Apple’s Magic Keyboard lineup has been a popular choice among Mac users for its sleek design, comfortable typing experience, and seamless integration with Apple devices. In this article, we will compare the first-generation Apple Magic Keyboard (hereafter referred to as Magic Keyboard 1) with the second-generation Apple Magic Keyboard (hereafter referred to as Magic Keyboard 2). We’ll explore the design changes, key features, and improvements brought about by the newer model. Let’s dive in!
 |  |
|---|---|
| Magic Keyboard 1 | Magic Keyboard 2 |
| PROS | PROS |
| Clicky and soft typing experience. Rubber bumpers for stability and comfort. Suitable for general productivity tasks. | Minimalistic design, complements MacBook aesthetics. Long-lasting battery life, no need for frequent charging. Excellent for productivity tasks and general use. |
| CONS | CONS |
| Lacks number pad and Touch ID functionality. Limited to non-Apple devices for compatibility. Not ideal for gaming. | Lacks number pad and Touch ID functionality. May not be ideal for gaming. |
| CHECK ON AMAZON | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Apple Magic Keyboard 1
The Apple Magic Keyboard 1 is a wired keyboard that boasts a sleek and minimalist design, exuding the signature Apple aesthetic. With its rounded edges and silver-white key layout, the keyboard offers a professional and sophisticated appearance. Its clicky and soft typing experience ensures effortless and comfortable keystrokes. Though lacking a number pad and Touch ID functionality, this keyboard remains highly recommended for general productivity tasks, such as writing, scriptwriting, and regular computer use. Its wired connection makes it suitable for non-Apple devices, and the rubber bumpers at the back provide stability and comfort during extended typing sessions. Overall, the Apple Magic Keyboard 1 stands as a reliable and high-quality input device that stays true to Apple’s design philosophy, making it a worthy addition to any workspace.
Key Features
- Wired Connection: It uses a USB-A or USB-C cable for connectivity to the host device.
- Rounded Design: The keyboard features a rounded design with silver and white keys.
- Typing Experience: Users enjoy a clicky and soft typing experience on this keyboard.
- Stability and Comfort: Rubber bumpers at the back provide stability and enhance typing comfort.
- No Number Pad or Touch ID: This version lacks a number pad and Touch ID functionality.
- Compatibility: It can be used with non-Apple devices.
- Recommended for Productivity: The keyboard is well-suited for general productivity tasks and regular computer use.
Apple Magic Keyboard 2
The Apple Magic Keyboard 2 represents a wireless and versatile keyboard that continues Apple’s commitment to sleek design and functionality. With its seamless Bluetooth connectivity, pairing this keyboard with various devices is a breeze, providing a hassle-free experience across multiple devices. Its minimalistic design aligns with the aesthetics of MacBook keyboards, ensuring a consistent and familiar typing experience. The Magic Keyboard 2 features a tapered edge, starting thick and tapering down to a thinner profile, adding to its premium look and feel. The keyboard also incorporates a lightning port for charging and connecting, and its impressive battery life ensures long periods of uninterrupted use. While it may not be the ideal choice for gaming enthusiasts, the Magic Keyboard 2 excels in productivity tasks, including video and audio editing, as well as writing and general computer use. This keyboard stands as a reliable workhorse, capable of meeting the demands of various tasks while maintaining a modern and attractive design. With its enduring appeal and reliable performance, the Apple Magic Keyboard 2 remains a top choice for users seeking a wireless keyboard with unmatched aesthetics and functionality.
Key Features
- Wireless Connection: This keyboard connects via Bluetooth, providing a seamless wireless experience.
- Minimalistic Design: It shares a minimalist design similar to MacBook keyboards, providing a consistent typing feel.
- Tapered Edge: The keyboard has a tapered edge design, starting thick and tapering down to a thinner profile.
- Lightning Port: It features a lightning port for charging and connecting.
- Impressive Battery Life: The Magic Keyboard 2 offers long-lasting battery performance.
- Productivity-Oriented: Ideal for productivity tasks, including video and audio editing, as well as general computer use.
- Not Ideal for Gaming: While it excels in productivity tasks, it may not be the best choice for gaming due to its design and functionality.
Also check: Apple Magic Mouse 1 vs 2
Apple Magic Keyboard 1 and Magic Keyboard 2 Detailed Comparison
Design and Build Quality
Magic Keyboard 1 was released in 2015 and featured a compact design with a white key layout on an aluminum chassis. It came with a removable battery compartment, which added some bulk to the keyboard. The keys were shallower and had a standard font style.
