I have both an external display and use the Macbook Pro’s keyboard. My controversial view: I like the feel of the MBP keyboard, appreciate the convenience of Touch ID, and like the functionality of the Touch Bar. To view both displays, it helps to have the external monitor elevated over the Macbook Pro. This keyboard tray is reasonably sturdy and permits a comfortable typing height.
Hardware:
-2016 Macbook Pro with Touch Bar - space gray
-LG 5k 27” display, IKEA office desk
-Fellowes keyboard tray,
-Steelcase office chair (not shown)
-Belkin Thunderbolt 2 Express Dock HD with Thunderbolt 3 adapter (sound, scanner, and wired Ethernet for fast Synology connection)
-Apple magic mouse
-Fujitsu ScanSnap S510M (side)
-2 external hard drives connected through LG display (behind monitor)
-Panasonic CD Stereo System (nice sound, connected through Thunderbolt dock)
I travel often. It’s nice to have a light 3 lb laptop for travel that also connects to a 27" retina display for a home desktop experience.
~Ed