For years, Mac users contentedly typed away on Apple’s sleek but simple keyboards. Then the mechanical keyboard revolution really took off, transforming computer setups everywhere. These days, more and more Mac enthusiasts trade their Magic Keyboards for an astonishing variety of mechanical alternatives — some practical, some quirky and some downright bizarre. I collected 15 fascinating examples below.
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15 coolest (and weirdest) keyboards in Mac setups
From transparent keycaps that showcase intricate internal mechanisms to split keyboards that look like they belong on a spaceship, the world of mechanical keyboards offers endless customization possibilities. These aren’t just about Mac-setup aesthetics, though. Beyond membrane-switch keebs like Apple’s Magic Keyboard, mechanical keyboards promise better typing feel and increased durability. And, for gamers, they offer the crucial ability to register multiple simultaneous keystrokes without cancellation.
The keyboards featured here represent the full spectrum of what’s possible when function meets personal expression. You’ll find affordable entry points for newcomers, premium options for enthusiasts and experimental layouts that challenge everything you thought you knew about typing. Some prioritize ergonomics with radical split designs, while others focus on portability with ultra-low profiles.
15. Dual 5K displays meet badass mechanical keyboard
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
I recently upgraded my own setup from dual 4K displays to a pair of 5K touchscreen displays — and finally dove into serious mechanical keyboards for the first time. Running an M4 Pro MacBook Pro as the daily driver, my workstation represents a significant leap forward in both visual real estate and typing experience with a heavy, high-profile, delightfully noisy Wobkey Rainy 75 mechanical keyboard.
Read the Setups article: MacBook Pro rig adds dual 5K displays and badass mechanical keyboard
This Mac, Windows and Linux-compatible CNC aluminum mechanical keeb feels solid and sturdy and offers great typing sounds. It features triple-mode connectivity, RGB lighting and VIA/QMK customization.
- Solid build quality, premium feel and sound
- 3 connectivity modes
- Customizable (RGB lighting and key mapping)
- It's hefty; not very portable
- VIA/QMK customization can be tricky
- No Mac keycaps
14. Ortholinear keyboard defies convention
Photo: [email protected]
This setup pairs an unusual dual-display laptop configuration with an even more unusual mechanical keyboard featuring an ortholinear layout — the first such keyboard to appear in Cult of Mac‘s setup coverage. Unlike traditional staggered keyboards, the ortholinear design arranges keys in straight columns and rows, reducing finger movement and theoretically increasing typing efficiency once users adapt to the unconventional grid pattern. Just imagine getting used to that!
Read more: Keeping it weird with a ‘dual-display laptop’ and an ortholinear keyboard
13. Slick but affordable mechanical gaming keyboard
Photo: [email protected]
For those curious about mechanical keyboards but hesitant to invest heavily, this MacBook Pro and gaming PC setup demonstrates an excellent entry point at just $40. Mechanical keyboards offer distinct advantages for gamers since simultaneous keystrokes register without cancellation — a limitation of membrane keyboards. This budget-friendly option provides a taste of mechanical customization without the typical premium price tag.
Read more: Get into mechanical gaming keyboards with this $40 pick
This mechanical gaming keyboard features Bluetooth 5.0/2.4GHz/USB-C connectivity, hot swappable switches and keycaps, a number pad, RGB backlighting and a choice of Gateron switches.
- 3 modes of connectivity
- Connects to 3 devices via Bluetooth
- Hot swappable
- Affordable
- More premium keyboard may have higher build quality
12. Radically split keyboard challenges norms
Photo: [email protected]
This M2 Mac mini setup features one of the most unconventional keyboard designs imaginable: two completely separate halves positioned on either side of a Magic Trackpad 2. While some split keyboards maintain a somewhat traditional appearance, this particular model looks almost alien in comparison. The radical split design prioritizes ergonomic health over familiar aesthetics, offering a more natural hand position for extended typing sessions.
Read more: Would you dare try this radically split keyboard?
This split and contoured Bluetooth mechanical keyboard features a choice of mechanical switches. It's backlit, fully programmable and features adjustable tenting for ergonomic comfort.
11. Premium Realforce R3 mechanical keyboard
Photo: [email protected]
This MacBook Pro setup relies on a high-end Realforce R3 TKL mechanical keyboard paired with a Magic Trackpad. Like many laptop-based setups, the MacBook sits on a stand where accessing its built-in keyboard proves awkward or impossible. The pricey Realforce represents a premium solution for users who demand exceptional build quality and typing feel for their external keyboard setup.
Read more: Realforce R3 mechanical keyboard handles input for MacBook Pro
This tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical keyboard works via USB-C cable or Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity (with up to four devices via Bluetooth). It packs genuine Topre capacitive switches.
- Topre mechanical switches
- Tenkeyless (TKL) compact size
- Bluetooth 5.0 isn't latest version
- Keyboard's a bit expensive
10. Keychron K10 full-size mechanical keyboard
Photo: [email protected]
This M1 Mac mini user enthusiastically recommends the Keychron K10, a full-size mechanical keyboard from a brand that appears frequently in Mac setups. While Keychron’s popular K line offers many affordable options, this full-size model with its complete number pad appears less often than compact alternatives. That’s because many users nowadays prefer smaller keyboards that save desk space.
Read more: Killer mechanical keyboard handles gaming and more
9. NZXT Function gaming keyboard powers Mac mini
Photo: [email protected]
This M1 Mac mini setup incorporates multiple devices from NZXT, a Los Angeles-based company specializing in high-performance gaming PCs and accessories. The centerpiece NZXT Function keyboard is a customizable mechanical option designed specifically for gamers. It features high-level functionality that caters to demanding gaming scenarios while working perfectly with Mac systems.
Read more: Mechanical gaming keyboard revs up Mac mini rig
8. NuPhy Air75 v3 low-profile wireless keyboard
Photo: [email protected]
This Mac mini and Studio Display setup showcases the NuPhy Air75 v3 low-profile wireless mechanical keyboard and the BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 monitor light. The NuPhy keeb represents the latest evolution in low-profile mechanical keyboards, delivering the satisfying mechanical typing experience in a slimmer form factor than traditional mechanical options.
Read more: Mac mini user loves NuPhy’s new low-profile mechanical keyboard
7. Keychron tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical keyboard
Photo: [email protected]
In an era where ultra-compact 60% layout keyboards dominate social media, this MacBook Pro setup takes a different approach with a tenkeyless keyboard — almost full-sized but without the number pad. The excellent Keychron mechanical keyboard offers customization options while maintaining a more traditional size that many typists find comfortable for extended use.
Read more: Clean workstation boasts killer mechanical keyboard
The Pro version of Keychron's Q3 mechanical keyboard features a full aluminum QMK programmable TKL layout. Connectivity is Bluetooth or wired. Includes RGB backlighting and hot-swappable Keychron K Pro Red Switches. Compatible with Mac, Windows and Linux.
- Customizable control knob and macro keys
- Wireless or wired operation
- Hot-swappable switches
- 80% may seem too large (or too small) for some
6. Velcro Touch ID solution with Keychron Q1
Photo: [email protected]
This MacBook Pro user found an ingenious if unconventional solution for combining their preferred Keychron Q1 mechanical keyboard with Apple’s Touch ID functionality. They Velcroed a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID to the desk edge, keeping it within reach for biometric authentication while typing on their superior mechanical keyboard. That’s a practical hack for Touch ID enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on typing experience.
Read more: Try these crazy ways to get Touch ID with or without Magic Keyboard
Apple's popular keyboard is wireless, rechargeable and includes the popular Touch ID feature. Works with Mac computers with Apple Silicon; US English, white keys.
- Convenience of Touch ID login
- Fast and smooth typing
- Rechargeable
- Plenty of keyboards cost less
5. Transparent Yunzii X75 mechanical keyboard
Photo: Yunzii
Following in the footsteps of the iconic iMac G3, transparent computer accessories cycle in and out of fashion. This MacBook Pro setup features the Yunzii X75 Mechanical Keyboard, capitalizing on the current moment for see-through designs. The crystal-clear construction showcases the keyboard’s internal mechanisms while adding visual interest to any desk setup.
Read more: Crystal-clear mechanical keyboard wins style points
This 82-key hot swappable mechanical keyboard features transparent key caps, and switches, gasket mounts and RGB backlighting. For Mac or Windows.
4. Keychron Q2, the customization king
Photo: [email protected]
This M3 Pro MacBook Pro setup features a Keychron Q2 custom mechanical keyboard, representing the enthusiast approach to typing. Unlike those content with quiet membrane keyboards like Apple’s Magic Keyboard, some users obsess over customizing their mechanical keyboards with specific key caps, switches and design details. The Q2 offers excellent customization at a moderate price point.
Read more: Crown this mechanical keyboard ‘customization king‘
3. NuPhy Air96 V2 wireless mechanical keyboard
Photo: [email protected]
This M1 Pro MacBook Pro setup, run by a software developer, combines dual external displays with a compelling input device pairing: the ubiquitous Logitech MX Master 3S wireless mouse and the super-cool NuPhy Air96 V2 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard. The combination represents a popular choice among developers seeking both precision pointing and satisfying mechanical typing.
Read more: MacBook Pro rig rocks cool NuPhy mechanical keyboard
This 100-keys gaming keyboard supports Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4G and wired connection. It works with Mac and Windows PCs and laptops, featuring Grey Gateron Moss switches.
- Mechanical keyboard precision
- Broad connectivity options
- Grey Gateron Moss switches
- Not your choice of switches? Easily swap them out.
2. NuPhy Halo75 with custom keycaps
Photo: [email protected]
This Mac Studio and dual-Studio Display setup showcases a NuPhy Halo75 mechanical gaming keyboard outfitted with custom keycaps. Mechanical keyboards appeal to enthusiasts for their nuanced typing feel, extensive customizability and satisfying clickety-clackety sound. NuPhy provides numerous keycap and switch options, allowing users to fine-tune their keyboard’s appearance and performance.
Read more: Custom mechanical gaming keyboard ups ‘cool’ factor
1. Keychron Q3 Pro custom keyboard
Photo: [email protected]
This dual MacBook setup with dual displays features the beautiful Keychron Q3 Pro custom mechanical keyboard. While the two powerful MacBooks have perfectly functional built-in keyboards, the owner chooses to use this premium mechanical external keyboard instead — except perhaps when working away from the desk. The Q3 Pro represents the kind of quality that makes users abandon their laptops’ integrated keyboards entirely.
Read more: You wish you had this MacBook workstation’s killer keyboard
The Pro version of Keychron's Q3 mechanical keyboard features a full aluminum QMK programmable TKL layout. Connectivity is Bluetooth or wired. Includes RGB backlighting and hot-swappable Keychron K Pro Red Switches. Compatible with Mac, Windows and Linux.
- Customizable control knob and macro keys
- Wireless or wired operation
- Hot-swappable switches
- 80% may seem too large (or too small) for some
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
