It’s easy to get addicted to using Touch ID whenever you need to gain password-restricted access to anything. But not everyone is a big fan of Magic Keyboard with Touch ID (not the function, the keeb itself). Today’s MacBook Pro setup user found an odd but practical solution. They use a Keychron Q1 mechanical keyboard as a daily driver and Velcro a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID to the edge of the desk so they can reach the Touch ID button.
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Try these crazy ways to get Magic Keyboard Touch ID (with or without the keyboard)
Apple's Magic Keyboard with Touch ID is perhaps the best keyboard for your Mac. The Touch ID integration gives it an edge over other keyboards on the market.
Former Apple employee and Redditor ibsix_com showcased the M1 Max MacBook Pro setup in a post entitled, “YouTube, E-commerce, Apple, and Transformers.” The setup features plenty to look and even drool over, including a 38-inch LG curved ultra-wide display, Apple posters, Transformers, a suite of Elgato AV gear, a folding treadmill and a Mac Pro trash can planter. You can find most of that in the gear list of links below.
But one key item in the setup that commenters talked about a lot is actually easy to overlook. It’s a Magic Keyboard hanging from Velcro on the right edge of the Autonomous SmartDesk 2. Lots of people love Touch ID but not the keyboard it comes with.
Magic Keyboard with Touch ID via Velcro
Photo: [email protected]
“Yes, I absolutely have an Apple Magic Keyboard 2 Velcro’d to the side of my desk solely for Touch ID,” Ibsix said. “I originally mounted the keyboard under the desk flat but I couldn’t consistently hit the sensor without feeling around or needing to peek down. When I moved it to the edge with the Velcro it has been a game changer, not the prettiest but definitely the most practical and productive.”
“If Apple just sold the Touch ID button as its own key it would sell like hotcakes,” opined a commenter.
“Apple should launch a separate small Touch ID device for $300,” chipped in another person.
Ways to mod Magic Keyboard to get Touch ID
Other commenters suggested other ways to get Touch ID without having the whole physical keyboard.
“If you have access to a 3D printer, you can hack up the Magic Keyboard and create an external touchID box,” said one commenter. I included a Snazzy Labs video of a guy doing just that above.
And even more helpfully, another person dropped in Touch ID mod 3D printing instructions that tell you how to take out Magic Keyboard’s relevant bits and put them in a case for separate use.
And if you like the wallpaper showing on the screen, you can get it from Ibsix (scroll to the bottom).
Shop these items now:
Apple's Magic Keyboard with Touch ID is perhaps the best keyboard for your Mac. The Touch ID integration gives it an edge over other keyboards on the market.
Computers and dock:
Display and light bar:
Input devices:
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
- Keychron Q1 QMK Version 2 mechanical keyboard
- Havit Numeric Keypad
- Logitech MX Master 3S wireless mouse
Audio-visual gear:
- Elgato Prompter on Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro
- Elgato Stream Deck +
- Rode PodMic on Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP
- Vocaster Two Audio Interface
Furniture, lighting, decor and more:
- Walkingpad A1 Pro Folding Treadmill
- Neewer GL1C key lights
- Mac Pro trash can planter
- Autonomous SmartDesk 2 Premium
Posters:
- Woz and Apple Park posters (both by user at ibsix.com)
- Happy Birthday Mac 30 Year (employee gift)
- Transformers: The Movie screenprint by Tom Whalen
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually work fine). 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, challenges and plans for new additions.
