Mechanical keyboards continue to rise in popularity as more people work from home and want a quality keyboard and overall typing experience. Mechanical keyboards are great to type on; they are comfortable for extended use, incredibly satisfying due to their clacky and responsive keys, and are highly customizable.
TheSatechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Keyboardcame on the scene and has proven to be a very capable and highly rated keyboard in a market flooded with options. It has a compact form factor, multiple inputs, interchangeable keys for multi-platform, and a terrific rechargeable battery via a USB-C connection.
Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Keyboard
The Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Keyboard is a wonderfully built Bluetooth keyboard with customizable switches, four connection types, swappable keys to reflect the operating system used, and fantastic battery life.
Price and Availability
The Satechi SM1 Slim is available on Satechi’s website, Amazon, B&H Photo-Video, and many more, all for around $100. There are two different options when purchasing. You can select the light colorway or the dark colorway. Both of these color choices have the same key setup. Unlike traditional keyboards where you need to choose the keyboard with the right operating system-specific keys when you purchase, the SM1 Slim comes with three keys that can be swapped to trade the Mac layout for a Windows layout.
Specifications
A Compact, Mechanical Masterpiece
When I pulled the SM1 Slim Mechanical Keyboard out of the box, I noticed how premier it was. It’s classy, simple, elegant, and very well-built overall. Pairing the first of the two Bluetooth nodes to my MacBook Pro was easy; however, it would have been even easier if I had chosen a wired connection or used the included dongle. Unlike most Bluetooth keyboards I have used and tested, I have yet to find one with four connection options.
Another element worth noting is that Satechi includes swappable Windows / Mac-specific keys so that you can use this keyboard with any operating system. Instead of having to swap the WIN and CMD keys physically, for example, Satechi would have put in the hybrid keys that show both Mac and Windows layout, but not having that is not the end of the world.
Flexible, Functional, Fantastic
The SM1 Slim Mechanical Keyboard is a fantastic, lightweight, and functional keyboard. I can easily throw this in my bag and take it with me when working remotely, when I want a mechanical keyboard for my workday, wherever I may be, or even just at my home office setup. One of the best things about this keyboard is that it can be my keyboard for everything without needing to go through and reprogram it on every computer I interact with throughout my day.
I have the first Bluetooth connection paired with my MacBook Pro, and the second node I have paired to my iPad in case I want to run my iPad on its own (and not use continuity through my MacBook). Beyond that, for any computer I am testing, I can plug the SM1 Slim directly into the computer and choose the wired connection, or I can use the little dongle that magnetically sticks to the back of the keyboard so I won’t lose it – as quickly.
Comfortable and Capable with a Great Battery Life
Satechi’s SM1 Slim Mechanical Keyboard is an excellent keyboard for all-day typing. As someone who uses many keyboards, I can stay highly accurate while not feeling fatigued after using the SM1 Slim for extended periods. I can type quickly and comfortably, and just as importantly, I can type accurately as well, thanks to the proper combination of the perfect height, key travel, great switches, and key placement. This keyboard is ideal for me.
Further, beyond just comfortability, while using, I wanted to mention the battery life and overall battery experience of the SM1 Slim. According to Satechi, the battery life can last about 16.5 hours with the backlight on and up to two months with the backlight turned off. I chose to have the keys only light briefly when I press them, so I have snuck in right between them. I can use this keyboard daily for nearly two months between charges with just that light backlight on to add a bit of flair to my typing experience.
Then, what’s great about this keyboard and the way technology is moving is that since this keyboard recharges with USB-C, I can quickly grab one of my other chargers for my other devices, plug in the keyboard, and still utilize it while charging, and once it’s done recharging, I am good to go again for another nearly two months. I can do all this without skipping a beat or slowing my productivity.
Should You Buy the Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Keyboard?
TheSatechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Keyboardis more than just another Bluetooth keyboard. It’s more than just another mechanical keyboard offering. The SM1 Slim is a part of my workspace, wherever that workspace may be that day, and it is a vital part of my workflow these days. I am a fan of balancing carrying minimal and essential gear while also bringing the gear I may need to be prepared throughout my day.
This keyboard has become an “add a keyboard to anything” device while also being something I utilize to ensure I have excellent typing accuracy and comfort while propping my laptop up to a more ergonomic level or while using a monitor so I can put my laptop in clamshell mode.
For its regular price of $100, the SM1 Slim is more expensive than some other Bluetooth keyboards. However, when it comes to gear like this, I find it worth it to spend a bit more money upfront to have a product that lasts longer, has better features, and is from a more reputable company. Satechi knocked it out of the park with this one. If you are looking for a keyboard, you should check out the Satechi SM1 Slim.
