Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID Unboxing, Review and Comparison - Watch Before You Buy!

Magic Keyboard with Touch ID (US) - amzn.to/30TZflm
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New Magic Keyboard with Touch ID Unboxing, Review and Comparison
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This is the new Apple Magic Keyboard, now with Touch ID. In this video I will take you through the unboxing, give my review and do a comparison versus the previous model older model all to help you decide whether this keyboard is worth it. The Magic Keyboard come in 3 variants, without Touch ID, with Touch ID and with Touch ID and with Numeric keypad. I choose the version without numeric keypad, I prefer the smaller form factor as it takes up less space on my desk setup. When buying the keyboard on it’s own, it comes silver color only, there is no space grey version. In the box is a new braided lighting to USB C cable. Perhaps we will find these new cables included with the next iPhone. The cable looks and feels premium and hopefully this new design will be more durable. Since this is a lighting cable, it can also be used with your iPhone, iPad, AirPods and other lighting devices. Looking at the design, the main structure is made of aluminium and the flat keys are white plastic. On the back is the power switch and lighting port used to charge the keyboard’s built-in battery. This should last one month between charges. The bottom of the keyboard is made of a matte white plastic finish which has the Apple logo. There are also are four rubber feet to keep the keyboard from sliding on the table. From the side we can see the sloping triangular design, similar to the MacBook Air. This angles the keyboard up slightly. Holding the keyboard there is no flex. The keyboard looks premium, feels good in the hand and is clearly well made, as I would expect at this price point. The top row of the keyboard has various function keys, including some new ones. In additional to volume and brightness, we have: dictation/siri, spotlight and do not disturb. And of course touch ID of the far right. Now there is one thing you have to know before buying this keyboard and that is that in order for the touch ID sensor to work, you will need an M1 Mac. If you do not have an M1 Mac, the keyboard will still work but touch ID will not. You can add multiple fingers and the data is stored on my Mac not on the keyboard. As someone who uses touch ID many times each day on my MacBook Pro, this is very much worth it. Touch ID is reliable, fast and and safe. But what is keyboard like type on? Simply plug it into your Mac using the included lighting able and it will automatically pair over bluetooth. Typing feels great. Key presses are clicky, giving a plenty of feedback. The keys are also stable. For this style keyboard, there is ample key travel. More travel than Apple’s butterfly keyboard. All in all I have no complaints of the typing experience. Unfortunately the keys are not backlit. How does this new Magic keyboard compare to the previous version older model Magic Keyboard and it is wroth the upgrade? The keys in terms of size, texture and feel appear to be identical. Additionally both keyboards have the same subtle angle. In terms of dimensions, the two are also the same. The new Magic keyboard has more rounded edges, this even carries over to the tops of the corner keys. The new Magic keyboard, aside from having touch ID, also has more modern function keys. On the bottom, there is a shiny base on the previous magic keyboard, which collects fingerprints and scratches. Apple have changed this to a matte texture on the newer keyboard, which I expect to hold up better over time. Is it worth upgrading? If you already have the previous version, my advice would be to only upgrade if you require touch ID. These keyboards are expensive. If you are looking for a more affordable alternative, there are options from Logitech. However if you are looking for a keyboard that is made to and will pair seamlessly with your M1 Mac in terms of design as well as features, this really in the best option. Additionally, having touch ID, adds an impressive level of integration and easy of use that you will notice each time you use the keyboard.
Disclaimer: Links included in this description may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Thank you for watching, let me know if you have any questions. Take Care
Dion Schuddeboom
DionVideoProductions

[@DionMedia]

Thanks for watching, let me know if you have any questions! If you are looking for a great mouse to pair with this keyboard, I highly recommend checking out my review of the Logitech MX master - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZuTY4OdZ8yojsU

[@aungthuchai4422]

Can we use Touch ID with M3 MacBook Air?

[@RajanKannan11]

Thanks for the great video Dion. Can you do the comparison video of MX keys Mini with this new keyboard ? In the previous comparison video you said you are keeping the MX Keys Mini , but how about now with the Touch ID keyboard ? 🤔

[@willarias]

Another great video. Thank you. The Touch ID sounds great but not having backlight is a dealbreaker.

[@DionMedia]

Thank you very much for your comment and feedback! I totally understand, having backlit keys really is useful, hopefully one day Apple will add this feature to the Magic Keyboard.

[@charilechen]

Did you meet any issues with the Touch ID when connected to the m1 MacBook with a monitor? Issues like Touch ID functioning not properly after a day or two but function well again if you reboot the Mac or restart the keyboard

[@pertsevds]

Dion, that was a great review, really helped me. Thank you.

[@DionMedia]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@raulraul7715]

Brilliant video covering everything. Well done

[@DionMedia]

Thank you very much Raul, so glad to hear! :)

[@ThePazior]

does the new keyboard give the ability to go into MBAir sleep mode when working with an external monitor? (just like regular closing MacAIR?)

[@zk4au]

Can you turn the mac on with this keyboard? same touch id button on my m1 macbook pro turns mac on. When in the dock this would be useful feature. Anyone know??

[@saravanannatarajan147]

Thanks for the video I ordered apple keyboard and got A1843 model number and it’s not white looks dirt white . Can you confirm the model number should be at the back ??

[@emrahkorkmaz3991]

awesome comparison and video as always

[@DionMedia]

Glad you liked it! Thanks 😃

[@milesmatic2872]

great review, thanks for the insights!

[@DionMedia]

Thanks, glad to hear!

[@fernandogiunta1169]

Hi Dion, did not work touch iD in iPad air 5? Did I get it wrong? Thanks

[@wuel4773]

On Mac mini M1 Touch ID is not working during startup the Monterey, it only works when Mac is on sleep mode and you want to recover it. It's huge disadvantage making Touch ID less sense to me.

[@DoctorDrywallLatinoAmerica]

if the keyboard is connected, would I be able to use my MacBook Pro Touch ID ? or would it just negate my MacBook keyboard completely. ?

[@jamesjenkinsjr.978]

Thanks for sharing your professional review.

[@DionMedia]

Hi James, thank you, appreciate your thoughts. More reviews to come!

[@taylorh5982]

Do you know if the Magic Mouse currently out is second generation?

[@srkgv]

If you have the old or first Magic Keyboard (with AA battery) is this worth it?

[@danydepp8487]

But the old one also doesn't have backlit? Thanks!

[@itgw4658]

Does the touch id work wih the new ipad pro?

[@yvonneovertoom9509]

Hi Dion, good to see you again. Great video. To the point. Pity that it has no backlights, since I like those very much. Good to hear your comments. They make a lot of sense. Thanks a lot.

[@DionMedia]

Thank you so much, great to hear your feedback!

[@mileawayhoney]

how do i change the battery on this keyboard?

[@MrJimss]

Great video! Did you find the keys feeling the same as the ones found in macbooks? are they different? thanks!

[@DionMedia]

Thank you Carlos! The new Magic Keyboard has a scissor switch mechanism that is very similar to that of the current MacBook Pro/Air. The only difference is that the Magic Keyboard offers ever so slightly more key travel but this difference is hardly noticeable. If you enjoy the keyboard on current MacBooks, the Magic Keyboard will be a great fit! Let me know if you have any further questions

[@muratkul7377]

M1 detail is really important. Thanks!

[@user-ht3eu3fs1w]

Great review!

[@DionMedia]

Thanks!

[@caseyblackwell6522]

Is the bottom of the keyboard glass like the old non-touch ID one, or a kind of matte finish like the magic trackpad? The matte seems less prone to scratches. Thanks!

[@DionMedia]

Hi Casey, yes so the new Magic Keyboard with Touch ID has a matte plastic finish on the bottom which is definitely less prone to scratching in the long term! 👍

[@scottd1342]

Dion - are you able to comment on the actual print on the keys themselves? Is there any perceptible difference in the contrast of the print in this newest version versus the older one? I ask because I thought they upped the contrast when I looked at the newer keyboards that come with the M1 iMacs late last year. Also, I still use the 3rd generation (A1314) wireless keyboard with two AA batteries that require manual changing. I love the high contrast, easy-to-see key print on this one -- namely because I am a two-finger typer and need to see the keys clearly. Thanks

[@DionMedia]

Hi Scott, I forgot the react to this one, but I can not help you. I do not have the older version anymore so can not make the comparison

[@cec220399]

Hi, what’s the difference between the 2021 non Touch ID version vs the 2019 one?

[@DionMedia]

Hi Cedric, the difference between those two models is minimal. There are some slight changes in design, including more rounded corners and updated function keys. Additionally the new model comes with a braided USB C cable, whereas the previous model has a standard USB A cable. As mentioned in the video, if you want Touch ID the new model is definitely worth it. However if not, it may be worth saving some money and buying the previous model :)

[@adrianramirez8832]

why is your enter button bigger than normal one. I’m in california and when i check the apple store the enter button is smaller

[@DionMedia]

Hi Adrian, good question! My keyboard layout is slightly different because I have the UK version of the keyboard :)

[@ewxlt]

My new Magic Keyboard with Touch ID will not allow Touch ID function on my MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019).

[@MediSpring]

This in space grey, backlight, USB-C, invert-T arrow keys... wonderful

[@DionMedia]

Right you are!

[@shervin5942]

Is it just me, or does the new Magic Keyboard 3 have a slightly different finish on the individual keys? I have the feeling that there is a kind of matte coating on them, so that the fingers stick less to the keys.

[@DionMedia]

Hi Shervin, good question! Out of the box the texture of the keys does feel slightly different however I believe this is more due to the fact that my previous model Magic Keyboard has been used for several years. After having used the new model Magic Keyboard (with Touch ID) for a couple of months, the keys feel mostly the same to me. Hope that can help!

[@danizucchi]

So, the new keyboard doesn't have the same scissor mechanism as the current MacBook Magic Keyboards, but it's just the same as the previous external model? How does it compare with the MacBook Pro/Air keyboard? It would have thought Apple would have brought the same key mechanism/feel to a new model.

[@DionMedia]

Hi Daniel, thanks for your comment. The new Magic Keyboard does not have the butterfly switch mechanism (less key travel) found on older Macs. It does however have a scissor switch mechanism that is very similar to that of the current MacBook Pro/Air. The only difference is that the Magic Keyboard offers ever so slightly more key travel but this difference is hardly noticeable. If you enjoy the keyboard on current MacBooks, the Magic Keyboard will be a great fit! Let me know if you have any further questions

[@samiharb2643]

Yup. Gonna get it with a Magic Trackpad to use with my brand new 14" MacBook pro for hand/wrist & head/neck ergonomics & so I don't have to keep touching & wearing off all the Gray(or Gold) paint from all the sweat, oils, dirt & chemicals on our hands, but doesn't show as much on the Silver ones because the Aluminum shell is Silver as well.

[@DionMedia]

Hi Sami, thanks for sharing your experience.

[@xavierlevaux621]

Hi! Thanks you for this great review. One question: I’m still using the old version with batteries and inversée T cursor keys (like on MBP keyboard). I’m using those keys extensively (I’m a developer). Do we get used to those big left/right and small up/down arrow keys? Thanks!

[@DionMedia]

Hi Xavier, thank you for your comment! I very much understand where you are coming from, I too prefer the older style T shaped arrow keys. I am not a developer so I do not use the arrow keys very often but what I can say is that for me it didn't take long to get used to the newer design (only a few days). Hope that can help, let me know if you have any further questions!

[@xavierlevaux621]

@@DionMedia Fine, as long my finger can get used to the new keys positions and size it should be fine. Thanks!

[@stinkothestooleater4490]

I wish they would offer the cool colored ones offered with the new iMacs. However, I also just want a keyboard that is the same dimensions as my 2021 MacBook Pro, because I currently use a magic keyboard gen 1 with my MacBook when it is in clamshell mode.

[@BookClubDisaster]

Well you can now get a black and silver one.

