I was just looking into this because I am sooo worried about wearing out my laptop keys and needing an expensive repair down the line. Since I am pretty new to the mechanical keyboard scene, I did a bunch of market research on what brands are actually reliable for Mac users who arent exactly experts. I basically narrowed it down to two very different paths during my search:

• Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
• This felt like the safest bet because its made by Apple and just works. No weird setup or layout issues, and honestly having Touch ID right there for sudo commands is a lifesaver. But, it is pretty flat and I wonder if it actually helps with ergonomics at all?
• NuPhy Air75 V2
• I saw this one everywhere in my research. It looks amazing and seems really solid. People say the Mac compatibility is top notch, but as a beginner, I was a little scared of whether the custom software would be too hard for me to handle. Tbh I still havent pulled the trigger because I am terrified of getting something that drops the Bluetooth connection constantly or feels cheap. Has anyone else felt like the market is just way too crowded to pick something safely?

For Mac programming, the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini  and MX Keys S are popular choices. Consider whether you need a number pad (full-size) or prefer compact. The built-in keyboard is fine for many, but an external one can improve ergonomics and workflow.

> Is a dedicated external keyboard truly necessary for coding on a MacBook, or is the built-in keyboard sufficient? Honestly, the built-in ones are okay for short bursts, but if you're coding 40+ hours a week, you gotta think about long-term reliability, right? Tbh, I've seen way too many laptop keyboards start flaking out or getting mushy after a year of heavy use. If you want something that's basically indestructible and perfect for a Mac environment, just go with HHKB. You honestly can't go wrong with their stuff. Their switches are legendary for not failing because they're non-contact, so you don't get those annoying double-click issues you see on cheaper mechanicals. It's kinda the gold standard for devs who just want their gear to work every single time without fail. It's a bit of a learning curve, but once you're used to it, everything else feels like a toy, you know?

The Keychron K2 has been my go-to for Mac programming for years now. It's specifically designed with Mac layouts and function keys, connects via Bluetooth to multiple devices, and the brown switches give nice tactile feedback without being too loud. The battery lasts forever, and it's reasonably priced for the quality. Perfect balance of features without going overboard.