A Mac Mini doesn't require a specific keyboard unless your worried about being confused with certain keys and there placement, but for the best experience, It's best to go with a keyboard with a Mac type layout, but a windows/Mac keyboard will do just fine if your not worried that much about the keyboard Layout. Oct 17, 2015 How to check the battery charge level for the Magic Keyboard on your Mac. There's no charge indicator on the Magic Keyboard itself, but you can easily check the power level on your Mac. Click on the Bluetooth icon in the menubar. Hover over Magic Keyboard in the dropdown menu. Read the Battery level off the popup to the left. This USB keyboard works exactly as promised, and has the tactile feel of one of the original Mac keyboards. I didn't like the new Mac keyboard - always ended up typing the wrong keys. But this delivers the typing experience I was looking for - just enough resistance on the keys when I. Dec 01, 2015 What's a good value, keyboard + trackpad (can be 2 separate modules or an integrated one) combo for the Mac Mini? I have nothing against the Apple keyboard + trackpad, but as I'm in the market for a Mac Mini (the $500 model, for a home server), I don't want to spend Apple's prices on the keyboard + trackpad, as adding this expense I might as well can just buy a MacBook Air 11.6' instead.
- Mac Keyboard For Mac Mini
- Keyboard For Imac Computer
- Good Keyboard For Mac Mini
- Logitech Keyboard For Mac Mini
- Keyboard For Mac Mini
- Ipad Keyboard For Mac Mini
- How To Charge Mac Keyboard For Mac Mini
By William Gallagher
Monday, November 19, 2018, 08:31 am PT (11:31 am ET)
Mac mini with missing keyboard
If you've got a new Mac mini and you've already got a keyboard that works with it, you're sorted. Plug that in and use it forever —or until you start to miss some features that you can get in alternatives like backlighting or a numeric keypad. Or until you wear yours out. Or until you just want a change.
Don't underestimate the difference that swapping keyboards makes And definitely don't underestimate the value of a keyboard that you like. Maybe you spend all your time staring at a screen but if you skimp on the keyboard, you'll forever find typing a chore.
So given that there are about three issues to consider and then an impossible number of different keyboards to choose from, here's what you need to think about —plus some of our favorites as recommendations.
Start with where you'll be typing
If you were getting an iMac then you'd be putting the keyboard right in front of the screen. If you were getting a MacBook then, well, you'd have a keyboard built in but there are still reasons to buy alternatives.
MacBooks can work with the lid closed, like a flatter Mad mini, for instance. If you want to do that or maybe want to elevate your MacBook on a stand, you're still going to position that external keyboard in front of the machine.
In comparison, people can and many do use their Mac mini on their desk or on a shelf somewhere else.
This makes two differences. One is that if your Mac mini is halfway across your office then you're not going to be using a wired keyboard. The odds are, though, that you also just won't be typing on anything all that much. That distant Mac mini is going to be a server more than a machine for general, everyday working.
So if that's you, get a cheap wireless keyboard for occasional use. Many of the same portable keyboards we've recommended for iOS devices would do you for this too.
Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard
When you're going to be doing a lot of typing work on your Mac mini, however, keep that Mac close and the keyboard closer. Keep it close enough that it doesn't make a difference whether you go for wired or wireless.
Wired or wireless
Wired keyboards where you directly connect them to your Mac mini have the obvious advantage that they get their power from the machine so you never have to think about recharging them. Plus you never find that the Bluetooth connection has mysteriously dropped.
They should also be faster that wireless ever can be yet we defy anyone but a gamer to tell the difference in typing between the two sorts. Also, battery power is sufficiently good now that having to recharge every month, every three months or sometimes just every year is a burden we can live with.
Consequently our recommendation is that there's nothing in it —unless you're going to be travelling. It's not the most practical thing to take your desktop Mac's keyboard with you wherever you go but you can do it and wireless keyboards will typically work with iOS just as well as they do Mac.
