If you’ve recently purchased a new MacBook, regardless of whether you are a new Mac user or are simply switching over from an older Mac, you are going to need some Mac accessories to ensure smooth, unhindered, and sometimes, even improved usage.
This is especially true for the latest M1 MacBook models. Both the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air come with only two USB-C ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack, leaving you with minimal options if you need to plug in a number of devices to your Mac.
Then there’s the aspect of safety. What if you accidentally drop your Mac? What if you spill something on the keyboard? When I got my first Mac (MacBook Air with the M1 chip), it felt almost too delicate in my hands. I feared I would drop it or scuff it or accidentally scratch it with my nails.
That said, these problems are real and can affect how you use your Mac daily. In order to eliminate them, it’s worth getting additional accessories that also improve your user experience.
Below, we’ve listed a bevy of amazing Mac accessories for your new MacBook. It’ll be helpful if you consider this list more as a list of must-haves rather than simply a list of suggestions. This is because, without some of these accessories, you’ll miss out on taking advantage of certain important functionalities within your Mac.
- MacBook Protection (Cases, Sleeves)
- USB-C Hubs and Dongles
- MacBook Stands
- External Keyboards for MacBook
- External Mouse and Trackpad
MacBook Protection (Cases, Sleeves)
Imagine this scenario. You ordered a MacBook Air with an M1 chip online and it arrives. You excitedly open the box, bask in the glory of the initial startup chime, and set up your MacBook. You rise to place it on a table to charge it and while placing it, in a fit of misjudgment, you drop it on the cold, hard floor. Something breaks inside (both inside the MacBook and within yourself).
This could easily happen with a MacBook you’re currently using as well, especially because chances of tripping over the power cable have increased since Apple swapped the MagSafe snap-on charging system with a traditional USB-C system. If you’re tripping on the cable while it’s plugged, the MacBook’s going down along with you.
Accidentally spilling stuff on your Mac is yet another unsolicited issue.
Nevertheless, we’ve found some amazing protective accessories that could mitigate the damage caused by such drops and spills. Read along:
Best External Protection
UAG Plyo Series 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air case
Note on Hardshell cases: There’s a considerable amount of confusion regarding the use of hardshell cases on MacBooks. Some posit that it puts undue pressure on the MacBook’s hinges, thereby weakening it with time.
If you’re one of those people, your concerns might be true to some extent. But that extent usually ends with good quality cases. Poor quality cases are made up of cheap plastic materials with little to no thought given to the dynamics of running the Mac with a case on including taking into consideration adequate heat dissipation and soft edges so as to enable easy installation and removal.
However, as long as you choose to purchase good quality cases including the ones that we’ve mentioned below, you shouldn’t worry about the aforementioned problems. Aside from the indisputable fact that it can’t match the beauty of a butt-naked MacBook chassis, a hardshell case is a perfect accessory if you want to prolong the life of the exterior of your Mac against dents, scuffs, and scratches.
UAG has been in the rugged accessory-making industry for a long time now with its products being some of the best. If you want your MacBook to be safeguarded from external scuffs and accidental drops, UAG’s Plyo Series Case is an amazing choice.
The case has rubberized edges for impact protection. The edges doubly act as a locking mechanism for your Mac’s lid so that it does not pop open mid-air when it’s falling. Apart from that, it has a tactile grip at the bottom that allows you to hold your MacBook better.
The enclosure is also slim around the edges and the material the case is made up of is friction-free and lint-resistant. It also slips in and out of bags and purses easily.
Best Scratch and Scuff Protection Without the Bulk (Also Looks Cool!)
Incase Textured Hardshell in Woolenex
Hardshell cases are rare in occurrence. And the primary reason for that is the bulk they add to the laptop. MacBooks are known for their slim and sleek design and a hardshell case veils that. However, if you want to protect your Mac from external scratches and scuffs and make a style statement, Incase’s Textured Hardshell case is a godsend.
First off, since it’s textured, it has this amazing feel that your MacBook’s aluminum cannot replicate. Think of it as walking on a carpet versus walking on a cold, tiled floor. You’d rather prefer walking on a carpet.
The case itself is slim so that it doesn’t add considerable bulk to the MacBook. There are, however, certain complaints I have with this case. First, it completely hides the MacBook logo which might be a deal-breaker for some. But those who don’t care about showcasing the Apple logo that’s on the back of the Mac will enjoy having this case wrapped around their Mac.
