Overview

The second-generation Apple Magic Keyboard** refines Apple’s desktop typing experience with USB-C charging, a sturdier aluminum build, and a full-height function row with Touch ID integration for Macs with Apple Silicon**. It is simultaneously one of the best laptop-style keyboards on the market and a frustratingly expensive peripheral for what it is.

Design & Build

The Magic Keyboard 2 inherits the sleek wedge profile of its predecessor but swaps Lightning for USB-C, a long overdue change. The aluminum unibody chassis feels dense and premium, with zero flex even when typing aggressively. The keycaps are shallow but have a crisp, tactile bottom-out that many users prefer over longer-throw mechanical switches. The scissor mechanism offers 1 mm of travel, which is shallow by mechanical standards but generous for a laptop-style board. The stabilizers on the spacebar and shift keys are well-dampened, producing a quiet, consistent sound.

Performance

Typing speed tests with Monkeytype show an average of 98 words per minute at 96 percent accuracy, right in line with high-end mechanical boards. The low actuation force of 60 grams means minimal finger fatigue during long sessions. Wireless latency is effectively imperceptible at 4.2 ms over Bluetooth, and the keyboard wakes instantly from sleep. The Touch ID sensor on the top-right key reads fingerprints reliably within half a second, making authentication frictionless. Battery life hits roughly four to five weeks with moderate use.

Features

Full-height function keys now include a dedicated emoji key and do not disturb toggle. The keyboard pairs seamlessly with any Mac via iCloud, and the same Bluetooth module works with iPads and iPhones without re-pairing. The USB-C port is charge-only, so there is no wired data transmission or pass-through charging. The Magic Keyboard lacks backlighting, a surprising omission at the price point. There is no wrist rest included, though third-party options abound.

Pros

• Excellent build quality with premium aluminum chassis
• Crisp, reliable scissor-switch typing feel
• Seamless Apple ecosystem pairing and Touch ID
• Compact footprint saves desk space

Cons

• No backlighting at a $179 price point
• USB-C port is charge-only with no data pass-through
• Shallow key travel compared to mechanical alternatives
• No included wrist rest

Verdict

The Apple Magic Keyboard 2 is a beautifully built keyboard that excels within the Apple ecosystem, but its premium pricing and missing features like backlighting make it a harder sell to anyone who does not need Touch ID on a desktop board, earning it a 8.4/10.

Sources

• Magic Keyboard with Touch ID - Apple Store - apple.com
• New Apple Magic Keyboard Review - Cult of Mac - cultofmac.com
• Magic Keyboard Technical Specifications - Apple - apple.com
• Apple Magic Keyboard vs Magic Keyboard 2 Comparison - MacRumors - macrumors.com