Magic Keyboard 2, released alongside the 2015 iMac refresh, brought significant design changes. It is thinner, lighter, and features larger keys that fill up the compact design. The keyboard has a frosted plastic wrap and no longer requires removable batteries; instead, it comes with an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This version is more portable and weighs only 8.2 ounces compared to the 11.5 ounces of Magic Keyboard 1.
Typing Experience
Users of Magic Keyboard 1 praised its scissor mechanism, providing a comfortable and familiar typing experience. Some users, however, found the keyboard a bit bulky due to the battery compartment.
Magic Keyboard 2’s larger keys and improved stability garnered positive feedback from users, making the typing experience even more satisfying. The key travel is shallower, which some users preferred for faster typing.
Backlighting
Unfortunately, Magic Keyboard 1 lacked backlighting, which some users found disappointing, especially in low-light conditions. Despite the advancements in Magic Keyboard 2, backlighting was not included, which remains a drawback for users who value illuminated keys.
Connectivity
Magic Keyboard 1 is a standard Bluetooth keyboard and doesn’t offer multi-device pairing. While Magic Keyboard 2 still doesn’t provide multi-device pairing, the introduction of Universal Control in macOS allows users to seamlessly switch between Mac and iPad without the need for manual pairing and unpairing.
Universal Control
Magic Keyboard 2, like its predecessor, remained a single-device Bluetooth keyboard. However, with the introduction of Universal Control in macOS, users could now seamlessly switch between Mac and iPad without the hassle of unpairing and re-pairing.
Key Stability
Apple claimed that Magic Keyboard 2’s scissor switch keys were 33% more stable than those of Magic Keyboard 1. This enhancement provided a more solid and consistent typing experience.
Battery and Charging
Magic Keyboard 2 introduced an internal rechargeable battery, while Magic Keyboard 1 relied on external batteries. This improvement made charging more convenient and reduced the need for frequent battery replacements.
Conclusion
Both the first-generation Apple Magic Keyboard and the second-generation Magic Keyboard have their strengths and weaknesses. Magic Keyboard 2 offers significant improvements in design, key stability, and a built-in rechargeable battery. It’s a more portable option for users and enhances the typing experience with larger keys and improved key stability. However, the lack of backlighting and multi-device pairing might be a drawback for some users.
Ultimately, the decision to choose between the two keyboards will depend on individual preferences and priorities. Users looking for a sleeker design, improved typing experience, and easier charging will likely opt for the Magic Keyboard 2. On the other hand, those who prioritize backlighting or multi-device connectivity might find the first-generation Magic Keyboard to be a suitable choice.
Apple Magic Keyboard 1 and Magic Keyboard 2 Alternatives
Logitech MX Keys:
- Connectivity: Wireless (Bluetooth/USB receiver)
- Compatibility: Compatible with Mac, Windows, and select Linux devices
- Charging: USB-C rechargeable battery with a long-lasting battery life
- Key Switch Type: Scissor mechanism with comfortable typing experience
- Design: Sleek and modern design with backlit keys
- Additional Features: Smart backlighting, customizable function keys, multi-device pairing
Microsoft Surface Keyboard:
- Connectivity: Wireless (Bluetooth/USB receiver)
- Compatibility: Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices
- Charging: Two AAA batteries with extended battery life
- Key Switch Type: Chiclet-style keys for quiet and comfortable typing
- Design: Slim and low-profile design with a full-size layout
- Additional Features: Alcantara fabric palm rest, dedicated media keys
Corsair K68 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard:
- Connectivity: Wired (USB)
- Compatibility: Compatible with Windows PCs
- Key Switch Type: Mechanical Cherry MX switches for precise and tactile typing
- Design: Durable and spill-resistant design with customizable RGB lighting
- Additional Features: Anti-ghosting and full key rollover, programmable macro keys
Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard:
- Connectivity: Wired (USB Type-C)
- Compatibility: Compatible with Windows PCs
- Key Switch Type: Razer Optical Switches for fast and responsive typing
- Design: Compact 60% layout with customizable RGB lighting
- Additional Features: Fully programmable keys, detachable USB Type-C cable
Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard:
- Connectivity: Wired (USB)
- Compatibility: Compatible with Windows PCs
- Key Switch Type: Scissor mechanism with a split ergonomic design
- Design: Ergonomic design for comfortable typing and reduced strain
- Additional Features: Integrated palm rest, customizable shortcut keys
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.