Second, and most importantly, it does not seem to have adequate ventilation. As compared to most hardshell cases which feature grills at the bottom to ensure ventilation is appropriate, this Incase hardshell case has vents on the sides of the back casing which isn’t where heat is generated; although it does the job.
Regardless of ventilation, I you own an M1 Mac, you won’t need to worry about that since those machines never heat up as their predecessors, thanks to Apple.
Best for flaunting your MacBook while also protecting it
MOSISO Transparent Case
Sometimes, you just want to keep it simple and flaunt your MacBook’s glaring Apple logo in its entirety. Well, you can easily get some protection that won’t affect how your MacBook appears to a fair extent.
MOSISO’s transparent case is a decent, cheap solution for protecting your MacBook from scratches, scuffs, and dents. It has a glossy finish and is easy to install. It also has grills at the bottom to let out as much heat your MacBook might emanate. With the M1 MacBooks, however, the grills don’t add much value as these Macs remain mostly calm and cold.
The case also has minimal legs at the bottom for stability which is essential while typing and also while general usage.
One of the best aspects about MOSISO cases is the fact that they are wallet-friendly and are available in a bevy of colors. There are 44 color options just for the MacBook Air while there are even more for the MacBook Pro.
The one thing, however, I wouldn’t recommend you do with your MacBook with this case on is drop it. Unfortunately, this lineup of MacBook cases from MOSISO is just for basic protection from scratches, dents, and spills; not for rugged usage.
For $16, you get the complete casing to cover your 13-inch MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. Additionally, at no extra cost, you also get a keyboard cover and a screen protector for your Mac, which, in my opinion makes this product a bang for the buck.
Best Sleeve for most people
DOMISO Canvas Sleeve
I am a stickler for breakthrough products. While I wouldn’t call DOMISO’s Canvas Sleeve breakthrough, it comes pretty close. Why? Because there aren’t many laptop sleeves available that are truly sleeves (and not a full-blown bag) and offer as many features as this one does.
DOMISO’s sleeve is a regular laptop sleeve at the core but has two zippers up front that let you slip in your laptop’s accessories and other essential stuff. Two insertion points let you plug in your phone to a power bank placed within the sleeve and connect wired headphones respectively.
Besides, this is one of the very few sleeves I’ve seen that comes with a handle and a removable shoulder strap. It’s often too difficult to hold a sleeve with a laptop in for a considerably long period of time. There’s no definitive way to hold a sleeve that offers no grip. However, it’s easier when you’ve got a dedicated handle.
Additionally, the removable shoulder strap offers another convenient way to hold it in case you want your hands free. Remove the strap, and it’s a sleeve. Put it on, and it turns into a bag that carries your MacBook.
That’s not all, though. This sleeve comes in some interesting colors. My personal favorite is the red, especially since it’s accented by black; making an alluring combination. It also comes in a beautiful blue which features a pattern of pink flowers printed on it. However, I wouldn’t recommend that since it could get dusty after a while.
The inside of the case is covered by a fluffy layer which isn’t exactly microfiber, but is padded enough that it won’t let external factors and incidents affect your MacBook.
The only rife I have with DOMISO’s sleeve is that there are no other material options aside from canvas, which tends to get dirty and can wear out pretty quickly with use.
Best Sleeve for quality enthusiasts
Apple Leather Sleeve for 13-inch MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
Apple’s official sleeve for MacBook is a bit too expensive falling it at $179 a pop. But it’s exactly what quality enthusiasts might want.
It’s made up of European leather and offers unparalleled quality. It’s perfectly stitched at the seams which lends a snug fit to your MacBook. Although it might feel a bit too snug in the beginning with you having to struggle a bit to insert your Mac in and pull it out, keep in mind that it’s made up of leather.
Leather has a tendency to stretch and gain what is called a patina which is a layer of dust, oil, sunlight, wear and tear making it look even more dapper than it originally does.
Other than that, Apple’s leather sleeve is quite simple in appearance. It has a microfiber layer inside which keeps your MacBook protected.
However, another caveat aside from the initially tight fit is the fact that you cannot charge your MacBook while it’s in the sleeve without having to pull it sightly out. While that’s considerable, one thing that might put you off from buying this is the sleeve’s inability to accommodate anything other than your MacBook.
