Up to date this text from 12/19/22 on 2/8/23 with OnePlus’s announcement of the title of the keyboard, a photograph, and product particulars.
Hey, have you ever ever heard of OnePlus? Properly, okay, the everyday Macworld reader most likely has, as a result of they are usually into tech greater than most individuals. However within the normal Apple group, it wouldn’t be shocking {that a} majority haven’t heard of the Android cellphone and accent maker. However all of us may be listening to a bit of extra about them quickly.
That’s as a result of OnePlus is collaborating with Keychron on a mechanical keyboard for the Mac. The OnePlus That includes Keyboard 81 Professional just isn’t a type of annoying “Mac-compatible” keyboards with a Home windows key structure and Mac-compatible software program drivers. In keeping with OnePlus, this keyboard “is designed to work seamlessly” on the Mac with a structure that “matches the MacBook keyboard,” although OnePlus says it is going to additionally work with Home windows and Linux. Based mostly on the pictures OnePlus launched at a February 8 press occasion, the keyboard seems to have a Command key–however the Fn secret is in a distinct location from the place Mac customers are accustomed. See for your self within the image beneath.
The title isn’t very Apple-like, however the structure is near being Mac-friendly.
OnePlus
The MacBook structure is unquestionably one solution to get Mac customers . One other characteristic that may pique curiosity is its double-gasket mount design, which OnePlus says makes “typing an pleasurable movement.” Additionally, the keyboard’s product web page states that the keys’ “sound is dampened.” OnePlus doesn’t instantly say it’s quieter than Apple’s Magic Keyboard, nevertheless it appears to be a purpose.
And in the event you want another reason to take a look at a Mac keyboard from OnePlus—did we point out that they make Android telephones and equipment?— the keyboard can have an aluminum physique like Apple’s personal Magic Keyboard. If it’s something like Keychron’s different keyboards, that would imply it has a hefty design, which isn’t essentially a foul factor. OnePlus additionally guarantees customizable options, resembling hot-swappable switches and open-source firmware.
It feels like an fascinating keyboard, and usually, keyboards are very subjective to every particular person in the case of usability and desire. Some individuals will examine these options and get excited, others will shrug with indifference. The one query all Mac customers have is, can OnePlus efficiently ship on the nuances of the Mac expertise of their keyboards? We’ll have to attend and see–OnePlus says that preorders begin in April.
OnePlus is likely one of the hottest Android manufacturers, constructing telephones that rival premium handsets from Google and Samsung at a considerably decrease value. The corporate doesn’t say how a lot the keyboard will value, however we assume it will likely be on the inexpensive aspect and certain cheaper than the Magic Keyboard.
