Apple Magic Trackpad
Allan Alton
CEO & Co-Founder
As a long-time laptop user, transitioning to the Mac mini posed a challenge, particularly when it came to choosing the right input device. The Apple Magic Mouse was quickly ruled out—it’s not great for my wrist, and who wants a mouse with a charging port on the underside? The Logitech MX Master 3 didn’t work either, as my hands are a bit too small for it’s larger design. Since I was used to a laptop, I ultimately opted for Apple's Magic Trackpad. Here’s my experience using it, starting with the specs.
The Magic Trackpad is crafted with precision engineering, offering a sleek and ergonomic design. Measuring 16 cm in width, 11.4 cm in depth, and ranging from 0.49 to 1.09 cm in height, it weighs a mere 230g, making it lightweight yet durable. The trackpad is made from premium materials, featuring a glass surface on top and an aluminum base, and it’s available in two colors: white or black.
It’s compatible with the Apple Vision Pro, and all iPad and Mac models, connecting seamlessly via wireless Bluetooth. It charges through a USB-C to lightning port, and the battery life lasts for a full month on a single charge, just like the Magic Keyboard. Pricing ranges between $70 to $100, with the black version slightly above $100.
Using the Magic Trackpad isn’t a revolutionary experience, particularly if you’re coming from a laptop’s trackpad. However, its large surface area offers plenty of room for gestures and movements, making navigation smooth and effortless.
One of the standout features of the Magic Trackpad is its intuitive multi-touch gestures. Whether you’re swiping with four fingers to switch between apps or using pinch-to-zoom, the trackpad offers a wide array of customizable gestures through System Preferences.
The Magic Trackpad pairs seamlessly with Apple devices, provided Bluetooth is enabled on the other device. The responsive touch surface delivers precise control, whether you're scrolling through documents, browsing the web, or editing in DaVinci Resolve. The experience is virtually identical to using a Mac laptop’s trackpad, and I never encountered any lag while using it.
The absence of physical buttons contributes to a clean, minimalist workspace, and like a Mac’s trackpad, every part of the Magic Trackpad can be tapped for a click. As for gaming, I wouldn’t recommend the Magic Trackpad—it’s not designed for that purpose, and I haven’t tried it myself since I prefer gaming on my PS5.
The only downside to the Magic Trackpad is that, like the Magic Keyboard, its aluminum build can make it quite cold during the winter months, which can be uncomfortable and even render it unusable. This might be why most mice and keyboards are made with premium plastic components rather than metal like aluminum.
If the Magic Trackpad doesn’t quite meet your needs, especially if you’re a Windows user, there are several alternatives worth considering. The Logitech MX Master series offers premium functionality with added customization features, making it a popular choice among professionals. For those on a budget, the Keychron M1 provides reliable performance at a fraction of the cost. You can find links to these alternatives in the description below.
However, it's important to note that no alternative can fully replicate the Magic Trackpad’s seamless integration with Mac devices. It captures the essence of a Mac’s built-in trackpad and delivers it in a standalone device, maintaining the exceptional user experience Apple is known for.
Overall, the Apple Magic Trackpad is a top-tier accessory that can significantly enhance your experience, particularly when paired with devices like the Mac mini, Mac Studio, or iMac. Whether you're a creative professional seeking precision and ease of use or a casual user appreciating its minimalist design, the Magic Trackpad is a worthwhile investment that elevates your workflow.
Do you own a Magic Trackpad? I’d love to hear about your experiences.
