One of the features Apple is pushing for its new Touch Bar MacBook Pro is a quieter keyboard. Less clackity-clack will no doubt make a lot of people happy, but is it really quieter? TechCrunch did their own informal test with a previous generation keyboard and the new model. They recorded the results, and there is a difference between the two, but it may not be as dramatic as some were hoping for. Still, it’s quieter, and that’s something.
keyboard
2018 Touch Bar MacBook Pro Keyboard Gets Potentially Dust-proof Barrier
Apple’s new Touch Bar MacBook Pro, released last week, has a new keyboard that appears to be redesigned to fix the failure issue plaguing the 2016 and 2017 models.
Why We Won't Be Giving Up Our Mac's Keyboard Anytime Soon
AI agents are often identified as the next I/O device, supplanting our traditional keyboards. John thinks the keyboard will actually be around for a long time to come.
Matias Wired Aluminum Keyboard is Full Size, Backlit and Gorgeous
For years, Apple shipped its Aluminum Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad with a wired USB connection. But the wired version was discontinued in 2017. Fortunately Matias has an even better replacement. John reviews it.
Online Petition Calls for Apple to Redesign and Replace 2016 MacBook Keyboard
The 2016 and later MacBook Pro keyboard has been a point of contention—and failure—for some users, and now a petition is demanding Apple recall the laptop and install a better keyboard.
Twitter's Plain Text Password List, MacBook Pro Recall Petition - TMO Daily Observations 2018-05-04
Bryan Chaffin and John Martellaro join Jeff Gamet to talk about Twitter’s plain text password list, and a petition to recall and replace the Touch Bar MacBook Pro’s built-in keyboard.
Azio Mechanical Keyboard Marries Retro Looks and Backlit Keys [Update on Mac Support]
I spotted the Azio mechanical keyboard as a sponsored post in my Instagram feed last night, and I thought it was super cool. Originally funded on Indiegogo for more than $388,000, the Azio keyboard is shipping now. The one shown in the image below is the Azio Retro Classic BT (for Bluetooth), with a USB version available, too. It’s not quite steampunk, but it’s close, and there are several other styles, too. There are also also different color options for each model. There are also models with modern key shapes, and some much cheaper entry-level models, but I love this typewriter feel on the Retro Classic. It’s priced at $189 for USB and $219 for Bluetooth. The video is from the original Indiegogo campaign. [2nd Update: Azio told me that the Bluetooth version supports the Mac and comes with replaceable keys. The USB version is Windows only. – Bryan] [3rd Update: I’ve now published an Azio Retro Classic BT Mac review].
How to Type an Interrobang on Your iPhone or iPad
Let’s say you know what an interrobang is, and let’s also say you want to type one on your iPhone or iPad. Here’s how to make that happen.
Sensel Morph Is Any Artist's Dream Tool
There’s a really cool, cutting-edge input device that looks like a must-have for musicians, artists, hobbyists, and professionals alike. Called the Sensel Morph, early adopters call its user experience seamless, even though it’s capable of filling many roles. There are 10 unique overlays available for the Morph. These allow the touch-sensitive accessory to act as many devices. There is an overlay to turn the Morph into a keyboard, piano, drum pad, gaming pad, and much more. When you place one of the overlays on the input device, it automatically “morphs” into a MIDI controller, video editor, drum set, art tablet, keyboard, and more. The Morph offers precise tracking and high force sensitivity, while being able to detect any object or tool from a gloved finger to a paint brush. The Sensel Morph connects via Bluetooth LE, USB, and even serial port (with the optional Developer’s Cable).
![Review: Logitech CRAFT Keyboard is Great but Also Marred [UPDATE]](https://www.macobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/CRAFT-in-service-teaser.webp)
Review: Logitech CRAFT Keyboard is Great but Also Marred [UPDATE]
The recently released Logitech CRAFT keyboard for PCs and Macs has more than the usual features for a keyboard, and most are good.
iOS 11: How to Use One Handed Keyboard with Your iPhone
iOS 11 has a new one-hand keyboard option for the iPhone that lets you do exactly what it says: type with just one hand. It’s easy to get at, but a little confusing why you may not see it.
