Satechi's New Ultra-Slim Keyboard and Mouse Feel Right at Home for Mac Users [Hands-on]

At CES 2026, Satechi unveiled an all-new lineup of ultra-slim keyboard and mice for Mac users. They come in Silver and Space Black, work wirelessly, charge with USB-C, and serve as surprisingly good value options. That all sounds great, but do they hold up? I have to admit, I didn’t expect a whole lot from these new accessories. That was until I unboxed them. For the price they come in at, they’re – at least in my opinion – some of the best value offerings for a wireless Mac keyboard and mouse.

The Satechi Slim EX1 Keyboard

First things first, the EX1 keyboard. Satechi calls these slim, but I’ll go a step further and call it ultra-slim. When I took this thing out the box, I was genuinely wowed – which doesn’t happen very often. I use a Magic Keyboard already, so I’m used to thin and light keyboards. Yet somehow, this one managed to impress. It feels really light, and its just very, very thin. It also feels very solid. It’s made of aluminum, and doesn’t flex very much. For $50, this is simply A+ build quality. To me, the Satechi EX1 feels higher quality than the Magic Keyboard.

As for key feel, this’ll be a bit of a hit or miss depending on what you prefer. It has longer travel, which I do like, but the switches feel slightly mushier. If you’re someone who likes a tactile and satisfying click from your keys, this might not be the most satisfying keyboard purchase. In the box, you get a USB-C charging cable, as well as a USB-C 2.4GHz dongle for a more stable wireless connection. If you choose not to use this dongle, you can also Bluetooth pair it to up to 3 devices and easily switch between them.

You might also notice that the keyboard has keys for both Windows and macOS. There’s a nice little switch on the top of the keyboard for changing between them, just in case you wanted to share this keyboard between ecosystems. On the macOS side of things, you do get everything you’d expect from a Mac keyboard – including on the function row. Mission Control, Spotlight, and Dictation are all there – just like on Apple’s keyboards. At just $50, the Satechi Slim EX1 Keyboard feels like a great option if you’re looking for a nice compact Mac keyboard for your desk. Satechi also offers the EX3 if you’re someone who prefers a full size keyboard.

Buy Satechi’s Slim EX1 Keyboard (compact) – $50 on Amazon Buy Satechi’s Slim EX3 Keyboard (full size) – $70 on Amazon

The Satechi Slim EX Mouse

The mouse is certainly less impressive than the keyboard, but at just $30, it still fills a nice gap in the market. Satechi’s Slim EX Mouse is a very low profile wireless mouse. You can use it with the USB-C dongle that comes in the box, or you can pair it with up to two Bluetooth devices. Nothing about this mouse is flashy. There’s no fancy buttons like an MX Master, and there’s nothing to write home about in terms of ergonomics. It gets the job done well, though. The clicks feel nice, remaining relatively quiet (though not completely silent), and ultimately, it’s aesthetically pleasing.

You can get one in either Silver or Space Black to match your Mac, and ultimately, $30 is kind of hard to beat for something that aesthetically matches the Mac. Apple’s Magic Mouse is over twice the price, and well, it isn’t exactly a beloved product. If you’re someone who needs a mouse to throw into your backpack for using on the go, the Satechi Slim EX Mouse could be a great pick. It also comes with a charging cable in the box.

Buy Satechi’s Slim Mouse – $30 on Amazon

Ecosystem Context and Value Proposition

What makes these accessories particularly interesting is how they navigate the Apple ecosystem. While Apple's own accessories offer seamless integration with features like Handoff and Universal Control, Satechi's approach is more pragmatic. The EX1 keyboard's macOS function keys work perfectly with system shortcuts, and the multi-device Bluetooth pairing means you can easily switch between your Mac, iPad, and even a Windows PC without re-pairing.

The pricing strategy is where Satechi really challenges Apple's dominance. A full-size Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID costs $199, while Satechi's EX3 is $70. The Apple Magic Mouse is $79, versus Satechi's $30 option. For users who don't need Touch ID or the specific ergonomics of Apple's designs, these represent substantial savings without sacrificing the aluminum build quality and color-matching that Mac users appreciate.

However, there are trade-offs. The Satechi accessories lack the deep integration that Apple's own hardware enjoys. You won't get Touch ID on the keyboard, and the mouse lacks the multi-touch surface that some users have come to expect. The wireless connection, while reliable, doesn't benefit from Apple's proprietary W1 chip technology for instant pairing. These are minor concessions for most users, but they're worth considering if you're deeply invested in Apple's ecosystem features.

Practical Considerations

For the mobile professional, the Satechi Slim EX Mouse is particularly compelling. Its low profile makes it easy to slip into a bag alongside a MacBook, and the USB-C charging means you can use the same cable as your laptop. The 2.4GHz dongle provides a more stable connection than Bluetooth in crowded wireless environments, which can be crucial for presentations or important work.

The keyboard's dual-platform switch is a thoughtful addition for users who work in mixed environments. A developer might use a Mac for creative work but need to switch to a Windows machine for specific testing, and having one keyboard that handles both seamlessly reduces desk clutter.

Battery life claims weren't fully detailed in the initial hands-on, but early testing suggests the keyboard should last several weeks of typical use, while the mouse might need charging every couple of weeks. Both charge quickly via USB-C, and the included cables are short enough for travel but long enough for desk use.

The Bottom Line

Satechi's new lineup demonstrates that you don't need to pay a premium for accessories that look and feel at home on a Mac desk. The EX1 keyboard, in particular, feels like it could easily be mistaken for an Apple product from a distance, and its build quality exceeds expectations at its $50 price point. The mouse is more utilitarian, but at $30, it's hard to complain about a functional, attractive wireless mouse that matches your Mac's aesthetic.

For Mac users on a budget, or for those who need accessories for multiple devices, these Satechi products offer a compelling alternative to Apple's own lineup. They may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive options, but they nail the fundamentals: solid build quality, reliable wireless connectivity, and a design that feels native to the Mac ecosystem.

The real test will be long-term durability, but based on initial impressions, Satechi has delivered accessories that punch well above their weight class. If you're looking to upgrade your desk setup without breaking the bank, these are certainly worth considering.