Update this article from 12/19/22 to 2/8/23 with OnePlus announcing the name of the keyboard, a photo and product details.
Hey, have you ever heard of OnePlus? Well, okay, the typical igamesnews reader probably did, because they tend to be more into technology than most people. But in the Apple community at large, it wouldn’t be surprising if a majority hadn’t heard of the android manufacturer of telephones and accessories. But we might all hear a bit more about it soon.
That’s because OnePlus is collaborating with Keychron on a mechanical keyboard for Mac. The OnePlus Feature Keyboard 81 Pro isn’t one of those boring “Mac-compatible” keyboards with a Windows key layout and Mac-compatible software drivers. According to OnePlus, this keyboard “is designed to work seamlessly” on the Mac with a layout that “matches the MacBook keyboard,” although OnePlus says it will also work with Windows and Linux. Based on photos released by OnePlus at a press event on February 8, the keyboard appears to have a command key, but the Fn key is in a different location than Mac users are used to. See for yourself in the image below.
The name is not very similar to Apple, but the layout is close to being compatible with Mac.
OnePlus
The layout of the MacBook is surely a way to interest Mac users. Another feature that will spark interest is its dual-joint mounting design, which OnePlus says makes “motion typing feel great.” Also, the product page for the keyboard states that the keys have “dimmed sound”. OnePlus doesn’t directly say it’s quieter than Apple’s Magic Keyboard, but that seems like a goal.
And if you need one more reason to check out a Mac keyboard from OnePlus, did we mention they do android phones and accessories? — the keyboard will have an aluminum body like Apple’s Magic Keyboard. If it looks like Keychron’s other keyboards, that could mean it has a heavy design, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. OnePlus also promises customizable features, such as hot-swappable switches and open-source firmware.
It looks like an interesting keyboard, and in general, keyboards are very subjective to each individual when it comes to usability and preferences. Some people will read about these features and be excited, others will shrug their shoulders indifferently. The one question every Mac user asks is: can OnePlus manage to deliver the nuances of the Mac experience in their keyboards? We’ll have to wait and see – OnePlus says pre-orders start in April.
OnePlus is one of the most popular Android brands, building phones that rival high-end handsets from Google and Samsung at a significantly lower cost. The company doesn’t say how much the keyboard will cost, but we assume it will be affordable and likely cheaper than the Magic Keyboard.
