To go alongside its new 24-inch M1 iMacs, Apple has also released three redesigned Magic Keyboards. Some of these wireless keyboards even feature Touch ID, for improved security. Apple also offers these keyboards in seven colors, to match the new 24-inch iMacs.
If you're looking to pair the right keyboard with your new iMac, it's worth checking out all three options. Read on to take a closer look at the three options of the new Magic Keyboard, so you can pick the best one for your setup.
What's New With the Redesigned Apple Magic Keyboard
The seven new colors of Apple's redesigned Magic Keyboards perfectly match the new 24-inch M1 Mac colors. These keyboards still pack the familiar white chiclet-style keys in the classic aluminum enclosure. Beyond that, though, the keyboards do offer some new features.
The most significant feature of the new Magic Keyboard is the Touch ID integration. The keyboard integrates a security component that wirelessly connects with the M1 chip's Secure Enclave feature. So you need not connect it to your iMac using a Lightning cable.
You will notice the rounded corner keys as part of the redesign. Also, there are three new system function keys for Spotlight Search, Dictation or Siri, and Do Not Disturb. You can press these keys to launch the assigned function directly instead of using shortcuts or clicking options in macOS.
The new Magic Keyboard comes in three different options.
1. Standard Magic Keyboard
The standard option is compact and features a dedicated Lock key in the top-right corner. This Lock key replaces the Eject key available on the previous Magic Keyboard models.
The Function/Globe key in the bottom-left corner works the same as the Emoji button on an iPhone, to quickly launch the emoji menu.
You can also connect and use this keyboard with other Bluetooth-enabled Apple devices, like an iPad or an iPhone.
2. Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
Making the security of your system and data your top priority, the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID integrates the Touch ID button in the top-right corner to replace the Eject key. Just place your finger on its fingerprint scanner to use Touch ID.
Physically, it looks just like the standard option, including the new system function keys and the Emoji key. The only difference being the Touch ID option.
3. Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Pad
This is a full-scale keyboard with a numeric keypad, extra system keys, function keys, and full arrow keys. It also comes with a Touch ID button, like the second new Magic Keyboard option.
Those extra keys make the keyboard about 50 percent longer than the other two options.
Which Magic Keyboard Should You Pick?
The redesigned Magic Keyboard comes bundled with the new 24-inch M1 iMacs. Apple might make them available as a standalone purchase a few months down the line. Till then, decide on the option that is right for your setup.
The standard Magic Keyboard suits a minimalist-style setup where your work mostly involves casual browsing, media editing, and working on documents. The Lock key comes in handy to lock your Mac to prevent snooping while you're away.
Apple bundles the standard option with the base 24-inch iMac. However, you still get the option to buy a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID instead of the standard one if you're willing to pay a little extra.
If it's essential for you to guard the data on your iMac, you can use the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID to lock your iMac using your fingerprint. This additional security helps to protect your data, unlock your Mac quickly, make purchases using Apple Pay, open a password manager, and more. Since it's compact, like the standard edition, it won't take up too much desk space and will be easy to carry around.
The Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and numeric keypad is a perfect fit when your work involves working with numbers, editing multimedia professionally, or gaming. You can assign custom keyboard shortcuts to the numeric keys to use them with different apps.
While it is physically bigger than the other two options, the additional keys can certainly help to assign new hotkeys. However, you should only pick this option if you have enough space on your desk and you really need the numeric pad.
The New Magic Keyboard Adds Extra Security
The new Magic Keyboard is Apple's first Mac accessory to feature Touch ID. Its colors perfectly match the new 24-inch M1 iMac models, and you can either pick the compact or full keyboard.
While the new color options turn the keyboard into eye candy, it might not fit your setup and expectations if you have an older iMac. In that case, you might be better with a third-party alternative to the Magic Keyboard instead.
Image credits: Apple