Apple Magic Keyboard (USB-C) vs Epomaker Shadow-X
The Apple Magic Keyboard (USB-C) and the Epomaker Shadow-X are close alternatives. The main differences: the Epomaker Shadow-X is the cheaper of the two at $80 versus $99; the Epomaker Shadow-X is hot-swap while the Apple Magic Keyboard (USB-C) is not a mechanical keyboard, with no switches to swap; stock, the Apple Magic Keyboard (USB-C) sounds quiet, low-travel scissor-switch action with no audible click or tactile bump. and the Epomaker Shadow-X muted, poppy.
- Lower priceEpomaker Shadow-X$80 versus $99
- Easier to modEpomaker Shadow-Xhot-swap sockets
- More ways to connectEpomaker Shadow-X3 connection modes versus 2
Choose the Apple Magic Keyboard (USB-C) if
- you mainly want it for mac users.
- you mainly want it for office.
- you mainly want it for travel.
- you prefer a low-profile board.
Choose the Epomaker Shadow-X if
- you mainly want it for budget.
- you mainly want it for gaming.
- you want to spend less ($80).
- you want to swap switches without soldering.
Apple Magic Keyboard (USB-C) vs Epomaker Shadow-X, spec by spec
| Apple Magic Keyboard (USB-C) | Epomaker Shadow-X | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | numpadless-other | numpadless-other |
| Height | Low profile | Standard |
| Connectivity | Wired, Bluetooth | Wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz (stronger spec) |
| Hot-swap | No | Yes (stronger spec) |
| Keycaps | n/a | PBT double-shot |
| Case | aluminum | ABS plastic |
| Mount | n/a | Gasket |
| Backlight | White / none | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | No | No |
| Battery | n/a | 3000 mAh |
| Typical price | $99 | $80 (stronger spec) |
| Sound (stock) | Quiet, low-travel scissor-switch action with no audible click or tactile bump. | muted, poppy |
| Released | 2024 | 2023 |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.
Where they sit among all 509 boards we track
32% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Apple Magic Keyboard (USB-C); 18% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Epomaker Shadow-X.
19% of the 172 wireless boards tracked here carry a smaller battery than the Epomaker Shadow-X.
Where to buy the Apple Magic Keyboard (USB-C)
Where to buy the Epomaker Shadow-X
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