When I set out to find a keyboard for my Mac, the Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Keyboard wasn’t my first choice. In fact, some YouTube reviews nearly scared me off. Many focused narrowly on the sound profile or offered only cursory impressions, which left me wondering whether this was just another overhyped gadget. But then I saw it on sale at London Drugs for CAD $69.99—an offer too good to ignore.
I usually approach heavily discounted tech with caution; steep price cuts can be red flags. But with no better alternative in sight, I rolled the dice. And to my surprise—it was love at first keystroke.
First Impressions: Plug, Type, Wow
Right out of the box, the SM1 felt premium. I switched to wired mode using Fn + 4, and within the first hundred characters, I knew this keyboard was staying on my desk for good. The low-profile brown mechanical switches hit a sweet spot between tactile feedback and quiet performance—perfect for both writing marathons and focused coding sessions.
Why I Prefer Wired Over Wireless
I live in a high-rise, surrounded by wireless signals crisscrossing the airwaves. Security matters to me, and I couldn’t find any information about encryption protocols used over Bluetooth or the USB-C dongle. That’s why wired mode is a win—there’s no signal to intercept. It’s simple, stable, and secure.
Another unexpected bonus: the keyboard works in wired mode even if its power switch is turned off. That subtle design detail adds convenience and shows thoughtful engineering.
Battery and Charging Clarity (Well, Sort Of)
This is where the documentation gets murky. There’s little official information about battery behavior when connected via wired mode, especially when backlighting is active. However, some seasoned users report using it in wired mode for over a year with no issues.
Here’s what I’ve pieced together:
- In wired mode, the keyboard charges passively via USB-C, even if the switch is off.
- A red LED under the spacebar blinks when the battery is low.
- Charging takes approximately 2–3 hours, and with backlighting turned off, the battery can last up to two months. With lighting on, it’s significantly less but, I haven’t had it for that long.
Still, a more robust official guide would be welcome.
Craftsmanship and Design Highlights
This is where the Satechi SM1 really shines:
- Aluminum top plate and plastic base for a solid feel without excess weight.
- Adjustable typing angle thanks to smartly designed feet.
- Compact 75% layout strikes a balance between minimalism and functionality.
- LED accents: a subtle blue glow for Caps Lock and a red glow under the spacebar that adds flair without distraction.
- The backlit keycaps make it easy to type in low light—which is essential for someone like me who prefers working in a dim room.
Backlighting That’s Easy on the Eyes
I have sensitive vision and rely on illuminated keys, especially when typing in the dark or entering long passwords. While the key legends aren’t quite as large as those on the Logitech MX Keys Mini, they’re still legible and stylish. The SM1 strikes a nice balance between visibility and aesthetics.
macOS Tip: Disabling the Double-Space Period Shortcut
macOS inserts a period when the spacebar is pressed twice—a handy shortcut for many, but not for me. I have a slight tremor in my left hand that occasionally causes unintentional double presses. Fortunately, you can turn off this feature in System Settings > Keyboard, and once I did, my typing accuracy improved.
A Keyboard That Punches Above Its Weight
The SATECHI SM1 reminds me of the NuPhy Air75 in feel and form factor, but with one crucial edge: backlit keycaps. It’s quiet, responsive, and thoughtfully designed. I didn’t measure my typing speed, but after using it for a while, it’s safe to say this has become my go-to keyboard.
Final Thoughts
So why isn’t this keyboard getting more praise? Maybe it’s the lack of deep-dive reviews or the modest brand recognition. Whatever the case, I’m here to say: don’t overlook the Satechi SM1 Slim.
It’s a thoughtfully engineered, beautifully designed mechanical keyboard that’s especially well-suited for Mac users. If you, like me, appreciate solid build quality, useful features, and wired reliability—this is a sleeper hit worth discovering.
If you have insight into how this keyboard manages battery usage in wired mode, feel free to share. I might put together a short YouTube video in the future to spotlight this underrated gem.
Thanks for reading!