Quick Overview

Expert ratings

advantage

• Mechanical keyboard with solid feel and quick response
• Competitive price
• Can connect four different devices at the same time
• Support switching between macOS and Windows systems

shortcoming

• Battery performance average
• American keyboard layout only
• Backlighting can consume significantly

Editor's comments

Although battery life needs to be improved and only American layouts support limits its global applicability, the Satechi SM3 exhibits a smooth and sensitive feel when typing at high speed, and the rich multi-device connection features make it an ideal choice for office scenarios.

Price during evaluation

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Best Prices Today

Best price today: Satechi SM3 ultra-thin mechanical keyboard

Retailer Price $119.99 View Offer Price Comparison Price Comparison Product Price Comparison Price Comparison

Nowadays, most keyboards on the market are usually divided into two categories: one is a thin and low-key design similar to Apple's Magic Keyboard, and the other is a larger "mechanical keyboard", each key is equipped with an independent mechanical shaft body. Although mechanical keyboards are not as refined as lightweight and often appear thicker and have louder keys, many people still prefer the clear feedback they bring - whether it is quick input at work or scenes that require quick response in games, it can provide a more accurate and powerful tap experience.

As the name suggests, the Satechi SM3 Slim Mechanical Keyboard is a product that tries to blend the advantages of both, maintaining a relatively compact shape and retaining the unique tactile feedback of the mechanical keyboard.

SM3 is a full-size keyboard with a total of 108 keys, including a full row of function keys (F-keys), an independent numeric keypad, and a complete cursor navigation key group.

It offers two color schemes: light and dark colors. SM3 uses aluminum alloy to create the main body and has a sturdy structure. Although it is a full-size design, the overall size is still relatively compact, with dimensions of 20mm thick, 430mm wide and 119mm deep.

The mechanical keyboard can be equipped with a variety of shaft types, while the SM3 uses a "Brown Switch", which is quieter than other types and does not click like some "Blue Axis" keyboards, but you can still feel the obvious sense of paragraphs and smooth key strokes in actual use, and feel smooth and responsive when typing.

The bottom of the keyboard is equipped with two-stage support feet, which can adjust the tilt angle. It is combined with multiple anti-slip rubber pads on the bottom to ensure that it can firmly fit the desktop when hit hard and is not easy to slide.

The connection is also very flexible. The SM3 supports up to four devices at the same time: two are connected via Bluetooth and one is connected via the included wireless USB receiver (note that the receiver uses a traditional USB-A interface. If your Mac only has a USB-C interface, you may need an adapter). The keyboard itself is equipped with a USB-C interface and comes with a USB-C data cable. It can also be used directly as a wired keyboard.

In addition, there are four shortcut buttons above the numeric keypad to quickly switch devices between Bluetooth, receiver and wired mode with one click.

Satechi has been focusing on Mac peripheral development for a long time, so the SM3 is equipped with Command and Option keys that meet Mac habits. At the same time, the package also includes an additional set of replacement keycaps for Windows systems - Windows menu keys and Alt keys, which users can replace by themselves.

What's more thoughtful is that the built-in shortcut keys support switching settings between macOS and Windows operating systems. When switching to macOS mode, the function keys control system functions such as brightness, volume, playback/pause by default; the Fn key can be switched to Mac-specific operations, such as Mission Control (display desktop and window), Launchpad, etc.

However, the battery life is mediocre. According to information provided by Satechi, the battery life is about 20 days when the backlight is turned off, and about 15 days under low-brightness backlight. There is still a certain gap compared to higher-end competitors such as Logitech MX Mechanical. Fortunately, it supports charging and using it while using it. The keyboard can be powered or charged through the included USB-C cable, which does not affect daily use.

The SM3's backlight system provides three-level brightness adjustments, as well as 14 lighting effect modes. Most of the lighting effects are too fancy and easy to distract, but there are also practical options, such as dynamic response modes that light up the corresponding area when the key is pressed.

The only regrettable thing is that SM3 is currently only available in American keyboard layout versions. This has little impact on users in English speaking countries, but it is undoubtedly a major restriction for consumers outside the United States. Considering that the mechanical keyboard itself supports hot swapping and keycap replacement, the manufacturer has not launched an international layout version and seems a bit short-sighted.

Should I buy a Satechi SM3 Ultra-Thin Mechanical Keyboard?

With its solid feel and excellent responsiveness, the SM3 is very suitable for both gaming and office work, and coupled with the convenience of switching four devices, the practicality is greatly enhanced.

Check out other excellent Mac keyboard recommendations in our review summary: Best Mac keyboard list. You can also use this keyboard with an iPad. For more information, please refer to our "Best iPad Keyboard Landscape Review".

Best price today: Satechi SM3 ultra-thin mechanical keyboard

Retailer Price $119.99 View Offer Price Comparison Price Comparison Product Price Comparison Price Comparison

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