# Apple Magic Trackpad

32 Hacker News commenters recommended Apple Magic Trackpad and 11 criticized it, November 2025 to November 2026. It was recommended in 7 of 13 months. It meets the Hacker Approved badge rule.

**Verdict:** Recommended for precise gestures and wireless use with a Mac, and it also works on Linux and ThinkPad laptops. Critics say it fits Mac best, and some find it tiring over long days.

## Why people recommend it

- Works on Linux and ThinkPads (4 comments): "The Apple Magic TrackPad works well on Linux, both via Bluetooth and USB-C." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46181981)) "I like the Apple Magic Trackpad, even on Linux it works well these days" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46812514)) "You can buy a Magic Trackpad and pair it with your Thinkpad no problem." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47339390))
- Best-in-class Mac integration (3 comments): "Mac trackpads (And even the Magic Trackpad itself) is AFAIK best in class" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48399287)) "Apple is just ahead of everyone else when it comes to user experience" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49941721)) "I love Apple hardware integration outside of the ecosystem!" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48577098))
- Gestures and multitouch work well (2 comments): "Wireless, multitouch gestures, everything but Force Touch works." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49946764)) "I prefer the Magic Trackpad for its gestures." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46594641))
- Pairs well with a keyboard (2 comments): "my default docked setup uses a Magic Trackpad 2 alongside my keyboard so I can have the best of both worlds" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46214321)) "I have a split keyboard (RKS70) with a magic trackpad in the middle, I love it" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46595800))

## What people warn about

- Not needed; often left unused (2 comments): "The magic trackpad is amazing, but I just find myself never reaching for it" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46390647)) "The magic trackpad is nice, but really not required." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=50270525))
- Less consistent outside macOS (2 comments): "the acceleration curves don't match, the keyboard combinations are less natural, the gestures clunkier" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46384801)) "nowhere near as consistent fluid as in macOS since the software support just isn't there" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46412783))
- Causes hand pain after long use (2 comments): "I used a magic trackpad for quite a while until I found myself in agony by the end of the day." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47429636)) "Pretty bad cramps after a few weeks." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47575395))
- Costs about $150 on its own (2 comments): "their $150 trackpad and avoid the need to compete with superior accessory manufacturers" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47290287)) "They want you to buy their $150 trackpad even though you’re sitting at a desk" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46411202))

## Where to get it

- [See price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Apple+Magic+Trackpad&tag=YOURTAG-20) (affiliate link)
- [Official site](https://www.apple.com/)

## Cite as

Hacker Approved, "Apple Magic Trackpad", https://hackerapproved.com/p/apple-magic-trackpad/ (counts from 1,795,640 Hacker News comments, November 2025 to November 2026).