A Bluetooth mouse or keyboard is handy for your MacBook when you’re moving or traveling lightly. Sometimes you’ll need to use both devices simultaneously to complete your task, but can a MacBook work with a Bluetooth Mouse & Keyboard?
Connecting a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard to your MacBook simultaneously is possible. A MacBook can accept a maximum of seven Bluetooth devices, with an optimal number of three or four before it starts to affect the performance of a device. You can also connect two of the same type of devices.
Although it is possible to use your Bluetooth mouse & keyboard simultaneously with your MacBook, it may not be feasible, depending on other devices you have connected. Let’s cover what affects your Bluetooth device performance, essential facts about connectivity, and how to use multiple sound devices on a single MacBook.
Can Your Bluetooth Mouse & Keyboard Work On Your MacBook?
You can connect a Bluetooth mouse & keyboard simultaneously to your MacBook and up to a maximum of seven devices altogether.
While connecting seven devices to your MacBook is possible, it may not be feasible. Your MacBook has a finite capacity of Bluetooth data that travels between it and your paired device. The seven-device limit ensures that multiple devices connected simultaneously can function adequately.
Some Bluetooth devices will also demand more data than others, meaning your experience will be less than desirable if you connect seven devices that demand a high amount of data to work effectively.
This is because your MacBook must delegate the appropriate amount of data to have a device work properly, and with more devices connected, it has less data to distribute.
A mouse and keyboard only require a little Bluetooth data because sometimes you don’t type, click, or move the mouse. A Bluetooth speaker demands a constant data flow to play audio without stopping.
Consider that the Bluetooth data capacity of your MacBook is 100. Your mouse and keyboard may each demand 10 data, consuming 20/100 data to work without delays or issues. Your Bluetooth speaker might require 50 data to run without audio cuts and skips.
Adding together data usage for all three devices will be 20 + 50 = 70 / 100, meaning you can run all three devices flawlessly without issues. As soon as you surpass the 100 limits by adding another device, you will experience audio cuts, keyboard & mouse delays, etc.
Considering how Bluetooth devices use data, it is ideal for connecting no more than three or four Bluetooth devices to your MacBook.
Can You Connect Two Keyboards To Your MacBook?
You can connect two keyboards or two mice to the same MacBook simultaneously.
It’s also possible to connect one keyboard to multiple MacBooks; the catch is your keyboard can only connect to one MacBook at a time. The MacBook that switches on first will grab the keyboard and prevent others from utilizing it.
Energy Consumption of Bluetooth Devices
One consideration when using Bluetooth devices with a MacBook is the potential impact on the laptop’s battery life. While Bluetooth technology has become more energy-efficient over the years, it can still contribute to power drain, especially when multiple Bluetooth devices are connected and actively used.
Impact on MacBook’s Battery Life
When a Bluetooth device is connected to a MacBook, it maintains a constant communication link with the laptop. This link requires energy, and the power drain can be more significant when data is actively being transmitted, such as when you’re using a Bluetooth mouse or typing on a Bluetooth keyboard.
Additionally, the strength of the Bluetooth signal can also affect power consumption. For example, if your Bluetooth device is far from your MacBook, it might require more power to maintain the connection.
Although the impact on battery life can vary depending on several factors, including the specific Bluetooth device being used, it’s worth noting that the MacBook’s battery life might be shorter when using Bluetooth devices compared to when not using them.
Optimizing Battery Use
There are several strategies that MacBook users can employ to minimize the impact of Bluetooth devices on battery life:
- Turn off Bluetooth when not in use: If you’re not using any Bluetooth devices, turning off Bluetooth can save power.
- Keep devices close to your MacBook: As mentioned earlier, maintaining a Bluetooth connection over a longer distance can use more power. So, keeping your Bluetooth devices close to your MacBook can help save battery life.
- Choose energy-efficient devices: Some Bluetooth devices are designed to be more energy-efficient than others. Look for devices that use low-energy Bluetooth technology (also known as Bluetooth LE or BLE), which is designed to reduce power consumption.
By considering these factors, MacBook users can continue to enjoy the benefits of using Bluetooth devices while managing their laptop’s battery life effectively.
You may also like: Can You Use Apple Keyboards and Mice with Non-Apple Devices?
