For a couple of weeks now, I've been eyeing up ane of the new Apple M1 Mac Minis to replace my aging iMac. All that superfast Apple silicon and the compact Mac Mini format is so tempting. All I'll demand to buy is a new monitor and peradventure a prissy new keyboard to go with that shiny new Mac Mini.

In preparation, I looked at the price of Apple's Magic Keyboard. It's a dainty-looking keyboard with its Space Grey finish and there's a version with an extended keypad which is perfect for spreadsheet use. Unfortunately, Apple tree's Magic keyboard costs the best part of $150 and it's non even got backlit keys! I'm sorry, Apple, but that's far too much. I'm sure I can do better if I look around.

Well, I did do better by looking around. Satechi's new Slim X range of keyboards come up in wired and wireless versions and are made specifically for Macs. They're bachelor in the extended layout Slim X3 too equally the superbly compact f Slim X1 which is ideal for use on smaller or cramped desks and also perfect for use with iPads and MacBooks.

The Satechi Slim X wireless keyboards wait very similar to Apple'south Magic Keyboard. At first glance, y'all'd almost swear they were the same keyboard because of the black keys and the choice of Space Grey or Silver aluminum finishes. Like the Magic keyboard, the Slim X models have a full row of regular office keys that can be switched to macOS functions.

As with Apple's laptop keyboards, the Slim 10 range likewise includes a backlight which makes typing in a darkened room much easier. Meliorate withal, the Slim 10 can pair with up to three carve up Bluetooth devices so you can take one keyboard paired with a Mac Mini, another with an iMac likewise as an iPad… all at the aforementioned fourth dimension. But press the part primal and one of the specially marked Bluetooth keys to instantly switch between devices.

The key spacing and layout on the Satechi X keyboards are similar to Apple's Magic keyboards and the keys even take the same markings and the keys are the aforementioned square shape that Apple uses. At that place's a switch on the back of the Slim X models that can turn off the keyboard if information technology'southward not going to exist used for a while. An internal rechargeable bombardment provides power for months of use without the backlight enabled. With the backlight turned on, the battery will work for a week or two earlier information technology needs recharging. The backlight level tin exist adjusted or easily disabled using the part keys.

Recharging the battery inside the Slim 10 is like shooting fish in a barrel using the supplied USB-C charging cable. Both Slim X keyboards can as well use the cable as a wired connection simply by plugging the keyboard into a spare USB port on a Mac. Information technology volition even recharge the internal battery at the aforementioned time.

Verdict:Satechi'due south Slim X1 and Slim X3 keyboards are a much more affordable alternative to Apple's Magic Keyboard. They are about half the price and offer a backlight and the ability to pair with upward to three devices. As far as I know, they are every fleck equally robust as Apple'south offerings and I think they are an ideal alternative for a keyboard to utilize with a Mac Mini or to replace the keyboard that's worn out. Highly recommended.

Pricing and availability:The wireless versions of the Slim X1 and Slim X3 are available now and sell for $69.99 and $89.99 respectively. There are wired versions of the Slim X1 and Slim X3 and cost $59.99 and $69.99 respectively.

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