If you're after a Mac-specific keyboard with more functionality than Apple's own offerings, the Wombat Coleus is a solid option. It's sturdy, comfortable and satisfying to type on and has funky RGB lighting available at the touch of a button. It doesn't come cheap, but if the build quality is anything to go by, you'll get more than your money's worth.
For
Compact
Customisable RGB lighting
Built in Mac keys
Portable
Against
Not ideal for PC users
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The Wombat Coleus isn’t your average mechanical keyboard. Open up the box and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d bought the wrong product. There are no obvious clunky keys here, instead a (relatively) slimline, compact device that would easily fit into most work bags.
The Coleus is compatible with all major operating systems, but you just need to look at the design (and Mac-focused shortcut keys) to know this is aimed primarily at Apple users. That said, the device will pair with a PC no problem, but the different key placements for people only used to PC keyboards will take a bit of getting used to.
When it comes to working with a Mac, however, Wombat has seemingly pulled out all the stops to make this a top option for Apple fans. They’ve even added dedicated keys that aren’t present on some of Apple’s own products, and they definitely make life easier when carrying out repetitive, everyday functions. But the real question is, it is good enough to make it onto our list of the best keyboards for Mac? Let’s find out…
The Coleus features Mac-specific hot keys across the top row (Image credit: Kerrie Hughes)
Design and build
When I think of mechanical keyboards, I envision big, thick devices, with clunky keys raised high off the surface of the keyboard. The only way the Coleus comes remotely close to that is in its thickness, and even then it is modest in comparison to most other mechanical keyboards currently on the market.
The Coleus breaks the mould with its compact design and keys that lay flush next to each other. At a quick glance, it's reminiscent of Apple’s scissor-switch Magic keyboard design that Mac users have become so familiar with. But closer inspection reveals they are, in fact, completely different.
The base of the Coleus is plastic, with an aluminium top that gives it a more premium look and feel. The keys are raised approximately half a centimetre from the shell, and underneath you can just make out red mechanical switches that are responsible for an incredibly satisfying click when the keys are pressed. All of this comes together in an incredibly compact design which, despite being a bit weighty (0.8kg), is highly portable.
Wombat has released the Coleus in a number of pastel colours, which are, unsurprisingly, very similar to Apple’s iPad and Mac colour palette. It's a nice touch that you can potentially colour-match your devices, and also refreshing to see a keyboard that isn't monochrome.
The Coleus keys make an incredibly satisfying clicking noise when pressed (Image credit: Kerrie Hughes)
Features and typing experience
Overall, the Coleus offers a comfortable and solid typing experience, which, honestly, I was quite surprised by. The keyboard’s overall design means the mechanical switches (the little bits underneath the keys) have been reduced in size, and I was worried this would lead to a less fulfilling, classic mechanical keyboard experience, particularly when it comes to the audio aspect. But I was pleased to discover the Coleus has a very satisfying button click, which is actually quieter than other mechanical keyboards I’ve used.
I personally love the noise of these devices, but I’m always very conscious of how distracting they might be for others. But the Coleus tones it down to what I think is a very acceptable audio level. Another plus side of the smaller mechanical switches means each key press has a shorter distance to travel and therefore the response time is fast.
Despite the Coleus being compact, the device has to be of a certain thickness to accommodate the mechanical keys, which means it has got a bit of height to it. In order to type, your wrists have to be on a slight angle, which isn’t ideal from an ergonomic point of view. That said, Wombat has clearly tried to offset this in the design, making the keyboard as flat as possible and not building in kickstands.
Features-wise, the Coleus definitely has some highlights – customisable RGB lighting being one of them. This is activated via a simple keyboard shortcut, and I’ll happily admit to how excited I was to see the coloured lights bring the device to life, particularly at dusk and into the evening.
The keyboard also has dedicated Mac keys and shortcuts for common tasks, which is more than you’ll get from some of Apple’s own products. It also features a rotating dial on the top right-hand corner, which you can turn to adjust the volume or press to mute.
The customisable RGB lighting really brings this device to life (Image credit: Kerrie Hughes)
Price
The Wombat Coleus is one of the most expensive mechanical keyboards on the market right now, and there are plenty of other high-quality options that you can get for less. But the Coleus is a premium product with premium features, and the fact that its highly portable, compact design manages to retain such an authentic mechanical keyboard experience does make it stand out.
Should you buy the Wombat Coleus?
If you're a Mac user, the Coleus offers a solid and enjoyable typing experience. Wombat has clearly tried to cater for a variety of audiences with the device, and has, for the most part, succeeded. It will also work with PCs, but Macs are the clear target for this keyboard The linear switches and RGB lighting will very much appeal to the gaming crowd, and the compact design and novelty of not-so-loud-but-still-clicky keys will draw in the general population too, particularly those who work on the go. For a price, the Coleus does everything (and more) that you’d expect it to, and it looks good doing so.
If you're after a Mac-specific keyboard with more functionality than Apple's own offerings, the Wombat Coleus is a solid option. It's sturdy, comfortable and satisfying to type on and has funky RGB lighting available at the touch of a button. It doesn't come cheap, but if the build quality is anything to go by, you'll get more than your money's worth.
Kerrie Hughes is a frequent contributor to Creative Bloq, and was once its editor. One of the original CB crew, Kerrie joined the team back in 2013 after moving from her role as staff writer on 3D World. Since then she's written regularly for other creative publications such as ImagineFX, Computer Arts and Digital Camera World. After a stint working for the police, Kerrie is back reviewing creative tech for creative professionals.
