Verdict
The Satechi Slim X3 is a satisfying wireless keyboard for macOS , offering fashionable looks , a snappy typing feel and convenient wireless connectivity over Bluetooth . It does n’t have any software or particularly retentive shelling lifetime , though , and tere are better Mac - compatible keyboards available for a similar Leontyne Price .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
The Satechi Slim X3 aims to proffer a more affordable alternative to Apple ’s longstanding Magic Keyboard for Mac devices while adding a few more useful Alexander Melville Bell and whistles to proceedings .
It ’s another choice in an more and more leave out area of the securities industry as macOS users have been shepherded towards Apple ’s own peripherals for a recollective time . A £ 81.99/$89.99 price is n’t unreasonable for a Mac - specific computer peripheral against Apple ’s own Magic Keyboard and treble - OS options such as the originalLogitech MX Keys .
Whether it ’s the definitive alternative for Mac exploiter rest to be seen , though , as does whether it ’s one of the skillful wireless keyboards we ’ve test . I ’ve been using it for the last few week with myMacBook Proto find out .
Design
The Slim X3 borrows a lot of its purpose pool cue from Apple ’s own Magic Keyboard with a similar two - shade space grey and black colour dodge and metal frame . It ’s also similarly slender and sits almost flat on a desk with a humble slant to it . Squint , and you ’ll be heavily - pressed to find much of a difference between them .
With this in brain , the attribute of the Slim X3 almost match Apple ’s own Magic Keyboard , although at 440 yard , it is ever - so more or less grueling .
Nonetheless , the svelte design and lightweight construction mean this is a keyboard that can be sling into a travelling bag , even if it is a little longer than more typically portable - sized Bluetooth keyboard such as theLogitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s . Despite the light weight , the full size chassis offer no deck flex , even under a band of pressure .
You get a convenient full - size layout here , the same as a Magic Keyboard , with a nice categorization of function key and secondary functions which match up with other Mac keyboards , as well as a nav cluster , arrow keys and bit pad . The top right corner also houses LEDs for barrage fire status and for when the Fn key is locked , as well as case-by-case button for the four Bluetooth groove you could join the Slim X3 to .
The function row of keys is very to that found on one of Apple ’s own macOS keyboards , with everything from media control to brightness and changing the keyboard ’s backlighting level . The nav cluster also fit up with that of a Magic Keyboard to pop the question as much of a intimate experience as potential .
While I like the slim stature and the public toilet of a full - size layout , I ’m less enthusiastic about the font used for the Slim X3 ’s keycaps . The blockier upper-case letter used on the main alphanumerical caption degrade the keyboard ’s overall looks , given vie option from Apple and Logitech use a more modern , rounded font . The keycaps themselves have a flat profile which mime that of a MacBook keyboard , making it an easy transition if you ’re used to using a laptop computer keyboard day in and solar day out .
The noticeably bland profile can be fire with two large rubberize pad bunch in the Slim X3 ’s corner , while the port around the back is also kept uncomplicated . There is a rather small on / off switch on the correct side , while in the middle is a USB - vitamin C port for charging .
Performance
In keep with Apple ’s own Magic Keyboard , and indeed within the majority of peripheral for Apple mathematical product , the Satechi Slim X3 sticks with a tried - and - tested scissor actuation which is comfortable to utilise with an especially brusk change of location and more electropositive propulsion than more typical rubber dome keyboard .
Those who expend laptops day by day will feel at base with the scissor - set off membrane keys on offer here , and while I would normally favour mechanically skillful switches , the Slim X3 ’s are more than fit for banging out lots of wrangle in one go .
liken to the by nature higher default roue of the the likes of of theLogitechMXKeys Sthough , the level profile of the Slim X3 did take some getting used to , and it ’s almost too matted to be comfortable for extended menses . I ’m grateful therefore that Satechi add the spare rubberised pads in the box , which raise it up to a much more prosperous angle .
Connectivity over Bluetooth on up to four gadget is also suitably excellent , peculiarly with its consecrated buttons in the top corner for switching between channels . Pairing is a doddle too , with it involving holding down the relevant Bluetooth button until it dart rapidly so the keyboard enters pairing mode .
