The case for buying the black Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad hinges on a $30 discount that runs only through September 22, 2026. The complication is that this specific color variant rarely sees price cuts, making the current offer at Amazon and Best Buy an outlier in Apple's accessory pricing history. The risk is missing the window, as Best Buy's promotion expires at 10 PM Pacific Time on that date.

The discount mechanics

The standard price for this full-size, wireless keyboard is $199.99. Both Amazon and Best Buy are selling the unit for $169.99. This version includes a numerical pad, arrow keys, and additional function keys beyond the base model. The Touch ID button functions only on macOS computers running version 15.1 or newer on Apple-made silicon. Connectivity options include a woven USB-C cable for charging and data transfer, or a Bluetooth wireless connection.

Black-colored Apple accessories typically carry a higher price premium than their white counterparts. They also go on sale less frequently. This scarcity of discounts for the dark model is what makes the current $30 break notable. Amazon's page indicates shipping within one or two days. Best Buy's offer is strictly time-bound, ending at the close of business on September 22, 2026.

The counterargument

The strongest counterargument is that the $30 saving is modest for a premium peripheral. For users who do not require the numerical pad or the Touch ID integration, the base Magic Keyboard may be a more efficient purchase. The Touch ID feature is also limited to specific hardware and software versions, meaning it offers no utility for users on older Intel-based Macs or those running macOS versions prior to 15.1. The read-through for those customers is that the specialized features do not justify the premium over standard models, even with the discount applied.

On balance

On balance, the deal is strongest for users of Apple Silicon Macs who need a full-size layout. The combination of the numeric keypad and Touch ID in the black finish is the specific configuration that rarely sees a price reduction. The line to watch is the expiration time at Best Buy, as the Amazon price may remain static for a different duration. The discount brings the price to $169.99, a concrete reduction from the $199.99 list price. For those in the target demographic, the savings are real and the hardware is specific to their workflow needs.