How to comfortably work with a regular Windows keyboard on Mac OS X. WhiteFox: review of a mechanical keyboard for Mac Keyboards compatible with mac os
Many Mac users continue to rave about the MacBook and Apple Magic Keyboard. However, most app developers, designers, and audio engineers prefer third-party keyboards.
For example, if you use several Apple computers at the same time, or your MacBook is placed on a special stand and connected to a monitor, some models of wireless keyboards may be the ideal solution for comfortable work. In this article we will talk about the best Magic Keyboard analogues from third-party manufacturers.
Logitech Craft
The model is a stylish and comfortable keyboard that connects to your Mac using Bluetooth. The main advantage of this model is the touch control dial, with which you can easily and quickly execute various commands. The keyboard is equipped with a presence sensor that activates the backlight.
Price: from 10,690 rubles.
Satechi Aluminum Bluetooth Keyboard
The Satechi wireless keyboard is made entirely of aluminum and shares a similar stylistic design with Apple devices. Chiclet-type keys allow you to type with high precision. A full-size number pad will be especially useful when processing statistical data or any other arithmetic calculations. The keyboard can connect to multiple compatible Bluetooth devices, allowing you to quickly change them using dedicated buttons. The built-in battery allows you to work in active mode for up to 80 hours or up to 100 days in standby mode.
Price: from 6,990 rubles.
Logitech K480
The multimedia keyboard is equipped with a recess on top, which allows you to install an iPad or iPhone there. Logitech K480 supports connection to 3 gadgets at the same time. The Easy-Switch wheel allows you to switch between devices.
Price: from 2,990 rubles.
Logitech Wireless Solar K750
Stylish wireless keyboard. A distinctive feature of this model is the built-in solar panels, which provide the ability to charge the battery both from natural light and from light from a lamp.
Price: from 5,300 rubles.
XtremeMac Bluetooth Keyboard
The Xtrememac Bluetooth Keyboard is a full-size keyboard with wireless connectivity. Externally, it is similar to the Apple Magic Keyboard, but costs 2 times less. The model is compatible with iOS, Android and Windows gadgets and allows you to simultaneously connect to 4 devices.
Price: from 4,990 rubles.
Logitech K780 Multi-Device
The full-featured K780 Multi-Device wireless keyboard is compatible with absolutely any device, regardless of OS. The keyboard switches between devices with one click of the Easy-Switch button. At the same time, it adapts to any gadget and adapts the assignment of keys. This model runs on 2 AAA batteries.
Price: from 5,790 rubles.
Apple iMac computers come with the company's wireless Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse, which meet the needs of most users. However, there will always be those who are looking for something more. Especially for them, we have prepared a review of alternative keyboards for Mac.
Apple's options
Despite the steady growth in popularity of Mac computers, it is more difficult to find accessories and peripherals for them than for the ubiquitous Windows PCs. Including the keyboard. If necessary, you can connect almost any keyboard from a Windows computer to your Mac, however, due to differences in the layout, many familiar keyboard shortcuts will not work (this problem can be partially eliminated by customizing the layout to suit you). But it is much more practical and convenient to use a keyboard that is certified for Mac.
Apple is currently transitioning from the time-tested classic keyboard mechanism to the new butterfly technology. The older version of the keyboard was designed for the first aluminum unibody MacBook, which was introduced in 2008. At the same time, on desktop Apple computers, users could use a wired or wireless Apple keyboard, which were developed “with an eye on laptop computers.” As a result of unification, the owner of Apple computers did not experience any inconvenience when switching from iMac or Mac mini to MacBook and back. The typing sensations were the same.
The butterfly keyboard was first used in the MacBook 12'' laptop, introduced in 2015. It did not fit the usual keyboard, so Apple developed an updated version with an increased key area and a travel depth of 14 mm versus 17 mm in the classic version. At the same time, the thickness of the keyboard has decreased by 40%. When using it, the pressure is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the keys, which in theory should improve accuracy and increase typing speed (to be fair, we note that not all users were enthusiastic about the abandonment of the usual mechanism with a greater depth of travel).
Then the updated Magic Keyboard 2 wireless keyboard was introduced, which also uses a butterfly mechanism.
In 2016, the updated MacBook Pro was released. Compared to the Pro series of previous years, these laptops have become significantly thinner, as a result of which they also received a keyboard with a butterfly mechanism, but this is the second generation, in which a number of characteristics have been improved. After their presentation, rumors appeared online that the company would introduce a wireless keyboard with a Touch Bar and a Touch ID fingerprint sensor (not yet confirmed).
At the time of writing, users who prefer Apple branded peripherals are limited in their choice of three models.
Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (MB110RS)
The model is quite old (on the market since 2008), but it is fully compatible with the latest version of macOS and looks good with modern computer models from Apple.
It's made of anodized aluminum and features function keys for quick access to common commands on your Mac, like adjusting screen brightness, adjusting volume, and launching Mission Control and Launchpad.
However, the main advantage of the model is the full-size digital block, which is especially important when working with large volumes of numerical data.
Connection to a computer is made using a USB cable. At the side ends there are 2 USB hub sockets, which allow you to conveniently connect a mouse, storage devices or digital equipment to the computer directly through the keyboard.
Apple Wireless Keyboard MC184RU/B
The standard wireless keyboard for Apple computers without a number pad, taking up 24% less desktop space. This keeps all the function keys for quick access to common operations on your Mac.
The device body is made of anodized aluminum in the same style as Apple technology.
The keyboard has a range of 10 m, so if necessary, you can remove it from the table and put it on your knees, continuing to work in the way that is most convenient for you.
The island-shaped flat keys have a clear click and a noticeable stroke, so typing even large text will not cause difficulties.
Power is supplied by two AA batteries. Due to its small thickness and weight, this model is suitable for use with an iPad as a portable input device.
Price - about 120 USD equivalent.
Apple Magic Keyboard (MLA22RU/A)
Updated Apple wireless keyboard introduced in 2015. Occupies 15% less space on the desktop than the Wireless Keyboard and is equipped with a first-generation butterfly mechanism (like the MacBook 12’’), which makes the keyboard profile even lower.
The keyboard is equipped with a full set of additional buttons for performing frequent actions in the macOS operating system.
The body is made of anodized aluminum, the buttons are made of slightly matte polycarbonate.
One of the main features of the Apple Magic Keyboard is the presence of a built-in battery, the capacity of which is enough for 4 weeks of operation under average load. Then the charge can be restored by connecting the keyboard to the computer using a Lightning-USB cable, which is familiar to all owners of an iPhone, iPad or iPod.
The device weighs only 231 g and will be a good portable solution for iPad owners who often work with text on the tablet.
Price - about 150 USD equivalent (in the USA - 99 USD).
Matias Wireless Aluminum
This accessory successfully filled the gap that exists in the Apple keyboard lineup. The company's portfolio includes a wired keyboard with a numeric keypad and two compact wireless keyboards without a numeric keypad. But what about users who want to take advantage of a full-size keyboard with a separate numeric area, but are tired of wires?
Matias came to their aid by releasing the Wireless Aluminum keyboard. This model is specifically designed to work on Mac. This can be seen not only in the preservation of the familiar layout, but also in the use of a single design language with Apple products, thanks to which the keyboard looks organically next to the Mac.
However, Matias designers went further than Apple and, in addition to the usual silver-white version, presented versions of the keyboard in the color of the iPhone, including dark gray and gold (both with black keys), as well as pink with white keys.
The layout of function keys for managing common operations on a Mac is fully consistent with that on Apple branded keyboards. In addition to Mac, support for iOS, Windows and Android is announced. Matias Wireless Aluminum can be paired with up to four devices at the same time, instantly switching between them using dedicated buttons above the number pad.
An additional advantage of the model is a built-in 1,600 mAh battery, which is on average 7-8 times more than other wireless keyboards. Charging from 0 to 100% takes 5 hours, after which you can count on a whole year of use (with several hours of daily use).
Unfortunately, it is difficult to find Matias Wireless Aluminum for sale in the CIS.
Price - 99 USD in the USA.
Microsoft Sculpt Mobile Keyboard (T9T-00017)
Compact Bluetooth keyboard from the Redmond giant. The model is positioned as a universal input tool that can be connected to Windows computers, Android devices, iPad, and Mac computers.
However, first of all, the device is optimized for working with operating systems of the Windows family, as evidenced by a number of additional functional buttons above the number row.
But compatibility with Mac is also implemented, which the manufacturer did not forget to mention on the box.
The slightly curved shape provides improved ergonomics for long-term typing, and the thickness of less than 2 cm, light weight and dimensions allow the Sculpt Mobile Keyboard to be used as a tablet keyboard.
Power is supplied by two AAA batteries. According to the manufacturer, the battery life under average load is 40 weeks.
Price - about 60 USD equivalent.
Logitech K810 Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard
Classic wireless keyboard for Apple computers, iPad, as well as for PCs and Android devices. Made of practical plastic.
The model has a stylish design and stands out among other wireless keyboards for Mac by having a backlight, which makes it especially attractive for working in the dark or in low-light conditions.
The brightness level can be adjusted.
It is possible to connect to three different devices, between which you can switch with one touch.
Charging is carried out using a standard USB - micro USB cable. From 0 to 100% the keyboard charges in about 3 hours. The operating time of a fully charged battery is 10-14 days in medium load mode (discharge time depends on the backlight brightness level).
Price - about 110 USD equivalent.
Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard (920-008043)
A stylish keyboard with a full-size numeric keypad, which allows you to simultaneously connect to three devices (all popular platforms are supported, including macOS).
In addition to the frequently used Logitech feature - switching between different devices with one touch - this model is distinguished by silent input, as well as the presence of a special rubber stand for mobile devices. It easily fits a smartphone and tablet, including an iPad Pro with a 12-inch screen. This ensures the most comfortable tilt angle, and the desktop remains uncluttered with wires and devices.
Noise-free typing is achieved through the use of Logitech's proprietary PerfectStroke™ key system. Large, rounded keys combine with a familiar Mac layout for instant responsiveness and an impressive user experience.
Power is supplied by two AAA batteries (according to the manufacturer, with one change of batteries the keyboard will work for up to 2 years).
Price - about 80 USD equivalent.
Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480
Wireless desktop keyboard for computer, tablet and smartphone. Layouts for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows and Chrome OS are supported (keys with different functions on different platforms are marked with a line).
Like other Logitech models that support multiple devices, the ability to instantly switch is implemented. For this, a special Easy-Switch disk is used.
The top row of functional buttons completely replicates those found on branded keyboards for Apple computers and, when paired with a Mac, allows you to adjust the backlight brightness, volume, and also control the playback of multimedia files with one touch.
The keys have a slightly rounded concave shape, which ensures high typing accuracy and speed. When switching to the Logitech K480 from a standard Apple keyboard, you can get used to the shape of the keys and the pressing mechanism in a couple of hours.
The built-in stand with rubber cradle securely holds your smartphone and tablet at a comfortable angle so you can read text while typing and editing. On our website you can buy an iPhone inexpensively.
To make using the keyboard on Mac as convenient as possible, you can download an application from the developer’s website that will allow you to customize the keyboard to suit your needs.
In addition to the gray version with light green inserts, a white version of the keyboard with light gray elements is available.
Power is supplied by two AAA batteries (working time from one shift is about two years).
Price - about 40 USD equivalent.
Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K760
An innovative keyboard with a built-in battery, the user does not have to worry about recharging it at all, since the charge is replenished using solar cells. To do this, it is enough to keep the device in a room with normal room lighting for about six hours. After this, the keyboard can work in complete darkness for up to two weeks.
Like other Logitech keyboards optimized for use with Mac computers, the Wireless Solar Keyboard K760 supports up to three simultaneous connections. Switching between them is carried out in one click.
When connected to Mac computers, the top row of function keys allows you to perform the same operations as standard Apple keyboards, including adjusting screen brightness, volume, Launch Pad, and Mission Control.
For correct operation, software is required, which can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.
Price - about 70 USD equivalent.
Xiaomi Yuemi Mechanical White
A mechanical keyboard from a well-known Chinese company, which is known in the CIS countries as a manufacturer of affordable and high-quality electronics.
The keyboard is made of H32 aluminum and has a six-tier design. Thanks to the anodic oxidation procedure and additional sandblasting, the device has received additional resistance to external damage and corrosion.
The keycaps are made of quality ABS plastic and are designed in the style of old computer keyboards. But in fact, this is a modern device that can compete with the products of venerable peripheral manufacturers. TTC RED switches provide a duty cycle of 50 million clicks. At the same time, the keys are located as tightly as possible, which minimizes the possibility of debris and dust getting between them. The built-in 32-bit STMicroelectronics microprocessor provides instant processing of keystrokes, which will be a pleasant bonus for gamers and those who type using the ten-finger touch typing method.
Connection to a computer is carried out using a white USB - micro USB cable.
Yuemi Mechanical White keys have a soft LED backlight that can be adjusted in six levels.
Special feet on the bottom provide a 6-degree lift, which reduces hand fatigue during long-term work with text.
Price - about 80 USD equivalent. The model can be purchased in the CIS.
Das Keyboard Model S Professional for Mac
Premium mechanical keyboard optimized for Mac. Features Blue MX switches with gold plated contacts for precise actuation and noticeable feedback.
The built-in USB hub allows you to connect up to two external devices to your computer. The extended cable ensures easy connection and allows the keyboard to be conveniently positioned on the desktop.
A special Sleep function is designed to instantly put your Mac into sleep mode during breaks in work.
Das Keyboard for Mac is equipped with dedicated keys for quickly adjusting volume, muting sound, controlling media playback, and controlling screen brightness.
The Option and Command keys familiar to Mac users are also in place. Reading up to 5 simultaneous clicks is supported, which makes Das Keyboard Model S Professional for Mac an excellent choice for gamers or people who are proficient in touch typing.
Price - 133 USD on the manufacturer's website.
Lofree
Wireless mechanical keyboard with retro design. Outwardly, it resembles a typewriter from the 19th century (this effect arises due to the use of round keys, which significantly rise above the base). However, the keyboard does not lose its futuristic aura.
The manufacturer positions the Lofree keyboard as a mechanical input tool that is suitable not so much for gamers as for designers, writers and journalists. That is, ordinary users who are forced to work with large amounts of text.
Unlike most mechanical keyboards, Lofree comes with the familiar Magic Keyboard layout that all Mac users are familiar with. Moreover, the top row of keys is auxiliary and allows you to adjust the brightness, volume and control the playback of multimedia files - exactly as when using Apple branded keyboards.
Lofree's specifications are impressive:
- Possibility of operation in wired or purebred mode
- Compatible with Mac, iOS, Windows and Android
- simultaneous connection to three different devices with the ability to instantly switch between them
- built-in backlighting of buttons with the ability to adjust in three levels
- up to 100 hours of battery life
- charging the built-in battery via micro USB cable
- several color options
- reliable mechanical switches
The only drawback of the model is its unavailability in the CIS countries. The device can be purchased in the USA by pre-ordering it on the crowdfunding site Indiegogo. Unlike many other crowdfunding projects, the inventors of the keyboard managed not only to raise the required amount, but also to set up production. Reviews from the owners are entirely positive. We hope that the keyboard will be available for sale here in the foreseeable future.
Price - about 80 USD in the USA.
If you are a true Apple product lover, you can choose any of the four types of keyboards - the one that best suits your needs. Of course, if you choose three of them, you'll have to buy the corresponding laptop as well (simply because they're built in), so going this route is a fairly expensive method of upgrading a keyboard. If you choose a separate keyboard designed for use with Apple computers, then you have no choice, and it doesn't matter whether the keyboard meets your needs or not. keys), then all is not lost in this case. There are plenty of third-party keyboards that are not only good quality, but also designed to be used on computers running Mac OS X. On the other hand, the number of keyboards for Mac OS X pales in comparison to the abundance of keyboards designed specifically for Windows.
First experience
If you just plug a random Windows keyboard into a USB port on your Mac, there's a good chance it will work. True, it is worth saying that you will also experience a lot of inconvenience. You will be able to type, but there will be a lot of strange behavior of the keyboard. For Mac OS X to recognize such a keyboard, you must open the System Preferences window. Open the Keyboard and Mouse panel (System Preferences → Keyboard & Mouse) and select the Keyboard option. Then click the Change Keyboard Type button (Fig. 8.24).
The Assistant program will launch and prompt you to press a few keys, after which Mac OS X will be able to recognize the type of new keyboard (Fig. 8.25).
At this point, you can get carried away with replacing the keyboard layout and re-layout it so as to achieve the greatest similarity to the behavior of the Mac keyboard. This is achieved by modifying keyboard shortcuts - here you are free to do whatever you want. This process is simple, but quite lengthy. In the Keyboard and Mouse panel, click the Keyboard Shortcuts button and you'll see a long list of keyboard shortcuts. You can modify this list by hovering over the entry you want in this list and double-clicking on it. After this, you can reassign this operation to another keyboard shortcut.
If you want your connected Windows keyboard to behave exactly like your Mac keyboard, you'll have to go through each item in this list and replace the Alt key with the Command key. Once all this is done, you will be able to work with the Windows keyboard in the same way as with the usual Mac keyboard (Figure 8.26). You may have already noticed that there are significantly fewer function keys on Apple keyboards than the new features Apple keeps adding. This is especially true for laptop keyboards. But don't worry: if you want to get your function keys back, you can do it the same way you do when modifying Windows keyboards.
Some keyboards designed for Windows are more compatible with Mac OS X than others. For example, