Late to the party here but I gotta disagree a bit with the usual recommendations. Unfortunately, those consumer-grade boards like the Keys Mini use scissor switches that honestly lose their tactility way too fast. If you are doing real work, you want something with actual mechanical feedback that doesnt feel mushy. I had issues with the standard Bluetooth lag and the generic feel of those basic sets too. Here is what I suggest for a more technical upgrade that stays under $150:

• Keychron K3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
• Logitech MX Anywhere 3S Compact Wireless Mouse The Keychron is ultra-slim for your bag but uses low-profile mechanical switches. The technical advantage here is the QMK/VIA support, which lets you remap keys at the hardware level—super helpful for custom Mac shortcuts. Its polling rate is also way more consistent than cheaper membrane stuff. For the mouse, the Pebble is basically a travel toy and will definitely cramp your hand. The Logitech MX Anywhere 3S Compact Wireless Mouse has an 8K DPI sensor that tracks on literally any surface, even those weird glass or polished wood tables you find in Seattle cafes. The MagSpeed wheel is also way better for flying through documents. It is a bit more of an investment, but the build quality is significantly higher. You wont regret the extra few grams in your bag for the ergonomics you get back.

Yo, congrats on the remote gig! Seattle coffee shops are a vibe but your wrists will definitely pay for it if you dont get a setup soon. Heres my go-to setup for working on the move that stays under that $150 limit:

• Logitech MX Keys Mini for Mac Bluetooth Keyboard
• Logitech Signature M650 Wireless Mouse Ive tried a ton of gear over the years and honestly, you're right to worry about the Pebble mouse. It looks sleek but it is way too flat for real work. My hand usually starts cramping after like thirty minutes with that thing. In my experience, you should spend a little more for actual ergonomics. The MX Keys Mini is basically the best typing experience you can get in a small form factor. It feels almost identical to the Mac keyboard but with better travel and tactile response. The Signature M650 mouse is a much better pick than the Pebble because it has a natural arch that supports your palm while still being light enough to toss in a bag. It also has silent clicks which is a huge plus when you're working in a quiet cafe. Quick tip: since you mentioned your neck and wrists, definitely grab a super thin folding stand too. If you keep the laptop flat on the table, you're still gonna be looking down at the screen. Lifting it up just a few inches makes using a separate keyboard and mouse way more effective for your posture. Feel free to ask if you need more recs for gear!

Adding my two cents here. Ive spent way too much time and money trying to build the perfect mobile setup without breaking the bank. You really might want to consider going the budget mechanical route. You can customize the feel later if it starts to bug your wrists. I would suggest checking out the Royal Kludge RK61 Wireless 60% Mechanical Keyboard for your bag. Its super compact and way cheaper than the big brand stuff, but just be careful to get the version with the Mac toggle so you dont have to remap keys manually. If the clicking is too loud for a coffee shop, you can easily swap the switches or add some O-rings to dampen the sound. Its a fun project. For the mouse, the Pebble is definitely a trap for your hands. If you want something light but ergonomic, the Razer Orochi V2 Wireless Gaming Mouse is an absolute steal usually. It has a much better arch for your palm than those flat travel mice. Just make sure to grab some rechargeable lithium AAAs to keep the weight down. Honestly, if you go this route, youll probably have like $50 left over from your budget. Use it to buy a nice padded sleeve or even some custom keycaps to make it yours. Good luck with the new job, Seattle coffee shops are a vibe!

Jumping in here because I've spent years working out of cafes and nothing kills a flow like tech failing right when you're on a deadline. Totally agreeing with Iris about the Pebble... it is a wrist killer. The MX Keys Mini is definitely the safest bet for a Mac user because the Bluetooth stack is actually reliable and wont flake out on you. In my experience, going for anything less known usually ends in connection drops when the shop gets crowded with other signals. Quick tips:

• Get a Logi Bolt receiver if you can. Bluetooth is usually fine but in busy Seattle shops with 50 people on their phones, that Bolt connection is way more stable and secure.
• Grab a cheap, foldable laptop stand too. No point in having a separate keyboard if you are still looking down at your lap and straining your neck. TL;DR: Stick with the MX Keys Mini and M650 combo for reliability and avoid the Pebble mouse if you value your hands.

This thread is gold. Bookmarking for future reference 🔖

Re: "Jumping in here because I've spent years working..."

• LunarEclipse is spot on about the Pebble. In my experience, those ultra-thin mice are just travel gimmicks that lead to carpal tunnel. I've spent years testing different cafe setups and you really want something with some hump to it so your palm actually has support. If you're on a Mac, the Logitech ecosystem is the only one that doesnt feel like a constant battle with Bluetooth. I'd skip the Microsoft stuff entirely... the connection drops on macOS are a known headache. For your $150 budget, try to snag an MX Anywhere 3S. It's way better than the M650 because it tracks on glass, which is a lifesaver when you end up at a coffee shop with glass or high-gloss tables. For the keyboard, the Keys Mini is the safest bet, but if you want something that feels more premium, look at the NuPhy Air series. They're low-profile mechanical boards that are way more tactile than the Logi scissor switches. Just keep in mind the battery life on those smaller mechanicals isnt quite as insane as the Logitech stuff.