Apple Magic Keyboard
Apple's wireless Magic Keyboard ($99) is good for travelling because it's small, flat and has an off-switch to stop the battery being run down through accidental jostling in your bag. That off switch doesn't matter on your Mac mini but being flat can be good because arguably it gives a good typing experience. And the smallness is definitely useful on a crowded or messy desk.
This keyboard would be the one all others are measured against simply because It's what Apple bundles with the iMac but it's also just very good.
We were partial to the Logitech K811 wireless keyboard which is just a little bigger than Apple's but this is now discontinued and only available at inflated prices by secondhand sellers.
Logitech's current closest equivalent is the Logitech K380 which is a very good $22 or so. Where you can only pair Apple's keyboard with one device at a time, the K380 can be paired to three. Which means from the same keyboard you can tap a button and be writing on your Mac mini, the iPhone or your iPad.
These are both wireless keyboards that come without numeric keypads but you can get similar models that have them.
Such as Matias keyboards which like a combination of the old Logitech K811 and Apple's latest space gray Magic Keyboards with numeric keypads.
Numeric keypads
It used to be easy: you got a keyboard with a numeric keypad because there was no other choice. The numeric keypad was always on the right, too, which was a pain if you're left-handed.
Now, though, you need to choose between having a numeric keypad or not. Clearly, though, the chief consideration is whether you need one or not: if you don't enter a lot of numbers, you don't need one.
Only, it's not that clear-cut. For as well as the numbers, a keyboard that has a numeric keypad also has arrow keys that aren't squeezed in around the space bar.
They also have a block of six or nine keys that include the useful Page Up and Page Down ones. They tend to also include Print Screen which does something on Windows but you'll never press it on a Mac. Then there's often a Forward Delete key which you either rely on hourly or you've never been heard of.
Even if it were only for the better position of the arrow keys, a keyboard with numeric keypad would appear to always be the best choice because it gives you options. You can choose to ignore a numeric keypad if you have one, you can't pretend one's there if it isn't.
Take a look at Apple's own Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, which costs around $120 in silver from Amazon.
Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad
Except those options take up space on your desk and in the most significant part of it, too.
If you place your trackpad to the right or if you use a mouse with your right hand, then the numeric keypad gets in the way. It's significant enough a difference that when you're used to using a keyboard without keypad it will be difficult to adjust.
Chiclet keys
In theory, you also need to decide between two types of keys on a keyboard. There's the older sort where you have to press down quite far and they make a lot of noise. Or there's the more modern ones known as Chiclet-style which a much shallower depth of travel and tend to be quieter.
In practice, you're going to buy a Chiclet keyboard. The older ones, known as mechanical keyboards are very good and you may well enjoy the feel and the sound. However, they're so outnumbered by the modern style that they're practically a niche product.
CODE mechanical keyboard
If you want a mechanical keyboard, look at the $160 CODE illuminated one from WASD.
This is a niche product within a niche product range, though. Even though we all use keyboards, the giant majority of us stick with whichever one comes with our computer and never change them. You, too, may well never change your Mac mini keyboard but you've got to get one first.
And there is still one more decision to make.
Backlit or not backlit
Easy. You don't need a backlit keyboard for your Mac mini. Where are you planning to work on it? In a basement with no lighting? Backlighting is no aid to typing: if you want to speed up the work you do on your Mac then learn to touch type and you'll never look at the backlit keys again.
However, backlit keys do have one thing in their favor. They look tremendous.
Expense
It does look great having a backlit keyboard. And wireless is appealing too: there is also a certain neatness in having a keyboard without a great big wire stretching out across your desk.
Aesthetics matter: you may spend more time at your Mac than you do sleeping at night so it's worth getting something that is comfortable and looks good to you too.
Which is a quick way of saying if you want a gold keyboard, you go for it. Satechi now sells wired and wireless aluminium keyboards for Macs.
Satechi keyboard in gold
You'll pay from about $60 go $100 for one of these and that's not money you'd casually throw away on a whim.
