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Before I go ahead and just buy the Apple one are there any other BT keyboards I should be looking at?
I want it to be free of connection issues (unlike by BT earbuds and numerical keyboard, admittedly this is probably just down to Apple being awkward to get people to buy their own stuff).
Numerical (not fussed about touch id)
Not vital, but would be good if worked with my iPad too.
Oh as we're here, any recommendations for laptop stands, only need to raise by 100 mm or so and would like to fit the new keyboard underneath the raised laptop (have a shallow desk)
Thanks
Having battered an Apple wireless keyboard for several years, and seen other brands versions fall apart in much less time, I wouldn't even bother looking past the Apple one.
Oh as we’re here, any recommendations for laptop stands, only need to raise by 100 mm or so and would like to fit the new keyboard underneath the raised laptop (have a shallow desk)
Make something out of a bit of scrap wood/plywood? Or how about something like this?
That does look nice, my initial thought was to wait until I get my keyboard then bodge something.
I forgot to mention in my OP that I do have a low bookshelf right above my desk too so can't raise it too high
Big fan of the Logitech K380 Bluetooth. I also have the nice Apple one as well. The Logitech can switch between three devices so from my work laptop to my own MBP on the same desk. I bought the Logitech mouse to do the same, but it isn't playing with Apple properly yet - probably as it has three bluetooth addresses to confuse the 10-year old BT receiver.
As for stands, I had a Roost that was very good (a real one not a Nexstand K2 copy), but a little tall when I went to a 15" laptop screen. Now I use a simple Nexstand K7 which I also like.
I have a neoprene case that takes the mouse, keyboard and stand.
Logitech MX is nice and can connect to 3 different devices using Bluetooth or dongle.
I have an old Microsoft BT Arc keyboard I use with my PC and the Apple Magic Keyboard for my MacBook Pro. Prefer the Apple Magic Keyboard, it's much nicer typing experience and connects instantly, as do the Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad (I am a sucker, I know).
Magic Keyboard, Mouse and Trackpad all connect and work well with iPad OS devices.
I would suggest you buy the black one and the white keys look gross after a week or two of typing.
I use these as laptop stands but they might be a bit high for what you want, they are also available in space grey if you want to colour match? https://www.amazon.co.uk/BoYata-Laptop-Stand-Dismountable-Ventilated/dp/B0796RVRL4/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=2FGP6070W5N3H&dchild=1&keywords=boyata%2Blaptop%2Bstand&qid=1632413045&sprefix=boyata%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-3-spons&smid=AWI8KEPE0332Y&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyVFlIUzY4OElWQjhPJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTk5MTAyUVNMNTNUV1NaQVlRJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAwNzQxOTIyUlpGRjAzTllMVk1ZJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1
I went though this journey.
The aftermarket (non Apple) ones all fall short of the mark in my opinion. I spent a lot of time trying to find something for less £££ that wasn't an Apple keyboard. I either found them to be a bit crap, or they'd be okay but then the BT would fail after a few weeks and I'd have to send them back for a return.
Also, I know you're looking for it to hook up to your iPad, does it *need* to be bluetooth? I never have to worry about my wired keyboard running out of charge (unlike my Magic Touchpad). I never feel like the wired aspect holds me back.
On that topic, by the way, get a Magic Touchpad.
On that topic, by the way, get a Magic Touchpad.
This.
@TiRed - try pairing the dongle with a PC and then move it to the Mac - works for me with a lockdown work Mac where I don't have admin rights to configure Bluetooth or install software.
singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/what-bluetooth-keyboard-for-macbook-air/#post-12047042
This x2 The Mac has great gestures, you will miss them if you move to a mouse, even the Magic Mouse. Its when you try and go back a webpage or zoom in on an Excel sheet using the Magic Mouse you realise you need the Trackpad.
Well I suppose the extra expense is preferable to any potential frustration with connection issues, more cost effective in the long run (man maths)
Big fan of the Logitech K380 Bluetooth.
+1
I use mine with a macbook, ms surface pro and iPad.
K380 is Currently £50 with matching mouse on the Logitech site - just ordered another since Son1 will take the first off to Uni. I ordered white rather than bluetooth blue this time. I've used one for several years now and it's great to type on - nicer than my Magic Keyboard.
try pairing the dongle with a PC and then move it to the Mac
I did wonder about the dongle for one and not the other. BT worked on the MBP when I first paired, then it got upset with a second pairing. It's the only switching mouse I've seen. I also have the magic mouse too since a I am a bit of a white Apple tart... Switching mice is very easy, keyboards, less so!
Logitech MX Keyboard is very nice, but then so are the Mac keyboards. For Magic Mouse users - check out bettertouchtool - unlocks a lot of capability from the mouse…
Microsoft keyboards and mice are underrated and last well.
Ive got an Apple one I just found I was gonna ebay if thats any use?
@Murray now paired with both laptops - turns out that mouse on channel 1 on the dongle in the Mac and channel 2 on Bluetooth on the work laptop works fine. Funny but the K380 works seamlessly on both on Bluetooth - and the third channel pairs with my phone perfectly as well. New K380 arrived today in nice white. I've typed so much on the last one over the past three or so years that I have worn the tops of the keys smooth!
And a programmed mouse button to start calculator - where have you been all my life!!!
