Comparison Apple Magic Keyboard (2015) vs Apple Wireless Keyboard

The layout describes the physical geometry of the keys and their standard arrangement: the shape of Enter and Shift, the presence of additional keys, the width of the space bar, and consequently, compatibility with keycap sets and typing familiarity. The standards hardly affect productivity in software and gaming — comfort and how easy it is to find suitable keycaps/cases are more important. The following types are found:

— ANSI (American). A distinctive feature of the American layout is the single-row Enter key; it is the only popular layout where this key occupies one row, not two. Additionally, unlike the European ISO, the Shift keys on ANSI keyboards have the same width, and the Alt key has the same function. The backslash “\” is usually placed above the Enter and can be longer.

— ISO (European). One characteristic feature of the European layout is the Enter key, which occupies two rows and is slightly wider at the top. Also, the modifier keys are asymmetrical: the Shift keys differ in size (the left one is shorter than the right), and the Alts differ in function (the right Alt is marked as “Alt Gr” and is used for typing special characters of European languages). From the similar in many ways "Japanese" JIS layout, the ISO layout differs by the placement of the backslash “\” — it is standardly located near the left Shift (in some models, it is duplicated near the Enter). As a result,...the left Shift is shorter than usual; this can be inconvenient, especially for new users.

— KS (Korean). The “Korean” layout can be distinguished by the characteristic shape of the Enter key: it occupies two rows and is longer at the bottom than at the top. Another feature is the backslash “\”, which is located to the left of the Backspace, resulting in a shorter Backspace than in other layouts.

— JIS (Japanese). A layout much like the European ISO: it has the same two-row Enter with an increased length of the upper half. In many models, the right Alt is labeled “Alt Gr” and is designed for typing special symbols. The main differences lie in two aspects: the length of the left Shift (it is standard in JIS, not shortened) and the placement of the backslash “\” (it is standardly installed to the left of the lower half of the Enter, where some ISO keyboards have a second, additional backslash).

The colour of the Cyrillic letters printed on the keyboard.

This colour is usually chosen so that the letters are clearly visible. This point does not affect the functionality of the keyboard, and the choice in this case depends mainly on personal preferences. However, there is also a practical point: for inexperienced users who have not mastered touch typing, it is desirable that the letters stand out as much as possible against the background of the keys.

Transparent letters are a separate case — they are used in keyboards equipped with a backlight (see below), due to which such characters, when the backlight is on, are visible even in the dark.

The type of power used in wireless keyboards. It can be a replaceable battery or its own built-in battery.

As replaceable batteries in modern keyboards, batteries or accumulators of the AA (“finger”) or AAA (“mini-finger”) format can be used. The main advantage of this power supply is the ability to quickly replace dead batteries with new ones — if there are any left, a few seconds are enough, and the keyboard is ready to work again. However, batteries are often not included and must be purchased separately. In addition, anyway, you have to buy new batteries as the old ones wear out — or fork out for rather expensive batteries and, possibly, a charger.

Built-in battery, in turn, relieves the user of the need to purchase batteries. On the other hand, in the event of a discharge, such a battery cannot be quickly replaced, and the only option to continue working is to charge it, which can take quite a long time.

The operating time in this case is quite approximate: it is indicated for a certain average mode of use, and the actual battery life may turn out to be either less or more than the claimed one, depending on the specifics of the application. Nevertheless, this is a fairly reliable indicator, it is quite possible to evaluate different battery models and compare them with each other: the difference in the claimed operating time is usually quite consistent with the difference in real battery life.

Separately, we note that the operating time for battery keyboards is generally less than for battery-powered models, so this parameter is indicated in days, not months.

A connector in the keyboard case for attaching a removable cable, found in both wired models and wireless ones with a battery, where through this port the keyboard is charged and, if necessary, operates "wired" without delay.

— microUSB. One of the miniature versions of the USB connector, still popular in gadgets despite the emergence of the more advanced USB-C. It has comparatively modest capabilities (in particular, it is inferior to USB-C in terms of maximum possible charging power), but this rarely proves critical. Meanwhile, there is an abundance of microUSB cables and chargers.

— USB-C. The latest (as of the end of 2025) type of USB connector. It is symmetrical, allowing the cable to be inserted either way, eliminating the possibility of incorrect connection. USB-C is more reliable, has an extended lifespan, and supports higher data transfer and charging speeds. Additionally, it is compatible with modern devices and is gradually becoming a universal standard, making keyboards with this connector more convenient and relevant for users.

Metal Top Panel in a keyboard primarily affects the rigidness of the body and the typing feel: the work area flexes less, the body is less likely to start creaking, and the appearance is generally perceived as more premium. In manufacturer specifications, this part is often referred to as the aluminum top plate or top case, but in pre-built assemblies, there are instances where the metal serves as a thin decorative cover—it's better to check actual model photos and the device's weight, not just an appealing description in the product card. In practice, this option is often chosen for ready-made gaming PC kits and office setups where the keyboard is used actively every day and users want it to maintain its "integrity" for longer.