It’s also kind of difficult to hold the MacBook within the sleeve for a long period due to its sharp edges.
Regardless, as I mentioned above, this sleeve is for those who care about quality and have an affinity for purchasing first-party Apple products.
Sleeve with best aesthetics
TwelveSouth BookBook
TwelveSouth’s BookBook not only adds protection form external elements, but also adds a unique aesthetic. In that, it makes your MacBook look like a book.
From the outside, it’s just as hard as a real hardcover book made up of leather. The inside, however, is made up of soft felt which helps great deal in protecting the MacBook. It is a perfect disguise; an amalgamation of technology and nostalgia. What makes it ironic are the additional sleeves inside that let you place your “documents” made up of paper. So it’s a book after all.
Jokes aside, TwelveSouth says that its customers have found the BookBook sleeve to be useful in other ways than just protecting their MacBooks from scratches and drops—theft. Apparently, burglars that have broken into some TwelveSouth customers’ homes believed that the MacBook within the BookBook case is, in fact, a book. That’s interesting.
Speaking of aesthetics, the leather wears out over time with usage and gives the whole setup a rustic appearance that looks invaluably alluring. Whatever device you put in is enclosed by a zip. In my opinion, though, the zip gives away the disguise a little bit. Clip-on buttons would’ve made a better option aesthetically, but I can see how it could be difficult functionally.
Another thing that bugs me about this sleeve is that when you use your MacBook with it on, it feels unnecessarily bulky. Don’t get me wrong. You are free to separate your MacBook and use it without the sleeve every time, but it comes with straps that grab your MacBook’s lid each time you open the sleeve.
Those straps are pretty useful, but sometimes, they cover the top corners of the screen leading to a compromise in what would otherwise be an immersive browsing experience.
I am not the first one to recommend TwelveSouth’s BookBook and I certainly won’t be the last. But for a price tag of $90, you’ve got to pick your choice. If you want your sleeve to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible, or if you simply have a liking for antique appearances, you’ll love the BookBook.
USB-C Hubs and Dongles
Apple, in a surprising move back in 2016, killed all the important ports people needed in a MacBook and replaced them with USB-C ports effectively giving birth to the dongle life meme.
Apple was betting on the assumption that in some while, people will forget about those ports and everyone will be using USB-C similar to what happened with the headphone jack. Five years later, that’s not the case and Apple’s bet has gone awry. People still need an SD card slot, USB-A ports are still ubiquitous, and Thunderbolt isn’t widely accepted as the standard for connecting displays with HDMI still holding the fort.
That said, when Apple obliterated all the essential ports and replaced them with USB-C, people resorted to dongles and hubs. While it’s still inconvenient and you need to shell out more money than ever to be able to use your MacBook after purchasing it, dongles and hubs are the only options us MacBook users have left as a solution to the USB-C-only crisis.
(P.S. A new 14-inch MacBook Pro is rumored to bring some ports including HDMI and an SD card slot back)
That said, here are the best USB-C hubs and dongles for your 13-inch MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
Best choice for most
Anker USB-C Hub
Anker’s USB-C hub is the best choice for most people for a reason. It packs in almost everything you’ll need in a USB-C hub and costs less than other USB-C hubs that offer the same.
In all, Anker’s USB-C hub comes with 7 ports including:
- an HDMI
- a multi-function USB-C hub.
- a USB-C data port
- two USB-A ports
- an SD card slot
- a microSD card slot.
One thing to note here. This is one of the very few hubs that offers a microSD card slot alongside other slots. Although, if your daily workflow involves connecting to ethernet, you are unfortunately out of luck on this one.
One of the best things about this hub is that it sits flush with your MacBook by plugging into both USB-C ports. This is better than a USB-C hub that connects via a wire and extends outwards. I’ve had one with a wire for some time now and I cannot move around without struggling to handle the hub alongside the MacBook.
Since the Anker hub is attached to the MacBook independently, you don’t need to put in extra effort to carry it around. However, since it occupies both USB-C ports on your MacBook, you cannot make any extra connections should the need arise. This isn’t a problem with wired hubs.
As for the specifics of the connectivity the hub provides, it offers USB-C pass-through charging up to 100W, up to 5K resolution when connected to a display, and data transfer speeds of up to 40GB/s.
