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Input & Connectivity

Apple Magic Trackpad (USB-C) — White Multi-Touch Surface

By Nick Miles · Updated 2026-06-08 · 9 expert sources

Apple Magic Trackpad (USB-C) — White Multi-Touch Surface

Pros

  • +Only consumer trackpad with true Force Touch — pressure-sensitive clicks unlock Quick Look, look-up, and variable-speed media scrubbing no rival replicates
  • +Full macOS Multi-Touch gesture set (2-5 finger swipes, Mission Control, App Expose) works natively with zero driver install
  • +160mm x 115mm edge-to-edge glass surface is the largest premium pad here and the macOS reference standard reviewers measure others against
  • +Rechargeable battery rated about a month per charge; USB-C port (replacing Lightning) means one cable for the whole desk
  • +Aluminum-and-glass build is the durability and feel benchmark — Cult of Mac calls it 'still the best ever'

Cons

  • −On Windows it degrades to a basic two-finger pointer — no Force Touch, no Mission Control, gesture support is minimal
  • −$119.99 is roughly 2.5x the cost of capable Windows-only pads like the ProtoArc T1 Plus
  • −Charge port sits on the front edge, so it cannot be used while charging in the most natural orientation
  • −No 2.4GHz dongle or wired mode — Bluetooth only, which rules out BIOS/login-screen use on PCs

Score breakdown

  • Expert consensus9.6
  • Effectiveness9.5
  • Build safety9.5
  • Durability9.0
  • Value7.2