Yet for the difference a good keyboard makes to your Mac mini, it's a steal. We've spent much more over the years, trying out different keyboards and we still think that was worth it because finding the right keyboard is worth money, time and effort.
If it weren't worth it, if keyboards weren't so important, it would be possible to pick out a single recommendation for absolutely everyone and we can't. No one can.
Mac Keyboard For Mac Mini
However, if you think about wired or wireless, if you think about the numeric keypad plus the feel and color of the keys, you're on your way to finding the single best one for you.Keep up with AppleInsider by downloading the AppleInsider app for iOS, and follow us on YouTube, Twitter @appleinsider and Facebook for live, late-breaking coverage. You can also check out our official Instagram account for exclusive photos.
Your device isn't recognized by your Mac
Follow these steps if your mouse, keyboard, or trackpad isn't recognized by your Mac.
Make sure that your wireless mouse, keyboard, or trackpad is turned on
Keyboard For Imac Computer
The Magic Mouse and Magic Mouse 2 have a slide switch on the bottom of the device. Slide the switch to turn on the device. On the Magic Mouse, the green LED briefly lights up. On the Magic Mouse 2, green coloring is visible beneath the switch.
The Magic Keyboard, Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, and Magic Trackpad 2 have a slide switch on the back edge of the device. Slide the switch to turn on the device (green coloring becomes visible). Earlier Apple Wireless Keyboard models have a power button on the right side of the device. Press the button and you see a green LED on the top of the device, near the button.
When you turn these devices on, they appear as Connected in the Bluetooth section of System Preferences and in the Bluetooth menu in your menu bar. If a device doesn't appear there, make sure it's charged or replace it batteries, and make sure it's been paired with your Mac.
Make sure that your device has been set up to work with your Mac
Learn how to pair your Magic Mouse 2, Magic Keyboard, Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, Magic Trackpad 2—and earlier models of Apple wireless devices—with your Mac.
Make sure that Bluetooth is turned on
Good Keyboard For Mac Mini
Use your Mac notebook's built-in trackpad or a USB mouse to choose Apple () menu > System Preferences. Then select Bluetooth and make sure that Bluetooth is turned on.
Drive File Stream allows for streaming of My Drive and Team Drive files directly from the cloud, reducing sync time and hard drive data storage. With Backup and Sync, Drive content is synced locally to your computer and folders such as Documents and Desktop can be synced—serving the same purpose as the current Drive application. Google drive. Backup and Sync does not support Team Drives.Google is recommending Drive File Stream as an enterprise solution for organizations like CWRU that employ G Suite, and is directing general consumers to Backup and Sync. However, the applications can be used at the same time.For download information and instructions using Drive File Stream:For download information and instructions on using Backup and Sync:Please contact the UTech Service Desk with any questions at, 216.368.HELP (4357) or visit Frequently Asked Questions. For CWRU community members who use the Google Drive desktop application for PC/Mac to sync files between their local computer and the online Google Drive service.Drive File Stream for cloud-based storage and Backup and Sync to synchronize local files to Google Drive on the web are now available, and can be installed at any time.
Refer to the table below for more information on determining the Bluetooth status. If the Bluetooth icon doesn't appear, or if the menu bar status continues to indicate that Bluetooth is off, restart your computer and then try to turn Bluetooth on again.
| Bluetooth menu icon | Bluetooth status |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth turned on, but there are no devices connected to the Mac. See the Make sure that your wireless mouse, keyboard, or trackpad is turned on section of this article. | |
| Bluetooth turned on and at least one wireless device is connected. | |
| When this icon flashes, at least one wireless device has a low battery. Click the Bluetooth icon to identify the affected device, then recharge the device or replace its batteries. | |
| Bluetooth is off. Click the Bluetooth icon using a USB mouse or built-in trackpad and select Turn Bluetooth On. | |
| Bluetooth is offline or unavailable. Restart your Mac. If the Bluetooth status doesn’t change, disconnect all USB devices and restart your Mac again. |
Make sure that your devices are charged
Magic Mouse 2, Magic Keyboard, Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, and Magic Trackpad 2 have built-in rechargeable batteries. You can charge these devices by connecting them to a Mac or a USB power adapter using a Lightning to USB Cable. For the fastest battery charging performance, be sure your device is switched on when connected to the Lightning to USB Cable.
