With the increasing popularity of Apple computers, numerous third party accessories have sprung up across the Internet. Up for review today is one such accessory, the LowKey Stand by Macessity, a California-based company that makes a wide range of Mac accessories aimed at professional users. The stand, which is designed specifically for the iMac and Apple Cinema displays, is small enough to fit on any desk, but at the same time large enough to provide a stowing place for the new slim Apple keyboards. To top it off, the product also comes with an integrated USB hub, making up for the lack of front USB ports on the iMac. Read the Editor Daniel Foster’s take on the product after the jump.

Upon removing the LowKey Stand from its box, the first thing I noticed was how heavy it was. Made of 0.1085″ thick steel, the stand is small but sturdy. Considering the heavy weight of the iMac and many larger LCD screens, the weight of the stand is a good thing. I don’t think I would trust some flimsy plastic stand on sale for $15 at Wal-Mart to hold my precious iMac.

After placing the LowKey Stand on my desk, I plugged in the USB hub connectors and sat my Mac on top of it. The stand’s aluminum finish not looks nearly identical to the iMac, complementing it perfectly. It soon dawned on my that my Mac had finally found its long-lost twin. Just as Macessity advertised, my Apple slim keyboard fit under the stand perfectly. This feature is useful to me because my desk is often cluttered; I need as much space as I can get.

The integrated USB hub works like a charm. Whereas my iMac only had four USB ports (including the keyboard ports, but excluding the port used by the keyboard) before I got the stand, it found myself with seven after (this number excludes ports taken up by the keyboard and hub). Having four ports in front of the computer makes life much easier. Plugging in flash drives and cameras is much easier to do from the front than from the ports on the keyboards or in the back. The hub does need to be plugged into a power outlet, but the power brick is far from a brick. I am used to seeing power bricks that take up two or even three plugs, but the LowKey Stand’s power connector is roughly the size of a typical computer plug. Below is a picture of it next to a paper clip to give you an idea of its size.

The underside of the stand looks just as good as the outside. Towards the middle you can see a black peg sticking out. This provides support and keeps the stand from bending, but has the added feature of preventing the keyboard from sliding back too far. Plastic feet adorn the bottom of the stand to prevent it from scratching your desk. There were about six inches of room left over on either side of the iMac’s base after I placed it on the stand, leaving a a place for other such niceties like cell phones, flash drives, and even the Apple remote.

Overall, I was very pleased with the stand. It was not only sturdy and sexy, but it added front USB ports to my iMac. Priced at $59.99, some may gawk at the price. Considering it is the only stand out there I know of that is built specifically for the iMac and also the fact that it matches the computer and provides front USB ports, I don’t see the price as being too unreasonable. This stand was not designed to be something to be picked for $29.99 in the bargain bin at CompUSA. It is a sturdy piece of equipment meant to add to the iMac experience. I recommend it to anyone who needs front USB ports, more space, or is looking to raise their display or iMac up a little bit.

For those who like the LowKey Stand but not the integrated USB ports, check out the SlimKey Stand. It provides all the features of the LowKey Stand but minus the USB ports and $59.99 price tag.

Thanks to Macessity for shipping the LowKey Stand to us for the review. It will be interesting to see what you guys make next!