kilter, but its design and functionality, co-engineered by well-known keyboard maker Keychron, look right on target for Mac users.

M2 Mac mini drives dual displays in rolling rig [Setups]

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This user enabled dock-free dual-display use by adding an M2 Pro Mac mini.
This user enabled dock-free dual-display use by adding an M2 Pro Mac mini. And note the can of Death & Taxes black lager, a serious adult beverage.
Photo: strangeweather415@Reddit.com

“How many external displays can I easily run with my Mac and how” is a common question, and some Macs make it much easier to run more than one external monitor than others.

In today’s featured computer setup, a software developer went out and bought a new M2 Mac mini specifically for its generosity in that regard. It really helped his highly portable setup, which features a Studio Display and an LG 4K screen.

Wild new mechanical keyboard sports a full screen under clear keys

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As soon as that finger contacts the key, a ripple is going to scatter those koi fish.
As soon as that finger contacts the key, a ripple is going to scatter those koi fish.
Photo: Finalmouse

Gaming mouse-maker Finalmouse dipped its toe in the mechanical keyboard pool last week, and it made a ripple like you might see on the keyboard itself. That’s because the keeb, aimed at gamers, features clear keycaps and switches so you can see the full screen underneath while you type, showing crazy colors and lights.

Whether the new Centerpiece keyboard is easy to type on or just crazy distracting, it’s certainly going to be interesting. It comes out in early 2023.

New Cascade customizable mechanical keyboard goes big

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You can get the Azio Cascade 98 mechanical keyboard in standard or slim profiles.
You can get the Azio Cascade 98 mechanical keyboard in standard or slim profiles (slim shown).
Photo: Azio

The Los Angeles-based company Azio successfully crowd-funded its Cascade 75 mechanical keyboard on Kickstarter last year. Now it’s back with the Cascade 98, a 98% layout keyboard with a full-sized number pad that comes in slim or regular profiles. It has surpassed its funding goal.

Keychron and others have led the way with low-profile mechanical keyboards that don’t stand as tall as the classics. Azio said their new version is the first one with a full-sized number pad.