To check the battery level of these devices, click the Bluetooth icon in your Mac's menu bar, then select your device by name. If the battery level of any device is low, recharge the device. If the device isn’t showing, make sure the device is turned using the steps outlined above.
Turn the device off and on
If your Apple wireless mouse, keyboard, or trackpad isn't recognized by your Mac after following the tips above, try turning the wireless device off, waiting a few seconds, and then turning it back on.
Logitech Keyboard For Mac Mini
Your mouse or keyboard intermittently stops responding
Keyboard For Mac Mini
Follow these steps if your mouse or keyboard sometimes stops responding temporarily.
Click or press a key
- Click the mouse or trackpad or press a key on the keyboard to reconnect the device to the computer. It might take a moment for the device to respond.
Check for signal interference
- Wireless networks that operate on 2.4GHz may cause interference. Move cordless phone base stations, microwave ovens, and other 2.4GHz electrical devices away from your Mac if you suspect interference.
- Keep wireless devices within 10 meters (approximately 30 feet) of your Mac.
- Avoid putting metal objects between your wireless device and your Mac.
Your mouse doesn't scroll up or down or side to side
Ipad Keyboard For Mac Mini
If you can't use your mouse to scroll through a web page or document, see Mac Basics: Multi-Touch gestures to make sure your Gestures are configured correctly. You can also try adjusting your scrolling speed preferences.
Your mouse or trackpad doesn't track as expected
How To Charge Mac Keyboard For Mac Mini
Apple Wireless Mouse, Magic Mouse, and Magic Mouse 2 can be used on most smooth surfaces. If tracking issues occur, try these options:
- Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then select Mouse. Set the Tracking slider to adjust how fast the pointer moves as you move the mouse.
- Try using a different surface to see if the tracking improves.
- Turn the mouse over and inspect the sensor window. Use compressed air to gently clean the sensor window if dust or debris is present.
- If multiple Bluetooth wireless devices are in use nearby, try turning them off one at a time to see if the issue improves. Bandwidth intensive devices can affect tracking.
Learn more about what to do if your trackpad isn't tracking correctly.
Your keyboard has one or more keys that don't respond
Use the Keyboard Viewer to test whether the keyboard keys are responding correctly when they are pressed.
- Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then select Language & Region.
- Click the Keyboard Preferences button.
- Click on the Input Sources tab.
- Make sure that the keyboard language that you use is listed on the left side. If it's not, click and choose from the languages that appear.
- Select the checkbox next to Show Input menu in menu bar.
- Click on the Keyboard tab, then select the checkbox next to Show keyboard and emoji viewers in menu bar.
- Choose Show Keyboard Viewer from the Input menu in the menu bar. The Keyboard Viewer showing the keyboard layout appears on your display.
- Type the key on the keyboard that doesn’t respond and see if the corresponding key highlights on the Keyboard Viewer. If it does, that key is functioning correctly.
If you enable the Mouse Keys feature, many keys might not respond as you expect. Here's how to turn off Mouse Keys:
- In OS X 10.8 or later, choose Apple menu > System Preferences. Click on Accessibility, then choose Mouse & Trackpad from the list on the left side. Then deselect the Enable Mouse Keys checkbox.
- In OS X 10.7.5 or earlier, choose Apple menu > System Preferences. Click on Universal Access, then select the Mouse & Trackpad tab. Then select the Off button next to Mouse Keys.
If issues with keys persist, try starting up your Mac in single-user mode to see whether a software issue is causing the problem.