[@hashtagmoniz]

I just bought the new keyboard without Touch ID. I have an M1 MacBook Air, so I just figured that I can just use the Touch ID on the computer itself as it will still be reachable in my new set-up (if I’m not using my watch to unlock, instead). However, if you’re buying a new keyboard for a desk model Mac, the Touch ID of course makes sense. I just can’t justify the extra $50 to have two touch IDs

[@neerajnomad]

This should be the top comment

[@UnrealTournament420]

Hi, thank you for making this video. In your opinion, which do you prefer? This keyboard, mx keys (logitech) or Satechi slim x1? i just cant decide

[@DionMedia]

Hi, do not have experience with the other one, so can not give a good reaction. Sorry!

[@UnrealTournament420]

@@DionMedia its ok bro, i went with the magic keyboard with touch id, good deal on ebay :)

[@DionMedia]

Good deals are good deals! Enjoy

[@TheTravelStorebysaurabh]

Thanks for the perfect review! I have M1 Mac mini and thinking to purchase this keyboard. Do we need to enter the password to start the machine ( when we shut down the machine ) or touch id works with this also? I think it only works if the system is in sleep mode or we simply close the screen of macbook pros.

[@DionMedia]

Hi Saurabh, thanks for your feedback! Great question, when starting up your Mac for the first time, you will need to enter you password. However once it is running, you can use Touch ID to unlock/wake your Mac from sleep mode.

[@josephguy1456]

if you have an apple watch you can unlock it with the watch mine unlocks as soon as i shit in front of my mac

[@UnrealTournament420]

@@josephguy1456 Its better to shit in the toilet, more hygienic

[@Techamooz]

When I shut down my mac mini m1 and turn it on I cannot use the touch id to login. But when it is sleep mode, it works. Do you have the same problem?

[@DionMedia]

Hi Milad, thanks for your comment. This is normal, it’s the same for me. Touch ID can be used to login from sleep but not to login after booting up. I think Apple did this for extra security perhaps.

[@Techamooz]

@@DionMedia Hi dion. Thank you, have your tried other keyboards like keychron 3 v2? You think this model is better than other low profile mechanical keyboards?

[@WanderingAroundAZ]

Touch ID is more important to me than backlighting… though it would be nice.

[@DionMedia]

agree

[@therim1714]

Same, there's just something on unlocking it using fingerprint without the need of opening the mac as well as when opening some account in safari and just pressing the fingerprint sensor you can access it all instead of typing everytime.

[@eladub9304]

Thanks for this video. I made the mistake of buying the magic keys with touch id but i dont have M1 chip.. i only have the old version of macbook air, ipad 8th gen and iphone 11. I could not return it bec of 25% restocking fee. Please advise.

[@DionMedia]

Hi Ela, this is a common misunderstanding, reason why I mentioned it in my video. Sorry you are in this situation. If you sell it on E bay you would also lose around 25%. My advice would be to keep it, as in my experience they last many years and only replace it when you upgrade your devices. Best, Dion

[@eladub9304]

@@DionMedia thanks for your advice! All the best!

[@sladecurtis5816]

Hi Dion, my wife and I switch who is using the keyboard for our new MacBook pros, does this keyboard pair with multiple devices by chance? We share a monitor and often switch who is using it, this would be awesome if it can fairly seamlessly connect to both.

[@DionMedia]

Hi Slade, good question! Unfortunately, unlike some other keyboards (i.e Logitech), the Magic Keyboard cannot connect to multiple devices at a time. So to switch between MacBooks you would need to disconnect and reconnect every time, not ideal but may still be doable.

[@explosivebricks4395]

Does it has light behind the keys at night ?

[@DionMedia]

no

[@AlistairErskineMD]

Touch ID is a clever option on an Apple keyboard; however, why use Touch ID to unlock your Macbook Pro when you sport an Apple Watch which can do the same automagically?

[@DionMedia]

Hi, thanks for your comment! You bring up a good point, the Apple Watch is also a great way to easily unlock your Mac! I use my Apple Watch to unlock my personal computer, whereas on my work laptop, I use Touch ID to unlock, so I utilise both methods :)

[@pritam_kaushik]

Does touch id work with M2 ipad pro?

[@DionMedia]

Hi Pritam, sorry for the late reply. And the reply is no reply as I do not have the answer :(

[@ratikkakkar3421]

Does it work with iPad Pro m1?

