Apple Keyboards

We haven’t forgotten you Mac users out there.  Having a reliable, durable, and ergonomic keyboard with your Mac is just as important as it is with a PC.

Apple has three different main keyboards – a keyboard without the numeric keypad, a keyboard with the numeric keypad, and a wireless keyboard.  Let’s take a look at all three of these.

Apple Keyboard

This is the first keyboard created by Apple and comes with two USB ports for two devices to be used at the same time as well as low-profile keys to allow for easy and comfortable typing.  If you use your mouse a lot then this is the keyboard for you as the extra length of the numeric keypad won’t get in your way since it doesn’t exist.  In fact, this keyboard takes up approximately 35% less space than the keyboard with the numeric keypad.  That’s a lot of room on your desk.

Just because it is a simple design doesn’t mean that it lacks the additional one-touch access function keys for play/pause, eject, volume, screen brightness, Expose, as well as Dashboard.  It also still has all four of the arrow keys just in a smaller more compact design.  It’s definitely perfect for someone that needs a lot of desk room as well as someone that uses their mouse a large amount of the time that they spend on the computer as the movement of the mouse can be a bit more natural and comfortable.

Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad

This Apple Aluminum Wired Keyboard MB110LL/A has the numeric keypad on the right side of the keyboard, two USB ports so that you can plug in two additional devices simultaneously, and low-profile keys that allow you to experience a very reactive feel when typing.  It doesn’t lack function keys for one-touch access to all major Mac features such as volume, brightness, fast-forward, rewind, play/pause, eject, Dashboard, and Expose.

Since it is the extended layout design of a keyboard, it also had key functions for page up and down, home, end, as well as the arrow keys so that you can move quickly and efficiently when scrolling through important documents or playing games in your spare time. This would come in useful especially if you use mac laptops but would like to have a numeric keypad as well.

For those that had the original Apple keyboard without the numeric keypad have already upgraded.  If you haven’t, what are you waiting for?  The numeric keypad can come in handy if you type numbers a lot and/or play games a good bit in your spare time. The only caution I would make is if you rarely use the numerical keypad, and use the mouse with your right hand, get the keyboard without it. Having your right hand travel further each time you want to use the mouse is annoying, esp. if you do it frequently.

Apple Wireless Keyboard

As long as you are within about 30 feet of your iPad or Mac then you can use this compact wireless keyboard anywhere – in the kitchen, in the bathroom (if you must), on your lap or even on your desk.   You can do this because the wireless keyboard comes equipped with advanced Bluetooth technology built-in.  The keyboard has a compact design so that it takes up almost 25% less room on your desk than your standard keyboard, which means more room to comfortably move your mouse around.

No need to go into explanation here as the wireless keyboard has the same one-touch access to an array of Mac features as described in the two Apple keyboards above.  The main difference is that you can take this one away from the computer and it takes just two AA batteries.  Better still, when you aren’t using your keyboard, it will automatically shut off to conserve power.  It turns back on as soon as you commence typing.  It also features an on/off switch.

KB Keyboard for Logic Studio

If you use Apple Logic Studio Pro/Express then this ultra-thin KB Keyboard is key for maximum efficiency.  All of the most common and most used function keys are included on this keyboard since Logic Studio specialists had a say.  There are 130 custom keys and is by far the most extensive keyboard for Logic Studio that has been made.  There are even keys that are coded in color as well as text for ease of use.  No matter whether you are a beginner or an advanced expert, the KB Logic Studio Keyboard is perfect to learn all of the program’s commands efficiently and quickly.

KB Keyboard for Final Cut Studio

This Keyboard has been specifically design for those that use Apple Final Cut Pro/Express and has also been designed with program specialists.  The most vital, most used, and most common key commands are all included on this ultra-thin keyboard by KB.  This one is also color and text-coded for ease of use, has 81 custom keys.  As with the Logic Studio keyboard, the Final Cut Studio keyboard is for both beginners and advanced experts that work with Final Cut Pro/Express.

Bella Pro Series Video Editing Keyboard 3.0 FCP

This innovative newly designed Bella Professional Series 3.0 Keyboard brings all of the features of Final Cut Pro right to your fingertips.  It comes equipped with text and color-coded keys that work specifically for FCP as well as two separate USB ports that can be used to power two different devices simultaneously.  It comes with a built-in jog/shuttle controller that is perfect for all of your video editing needs as well as NeoLite, which will help light up your workstation.

The Bella Pro Series keyboard comes with a wrist rest that allows for a more comfortable typing experience.  For even more convenience, the keyboard comes equipped with keys for multimedia programs, e-mail and web.  While it was designed specifically for use with FCP, it can be used just as well as a standard keyboard with your Mac.

Kensington Ci70 Wireless Desktop Set

This wireless Desktop Set with Keyboard and Mouse keyboard and mouse combo at the Apple Store has a very sleek and stylish ergonomic look and feel that allows you to have a much more comfortable and pleasurable experience when at your Mac.  The mouse is actually up to 35% thinner than a typical mouse with the same being true of the keyboard.  The mouse also docks into the keyboard in order to save not only space but to conserve power as well when it is not in use.

It also has a built-in automatic sleep state that conserves the battery life of the keyboard thus protecting the optical sensor.  It also comes with the numeric keypad and secondary function keys for additional convenience.  Definitely the perfect choice for the business traveler or one that needs more space at their desk.

Logitech G13 Advanced Gameboard

If you are an avid game player on the Mac then this Logitech G13 Programmable Gameboard with LCD Display is a necessity.  It comes equipped with a GamePanel LCD display that gives you important up-to-date game information such as live stats and communication from other players in the game.  You’ll also find that you have the ability to customize 25 different key presses that suit your individual style of play.  You can also customize the keys to a certain backlight color so that you can find easily and quickly when needed.

Can’t forget the programmable joystick and that it is completely portable.  Last but not least, the Logitech G13 has an onboard memory that will remember and save all of your profiles so you never have to worry about lost information or starting all over ever again.

Apple iPad Keyboard Dock

This is a keyboard docking station for your iPad and a fully functional keyboard for your iPad.  There are special features on the keyboard that are able to activate your iPad.  You can dock your iPad and immediately synchronize to your computer as well as use necessary iPad accessories.  The keyboard also comes equipped with an audio jack so that you can connect to speakers or a stereo to play music that is on your iPad.

The Apple iPad keyboard dock allows easy access to features on your iPad by using the keyboard and the special keys on the keyboard.  You can watch videos, slide shows, and compose e-mails quickly and effortlessly.

You can go beyond the Apple store and purchase a non-Apple keyboard, as they will normally work just as well with your computer.  Most of them, such as the Logitech Wave, already have key functions for iTunes, iPhoto such as Play/Pause, Volume, Zoom, etc. that have already been mapped to the proper program.

Tagged as: apple keyboard, Bella Pro Series, iPad Keyboard Dock, Kensington Wireless Desktop Set, Keyboard for Final Cut Studio, Keyboard for Logic Studio, Logitech G13, wireless keyboard