Up to date this text from 12/19/22 on 2/8/23 with OnePlus’s announcement of the title of the keyboard, a photograph, and product particulars.

Hey, have you ever ever heard of OnePlus? Properly, okay, the standard Macworld reader most likely has, as a result of they are usually into tech greater than most individuals. However within the common Apple group, it wouldn’t be stunning {that a} majority haven’t heard of the Android cellphone and accent maker. However all of us may be listening to just a little extra about them quickly.

That’s as a result of OnePlus is collaborating with Keychron on a mechanical keyboard for the Mac. The OnePlus That includes Keyboard 81 Professional isn’t a kind of annoying “Mac-compatible” keyboards with a Home windows key format and Mac-compatible software program drivers. In keeping with OnePlus, this keyboard “is designed to work seamlessly” on the Mac with a format that “matches the MacBook keyboard,” although OnePlus says it is going to additionally work with Home windows and Linux. Based mostly on the photographs OnePlus launched at a February 8 press occasion, the keyboard appears to have a Command key–however the Fn key’s in a special location from the place Mac customers are accustomed. See for your self within the image under.

OnePlus

The MacBook format is unquestionably one strategy to get Mac customers . One other characteristic that can pique curiosity is its double-gasket mount design, which OnePlus says makes “typing an pleasant movement.” Additionally, the keyboard’s product web page states that the keys’ “sound is dampened.” OnePlus doesn’t immediately say it’s quieter than Apple’s Magic Keyboard, nevertheless it appears to be a aim.

And should you want another reason to take a look at a Mac keyboard from OnePlus—did we point out that they make Android telephones and equipment?— the keyboard can have an aluminum physique like Apple’s personal Magic Keyboard. If it’s something like Keychron’s different keyboards, that might imply it has a hefty design, which isn’t essentially a foul factor. OnePlus additionally guarantees customizable options, similar to hot-swappable switches and open-source firmware.

It appears like an attention-grabbing keyboard, and normally, keyboards are very subjective to every particular person on the subject of usability and desire. Some individuals will examine these options and get excited, others will shrug with indifference. The one query all Mac customers have is, can OnePlus efficiently ship on the nuances of the Mac expertise of their keyboards? We’ll have to attend and see–OnePlus says that preorders begin in April.

OnePlus is among the hottest Android manufacturers, constructing telephones that rival premium handsets from Google and Samsung at a considerably decrease price. The corporate doesn’t say how a lot the keyboard will price, however we assume it will likely be on the reasonably priced aspect and sure cheaper than the Magic Keyboard.