Tired of wrestling with clunky keyboards and adapters to connect to your slick new USB-C laptop or tablet? The Macally USB C Keyboard is here to save the day.
This compact little keyboard has a fresh minimalist design that looks right at home next to any modern device. Just plug the USB-C cable into your MacBook, iPad Pro, or whatever else and start typing. No extra software, no adapters, no cables to wrangle.
The keyboard itself is thoughtfully designed for maximum productivity. The 78 responsive keys allow for comfortable typing, while 13 convenient shortcut keys let you copy, paste, adjust volume, and more with a tap.
And don’t worry about losing juice because the Macally runs off a 5-foot USB-C cable. No batteries or charging is ever needed. It’s just pure, uninterrupted typing bliss.
With a durable and elegant aluminum frame, this keyboard is built to last while matching your sophisticated style. Macally provides up to 2 years of warranty plus lifetime tech support, so you never have to worry about getting stuck with a lemon.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a compact and reliable keyboard designed to work seamlessly with newer devices, the Macally Small USB C Keyboard is a great choice. Its sleek and elegant design, powerful shortcut keys, and fast and reliable connectivity make it the perfect addition to any workstation. So why wait?
Macally Small USB C Keyboard – Overview
When it comes to finding a compact and efficient keyboard for my devices, the Macally Small USB C Keyboard is my go-to choice. This wired keyboard works with any device with a USB-C port, including Macbook Pro/Air, iMac, iPad, Windows, and Chromebook.
The elegant and durable frame of the keyboard is the perfect combination of style and practicality. It looks great with any computer or laptop and enhances my workstation. The 5ft USB-C cable offers a fast and reliable connection to my device while eliminating the need for batteries.
One of the best features of this keyboard is its 13 convenient shortcut keys that seamlessly navigate and control my computer or tablet. These quick keys work with both Apple & Windows to improve productivity.
Designed for USB-C
As someone who owns multiple USB-C devices, one of my favorite things about the Macally keyboard is the seamless plug-and-play connectivity. With the older micro USB keyboards, I always struggled with having the right cables and adapters to connect to different gadgets.
But the Macally solves this issue beautifully with its integrated 5-foot USB-C cable, which plugs directly into any USB-C laptop, tablet, or phone. Whenever I get a new device, I never have to worry about compatibility – I plug it in and start using it immediately.
The USB-C connection delivers fast, reliable data transfer and power delivery up to 100W. I never experience any lag or delays when using the keyboard, even when typing documents or coding for hours.
And because it’s a wired connection, I don’t have to deal with pairing, batteries, or charging like I do with Bluetooth keyboards. It’s always ready to use and has never died on me unexpectedly. The convenience of the plug-and-play USB-C setup makes the Macally keyboard a joy to use with all my devices.
Durable and Long-Lasting Build Quality
After testing dozens of keyboards over the years, I’ve found that many cheaper models break down quickly from daily use. But the Macally USB C Keyboard has held up impressively thanks to its durable construction.
The aluminum top surface has a solid, premium feel and shows no wear. I also appreciate how the ABS plastic base keeps the keyboard firmly planted on my desk without sliding around.
After months of daily use for work and leisure, the keys still feel snappy and responsive. None of the keycaps or switches show signs of failure or degraded performance.
Based on my experience, I can confidently say that the Macally is built to last for the long haul. It easily withstands minor bumps and drops during travel without damage. The durable build gives me peace of mind that this keyboard will handle years of typing.
Macally provides a 1-year limited warranty plus lifetime tech support for extra assurance. But I don’t anticipate needing to use it, thanks to the reliable construction. Overall, the durability provides fantastic value, given the affordable price point.
Powerful Shortcut Keys
I absolutely love Macally’s integrated shortcut keys for improving efficiency.
The keyboard includes 13 convenient shortcuts for common functions like copy, paste, cut, volume control, music playback, search, screenshots, and more. These shortcuts work seamlessly on Mac and Windows, so I can use the same keyboard with all my devices.
The shortcut keys help me save so much time compared to having to navigate through menus and options to do simple tasks. For example, I use the screenshot key to capture screens for work docs and projects. And the music playback buttons make it easy to control my tunes while coding without skipping between apps.
These shortcuts integrated right on the keyboard have become indispensable for streamlining my workflow. They allow me to keep my hands on the keyboard and my focus on the task at hand. I wish more peripheral manufacturers included such useful shortcut keys!
Work Hassle Free
I used to struggle with hand and wrist fatigue. But since switching to the Macally keyboard, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in strain, even during all-day typing marathons.
The key height and spacing follow ergonomic design principles for natural hand and finger positioning. My hands rest comfortably on the keys without any unnatural stretching or contortions.
The gentle slope of the base also keeps my wrists in a neutral position to avoid tendon strain. I no longer have to use an additional wrist rest to prevent fatigue.
The lightweight 0.7-pound design prevents arm or shoulder discomfort even when using it on my lap or juggling it between locations.
Overall, the Macally does an excellent job minimizing fatigue and discomfort during prolonged use. My hands and arms feel much better even after long workdays, thanks to the ergonomic design optimizations.
Pros and Cons
After using the Macally Small USB C Keyboard, I have compiled a list of pros and cons to help you decide if this keyboard is right.
Pros
- Convenient USB-C Connection: The Macally Small USB-C Keyboard can easily connect to newer devices with a USB-C port. This makes it an excellent choice for those who own MacBooks, iPads, or Windows devices. There is no need for extra software, plug and play.
- Elegant and Durable Design: This keyboard has a compact, durable frame that looks great with any computer or laptop. It is designed with the perfect combination of style and practicality.
- 13 Convenient Shortcut Keys: The keyboard has 13 quick keys that make navigating and controlling your computer or tablet easy. These quick keys work with both Apple and Windows devices, which is great for productivity.
