New Apple Magic Keyboards with Touch ID Review And Purchase

A Comprehensive Review of Apple's New Magic Keyboards: Touch ID and Beyond

Greetings from Smiles here at 9to5Mac! We're delving into Apple's newest Magic Keyboards today. Though Apple isn't calling them "Magic Keyboard 3," they do have some noteworthy improvements, chief among them the Touch ID button.

What's in the Box?

It's a simple unpacking situation. Within are the Magic Keyboard, some paperwork, and the identical braided Lightning to Type-C connection that came with the M1 iMac. It wasn't until lately that these keyboards could be bought individually. Purchasing an M1 iMac is still your only choice, though, if you want these keyboards in other colours.

Magic Keyboard Versions and Pricing

The new Magic Keyboard comes in three flavors from Apple:

1. Touch ID not available on the $99 Standard Magic Keyboard.
2. Coming with more expensive M1 iMacs is the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID ($149).
3. Most feature-rich choice: Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad ($179)

You will need to purchase the legacy Magic Keyboard for $129 if you want a numeric keypad without Touch ID as there isn't a new version of the bigger Magic Keyboard without Touch ID.

Design and Functional Updates

There have been few design changes to the new Magic Keyboards:

• Round Corners: Complements the new Apple design.
• The replacement buttons:
• The launchpad button has been replaced with a spotlight search button.
• F5 Button: Siri's microphone button now.
• F6 Button: Quick access to Do Not Disturb.
• Fn Key: Acts as a lock key on keyboards without Touch ID and now features an emoji menu.

The Touch ID Button

The Touch ID button on these keyboards is its main selling feature; it works exclusively with M1 Mac models (iMac, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini). If a MacBook user already has their fingerprints registered, Touch ID setup is easy. For users of the iMac and Mac Mini, make sure Big Sur 11.5.2 or later is installed on your machine to view the whole Touch ID setup menu.

Setting Up Touch ID

On the new Magic Keyboard, Touch ID setup is simple:

1. Hook up with a Lightning wire or Bluetooth.
2. Click the power button twice to begin adding your fingerprint.
3. Add your fingerprint same like you would on an iPhone.

Use of Touch ID may be customized in system settings. To make locking and unlocking your Mac simple, the Touch ID button also doubles as a lock key.

Performance and User Experience

Though it is a little slower than the MacBook sensor that is built in, the Touch ID button on the Magic Keyboard is nonetheless dependable and responsive. This keyboard offers new, practical functions together with the classic Apple excellence.

Final Thoughts

For M1 Mac owners, the new Magic Keyboards from Apple include updated controls and the much coveted Touch ID feature. The Touch ID function won't function for you, though, if you don't own an M1 Mac. Top picks for Apple fans, these keyboards combine stylish design, useful upgrades, and Touch ID ease.

Watch our channel for further in-depth assessments and technology updates. Would you kindly subscribe for additional stuff and give this review a thumbs up if it was useful? I appreciate you seeing and hope to see you in the future one!