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Magic Keyboard for Mac: which model to choose?
Apple makes three Magic Keyboards: the basic one, the one with Touch ID and the one with Touch ID and a numeric keypad. All work over Bluetooth on any Mac, but Touch ID only works with an Apple silicon Mac. Here are the models, their references and how to choose.
In short: which keyboard for which Mac?
- Apple silicon Mac (M1 and later): the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID. You unlock the Mac and approve passwords with your finger.
- Intel Mac: the Magic Keyboard without Touch ID. The Touch ID model works too, but the fingerprint sensor stays inactive.
- Lots of numbers to type (spreadsheets, accounting): the version with a numeric keypad.
- Don't want to recharge: the older aluminium wireless keyboard, which runs on two AA batteries.
Apple wireless keyboards, model by model
| Model | Reference | Released | Power | Key feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium wireless keyboard | A1314 | 2009 | 2 AA batteries | The oldest, compact |
| Magic Keyboard | A1644 | 2015 | Battery, Lightning port | First rechargeable version |
| Magic Keyboard with numeric keypad | A1843 | 2017 | Battery, Lightning port | Numeric keypad and navigation keys |
| Magic Keyboard | A2450 | 2021 | Battery, Lightning port | Rounded corners, Spotlight, Dictation and Do Not Disturb keys |
| Magic Keyboard with Touch ID | A2449 | 2021 | Battery, Lightning port | Touch ID fingerprint sensor |
| Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and numeric keypad | A2520 | 2021 | Battery, Lightning port | Touch ID and numeric keypad |
| Magic Keyboard USB-C | — | 2024 | Battery, USB-C port | Same three versions, USB-C port; macOS 15.1 or later |
The reference (A1644, A2449…) is printed in small characters underneath the keyboard. A battery recharges in a few hours and usually lasts more than a month.
Touch ID: on which Macs?
The keyboard's Touch ID sensor only works with an Apple silicon Mac (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) running macOS 11.4 or later. It is used to unlock the Mac, fill in passwords, approve a purchase and switch between user accounts.
On an Intel Mac, the Touch ID keyboard works like a normal keyboard: every key responds, only the sensor has no effect. If you are keeping an Intel Mac, the model without Touch ID costs less for the same use.
With or without a numeric keypad?
The model with a numeric keypad is about a third wider. It adds the number pad, the navigation keys (home, end, page up and page down) and a proper forward-delete key. It is the right choice for spreadsheets and entering figures; for writing text, the compact model leaves more room for the mouse.
AZERTY, QWERTY, QWERTZ: the layout
The layout is printed on the keys: a QWERTY keyboard stays QWERTY, even though macOS lets you change the input language. So check the layout before buying: French AZERTY, British or American QWERTY, French-Canadian QWERTY, German or Swiss QWERTZ.
Connecting a Magic Keyboard to your Mac
- Switch the keyboard on with the switch on the edge, at the top right: the green light comes on.
- The easiest way: plug it into the Mac with its cable. It pairs by itself, and then you can unplug the cable.
- Otherwise, open System Settings > Bluetooth (System Preferences before macOS Ventura) and click “Connect” next to the keyboard.
- For Touch ID: open System Settings > Touch ID & Password, then add your fingerprint.
Magic Keyboard not responding: what to check
- Battery: the level is shown in System Settings > Bluetooth. Recharge the keyboard, or change the batteries of an A1314.
- Connection: switch the keyboard off and on again, or plug it back into the Mac with the cable to pair it again.
- Wrong characters: the macOS input language does not match the keys. Check it in System Settings > Keyboard.
- A single key no longer responds: most often dust or liquid under the key.
Our Magic Keyboards
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, French AZERTY (A2449) and in German QWERTZ.
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and numeric keypad, French AZERTY (A2520) and in French-Canadian QWERTY.
- Magic Keyboard without Touch ID, French AZERTY (A2450), in British QWERTY and in French-Canadian QWERTY.
- Magic Keyboard with numeric keypad, French AZERTY (A1843).
- Magic Keyboard French AZERTY (A1644), supplied with its Lightning cable.
- Aluminium wireless keyboard, French AZERTY (A1314), battery-powered.
Every keyboard is tested in our workshop before it ships, key by key.
- QWERTY or AZERTY keyboard for a MacBook: which to choose?
- MacBook in QWERTY: switching back to AZERTY
- MacBook Air keyboard shortcuts: the most useful ones
- Square brackets, curly braces, at sign: special characters on a Mac
- Keyboard keys not responding: what to do?
Frequently asked questions
Does the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID work on an Intel Mac?
Yes, as a keyboard. The Touch ID sensor, however, only works with an Apple silicon Mac.
Can you use a Magic Keyboard while it charges?
Yes. Unlike the Magic Mouse, the port is on the edge: the keyboard stays usable while plugged in.
Does a Magic Keyboard work on a PC or an iPad?
Yes, over Bluetooth, like a standard keyboard. Touch ID only works with an Apple silicon Mac.
What is the difference between the A1644 and the A2450?
The A2450 (2021) has more rounded corners and a revised row of function keys (Spotlight, Dictation, Do Not Disturb, Globe key). The typing feel is the same.
How can I tell whether my Mac has an Apple chip?
Apple menu > About This Mac: the “Chip” line shows M1, M2, M3, M4 or M5. If you see “Processor” with Intel, it is an Intel Mac.