Microsoft Kills Word Flow Keyboard for iPhone
Microsoft’s surprisingly useful iPhone one-hand keyboard Word Flow has been discontinued and is being calling a completed experiment.
Go Wireless or Go Home: Apple Discontinues Wired Keyboard with Numeric Keypad
Those looking for an official Apple keyboard with numeric keypad can now shell out $129 on the new wireless model, or try to pick up the old wired model from third-party retailers before supplies run out.
This Dual-Battery Wireless Backlit Keyboard for Mac Has It All
We like backlit keyboards. We also like wireless keyboards. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many options that feature both, especially when it comes to Mac-specific models. But accessory firm Matias is looking to change that with the CES announcement of the Wireless Aluminum Keyboard with Backlight. It’s a sleek Apple-style Bluetooth keyboard with support for up to four devices and, here’s the kicker, separate batteries for the keyboard and the backlight. That means when your energy-hogging backlight goes out, you can keep on typing without skipping a beat. The keyboard ships in June in Silver and Space Gray color options, but you can pre-order now for $139.
How about a Computer Keyboard or Trackpad Made of Wood?
I have no idea how practical these products are, but they’re gorgeous. Check out the Orée Board and Orée Touch Slab, a keyboard and trackpad made from wood. The Board is portable and can connect via USB or Bluetooth. It’s designed to work with macOS and iOS, or Windows and Android. Each is made from a single piece of wood, making individual units unique. The Touch Slab is a multitouch trackpad that can also be used as a numeric keypad. Look closely and you’ll see the keypad outlined on top. It’s Bluetooth only, and works with macOS, and Windows 7 or 8. The Board is priced at US$129, while Touch Slab is $150. I haven’t tested them, but they totally caught my eye.
How to Show the Virtual On-Screen Keyboard Viewer in macOS Sierra
Mac Geek Gab listener Bruce recently upgraded to Sierra and noticed that one of his favorite features, the Mac’s virtual on-screen keyboard, was missing. Thankfully, Apple hasn’t removed the Keyboard Viewer, it’s just hiding in a new location. Here’s how to access it!
Brydge 12.9 Aluminum Keyboard for iPad Pro Exudes Class
Apple has waxed enthusiastic about keyboards for the iPad and now offers its own. But the design may not be for everyone. If you’ve been thinking about a sturdy, aluminum keyboard/case for your iPad Pro, one that makes it look (and function) very much like a MacBook, then you’ll want to read John’s review of the Brydge 12.9 model for iPad Pro.
How to Add a Physical Escape Key to the New MacBook Pro
The Escape key has been on our keyboards practically since the beginning of time—even the Apple II had one. That’s changing with tomorrow’s MacBook Pro refresh and its Magic Toolbar. The physical Escape key is going virtual, but Apple is including a way to let other keys handle its task.
E Ink Keyboard MacBook Pros Aren't a Sure Thing
A report last week suggested Apple will ditch the MacBook Pro’s traditional keyboard for an E Ink version with keys that dynamically change based on the app being used. Now the Wall Street Journal is chiming is saying it has sources confirming Apple’s plan. That makes it more likely an E Ink keyboard is coming, but it still isn’t a sure thing.
Apple May Want Sonder's E Ink Keyboard for MacBook Pro
Apple’s plans for adaptive keyboard elements may go beyond replacing the function keys on the MacBook Pro with a touch sensitive OLED strip. A new report claims Apple wants Sonder’s E Ink-based keyboard system for future MacBook Pro models, and may be negotiating to buy Sonder the company.
The iPad Pro 9.7-inch Keyboard Case for Road Warriors
In a perfect world, Dr. Mac says he’d ditch his laptop and hit the road with just a svelte 9.7-inch iPad Pro. Two recent events make it possible; find out more in Dr. Mac’s Rants & Raves #189: The iPad Pro 9.7-inch Keyboard Case for Road Warriors
OS X: Renaming a Bluetooth Device
If one of your Bluetooth devices (like your Magic Keyboard or Magic Mouse) has a name you aren’t fond of, how do you change it? The process is a bit different than it used to be, so we’re going to go over what you’ll do!