Macintosh Compatible Keyboards

An ever growing selection of Mac compatible USB and Wireless keyboards are available. From the razor thin Aluminum model Apple currently sells to 3rd-party models explicitly designed for Mac, You'll have Macintosh freindly function keys that are clearly labled and support Expose, Dashboard, Screen Brightness, Media Playback and Speaker Volume control with proper Disk Eject features of OSX Leopard and Lion.

Logitech Solar Mac Keyboard

With 2.4 Ghz RF USB Dongle

Besides devices made by Apple available at the Apple Store - Savvy device makers have stepped-up to meed the needs of the ever growing Mac market with OSX friendly keytops that support all the features of the Macintosh operating system. Check specs closely though - not all keyboards offer extra USB ports on the sides or rear like Apple's wired keyboards do.

Kids Jumbo Key Keyboard

Crayola's Colorful Bundle
Large Keys, Mouse, Pad


MacAlly Peripherals
Logitech Accessories For Mac
Kensington Macintosh Gear

Mac Compatible USB Keyboards

3rd-Pary and Apple Brand Keyboards

You can always order an Apple branded keyboard directly from the Apple Store at full list price - But computer accessory manufacturers make other devices with Mac-specific needs in mind, often at more competitive prices.. Among these Apple Compatible Keyboards you'll see low-cost Kensignton, MacAlly keyboards, high-end Logitech options and others worth exploring.
         

Apple USB Keyboard w/Keypad	Kensington Slim-Key USB	Bargain MacAlly Keyboard
Dual USB 2.0 Side Ports Numeric Keypad And More	Low-Cost Mac Keyboard Scissor-Type Key Switches	Low-Profile Slim Design PC & Mac Compatible

Apple's best USB keyboard yet in a slim-line aluminum case offers On-screen, Backlighting, Dashboard, Expose and Media playback controls. Of note: it's two USB 2.0 high-speed side ports offer faster connectivity for external devices. And the keyboard's low-power requirements leave a few more spare milliamps of power for running or recharging external USB devices.

Bluetooth vs USB Cable Keyboards for Mac

There's good reason to want to use a USB keyboard with your Macintosh. No batteries to futz with and recharge, no erratic wireless response, no Bluetooth or RF radio interference from other computer accessories and household gadgets. A wired device is simply more predictable and reliable than any wireless and/or battery-operated peripheral. And, you get the bonus of extra USB ports. Paired with the best Mac mouse you can find, that may avert the need for a separate USB hub - or at least make plugging and unplugging certain frequently plugged devices easier to access.

Backlit Keyboard - With Speakers - For Mac!

Illuminated, back-lit external keyboards for Mac are a rarity. But Verbatim makes one that not only lights up, but also includes a pair of small USB audio stereo speakers integrated into the keyboard and media playback control keys. Especially ideal for Apple desktop computers like the Mac mini or Pro towers which only have a single built-in speaker. Backlit Mac Keyboard

Built-In USB Stereo Speakers

Large Print Keyboard For Mac

For visually impaired Apple users - whether aging or kids -- Large-lettered keyboards may be helpful:
Easy To Read Keyboard

Cross-Platform Mac & PC

Used Apple Keyboards For Older USB Models

Some users really want an original matching Apple keyboard when you need to replace it. The many colors of early and slot-load iMacs may deserve a Tangerine, or say Grape keyboard to match it, or a Graphite model for that ol' G4. For these I recommend looking for Apple keyboards on eBay - you can often find the exact color or style of discontinued model. But buyer beware: Really make sure the auction clearly states it was TESTED - and guaranteed fully-functional and not have any dud keys.

Can You "Fix" A Mac Keyboard?

Broken and damaged keys on an Apple keyboard often require replacing the entire thing. A single hopelessly stuck or unresponsivekey is usually caused by a damaged or stuck micro-switch underneath. They're so small and tiny there is just NO way to 'repair' the key switch. Key-tops that are missing or cracked can sometimes be replaced, but often tiny plastic latches to hold the keytop in place.get broken when something falls onto your Mac keyboard. Simply buying new Mac keyboard is the most direct solution for 'repairing' the majority of keyboard problems.

Windows Keyboards On A Macintosh : The Tradeoffs

One frustration you may find trying to use a 3rd-party or Windows keyboard is that on bootup your Mac may have problems initially recognizing the non-Apple keyboard and require you to follow on-screen instructions built-into OS X to press specific keys alongside the space-bar on it at boot-up to help your Macintosh identify your PC keyboard's unique layout.

Nearly ANY Windows PC USB keyboard will 'largely' work on a Mac. Well, usually most of it. Extra function keys and special PC media control key features only supported on Windows may very well do nothing in OSX. Or something unpredictable can happen. Most frustrating the 'Windows' icon key is NOT mapped to the Apple 'Command' key - and when you want the Option key you have to press ALT instead. You can get used to the CMD-ALT-WIN-CTRL differences. But it's a far from elegant solution when Mac specific keyboards can be had for under $20.