The hub itself has a minimal form factor that’s easy to travel with. It comes with a travel pouch as well.
Best choice for power users
Aukey 12-in-1 USB-C Hub
If your workflow revolves around the dongle life, this USB-C hub is for you. Aukey is already a renowned brand in the Apple third party accessories market. So, it’s no doubt that we’re dealing with a quality product here.
Aukey’s 8-in-1 USB-C Hub has these ports:
- a USB-C 3.0 port
- a USB PD port
- two USB-A 3.0 port
- two USB-A 2.0 ports
- a VGA port
- a Gigabit Ethernet port
- two HDMI ports
- a SD card slot
- a microSD card slot
It extends via a USB-C connection and does not stick to your MacBook by occupying both its ports. This means that you can connect, say, a Thunderbolt compatible display with one of the free ports.
Its design is a bit classic, which is an interesting choice. But, ultimately, an extended USB-C Hub’s design doesn’t matter unless it’s so outrageously offbeat that it hinders portability.
There are a bunch of nitty gritty details that you should consider before buying Aukey’s 12-in-1 USB-C hub. First off, it can power up to three displays at once. However, it’s worth noting that the newer M1 Macs won’t let you do that and are limited to a single display.
However, the display outputs 4K at 30Hz with HDMI and 1080p when connected via VGA. It offers passthrough charging up to 100W. But you’re only getting 89W to your MacBook as the hub itself gulps away 11W. Aukey recommends that you connect the hub to a power adapter first before connecting a power-hungry hard drive.
Since it offers 12 ports in all, there are very few workflows that need more than that, meaning you won’t need to worry about running out of ports.
The two USB-A 3.0 and a USB-C 3.0 port support data transfer speeds of up to 5GB/s, which is considerable. Other data ports only support up to 480MB/s transfer speeds.
Best USB-C docking station
Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station
If you find yourself at your desk all the time, it makes sense to opt for a docking station rather than a portable USB-C hub. A docking station usually includes more ports than most portable hubs and offers better compatibility and performance.
As for the Kensington SD5700T Docking Station, here’s all the ports it offers:
- four Thunderbolt 4 ports
- four USB-A ports
- a Gigabit Ethernet port
- an audio combo jack
- a UHS-II SD 4.0 card reader.
Like most docking stations, Kensington’s power lies in the kinds of displays it can power and how it can power them. This one offers single 8K or dual 4K video output for Thunderbolt 4-compatible displays. However, it’s once again worth noting that the latest M1 Macs only support connecting a single display at a time. You can, of course, opt for one with DisplayLink capability which lets you connect more than one display to your M1 Mac, but those come with limited compatibility and port options.
That said, this dock offers data transfer speeds of up to 40GB/s and can power your laptop at up to 90W capacity. The dock itself is certified for 180W capacity. It also comes with security locks.
Kensington says that it manages how power routes through the dock efficiently. Since Thunderbolt-compatible devices are power-hungry, the dock won’t let these steal power away from your MacBook and efficiently divert appropriate amounts of power to each device.
Now, since this is a full-fledged dock, you might not want it to obstruct your work Bby occupying valuable space on your desk. Thankfully, Kensington offers a mount as well at a separate cost.
Extra tidbits include a three-year warranty and unlimited customer support which makes this dock one of the best in the market.
MacBook Stands
If you are a MacBook user, chances are, you aren’t constantly working in cafés. You might be spending most of your time working on your desk at home, especially during the restrictions imposed by the pandemic.
That said, working on a MacBook on a desk is overrated. First off, it’s not good for posture and second, it’s somewhat uncomfortable. Thankfully, stands exist. Even though your MacBook is perfectly capable of sitting on a desk by itself, you can put it on a stand and get more out of it.
Benefits of using a stand include improvement in posture (less back pain), increase in productivity, and overall elevation in comfort.
Having said that, there is a bevy of stands available in the market that fit everyone’s needs. There’s one for those who want their desk uncluttered, there’s one for those who want to decorate their setup; heck, there’s one for those who prefer to work from their beds.
Mind if I run them by you?
But first, it’s worth understanding the kinds of stands that you can buy. It’s simple segregation: there are only two—vertical stands and horizontal stands.
