Up to date this text from 12/19/22 on 2/8/23 with OnePlus’s announcement of the identify of the keyboard, a photograph, and product particulars.
Hey, have you ever ever heard of OnePlus? Nicely, okay, the standard Macworld reader most likely has, as a result of they are usually into tech greater than most individuals. However within the basic Apple neighborhood, it wouldn’t be shocking {that a} majority haven’t heard of the Android telephone and accent maker. However all of us is perhaps listening to slightly 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 will not be a type of annoying “Mac-compatible” keyboards with a Home windows key format and Mac-compatible software program drivers. In response to OnePlus, this keyboard “is designed to work seamlessly” on the Mac with a format that “matches the MacBook keyboard,” although OnePlus says it should additionally work with Home windows and Linux. Based mostly on the pictures OnePlus launched at a February 8 press occasion, the keyboard appears to have a Command key–however the Fn secret’s in a special location from the place Mac customers are accustomed. See for your self within the image beneath.
The identify isn’t very Apple-like, however the format is near being Mac-friendly.
OnePlus
The MacBook format is unquestionably one approach to get Mac customers . One other function that can pique curiosity is its double-gasket mount design, which OnePlus says makes “typing an satisfying movement.” Additionally, the keyboard’s product web page states that the keys’ “sound is dampened.” OnePlus doesn’t straight say it’s quieter than Apple’s Magic Keyboard, nevertheless it appears to be a purpose.
And in case 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 could have an aluminum physique like Apple’s personal Magic Keyboard. If it’s something like Keychron’s different keyboards, that might imply it has a hefty design, which isn’t essentially a foul factor. OnePlus additionally guarantees customizable options, reminiscent of hot-swappable switches and open-source firmware.
It feels like an attention-grabbing keyboard, and generally, keyboards are very subjective to every particular person on the subject of usability and choice. Some folks 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 price. The corporate doesn’t say how a lot the keyboard will price, however we assume it is going to be on the inexpensive aspect and certain cheaper than the Magic Keyboard.
