Lesson 13: Using a Windows Keyboard With a Mac
- Mac Compatible Mechanical Keyboard
- Best Apple Compatible Keyboards
- Are All Keyboards Compatible With Macs
- Mac Compatible Keyboard And Mouse
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Using a Windows keyboard with a Mac
If you want to use a Windows keyboard on your Mac, the good news is it's pretty simple. You can use almost any Windows keyboard as long as it has either a USB or Bluetooth connection.
Why use a Windows keyboard?
Mac Compatible Mechanical Keyboard
One of the main reasons you might choose to use a Windows keyboard on a Mac is that it's more readily available. In most stores, you'll find that there are more Windows keyboards than there are Mac keyboards. You may also have one lying around the house from an older computer.
Some people simply prefer to use Windows keyboards. Perhaps you recently switched from a Windows computer to a Mac and you prefer the feel of your old keyboard. There's also a variety of custom keyboards available, with most of them made for Windows machines.
The Anker compact keyboard is also compatible with a range of Bluetooth devices including Mac, PC, Windows, iOS and Android. You can use it easily with your iPhone, Mac or an Android phone. Anker has also ensured that it is easy to type on this device with low-profile matte keys with the frame being sturdy to last long. I have been using the surface ergonomic keyboard with my Mac for a while now and love the keyboard, however the one issue I'm having is when I start up my mac - which is connected to a docking station with external monitors etc. the MacBook won't recognize the surface keyboard on the login screen so I have to either use a different keyboard. The Magic Keyboard is a wireless, rechargeable keyboard that comes included with most Mac computers. However, those of us who are on old Macs or want a new keyboard, the small Magic keyboard.
What are the main differences?
Although Windows and Mac keyboards feature most of the same keys, there are a few that differ. When using a Windows keyboard on a Mac, the Windows key is used instead of the Command key, and the Alt key is used in place of the Option key. For example, the Undo shortcut would use Windows+Z instead of Command+Z. It's also worth noting that their positions are reversed on the two types of keyboards. Gsnap autotune mac.
Best Apple Compatible Keyboards
Setting up a Windows keyboard
To use a Windows keyboard, simply connect it to your Mac (if it's a Bluetooth keyboard, your Mac should recognize it when you turn on the keyboard). You should be able to use it as soon as it's connected. You may be greeted with a Keyboard Setup Assistant prompt like the one in the image below. This is just the computer's way of identifying the keyboard; simply follow the onscreen directions. This only takes a minute or two, and then you'll be all set!
Remapping the keys
If you've recently switched keyboards, using shortcuts can be frustrating. Some modifier keys are arranged differently, which can be difficult to get used to. For example, if you're used to pressingCommand+Z, this same typing movement would be Alt+Z on a Windows keyboard.
Are All Keyboards Compatible With Macs
Luckily, Macs allow you to remap your keys. This means you can change the function of the keys so when you press one key, it's actually performing the action of another. For example, you can set it so that the Alt key will act like the Command key when pressed. To learn how to remap your keys, read this article from 9to5Mac.
Mac Compatible Keyboard And Mouse
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