Then it should show up in the Bluetooth devices lean of what you ’re relate the keyboard to , and work without an issue . The Slim X3 worked with my 2021 MacBook Pro and an older 2015 MacBook Air without an result , and Satechi rates it forge on Macs as early as 2012 , if you ’re still using one that sometime .
The lack of a 2.4GHz connexion pick is a act of a ignominy , as options from elsewhere including the MX Keys S andLogitech Signature Slim K950also offer it , although in those instance , it comes from a USB - A receiver . For the majority of Macs , that would need to be switch to a USB - ampere-second receiver or work via an transcriber , but it would still have been pleasant to see it let in on the Slim X3 .
The 144 hours of endurance without any form of backlighting is on the lower side , but it means you could use the Slim X3 for a good few calendar week before even thinking about charging it .
However , whack the white backlight up to full belt , and it drops the runtime down to a paltry 10 hours . This is specially imperfect , considering Logitech ’s MX Keys and MX Keys will last for 10 days with backlighting up all the mode . In my examination , the Slim X3 lasted for its 10 time of day , and when it reach 15 percent charge , it turned the lighting off automatically to keep up some power . That ’s a useful feature film , but the fact it only endure for 10 hr with lighting at full blast is disappointing .
Software and Lighting
As with the belittled mechanical Slim XM1 , this Slim X3 can only deliver on one side of the promise with esteem to computer software and lighting . It comes with 10 different level of a white backlight under its keys .
At its brightest stage , it ’s most noticeable across the function rowing and number pad , but is a slight muted elsewhere , limit its overall efficacy . Of naturally , with less illumination at downhearted tier , it is n’t as useful as the much brighter and more consistent on Logitech ’s like options . The backlighting also decease off after quite a brusque stop when the keyboard is n’t in manipulation , which is useful .
There also is n’t any additional software with the Slim X3 , which means it is n’t the good if you ’re someone who like to toy with key chromosome mapping and functions . Likewise , the contest also comes with software , so it is dissatisfactory that Satechi ’s option does n’t come with any . On the plus side , it is at least plug and toy over Bluetooth or the USB - century wired connexion .
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Should you buy it?
The Slim X3 offers a keyboard with the same minimalistic and sleek artistic as Apple ’s own Magic Keyboard , even down to offering a keyboard that ’s near the same size . If you want a peripheral to offer the same look at half the cost , this is the one to go for .
The Slim X3 , unlike its challenger , comes with no software for remapping keys or any configuration , and if that ’s a top priority , then you will want to look elsewhere .
Final Thoughts
Satechi ’s Slim X3 collide with its target of providing a more affordable choice to Apple ’s Magic Keyboard while retaining its functions and stylish looks , as well as offering a frame that looks remarkably standardized with near - identical dimensions . For a keyboard that couple well with Macs and await the part , it ’s solid locomote so far .
Its scissor - spark off paint are also excellent for productivity workload , and the four - channel Bluetooth connectivity on fling is convenient for major power users . The bearing of a full - size layout with load of secondary function is also commodious , as is its compatibility with Macs all the way back to 2012 .
However , the Slim X3 , by comparison to the competitor , falls myopic . It does n’t offer as much in the way of package customisation and connectivity as theLogitech Signature Slim K950 , whileLogitech ’s MX Keys Soffers much respectable electric battery life and backlighting . While the Satechi Slim X3 is a solid option at its price point , it ’s not the best available . For more choice , see out our tilt of thebest wireless keyboardswe’ve tested .
Trusted Score
How we test
We use every keyboard we examine for at least a week . During that metre , we ’ll check it for ease of utilisation , comfort and execution of the switches .
We also check each keyboard ’s software to see how wanton it is to customise and set up .
FAQs
The Satechi Slim X3 connects via Bluetooth on up to 4 devices , as well as a USB - cytosine pumped-up connection .
No , unlike Apple ’s Magic Keyboard , the Satechi Slim X3 does not have Touch ID built - in .