Best for most
Rain Design mStand360 with Swivel Base
Rain Design is a well-known brand when it comes to MacBook stands. Let me tell you why. It looks exactly like your MacBook, provided you’ve bought a matching color. It’s sand-blasted and made up of anodized aluminum, some of the same processes that are used to manufacture MacBooks.
The matching appearance and feel of the stand make it look unanimous with the MacBook’s design, of which I am a huge fan. It’s titled like most stands so that the screen is adequately visible at all times. Moreover, the single-piece aluminum stand has an opening at the back which you can use to manage your cables making your desk look organized.
Rain makes two kinds of stands. One that swivels and one that doesn’t. I personally prefer the swiveling stand which is why I’m recommending it here. It lends you freedom to move along your desk without moving the stand along with you (which would be a cumbersome effort).
Since aluminum is excellent at displacing heat, the stand works that way for the MacBook’s benefit. However, the base still has silicone paddings that align with the silicone paddings on your MacBook for a better grip. And, for ultimate protection, there’s also an elevated bar at the front which prevents your Mac from sliding down on you.
Another notable detail is that the bottom of the stand allows you to tuck your external keyboard in, giving you more space to work with at your desk.
A rife I have with this stand is its inability to adjust its height. With the Rain Design Stand, you’re stuck working with a single level; which is especially noticeable when you need to work while standing for a while.
Best ergonomics
GIKERSY Adjustable Laptop Stand
My major rife with the Rain stand for MacBooks was its inability to adjust its height. The GIKERSY stand lets you do that.
It can raise to a maximum level of around 8-inches which is quite helpful when you want to work while upright. Other than the adjustable mechanism, the stand also swivels enabling further enhanced flexibility while using your MacBook.
While its length is adjustable, its angle, unfortunately is not. However, you won’t find that much concerning as it’s set at a predefined 15-degree angle, which depending on the height of your desk, is an ergonomically appropriate angle.
This stand isn’t as impressive as the Rain stand design-wise. Also, you wouldn’t have heard about the GIKERSY brand before this post. Neither did I, but I came across it while researching for this post. I found the product’s quality to be a bit questionable, but it offers a reasonable set of features for the price point.
It’s also worth noting that when you first inbox it, you need to manually build the stand using screws that are provided within the box. After setting up, the adjusting dial is a bit finicky and doesn’t work as smoothly as you’d expect. The adjusting motion itself isn’t smooth. Despite the inefficiencies, I’m relying on the fact that it simply works and is a great deal if you choose to blur out the nitpick quality aspects.
However, if you’re a stickler for quality and would love to pay more for a better stand, you should.
Otherwise, the stand has everything you’d expect from a stand. The bottom has grills that contribute in keeping your MacBook cooler alongside grips and stops that hold it in pace.
Best vertical stand
TwelveSouth BookArc
TwelveSouth’s BookArc has been the epitome of a successful MacBook accessory. If you’ve been following Apple news for some time, you might have noticed publications and YouTube channels promoting the BookArc within their content.
Well, it’s worth every mention. First off, allow me to describe it. It’s a simplistic vertical stand that accommodates your MacBook in a vertical position with its lid closed. As the name suggests, it’s shaped like an arc. Albeit, it’s one that’s unanimous with Apple’s own design principles.
It’s made up of aluminum and sports chamfered edges that give the stand a premium look. The stand has a modular approach when it comes to supporting different MacBook models. It comes with “Inserts”—which are silicone grips that you can attach to the metallic stand. TwelveSouth offers multiple Inserts in the box and you can also order these separately should the need arise. This makes the BookArc future proof. Whenever Apple releases a MacBook with a new size, the folks over at TwelveSouth simply design an Insert for it.
Unfortunately, the BookArc isn’t one of those traditional stands that you can simply place your MacBook on and begin using it. If you plan on purchasing the stand, since it sits vertically and the MacBook’s lid is shut off entirely, you need to have an external display in order to justify the stand. It’s actually vice-versa. But you get the point.
The BookArc stand takes advantage of Apple’s Closed Display Mode, which is a feature that lets your MacBook stay powered on even when the lid is closed. This means you can connect your MacBook to an external display, close the lid, and forget it exists until you need to carry it along. One problem that arises while using your MacBook in Closed Display Mode is that it occupies too much space laying flat on the desk.
