Satechi Slim X3 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard, Multi-Device Sync, Silver

All I can truly say is that I'm glad I researched keyboards for long enough to settle on this one. I just entered the Apple device ecosystem with my very first Mac, an M4 Mac Mini, and this is the one peripheral that agrees with the Mac and works properly EVERY TIME I TURN IT ON. speaking of "on", the on/off switch seems to function backward and it's VERY small which makes it a little difficult to manipulate if you don't like to pick up your keyboard but, that is my only complaint. This keyboard is beautiful, reliable, feature rich and VERY well constructed. I DO NOT regret buying this instead of Apple's keyboard.

This keyboard works fantastically with my MacBook Pro. I don't usually leave Amazon reviews, but I decided to because they also have great customer service; when a key fell off, they shipped me a replacement keyboard, free of charge. My only gripe is that it doesn't seem to accurately reflect battery life in the bluetooth menu in MacOS. I.e. it says 100% battery life when it's nearly empty. However, the battery life itself is solid, and this doesn't stop me from giving it 5 stars. Much more affordable than the Apple equivalent.

This is a first-impressions review of the Satechi Slim X3 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard. I have used every single Apple keyboard design since the original Macintosh in 1984. While some designs were pretty good and others more forgettable, Apple’s (wired) aluminum keyboard (shown in one of my photos) introduced in 2007, with its low height, thin profile, flat plane, square keys, gentle front-to-back slope, and minimal footprint has always been my favorite. Its design was a radical departure from the traditional dome-switch keys (tall, concave keys with a lot of travel) included in wired desktop keyboards of the era. Apple essentially took the chiclet-style keys found on MacBooks of the era, surrounded them with a flat plane of aluminum, and included it as a wired keyboard (including the arrow keys section and the numeric keypad) with desktop Macs. As a touch typist, I was reluctant at first to try the aluminum keyboard … but after 10 minutes of using one, I was immediately hooked, and it became my favorite Apple keyboard design. Burned by the lousy feel of the butterfly key mechanisms introduced in on the 2015 MacBook and 2016 MacBook Pros, I wasn’t willing to try the wireless Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad that replaced the wired keyboard in 2017 for desktop Macs — so I held onto Apple’s older wired aluminum keyboards for use with the several Macs that I use at home and work. In early 2021, when Satechi announced the new Slim X3 backlit keyboard (in both wired and wireless versions) with a design that appeared very similar to what I’ve considered Apple’s best wired keyboard — low height, thin profile, flat plane, square keys, gentle front-to-back slope, and minimal footprint, plus the bonus of backlighting — I was willing to give it a try. My early impressions of the tactile feel of the keyboard are very positive; to my fingers, the Satechi Slim X3 feels very comparable to Apple’s wired aluminum keyboard. Surprisingly, as you’ll see in a photo, keys in the main “qwerty” portion of the keyboard are just a tiny bit (perhaps only a couple of millimeters) wider than Apple’s, but the difference is so small that you won’t notice. Overall, the keyboard is actually narrower than Apple’s; Satechi has less separation between the “qwerty,” arrow keys, and numeric keypad portions of the keyboard. The front row of the Slim X3 is at roughly the same height as Apple’s front row. The back row of the Slim X3 is lower in height than Apple’s, but Satechi includes a pair of optional feet; if attached, the back row of the Slim X3 will be higher than Apple’s wired keyboard. The backlighting is a nice feature, and one not available at this writing in Apple’s Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad for Macs (as distinct from the Magic Keyboard for iPad or the Magic Keyboard built into MacBooks, which do have backlighting). The backlighting in Satechi’s Slim X3 is almost too effective in that the light leaks from the front and side edges of the keycaps, especially in the row of function keys when viewed from a normal typing angle. (Backlighting on my 2018 MacBook Air and on my Magic Keyboard for iPad both seem to be more contained.) But if Satechi’s keycap design is perhaps less refined than Apple’s in terms of backlighting, it doesn’t bother me — and, of course, the backlighting can be dialed down or turned off. Even though I’m a fan of wired keyboards for use with desktop Macs, I chose the Bluetooth version of the Slim X3 because the wired version has a USB-C connection and I will be using the Slim X3 for the time being with an older iMac that has only USB-A jacks. But I can confirm that pairing the Slim X3 via Bluetooth with a 2012-model iMac was flawless. Because the Slim X3 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard can also be simultaneously paired with as many as four computers, I also paired it with a 2016 MacBook Pro. Switching between computers, using the function-row Bluetooth 1, 2, 3, and 4 keys at the top of the numeric keypad, works just fine and is quick. Because this is merely a first-impressions review, I can’t speak to the Slim X3 keyboard’s battery life; in fact, it came at least partially charged and I haven’t even charged it yet! If my impressions about durability or anything else are negative after a few months of use, I’ll come back to update this review. But initial impressions of the Satechi Slim X3 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard are very positive. I’m glad to recommend this product. UPDATE (10 days): Adjusting to this keyboard took no time at all. Although keystrokes feel ever-so-subtly different from Apple's wired aluminum keyboard, the difference hasn't slowed me down. On rare occasions (maybe once or twice a day), keystrokes result in repeated letters on-screen (such as "mm" instead of "m"); I think it's this Satechi keyboard rather than my fingers since I didn't experience this with Apple's wired keyboard, but it doesn't happen often enough for me to be bothered or to reduce my rating. UPDATE (7 months): I continue to be impressed with the feel of this keyboard … but the issue of repeated keystrokes (such as "bb" instead of "b") happens often enough (a couple times daily, perhaps as often as once per hour, on random keys so I don't think it's a manufacturing defect on one or more keys) that I've lowered my rating from 5 stars to 4 stars. Given that this issue doesn't occur with Apple's old wired aluminum keyboard (and I use one of those almost daily on three other Macs), I'm inclined to think that it's a minor design flaw in Satechi's product. Going forward, I will try to pay more attention to which keys see occasional repeats — to confirm my theory that this is a minor design flaw rather than a defect with specific keys on my Satechi Slim X3.

