ProtoArc Foldable Keyboard and Mouse vs ProtoArc Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse for Mac

Design and Portability

The ProtoArc Foldable Keyboard and Mouse excels in portability with its foldable design and included carrying case, while the ProtoArc Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse for Mac offers a flat, sleek profile tailored for Mac users. The Foldable Keyboard and Mouse features a 105-key folding keyboard with internal aluminum hinges rated for over 10,000 folds, measuring 12 x 5.55 x 1.6 inches when packed with its case. This makes it particularly travel-friendly for frequent travellers who need a full-sized keyboard on the go. Conversely, the Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard for Mac is designed flat for a neutral wrist position, mimicking the Magic Keyboard style, focusing more on desktop use rather than folding portability. Its slim, flat keyboard is ideal for users prioritizing ergonomic wrist positioning but does not fold or include a carrying stand or case. Thus, the Foldable model is superior for mobility, while the Mac model offers a more traditional, stable typing surface.

Compatibility and Connectivity

The ProtoArc Foldable Keyboard and Mouse supports a wider array of operating systems and connectivity modes, while the ProtoArc Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse is optimised exclusively for Mac devices. The Foldable combo connects via three modes: 2.4 GHz wireless plus two Bluetooth connections, allowing seamless switching among up to three devices running Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, iPadOS, and Android. This makes it ideal for hybrid workflows involving multiple operating systems. By contrast, the Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard for Mac connects solely through Bluetooth 5.1 or above and is primarily designed for macOS 10.12 or later, including MacBook, MacBook Pro, iPad, and iPhone. Its media and function keys may not work on Windows, and older Mac devices (pre-2013) or macOS versions below 10.12 are unsupported. The Foldable combo’s multi-OS versatility and multi-mode connections offer broader compatibility than the Mac-specific Backlit model.

Keyboard Features and Typing Experience

The ProtoArc Foldable Keyboard and Mouse offers a full 105-key layout with dedicated function and number pads, while the Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse for Mac features a full-size layout resembling Apple’s Magic Keyboard but without dedicated number pads. The Foldable keyboard’s 105 keys enable a desktop-like experience for spreadsheets, coding, and data entry, which is rare in portable keyboards. It uses whisper-quiet scissor switches with low-profile keys and a flat typing surface with no tilt. The Backlit Mac keyboard also uses responsive scissor switches with low-profile, soft-touch keys designed for quiet typing and fingertip comfort, but it lacks the extended number pad and function keys that power users may require. Notably, the Foldable keyboard’s flat profile is similar to the Mac keyboard’s flat design, but the Foldable keyboard has no backlighting, which the Mac model compensates for with adjustable white LED backlight across three brightness levels.

Mouse Performance and Features

Both combos include a precision mouse with three adjustable DPI modes (1000, 1600, 2400), but the Foldable Keyboard and Mouse offers a micro-switch design aimed at reducing click fatigue, while the Mac model’s mouse specifics beyond DPI are not detailed. The Foldable mouse is described as ultra-slim and designed for professionals on the move, with a slim profile that fits easily into laptop sleeves or pockets. It also emphasises quiet operation with 25dB micro-switches to avoid disturbing shared workspaces. The Mac combo’s mouse, while also featuring three DPI levels, does not specify noise reduction features. Both mice are rechargeable, but the Foldable mouse benefits from a longer stated standby time of 200 days, complementing its travel-ready design.

Battery Life and Power Management

The Foldable Keyboard and Mouse combo offers extended standby times with auto-sleep modes, boasting up to 150 days for the keyboard and 200 days for the mouse. Both devices recharge via included USB Type-C cables, though these cables are for charging only and not for data connection. In comparison, the Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse for Mac feature built-in rechargeable batteries with capacities of 1200 mAh (keyboard) and 300 mAh (mouse). The Mac keyboard enters sleep mode after 60 minutes of inactivity and wakes by key press, but its backlight requires manual reactivation after waking, which may affect battery usage. The exact standby times for the Mac combo aren’t specified, but the Foldable combo clearly offers longer standby durations, making it more suitable for users needing extended unplugged use.

Backlighting and Usability in Low Light

The ProtoArc Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse for Mac includes adjustable white LED backlighting with three brightness levels, making it well suited for dim environments and reducing eye strain. This feature is absent from the Foldable Keyboard and Mouse, which has no backlighting at all. For users frequently typing in low-light conditions or at night, the Mac combo’s softly illuminated keys offer a significant advantage. The Foldable keyboard targets users who prioritise portability and silent operation over lighting, making it less ideal for dark settings. The Mac keyboard’s backlighting is easily customizable, enhancing usability without sacrificing battery life significantly when managed properly.

Price and Value

The ProtoArc Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse for Mac is priced at C$59.99, making it C$20 cheaper than the ProtoArc Foldable Keyboard and Mouse, which costs C$79.99. The price difference reflects the Foldable combo’s added portability features, such as the foldable keyboard, carrying case, and multi-mode connectivity, plus longer battery standby times and a mouse designed for quiet operation in shared environments. The Mac combo’s value lies in its backlit keys and Mac-specific optimisation, appealing to users who need a budget-friendly, illuminated keyboard and mouse set tailored for Apple devices. Therefore, the Foldable combo justifies its higher price with enhanced portability and multi-OS support, while the Mac combo offers a more affordable, backlit option ideal for Mac users.

Which should you buy?

Choose the ProtoArc Foldable Keyboard and Mouse if you require maximum portability, multi-device and multi-OS compatibility, and long battery life, especially if you work across Windows, macOS, Android, or Chrome OS and need a full 105-key layout with dedicated number and function pads. Its foldable design, carrying case, and quiet mouse with micro-switches make it perfect for frequent travellers and hybrid workflows, despite lacking backlighting.

Opt for the ProtoArc Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse for Mac if you primarily use Apple devices running macOS 10.12 or later, value backlit keys for working in low-light environments, and prefer a flat, Magic Keyboard-style layout with soft-touch keys. It is the more budget-friendly choice at C$59.99 and offers tailored compatibility with Mac hardware, although it lacks full Windows support and the Foldable model’s portability features.

In summary, the Foldable combo is the better all-rounder for diverse device users needing portability and a full keyboard, while the Backlit Mac combo is a focused solution for Mac users seeking illumination and a lower price.