BookArc exits simply for that purpose. Since your MacBook now rests vertically, it doesn’t occupy as much space and to top it off, also looks amazing. Oh! It’s available in two simple colors—space gray and silver.
Best for wood enthusiasts
Oakywood Laptop Dock
If you are a fan of wooden objects and furniture, you’ll love Oakywood’s laptop stand. It’s made up of authentic walnut wood and polished by hand to lend it a smooth appearance. It sits vertically on your desk and also holds your MacBook in an upright position allowing you to save valuable desk space while your MacBook is connected to an external display.
The stand comes with an adjustable felt lining inside that ensures your Mac fits smugly and stays there unhindered.
There’s nothing much to say about the Oakywood dock except that you should go for it. If I were you, I would choose a wooden dock instead of a metallic one. It provides a beautiful contrast from the metallic look of your MacBook and makes you feel more in-sync with nature. I would also suggest you get a plant to keep on your desk which will accentuate the setup even further.
Lastly, the Oakywood stand is available in two finishes—Walnut and Oak. Walnut is a darker wood while Oak is brighter. Choosing the right color for yourself entirely depends on your preference.
Best for using your MacBook on a bed
HUANUO Lap Desk
There are many reasons you would want to use your MacBook on your bed or couch. Whatever the reason might be, you can agree that it’s not comfortable after a while. That’s especially true when you are stuck using your Mac’s trackpad since it’s on your lap and using a mouse would be rather uncomfortable.
Thankfully, tables that comfortably fir into your lap exist. And HUANUO’s Lap Desk is a great one.
Starting off with the comfort aspect, the desk is padded with cushions at strategic places. Obviously, there are cushions underneath the desk so that it doesn’t tire out your thighs. The cushion that supports the backend of the desk is elongated to give it a tilt, making it ergonomically easier to work.
Then, cushions are present on the top of the table near the base. These act as both a barrier for your laptop so that it doesn’t slide off and a hand rest. The desk also has a built-in mouse pad alongside two insertion points where you can stick pens, your iPhone, and your iPad.
The surface of the desk is given a wooden look and the cushions are gray in color. While there aren’t any extra color combinations available, the HUANUO Lap Desk is a great solution for using your MacBook while on a couch or bed.
External Keyboards for MacBook
Now that you’ve got a decent stand, there’s a chance you might not be able to use your MacBook on it without an external keyboard. Thankfully, there are a bevy of external keyboards out there that may fit your needs.
Best External Keyboard for any Mac
Apple Magic Wireless Keyboard
Despite the fact that there are many external keyboard options for your MacBook in the market, none matches the simplicity and usability of Apple’s official MacBook Keyboard. It is one of those Apple products that is ultimately better than any third-party option.
What’s so great about it, you may ask? Well, first off, it’s the Magic Keyboard, which is widely considered to be one of the best keyboards to type on, thanks to its appropriate key travel and amazing tactile feedback.
Apple last year re-introduced it in its MacBooks after opting for the Butterfly keyboard for a while. Granted, the Butterfly keyboard had its own share of problems, but when Apple finally reintroduced the Magic Keyboard on the MacBook, people rejoiced.
Apple’s external Magic Keyboard comes in two finishes: Silver and Space Gray. There’s also an elongated version that includes a pad with numeric keys, should you need that.
Best alternative to the Magic Keyboard
Logitech MX Keys
Logitech is a leading brand in keyboard and mice offerings. Naturally, it also has the best external keyboard for your Mac after Apple’s official Magic Keyboard.
It has keys with a hollow design that offers a decent grip and comes with an additional keypad at the same price as Apple’s Magic Keyboard without the keypad. It’s elevated at the back to offer an angle that’s comfortable for typing. Unlike the Magic Keyboard, though, Logitech’s offering offers a protruding stand below as opposed to a unibody design.
The keys are adequately backlit and automatically adjust to the lighting around. What’s more? The keyboard not only accounts for hardware features but also includes some interesting software-based features.
For starters, it supports multiple Ones at once. You can easily copy and paste files from one OS to another using the keyboard’s companion software. You can also map the function keys to make them perform different actions using the companion software.
Finally, since it’s wireless, the keyboard runs on a rechargeable battery. It comes with a USB-C port which offers fast charging.
