I exchanged my Windows mouse for an Apple Magic Trackpad. Here's my experience.

Switching to Apple's Magic Trackpad on Windows: A Smooth(ish) Transition

There's a reason why so many MacBook users are fans of the Force Touch trackpad. It's sleek, responsive, and packed with intuitive gestures that make navigating your device a breeze. But what about Windows users? Can they enjoy the same experience with Apple's Magic Trackpad? Let's find out!

I've been using a Windows gaming laptop as my primary workstation, armed with a fancy MMO gaming mouse. Those extra keys on the mouse are a godsend for my most-used shortcuts. Yet, even without these shortcuts, I'd still choose a gaming mouse over the less-than-stellar Windows trackpad.

On the other hand, I also own a MacBook Air, which I take with me whenever I work outside the office. Unfortunately, I often find myself relying on the trackpad more than necessary because the Magic Trackpad is just that good. Its silky glass surface feels great, and the gestures on macOS make navigation a no-brainer.

Intrigued, I decided to test the Magic Trackpad with my Windows laptop. So, I bid adieu to my gaming mouse and welcomed a Magic Trackpad into my life.

Apple Magic Trackpad: Don't Let the Price Scare You

The Magic Trackpad is wireless and rechargeable, featuring a vast edge-to-edge glass surface that feels comfortable and productive to use. It's packed with Multi-Touch gestures, and its Force Touch technology allows for an even deeper connection with your content.

However, it was not designed to work on Windows. Thankfully, there are third-party solutions that help bridge the gap. But before we dive into that, it's important to understand the limitations of using a Magic Trackpad with a non-Apple device.

Embrace the Third-party Magic

It may be daunting to find a way to make the Magic Trackpad work on a Windows machine, but fear not - there are several third-party apps to choose from.

First, I tried Trackpad, but it turned out that the Magic Trackpad 3 isn't supported yet. Then, I moved on to the Mac Precision Touchpad driver by imbushuo via GitHub, which provided additional functionality like two-finger scrolling and secondary clicking. However, I couldn't quite get my three- and four-finger gestures to work.

As a last resort, I decided to give Magic Utilities a shot, and I was impressed. It supported all the three- and four-finger gestures I'd grown to love on macOS, and it even allowed me to customize a few functions to my liking. However, it only offers a trial period, and after that, you'll need to invest in a subscription.

Taking the Helm with Ease

The Magic Trackpad shines when it comes to seamless scrolling and effortless gestures. Whether I'm using Photoshop, Excel, or Trello, the trackpad makes navigation a breeze. It saves me from having to memorize awkward shortcuts or spend countless minutes scrolling through endless lists.

One challenge I encountered was handling drag-and-drop tasks, especially while working with my triple-monitor setup. But Magic Utilities offered a helpful solution with its customizable Drag Lock option.

Ergonomic Bliss

Thanks to its low-profile design, the Magic Trackpad helps prevent carpal tunnel syndrome by allowing me to rest my hand on my palm instead of my wrist. Plus, its size is small enough to save desk space, making it perfect for those with limited workspace or frequent travelers.

Yes, But Is It Built for Gaming?

There's no denying that the Magic Trackpad excels in productivity, but does it deliver in the gaming department? Well, not exactly. Gaming relies on precision and speed, two elements that trackpads generally struggle to provide. That being said, if you're serious about gaming, you might want to stick with a traditional mouse.

Is the Magic Trackpad Worth the Investment?

After using the Magic Trackpad, I can see why some people would call it an investment rather than an expense. It offers unparalleled precision and a seamless experience when navigating your Windows device. However, at around $129 for the white version and $149 for the black one, it's certainly not a cheap investment.

If you can justify the price, the Magic Trackpad might be worth the splurge. Just remember that you'll need to purchase a subscription to unlock its full potential, and you may still encounter some limitations when compared to a native Windows solution.

Still, if you're looking to take your Windows navigation game to the next level, the Magic Trackpad might be worth a shot. Happy upgrading, productivity pros!

I exchanged my Windows mouse for an Apple Magic Trackpad. Here's my experience.