I have only had this keyboard for a couple of days so I can't speak to its longevity. However it seems very well built so I have some confidence in that area. What I do like straight away is the key action. I have always used Apple keyboards and have always liked them, but this has all the good stuff and improved on them IMO. The action has a little more travel and touch which I find helps to identify when you may have struck too lightly to register a letter. In comparison Apple's keyboard has less sensitivity and gives no feedback to touch. This one has a confirming slight click to the stroke and a discreet old fashioned key sound that lets you know you have registered your key stroke correctly. I have no problem with double ket hits as others have said, rather I have had far less missed keystrokes. Bluetooth connection is fast and consistent and the ten step keyboard backlight is very useful, although I find the light leak around the sides of the keyboard a little distracting but again, no biggey. I haven't decided on using the keyboard raising pads yet and I think there could be a more elegant solution than stick on bumpers. The range of control keys for volume, apps and other things is also useful as is the ability to go wireless or tethered via the USB-C cord that also charges. If the keyboard has longevity which I think it will, its a no brainer great deal at a much better price than Apple's equivalent.

I was so excited when I purchased this. It connected easily. Everything worked as advertised. Quality seemed great, overall sturdy. Keys feel almost identical to Apple pro 2. The problems: Recently Some of the keys don't function anymore. Also backlight doesn't work either. It did function but as of a week ago, All these problems started happening. I called around and it seems that it cost more to fix than to buy a new one. Didn't even last 6 months. smh

Superb keyboard. My typing accuracy improved immediately and the backlighting feature was a game changer. Customer support was brilliant and prompt.

After owning this keyboard for over 18 months I can honestly say this is one of my favorite accessories I’ve purchased for my office. This keyboard looks great, feels great, a really quality built product. The keys don’t get shiny or worn down, and the backlight is my favorite! the battery lasts FOREVER, I’ve only charged this keyboard 3 times since I’ve gotten it! And being able to have 4 different devices saved on Bluetooth is very nice. I’d choose this over the Apple equivalent any day.

So I dont usually write bad reviews but just had to on this keyboard. The keyboard is a nice looking keyboard, it is built well, not a cheap plastic one, but thats where the niceties end. The power management is not controllable so the keyboard constantly goes to sleep quickly, as soon as it goes to sleep it seems to lose connection with the computer (2020 Macbook Pro 16"). Every time I start typing the first few letters are missing while the keyboard wakes up, a real pain in the rear-end. I have even tried using it as a wired keyboard but when it goes into power save mode, there is a hesitation to get the keys working. Not good for someone like myself who works at their computer 12 hours a day. Wish I could get my money back but that's not going to happen. I really like the build on this keyboard but cant make it work. I have tried for 6 months, hoping something would change. My fault for waiting so long but will not be purchasing anymore Satechi products.

Bonne qualité

As a long-time fan of the now defunct Apple A1243 wired keyboard, I have been disappointed with the latest iterations of the Apple Magic Keyboards. The minuscule key travel provided by the new scissor-switch keys has long left me disappointed. Finally, Satechi comes along incorporates the all-important missing tactile elements of the original A1243 and includes functionality such as backlighting and multiple device compatibility. Then on top of that, they have the nerve to offer all this for about $100 less than Apple. This is a TKO. The keys provide just enough extra travel and tactile feedback that makes for that satisfying typing experience I have long missed. Not to mention the backlight has 9 levels of brightness. I just leave the keyboard plugged in so I don’t have to worry about the battery drain. As someone who interacts with a keyboard for a living, these are tools not to skimp on. Ergonomics plays an important factor in my day-to-day life, and this is a great addition. Satechi hit one out of the park here. Pros: ☺ Tactile feedback ☺ Backlighting ☺ 4 Bluetooth devices paired ☺ Premium aluminum finish ☺ Value compared to the competition Cons: ☹ The provided attachable “adjustable height” feet seem sort of like a bit of an afterthought. Granted this is still better than Apple not providing anything at all. The A1243 had the two USB ports incorporated which provided some lift. Overall: If you are looking for a keyboard with excellent feedback for a scissor switch, a plethora of options, and premium aesthetics this is an excellent choice. I have little negative to say about it... Highly Recommend

This Satechi BT keyboard is pretty much identical in size, shape and material as the Apple Magic Keyboard, but not quite as nice or finished as well, but hey I do like the much lower price. The bluetooth connection is good and persistent, but not always as 'instant on' as the Apple version when you wake your MacBook up.

Top, comoda e versatile.

Kullanımı çok güzel. Apple klavyesine benziyor ama deneyim açısından dağlar kadar fark var. Tuşların geri bildirimi çok daha iyi. Tuşalar büyük ve yazmayı kolaylaştırıyor. US klavye ama yazlım işi için çok ideal.