- No Need for Batteries: The 5ft USB-C cable offers a fast and reliable connection to your device while eliminating the need for batteries. This makes it hassle-free and convenient to use.
- Warranty and Tech Support: The Macally Small USB C Keyboard is backed by up to 2 years of warranty and lifetime tech support. Knowing that you can rely on their support if anything goes wrong with the keyboard gives you peace of mind.
Cons
While I’m a big fan of the Macally USB C Keyboard, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind:
- Not backlit: A backlit keyboard would be better suited for low-light typing. But Macally chose to forego backlighting given the compact design.
- No number pad: The tenkeyless layout omits a number pad, which may frustrate data entry users. Though I personally appreciate the smaller size.
For the affordable price, these limitations aren’t dealbreakers for me. But they’re worth noting for specific use cases.
Despite a few compromises, the Macally delivers fantastic value and convenience for connecting USB-C devices. For general home, office, and student use, it’s hard to beat.
Macally vs. Other Brands
Are you curious how the Macally USB C keyboard compares against the competition? Here’s a quick rundown of how it stacks up to alternatives:
- Macally vs. Apple Magic Keyboard – Apple’s offering is slimmer and has a built-in battery but costs 2-3x more. The Macally provides similar functionality for a fraction of the price. But the Magic Keyboard does have a Touch ID sensor and some additional macOS function keys.
- Macally vs. Logitech K380 – Logitech’s keyboard is also very compact and pairs via Bluetooth. But the Macy’s wired USB-C connection offers lower latency and no battery/charging to worry about. Both are great portable options.
- Macally vs. Anker Wireless Keyboard – Anker’s keyboard has a full number pad and backlighting but requires AA batteries instead of a wired connection. So the Macally trades fancy features for minimalism and reliability.
- Macally vs. Arteck HB030B – The Arteck is another compact USB-C option with a similar price and size. However, it lacks multimedia shortcut keys and has received lower ratings for build quality.
Macally hits a sweet spot between price, features, and simplicity. It shines if you want minimal fuss and reliable typing without paying a premium.
Customer Reviews
After reading numerous customer reviews, I found that the Macally Small USB C Keyboard has received a mixed response. Some users praised its compatibility with various devices, including Android phones and iPads, while others found it uncomfortable to use for extended periods.
Some appreciated the absence of a numeric keypad, which made the keyboard more compact and easier to carry, but others missed having the option. Several users reported that the keyboard stopped working after a few weeks or months of use, which is concerning.
Purchase with Confidence
After using the Macally Small USB C Keyboard for a few days, I can confidently say that it is a great purchase for anyone needing a compact and reliable keyboard. The plug-and-play compatibility with various devices, including my MacBook Pro and iPad, makes it a versatile option for on-the-go use.
While some reviewers have mentioned that the keyboard may not be as comfortable as an Apple keyboard, I found it ergonomic enough for extended typing sessions. The lack of a number pad also allows for a more compact design that easily fits into my backpack or small case.
Overall, I highly recommend the Macally Small USB C Keyboard for anyone needing a reliable and compact device keyboard.
Conclusion
For those looking to upgrade their USB-C computing experience, the Macally USB-C Keyboard is an easy recommendation. It delivers excellent value without breaking the bank.
The plug-and-play USB-C connection makes pairing with devices a cinch. Thoughtful touches like the productivity shortcut keys and ergonomic design show Macally’s attention to detail. And the durable, long-lasting build quality ensures this keyboard will last for years.
If you can live without backlighting and a number pad, the streamlined Macally keyboard provides a fuss-free typing experience for work, school, or home. For such a low price, it’s tough to beat for any USB-C device owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Macally keyboard require charging?
No, the Macally USB C Keyboard requires no charging or batteries. It is powered and connected directly through the included 5-foot USB-C cable.
Is the Macally keyboard waterproof or water-resistant?
No, the Macally keyboard does not advertise any waterproofing or splash resistance. Like most electronics, you’ll want to avoid exposing it to water or liquid damage.
How do you connect the keyboard to an iPad Pro?
Connecting to an iPad Pro is very easy – plug the USB-C cable from the keyboard directly into the USB-C port on the iPad. No adapters or extra accessories are required.
Does the keyboard work with Android phones?
Yes, you can plug the keyboard into Android phones equipped with a USB-C port. It will function for basic typing and shortcut keys. Note that advanced OS-specific features may not work.
Does the Macally keyboard require special drivers or software?
Nope! The keyboard is plug-and-play across Mac, Windows, Android, iPadOS, and Linux. No drivers, apps, or special software needed.
Can you replace the USB-C cable if it gets damaged?
Unfortunately, the USB-C cable is hardwired into the keyboard and cannot be removed or replaced. You would need to get the keyboard replaced/repaired in case of cable damage.
How long is the warranty period for the Macally keyboard?
Macally provides a 1-year limited warranty on manufacturing defects. You can also opt for a 1, 2, or 3-year extended protection plan for a small fee.
Is the keyboard layout in QWERTY, QWERTZ, or AZERTY format?
The Macally keyboard uses a standard US English QWERTY key layout. QWERTZ and AZERTY layouts are not available for this model.
Does the keyboard work with the Nintendo Switch?
You can directly connect the keyboard to the Switch in docked mode using the USB-C cable for a better typing experience! It will function for game chats, web browsing, and more.
Can you use the keyboard with smart TVs?
If your smart TV has a USB-C port, you can directly plug in the keyboard for convenient text input! It’s great for things like entering passwords, searching, or navigating menus. Check your TV for USB-C compatibility.
And that covers the most frequently asked questions about the Macally USB C Keyboard! Let me know if you have any other questions.
