Would you go without an external keyboard and mouse? [Setups]

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Would you make do with neither an external keyboard nor a mouse?
Would you make do with neither an external keyboard nor a mouse?
Photo: GrandeNJR@Reddit.com

With the new M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pro models selling like hotcakes, a lot of people are wondering how to incorporate their new laptops into their computer setups. Is it enough just to use the laptop, or should it be used with an external keyboard, mouse or trackpad, as well as an external monitor?

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Opinions on the matter differ, and sometimes folks even go back and forth within their own setups.

Redditor GrandeNJR had a Hackintosh laptop open on a stand running with a 29-inch LG UltraWide HD monitor, a 60% compact Epomaker mechanical keyboard and a Logitech MX Master 3 mouse when recently wrote about his setup: “Hackintosh makes due in lieu of Apple Silicon Mac.”

But now that he has his new 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook, he’s rocking a more spare setup. In it, he keeps the ultra-wide screen, but relies on the laptop’s trackpad and keyboard instead of peripherals. His new post is “MacBook Pro 14″ desk setup.

Would you go without an external keyboard and mouse?

When asked if he intended to use an external keyboard and mouse and/or trackpad with his MacBook, GrandeNJR expressed mixed feelings on the matter.

“Prior to this, I was using a mechanical keyboard and MX Master 3, but after trying out this layout, I’m enjoying it so far,” he said. “Might not convert back to an external keyboard anytime soon, but probably will use the MX Master 3 again as it’s more comfortable using a mouse on a big display, but we’ll see.”

Some people agreed, saying they could see living without all the input devices.

Open versus closed MacBook Pro

However, nobody really recommended skipping a big external display. But some eschewed all the setups on social media showing new MacBooks running in clamshell (closed) mode, sitting on vertical stands.

“Finally more open MacBooks!” one person enthused about GrandeNJR’s setup. “I started getting fed up with all these setups having the new Pros sitting there with closed lids and using crappy 3rd party monitors instead of the XDR screen. I have my 14″ set up below and in front of my UltraFine 4k, as well. macOS is actually pretty optimized for this kind of screen layout, I don’t understand how anyone would not use it as additional screen real estate.”

GrandeNJR agreed. “Using a laptop in clamshell mode isn’t that great for thermals either,” he added, referring to heat dissipation working best with an open laptop.

Nothing wrong with the MacBook Pro’s keyboard

“Forget your mechanical keyboards the laptop one is great already!” said one commenter.

“That was me previously, as I bought into the hype of mechanical keyboards, but I don’t think I’m reverting back anytime soon,” replied GrandeNJR. “Call me weird, but I actually enjoy typing on the MacBook keyboard and find myself typing faster compared to my mechanical keyboard.”

After a few days use of the current setup, GrandeNJR said he doesn’t miss the mechanical keyboard, though the mouse might make a comeback.

Final notes

Two more details about the setup that people noticed involve the trackpad and the speakers.

As you can see in the photograph, the MacBook’s trackpad is dark-colored, not the normal silver (on the silver version). Turns out GrandeNJR “applied a dBrand Matte Black skin to it,” he said.

As for the speakers, they remain a mystery. GrandeNJR described them as “off-brand speakers that I inherited from my dad a few years ago, haha.”

Shop these items now:

Computer and stand:

Monitor and light bar:

Peripherals (not pictured):

Networking and charging:

Furniture and decor:

If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to info+setups@cultofmac.com. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches or challenges.

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