Satechi Slim X1 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard

Description

The Satechi Slim X1 is a slim wireless keyboard made specifically for macOS, iPadOS and iOS. At first glance, the Slim X1 looks like an Apple Magic Keyboard in a space gray with black keys. However, the Slim X1 boasts more features which may give it the edge against the Magic Keyboard.

The Slim X1 is almost exactly the same size and shape as the previous generation Apple Magic Keyboard. The compact 75% layout and ultra-slim form factor is a winning combination that many love. Its siblings the Slim X2 and Slim X3 offer extended layouts for those who need them.

The keyboard offers a professional, minimalist aesthetic with its brushed aluminum finish and black keys that fits in with Apple’s Space Grey color scheme. Two small LED in the top right indicate when Function lock is enabled and the battery status. The construction is solid and feels premium.

Features

The Slim X1 is made specifically for MacOS, iPadOS and iOS, although it will work on Windows and Android devices too. The keyboard comes with Mac modifier keys and system-level shortcuts on the top function keys.

The function keys are smaller than those on the Magic Keyboard, allowing the other keys to be slightly bigger. This makes the Slim X1 slightly less cramped than the Magic Keyboard. Typing on the Slim X1 is precise and comfortable, but feels a lot like typing on a MacBook keyboard.

Like the Magic Keyboard, it connects wirelessly via Bluetooth and charges via a USB cable. The Slim X1 does better by pairing with up to three different devices and switch between them by holding fn + 1, 2 or 3. The charging cable is also USB type-C instead of a Lightning cable. Holding fn + Eject will switch the keyboard to wired mode.

The biggest upgrade that the Satechi Slim X1 offers over the Apple Magic Keyboard are its backlit keys. This really helps typing and working in dim or dark environments. It offers 10 levels of brightness so the backlight will never be too bright or dark. The backlight will affect the battery life, so Satechi will automatically dim the backlight after 1 minute of inactivity and turn it off completely after 3 minutes of inactivity.

Extras

Included with the Satechi Slim X1 are:

• USB type-C to type-C cable
• Two stick-on rubber feet
• User manual

The rubber feet helps raise the typing angle of the Slim X1. This feels a little cheap, but it is a functional way to improve the typing comfort of the keyboard so you don’t have to stretch as far to reach the top keys.

Drawbacks

It would be great if the Slim X1 offered flip-out feet to adjust the typing angle instead of stick-on rubber feet which can get pulled off or lost.

Typing on the Slim X1 is slightly mushy, and more like typing on a laptop keyboard. This is one feature where the Apple Magic Keyboard does better.

If you’re considering replacing your Magic Keyboard with the Slim X1, note that you will be missing the Touch ID feature.

Who should buy the Satechi Slim X1

The Slim X1 is a keyboard that seems to be an ideal replacement to the Apple Magic Keyboard. If you can live without the Touch ID feature, the Slim X1 offers more features for less than half the price.