Is it possible to use a wired keyboard and mouse with a 2024 Macbook Air M3? If not, what about a Macbook M3 Pro 14"?
I don't need advice on this, but I also want to use the Macbook with two external displays.
Many thanks
Yes for both MBA and MBP..
However, you might need USB-A/USB-C adapter, since most 3rd party wired keyboards/mice are USB-A interface.
Apple newer magic keyboard can use charging wire as "wired" connection. Apple Magic mouse - no (because the location of the port is weird).
Yes for both MBA and MBP..
However, you might need USB-A/USB-C adapter, since most 3rd party wired keyboards/mice are USB-A interface.
Apple newer magic keyboard can use charging wire as "wired" connection. Apple Magic mouse - no (because the location of the port is weird).
For your information about 2 my setups..
Setup 1: (for my office, with my M3 MBA)
I am using Apple Thunderbolt displays - they can be daisy chain together (via Thunderbolt 2 cable in between). This will only take 1 precious Thunderbolt port.
I also have an old Apple wired keyboard (with 2 extra USB port, as this keyboard can support low wattage peripheral, like mouse) -- via adapter to the USB-C/Thunderbolt: I can achieve with 2 Thunderbolt/USB-C connection. However, I would need to connect the Magsafe power for the clamshell mode.
Setup 2: (Home, mainly for Mac Minis)
I have 2 Thunderbolt 3 dock (OWC) and 1 Caldigit TS4
I like this set up much better, because these hubs can provide power through TB cable (OWC is 85W and Caldigit TS4 is 98W) ~ I only need to attach a single Thunderbolt cable for MBA working in clamshell mode.
Personally, I really like my #2 setup, especially when I need to switch between different machines (M1 MBA, M3 MBA and M2 Mac Mini Pro). Oh, the ethernet is connected to the hub, so no worry about wifi stability at all.
Best
Since you mentioned on your first post:
"I don't need advice on this, but I also want to use the Macbook with two external displays."
I only focused on the connectivity requirement for mouse/keyboard.
Mac laptops do carry very few ports for many peripherals.
For quick answer/solution: getting a Thunderbolt hub that will have many USB-A and USB ports.
Depends on your monitor selections (display port vs HDMI vs Thunderbolt connection) - from your need, you can find a proper hub for that.
You then can decide MBP or MBA for your need.
Best
Thank you for replying.
On a Macbook Air M3 the Apple site seems to show it only having 2 thunderbolt/usb slots, is that correct? If so, how would this work if I wanted to have two external displays and wired keyboard and mouse?
A Macbook M3 Pro seems to have three thunderbolt 4 connections (which I understand also works as USB-C?) and an HDMI? So can you use the three thunderbolts for keyboard (with adapter), mouse (with adapter) and one display, and the HDMI for another display, or is there a better way to set this up?
Many thanks!!
(This was all much easier when macbooks just came with enough ports!!)
Sorry, what I meant by "I don't need advice on this, but I also want to use the Macbook with two external displays." was that I don't need advice on whether or not multiple displays can be connected (as I've already found the answer to this and didn't want to waste anyone's time) but I gave that info as it assumed it is likely to have an impact on the availability of suitable ports to connect other wired peripherals.
Having read your answer though, it seems like you are saying that I can't do what I need with either an MBA or MBP, and will need to buy some sort of hub.
Ummm..... bit annoying to spend so much and then have to spend even more just to have enough ports to do basic things.....
Ok thank you that’s very helpful.
Using wired keyboard and mouse with a Macbook
