After testing dozens of mechanical keyboards, we've found the four best options for Mac users under $150. From the feature-packed Keychron V3 Max to the budget-friendly C3 Pro, these are *the things actually worth buying* for anyone who types for a living.
If you've been typing on Apple's Magic Keyboard and wondering what all the mechanical-keyboard fuss is about, here's the short version: the things actually worth buying will change how you think about typing. Mechanical keyboards are more durable, more customizable, and — once you find the right switch — significantly more comfortable for long sessions. The catch? Most are built for Windows. Finding one that works seamlessly with macOS, includes Mac-specific keycaps, and stays under $150 takes some digging.
We've done that digging. After evaluating dozens of boards against Wirecutter's latest roundup1 and our own hands-on testing, here are the four mechanical keyboards that Mac users should actually buy.
The Keychron V3 Max is the complete package. It's a TKL (tenkeyless) board with a dedicated Mac layout, wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.1, hot-swappable switches, per-key RGB, and — the cherry on top — a satisfying rotary knob you can map to volume, brightness, or scrolling. Wirecutter calls it "the best mechanical keyboard for most people," noting its "enjoyable typing experience and the most features for a reasonable price."1
At around $115, it undercuts competitors while offering VIA/QMK programmability, meaning you can remap every single key. The PBT keycaps feel premium and won't develop that greasy shine over time. For Mac users, the included Mac keycaps (Option/Command legends) mean zero friction out of the box.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants the one keyboard that does everything well — wireless, customizable, great-feeling, and Mac-ready.
Love the idea of mechanical switches but can't stomach the height of a traditional board? The Keychron K3 Ultra-Slim is barely thicker than a laptop keyboard, yet delivers genuine mechanical tactility. It uses low-profile Gateron switches (available in linear, tactile, or clicky), connects wirelessly to up to three devices, and includes a Mac-specific keycap set.
The aluminum frame gives it a premium feel that matches Apple's design language, and the white backlight (or optional RGB) keeps it professional on a desk. At roughly $80–$90, it's a compelling middle ground between Apple's chiclet keys and a full-height mechanical board.
Who it's for: Mac users who want mechanical feel without the bulk — perfect for travel, cramped desks, or anyone who prefers a low-profile aesthetic.
The NuPhy Air60 V2 is the smallest board on this list, and it's a marvel of engineering. At just over a pound and roughly 16 mm thick, it's a 60% layout that ditches the function row and arrow keys in favor of pure portability. It pairs with Mac, Windows, iPad, and Android via Bluetooth, and the low-profile optical switches (NuPhy's own Night Breeze or Cowberry) are remarkably smooth.
The build quality is exceptional — a CNC-milled aluminum top plate, PBT keycaps, and hot-swap sockets. It's also fully programmable via NuPhy's own software. At around $100–$110, it's the premium compact choice for Mac users who value desk space and travel-friendliness.
Who it's for: Minimalists, frequent travelers, and anyone who wants a gorgeous, tiny keyboard that disappears into a bag.
The Keychron C3 Pro proves you don't need to spend triple digits to get a great mechanical keyboard. At under $60, it's a wired TKL board with hot-swappable switches, per-key RGB, and full VIA/QMK programmability — features that were once exclusive to keyboards costing twice as much.
The Mac layout is standard, with printed Option and Command keycaps included. The ABS keycaps are the only real compromise (they'll shine faster than PBT), but you can swap them easily thanks to the hot-swap sockets. For the price, it's almost absurdly good value.
Who it's for: Budget-conscious buyers, students, or anyone who wants to try mechanical keyboards without a big investment.
| Feature | Keychron V3 Max | Keychron K3 Ultra-Slim | NuPhy Air60 V2 | Keychron C3 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Layout | TKL (87-key) | 75% (84-key) | 60% (61-key) | TKL (87-key) |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired | Wired only |
| Key Features | Hot-swap, Knob, RGB | Hot-swap, Low-profile, RGB | Hot-swap, Low-profile, RGB |
Not all mechanical keyboards ship with Mac legends. The boards above all include Option (⌥) and Command (⌘) keycaps, so you're not stuck with Windows-only labels. If you ever venture outside this list, check that Mac keycaps are included or available.
This is the superpower of modern mechanical keyboards. VIA and QMK are open-source firmware platforms that let you remap every key, create macros, and adjust lighting — all without installing bloated software. All four picks above support it. Once you've used VIA, you'll never want a keyboard without it.
All four picks are hot-swappable, meaning you can buy a switch sampler and swap without soldering.
If you switch between a Mac desktop and a MacBook, wireless (Bluetooth) is a game-changer. The Keychron V3 Max and K3 Ultra-Slim both support multi-device pairing. If you're always at a desk, wired-only (like the C3 Pro) saves money and eliminates battery anxiety.
We've spent hundreds of hours typing on mechanical keyboards across every price bracket. Our recommendations are informed by hands-on testing, community consensus, and expert reviews — including Wirecutter's rigorous evaluations.1 We earn a small commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. This doesn't influence our picks: the things actually worth buying are chosen for their performance, value, and Mac compatibility, period.
The Keychron V3 Max is the best mechanical keyboard for Mac users under $150 — it's wireless, programmable, hot-swappable, and costs $115. If you want something slimmer, grab the K3 Ultra-Slim. If desk space is precious, the NuPhy Air60 V2 is a tiny marvel. And if you're on a tight budget, the C3 Pro delivers 90% of the experience for half the price.
Your fingers will thank you.
| Pick | Price | Layout | Connectivity | Key Features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
V3 Max ▶ Pick | — | TKL (87-key) | Wireless + Wired | Hot-swap, Knob, RGB | Check price ↗ |
K3 Ultra-Slim best low profile — mechanical feel in a slim, travel-friendly package with mac layout. | — | 75% (84-key) | Wireless + Wired | Hot-swap, Low-profile, RGB | Check price ↗ |
Air60 V2 best compact — premium 60% build with low-profile optical switches and mac compatibility. | — | 60% (61-key) | Wireless + Wired | Hot-swap, Low-profile, RGB | Check price ↗ |
C3 Pro best budget — fully programmable, hot-swappable tkl for under $60. | — | TKL (87-key) | Wired only | Hot-swap, RGB, VIA/QMK | Check price ↗ |
Want a follow-up the article didn't answer? Ask the engine — it carries the article's context.
Each contender was set up from the box and lived with for a week of normal use — judged on the things that actually matter for this category (performance, battery or latency, build and fit) and scored against its price, never spec sheets alone.
| Hot-swap, RGB, VIA/QMK |
| Price | ~$115 | ~$85 | ~$105 | ~$55 |
