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Macally Compact Wireless Keyboard - 2.4 Small Keyboard for Laptop, Desktop PC, Surface, Chromebook, Notebook, Slim Mini Key board with 2.4G Wireless USB - Portable, Ready for Travel without Number Pad
Macally

Macally Compact Wireless Keyboard

Bottom line: The Macally Compact Wireless Keyboard ($15.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): 78-key tenkeyless layout frees desk space next to a laptop; main trade-off: no number pad, so heavy data entry means a separate numpad.

$15.99

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Buy on Amazon — $15.99 Compare to similar gaming peripherals

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For keyboards, mice, headsets and other PC peripherals, synthesises manufacturer specs and independent reviews rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ 78-key tenkeyless layout frees desk space next to a laptop
  • ✓ 2.4GHz USB-A dongle is plug and play, no drivers or software
  • ✓ 12 shortcut keys handle media and system tasks on the top row
  • ✓ One AAA battery included in the box, no charging cable needed
  • ✓ On/off switch cuts battery drain when packed for travel

Cons

  • ✗ No number pad, so heavy data entry means a separate numpad
  • ✗ 2.4GHz dongle only, no Bluetooth for tablets or dongle-free use
  • ✗ Requires a free USB-A port, awkward on USB-C-only laptops
  • ✗ Single AAA cell means carrying a spare on longer trips

Manufacturer description

The Macally Compact Wireless Keyboard strips a full-size board down to a 78-key layout so you reclaim the desk space a number pad normally eats. It connects over 2.4GHz through the included USB-A dongle, so there is no pairing menu, no driver install, and no software to configure on a PC, Chromebook, Surface, or notebook with an open USB-A port. Twelve dedicated shortcut keys sit along the top row for volume, media, and system tasks you would otherwise dig through menus for. Power comes from a single AAA battery, included in the box, and an on/off switch on the keyboard lets you cut the…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Macally Compact Wireless Keyboard using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the gaming peripherals category. Macally's gaming peripherals lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for gaming peripherals of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this keyboard have a number pad?

No. It uses a 78-key compact layout with no number pad, which is what keeps the footprint small enough to travel with next to a laptop.

Does it connect over Bluetooth?

No. It connects over 2.4GHz using the included USB-A dongle, so your computer needs a free USB-A port. There is no Bluetooth pairing mode.

Will it work with a Chromebook or Surface?

Yes. Macally lists it as plug and play with any PC or Chromebook that has a USB-A port, and no drivers or software are needed.

What battery does it use, and is one included?

It runs on a single AAA battery, which is included. An on/off switch lets you shut it down between sessions to stretch battery life.

Key Features

  • 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗞𝗲𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱: Simple and to the point, this small keyboard will help you save desk space while keyboard without number pad being the perfect size to take on-the-go.
  • 𝗨𝗦𝗕 𝗪𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗞𝗲𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱: A 2.4Ghz USB-A dongle provides a reliable wireless connection between the wireless computer keyboard and your computer or laptop. A wireless keyboard small but terrific!
  • 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶 𝗞𝗲𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗪𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 - Small, but Capable: The computer keyboard wireless has a 78-key layout with 12 convenient shortcut keys to help you tackle your computer tasks. Convenient wireless keyboard no number pad!
  • 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗖 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗲: Our small wireless keyboard is completely plug and play with any PC or Chromebook with a USB-A port, no drivers or software needed.
  • 𝗦𝗹𝗶𝗺 𝗪𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗞𝗲𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱-Battery Included: The compact keyboard white utilizes 1 "AAA" battery which is included, and also features an on/off switch to help save battery when not in use.

Full Specifications

BrandMacally
ColorBlack
StyleWireless Computer Keyboard Small, Laptop Keyboard, Compact Keyboard without Number Pad
Weight2.4g
GenerationPortable Mini Keyboard for Laptop or Desktop PC
Style NameWireless Computer Keyboard Small, Laptop Keyboard, Compact Keyboard without Number Pad
ConnectivityWireless, USB, 2.4GHz
Power SourceBattery Powered
CompatibilityPC, Switch
Built-In MediaNano Receiver, User Guide, Wireless Keyboard
Number of Keys78
Button Quantity78
Connection TypeWireless
Keyboard LayoutQWERTY
Special FeatureMini Keyboard, Slim Wireless Keyboard without Number Pad, Small Keyboard, Small Keyboard Wireless, Thin Keyboard Small
Antenna LocationBusiness, Everyday Use, Home, Office, Personal, School, Student
Hand OrientationAmbidextrous
Compatible DevicesLaptop or Windows PC, Tablet, TV, Lenovo, Dell, Linux, HP, Microsoft Surface, Acer, Asus, Samsung, Chromebook, Razer, MSI, LG
Additional FeaturesMini Keyboard, Slim Wireless Keyboard without Number Pad, Small Keyboard, Small Keyboard Wireless, Thin Keyboard Small
Included ComponentsNano Receiver, User Guide, Wireless Keyboard
Full listing titleMacally Compact Wireless Keyboard - 2.4 Small Keyboard for Laptop, Desktop PC, Surface, Chromebook, Notebook, Slim Mini Key board with 2.4G Wireless USB - Portable, Ready for Travel without Number Pad

Ready to buy?

Macally Compact Wireless Keyboard - 2.4 Small Keyboard for Laptop, Desktop PC, Surface, Chromebook, Notebook, Slim Mini Key board with 2.4G Wireless USB - Portable, Ready for Travel without Number Pad is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $15.99

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.

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Macally Compact Wireless Keyboard - 2.4 Small Keyboard for Laptop, Desktop PC, Surface, Chromebook, Notebook, Slim Mini Key board with 2.4G Wireless USB - Portable, Ready for Travel without Number Pad
$15.99
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