If you’re a creative professional or tech enthusiast who values style and simplicity, Mac laptops and desktops are the obvious choices. Apple’s Magic Keyboard, however, isn’t as innovative as its P.C. hardware (which gets a lot of attention from people and costs a lot of money), with its overall look and function remaining virtually unchanged. With an updated Magic Keyboard (starts at AED 657-to-AED730 as tested), Apple adds Touch ID to its list of features for tighter integration with M1-powered desktops like Mac Studio and 24-inch iMac. Except for this addition, it’s pretty much the same as it’s always been, which may delight Apple enthusiasts, but isn’t compelling for everyone.

What’s the point of all this money?

Aside from the overall design and look of every device in Apple’s lineup, it’s one thing that’s consistently great. The Magic Keyboard has the same bespoke, high-quality feel with this latest refresh. The new keyboard is the same size as the old one (0.4 by 16.4 by 4.5 inches), but it’s lighter by an ounce, weighing 0.81 pounds.

The Mac gets Touch ID.

What about the latest feature, Touch ID? Touch ID works the same way on your iPhone and iPad, so that you can expect the same here. The eject button was replaced by Touch ID on the previous Magic Keyboard.

Set it up like you’d set up Touch ID on another device by picking your favourite finger (in this case, my pointer) and placing and lifting it multiple times over the scanner to scan your fingerprint completely. Taking a minute and foolproof, the process takes hardly any time.

Apple Pay, iTunes Store, App Store, and Apple Books, as well as autofilling passwords, are all powered by encrypted fingerprint data sent to the M1 chip. Touch ID makes it easy to switch users, which is handy if you use your Mac for the family. A single fingerprint can be saved up to three times at a time.

With Touch ID, security and privacy are improved, and it works great. Any device with biometrics is sure to get consumers’ ire since they’re wary of sharing their data with big companies. A fingerprint won’t unlock your computer if you don’t have one store.

All that being said, a caveat potential buyers should keep in mind is if the keyboard is compatible with their system. An M1-powered iMac or Mac laptop is required for Touch ID, so if you don’t have an M1-powered iMac, you can’t use Touch ID. Despite the absence of Touch ID, the keyboard will still work (even with a Windows P.C.), but you’re better off either using a keyboard you already have lying around or picking up the previous Magic Keyboard, which Apple still sells for AED 363.

The Design is aging, so it’s Expensive.

As a whole, the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID isn’t a big deal either way. In this case, it’s the age-old mantra, “Don’t fix what ain’t broken.” Touch ID is a welcome addition, but the keyboard’s shallow key travel still makes typing less than ideal.

I’d skip the full-size Magic Keyboard, even if I were an Apple fanatic. I’d rather use my existing keyboard or a wireless alternative like the Logitech G915 Light speed Wireless Mechanical Keyboard or the Satechi Aluminum Bluetooth Keyboard.

BOTTOM LINE:

The latest Magic Keyboard will provide you with style and function when you use your Mac powered by an M1 processor, but it’s only improved with Touch ID, leaving you wondering why it’s asking AED 657-to-AED730.