Written by: Jin Fujisaki / Published: 2026-02-17
Every Mac user has surely wondered at least once: "Why does the MacBook's keyboard light up, but the desktop Magic Keyboard doesn't?" Satechi has brilliantly resolved that long-standing frustration. The new "Slim EX1 Wireless Keyboard" features a beautiful aluminum body nearly identical to Apple's original, while incorporating a backlight with 10-step brightness adjustment.
In a café at dusk, or a late-night study with the lights dimmed. The elegant white glow leaking from between the keys deepens your immersion in your work. And it doesn't just light up. A proximity sensor detects your hands and automatically turns on the backlight, switching it off when not in use to save battery. This thoughtful feature is exactly what we'd been wanting from Apple.
| Teleport Between 3 Devices With the "F Keys"
image Satechi
Another strength of this keyboard is its powerful multi-device functionality. The Magic Keyboard is essentially Mac-only (one connection at a time), but the EX1 can register up to three Bluetooth devices.
Press "F1" for your MacBook Air, "F2" for your iPad Pro, "F3" for your iPhone 16. The moment you press the key, the connection switches and you can type without lag. There's no need to clutter your desk with multiple keyboards. With this single compact unit, you can command your entire digital life like a control center.
| Deeper Than the Original? An Exquisite Key Stroke
image Satechi
As for the all-important typing feel, personally I prefer it to Apple's original. It uses the same scissor (pantograph) structure as Apple, but the stroke (key travel) is tuned to be slightly deeper with stronger feedback.
Rather than a "tappy" feel, it's closer to a "clacky" one — a solid, substantial keystroke. The certain feedback transmitted to your fingertips reduces typos during long writing sessions. The key pitch is the same as full-size. The tenkeyless design (75% layout), which minimizes finger travel, also shortens the distance to your mouse, offering an ergonomic benefit by reducing strain on your shoulders.
| The Return of Space Gray. Unifying Your Desk.
image Gadget Flow
Apple discontinued "Space Gray" peripherals long ago, but Satechi hasn't let us down. The deep gray aluminum finish matches the housing color of the MacBook Pro and iPad Pro perfectly. The diamond-cut chamfering on the edges is beautiful too, and aside from the missing Apple logo, the build quality is indistinguishable from the original.
The charging port is, of course, USB-C. A switch on the back lets you toggle to Wired Mode, so you can use it with peace of mind when the battery dies or in environments with heavy Bluetooth interference.
| Summary: The "Optimal Mac Solution" for Around $70
image The Verge
The price is around $70. That's cheaper than the standard Magic Keyboard without a backlight (without numeric keypad), with more than double the features. Unless you're devoted to the brand, there's no reason not to choose this one.
"A compact, glowing keyboard that suits a Mac." It's the only option that meets all of those demanding conditions. The Satechi Slim EX1 brings a light called "functional beauty" to your desk. Now, turn off the lights in your room and start typing.
