Last week, Apple announced new peripherals for the Mac. In this article, Ken Doe takes a look at the new Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse 2.
On October 13, 2015, Apple released the new Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse 2, and Magic Trackpad 2. Less than an hour after the release, I ordered a Magic Keyboard and a Magic Mouse 2. After using the new peripherals for a few days, my verdicts are in.
Magic Keyboard
First, we’ll take a look at the Magic Keyboard. Apple’s last, major keyboard redesign was in 2007, so it’s great to finally have an upgrade!
The Magic Keyboard features an all new design, which is noticeably thinner and lighter than its predecessor. In addition, the keys use an updated scissor switch, which offers 33% more stability. I can feel the stability with every character I type, and during my first typing test, I scored 108 words per minute.
Another useful tweak is the larger function keys (brightness control, volume control, media playback, etc). The prior keyboard had miniature keys in the top row. The keycaps also use Apple’s new San Fransisco typeface.
The Magic Keyboard has a built-in lithium ion battery. This means users don’t have to switch out AA batteries, every so often.
The Magic Keyboard charges with Apple’s Lighting cable, which is included. Apple claims that a two hour charge will power the device for at least a month. This is the same with the Magic Mouse 2. Not only does the Lightning connection charge the keyboard, but it also automatically pairs it with the computer; no more manual pairing and PIN number typing.
I also tested this with Windows on my Mac, and the automatic pairing worked flawlessly.
Overall, this is a much-needed, and very solid upgrade. The only downside I noticed is the price. The Magic Keyboard is $20 more expensive (USD) than its predecessor; costing $99 USD. In the long run, this seems to be okay because one is not spending money on AA batteries, anymore!
Magic Mouse 2
Lastly, we’ll look at the Magic Mouse 2. This new accessory also features a rechargeable lithium ion battery, and it charges with Lightning. Additionally, it automatically pairs with Lightning.
The removal of AA batteries makes the mouse feel significantly lighter, and less resistant to surfaces. In my testing, the mouse glides seamlessly over surfaces, and I haven’t needed a mousepad. All of the multi-touch gestures from the previous Magic Mouse are still supported in OS X.
I am incredibly satisfied with this mouse upgrade, but there are a few things to be aware of. First of all, the Lightning port is on the bottom of the mouse, so one cannot use the mouse while it’s charging. Another thing I noticed is more of a third-party software issue. MagicPrefs is a power-user plugin that enables users to add custom gestures to the Magic Mouse. This plugin does not work with the Magic Mouse 2. I hope there will be an update to the software, one day.
The price of this mouse also increased over the predecessor. It now costs $79 USD, as opposed to $69. However, one is saving money on disposable AA batteries.
Wrap-Up
To sum up, these upgrades have been very solid, and I think they’re long overdue. It’s great to have them now! If you wish to view a 90 second video that covers these two accessories, a video embed is included in this article. Thanks for reading.
My name is Ken Doe, and I run a content creation group known as the Computer Clan. In addition, I provide online hardware and software training, and I teach small video production classes at local tech colleges. I have been using the Final Cut line of NLEs since 2008, and I have never considered switching to anything else. It helps power my unfathomable love for producing a great video.
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Many thanks to Ken for taking the new peripherals for a spin. We would love to hear from users who have spent time with the new Magic Trackpad.
I am the Editor-in-Chief of FCP.co and have run the website since its inception ten years ago.
I have also worked as a broadcast and corporate editor for over 30 years, starting on one inch tape, working through many formats, right up to today's NLEs.
Under the name Idustrial Revolution, I have written and sold plugins for Final Cut Pro for 13 years.
I was made a Freeman of Lichfield through The Worshipful Company of Smiths (established 1601). Though I haven't yet tried to herd a flock of sheep through the city centre!
Current Editing
2020 has been busy, the beginning of the year was finishing off a new property series (cut on FCP) for Channel 4 called The Great House Giveaway. I also designed and built the majority of the graphics as Motion templates. It has been a great success and the shows grabbed more viewers in the 4pm weekday slot than any previous strand. It has been recommissioned by C4 for 60 episodes, including prime-time versions and five themed programmes. The shows have also been nominated for a 2021 BAFTA.
Although both were postponed to later in the year, I worked again on ITV's coverage of the Tour de France and La Vuelta. 2020 was my 25th year of editing the TdF and my 20th year as lead editor. The Tour was the first broadcast show to adopt FCPX working for multiple editors on shared storage.
BBC's Snooker has played a big part in my life, I've been editing tournament coverage since 1997. I'm proud to be part of a very creative team that has pioneered many new ideas and workflows that are now industry standard in sports' production. This is currently an Adobe Premiere edit.
Covid cancelled some of the regular corporate events that I edit such as trade shows & events. I was lucky however to edit, from home, on projects for Amazon Kindle, Amazon Black Friday, Mastercard and very proud to have helped local charitable trust Kendall & Wall secure lottery funding.
As for software, my weapon of choice is Final Cut Pro and Motion, but I also have a good knowledge and broadcast credits with Adobe Premiere Pro, MOGRT design and Photoshop.
Plugin Design & Development
I'm the creative force behind Idustrial Revolution, one of the oldest Final Cut Pro plugin developers. It hosts a range of commercial and free plugins on the site. One free plugin was downloaded over a thousand times within 24 hours of release.
I also take on custom work, whether it is adapting an existing plugin for a special use or designing new plugins for clients from scratch. Having a good knowledge of editing allows me to build-in flexibility and more importantly, usability.
FCP.co
Now in its 10th year and 4th redesign, running FCP.co has given me knowledge on how to run a large CMS- you are currently reading my bio from the database! Although it sounds corny, I am pretty well up on social media trends & techniques, especially in the video sector. The recent Covid restrictions has enabled live FCP.co shows online. This involves managing a Zoom Webinar through Restream.io to YouTube and Facebook.
The Future
I'm always open to new ideas and opportunities, so please get in touch at editor (at) fcp.co. I've judged film competitions, presented workflow techniques to international audiences and come up with ideas for TV shows and software programs!
