Input & Connectivity
Apple Magic Trackpad (USB-C) — White Multi-Touch Surface
By Nick Miles · Updated 2026-06-08 · 9 expert sources

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