[@DionMedia]

Hi Arkee, yes it does, except for the Touch ID

[@Dekon7]

When will apple give backlit to these keyboard?

[@DionMedia]

Hi Pablo, I hope soon!

[@Dekon7]

@@DionMedia thanks 😊

[@Poohbify]

Is it too much to ask for backlit keys???

[@DionMedia]

no

[@bobbyv3]

Well, you just saved me $150 or having to do a return. I'm still rocking the 16" MBP and almost bought this solely for the Touch ID feature. Kudos.

[@DionMedia]

Hi Bobby, thanks! glad my video could help! :)

[@Karlm01]

If this had keys that could light up it would tick all the boxes

[@DionMedia]

Hi Carlos, fully agree. You might have a look at MX Keys mini kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpO9mnyAmrmgn6M

[@aalikes7]

Wait, what? I have a Touch ID MacBook and I cannot use the Touch ID on the keyboard? That's a dealbreaker. I wonder if it would work with iPads.

[@DionMedia]

Hi Don, depends on the MacBook you have. If it has a newer M2 or a M1 chip it will work. The keyboard will work with iPads, but unfortunately the Touch ID will not work

[@aalikes7]

@@DionMedia Yes, I see. Thank you. To me, I find it odd that the Touch ID on the keyboard doesn't work with MacBook that isn't an M1 or M2. I have an iPad Pro with an M1 chip, and it still doesn't work. Thumbs down 👎🏿👎🏼

[@JomarRomero]

Is the keybord backlit?

[@DionMedia]

No

[@JomarRomero]

@@DionMedia funny the moment i typed this, that's the exact time you mentioned it in your video. LOL. great video by the way!

[@Theprodator]

No BackLight?

[@DionMedia]

correct

[@DubDTube]

ya @5:18 biggest secret on the internet, it is kinda dumb that the keyboard is not backlit. No working in the dark, go to sleep sillies.

[@loudog4161]

How do you not talk about the specific function key differences? It’s one of the main things ppl will want to compare 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@DionMedia]

Hi Lou, this is an important difference, which is why I have a shot comparing the function keys of both keyboards at 06:36 👍

[@dnmqlife]

I don't need the touch ID button coz my apple watch unlocks the mac instantly. Hehe😅

[@DionMedia]

One of the many great underrated Apple Watch features!

[@dnmqlife]

@@DionMedia True that!

[@filiptrajkovski4335]

Wtf, not having a light was a really great surprise for me when I bought it. I am really disappointed that for 140 euros they are not adding a fucking light that is keyboards since 2000. Shitty job apple!

[@mopnem]

Would go for it but NO backlight NO black color…apple doesn’t want the money this time around 😑lol

[@DionMedia]

I see where you are coming from, really hope Apple will one day add a backlight to their external keyboards. Perhaps this keyboard will interest you instead, comes in at half the price of the Magic Keyboard, is backlit and comes in space grey - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJXbqmuIfpmrpKc

[@mopnem]

@@DionMedia hey thanks for the response & helpful recommendation! I like the look. My main appeal to keyboard is the fingerprint reader though.

[@DionMedia]

​@@mopnem The Logitech Craft is a great keyboard, but as you said, it would be even better with a finger print scanner! There really is a gap in the market for a backlit keyboard with built-in fingerprint reader. Opportunity for companies to create new products - hopefully in the near future!

[@akcjaxd7863]

This keyboard IMO gives little to nothing feedback. Logitec's MX Keys are so much better, exept touch ID there's really nothing special about this keyboard.

[@DionMedia]

The Logistics MX is an excellent keyboard, that is true

[@herefobeer]

Touch ID on keyboard is useless if you already have an Apple Watch.

[@DionMedia]

True! Thanks for sharing

[@UnrealTournament420]

most people cant afford an apple watch

[@anonymous_anonymity]

Do you keep your laptop in Mars while using this keyboard? If so then the touch ID is worth 50$ for you.

[@Meshwork123]

🎹🖱Wired keyboard and mouse - without bluetooth - and you’ll avoid EMRs. There is a great deal of research available online through Google Scholar.

[@DionMedia]

thanks for sharing!