Best for Ergonomic purposes
Logitech Ergo K860 Wireless Keyboard
I’m sorry if I’m the one who broke this to you: the regular flat keyboards you type on may not be healthy for your wrists in the long run. That’s why ergonomic keyboards exist. And Logitech’s Ergo K860 is a great option you should consider.
It has a wavy, split design to ensure your arms rest in an appropriate position while typing. It also comes with a palm rest attached that can be elevated using little stands beneath it. The palm rest itself is made up of stain-resistant fabric padded with memory foam so that you don’t feel wrist fatigue by typing over long periods of time.
Apart from that, it has pretty much the same features as that of the Logitech MX. However, you might have to face a bit of a learning curve for some time while using this keyboard since it’s split in two halves and is not laid out like a traditional keyboard.
Best Mechanical Keyboard for Mac
Keychron K2 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
The Keychron K2 is an excellent choice if you crave a mechanical keyboard for your MacBook. It has a 4000mAh battery inside that amounts to 7 days of real-time usage. It includes adjustable RGB lighting alongside charging and wired connectivity over USB-C.
There’s also an OS switch by the side that comes in handy if you need to instantly switch to using Windows. Apart from that, the keyboard includes rubber stands that helps elevate it for a better typing experience.
As for the keys, the key travel is decent and the tactile feedback is amazing; especially considering the price point. It also includes all the handy function keys you’ll require in a Mac.
That said, if you are considering buying this, as it goes with all mechanical keyboards, do consider buying a palm rest since mechanical keyboards are well-known for inducing fatigue. It goes without saying that you can easily swap out the keys and add your own custom keys.
However, the one thing that I personally did not like about this keyboard is the washed-out gray finish. But if you are okay with that or are planning on adding your own switches, it’s worth purchasing.
External Mouse and Trackpad
Best for MacBooks
Apple Magic Mouse 2
Once again, Apple’s Magic Mouse joins Apple’s Magic Keyboard in becoming one of the very few Apple accessories that remain unparalleled.
It’s revered for its minimalistic design and lightweight form factor. The multi tech gesture on the Magic Mouse 2 is what makes it an interesting choice as it works in tandem with macOS’ gestures. For instance, swiping with two fingers on the mouse scrolls a page on the Mac.
The gestures are smooth enough despite the fact that the mouse is connected via Bluetooth. Furthermore, Apple’s Magic Mouse 2 is rechargeable. Although, the placement of the charging port is a bit tricky, the mouse’s week-long battery life means you won’t need to deal with it often.
One thing that affects a lot of people is the size of the Magic Mouse. It’s often too small for people with large hands and ends up being a worse experience for those. Despite that, the small and sleek form factor of the mouse means you can pack it along with almost anything.
Best for ergonomics
Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse
Just as an ergonomic keyboard might aid your overall wrist health, an ergonomic mice offers a comfortable experience when compared to a regular mouse. You might have noticed that using a regular mouse over an extended period of time hurts your wrist. Thankfully, Logitech’s MX Vertical Wireless mouse makes an interesting proposition.
It’s designed in a way that resembles a natural handshake position when you’re gripping it, thereby reducing muscular strain by 10 percent. Just looking at it seems unusual. And it is.
It will also take some time getting used to when you first start using it. This might affect your productivity a bit, but once you’ve got the hang of it, your wrist will feel much better as compared to using a regular mouse. After all, making healthy choices is essential.
That said, the Logitech MX Vertical Mouse stands at an angle of 57 degrees reduces pressure exerted on your wrist. Your thumb can simultaneously rest on the thumb rest.
Aside from the notable design, the mouse also has some hardware and software-based features that work in tandem to improve the overall experience of the device. For instance, Logitech claims the mouse has advanced optical tracking that amounts in 4x less hand movement, thereby eliminating fatigue. Moreover, you can tweak the cursor speed and accuracy within Logitech’s companion software for the mouse.
The mouse charges using a USB-C cable and promises four months on a single charge. Logitech also says that one minute of charge will let you use the mouse for three hours. The mouse also offers three ways you can connect it to your Mac: via Bluetooth, via Logitech’s receiver, and via USB-C.
If you are seriously considering a healthier avenue, this mouse is for you. The only friction you’ll face is the amount of time it takes to get accustomed to the vertical alignment of the mouse.
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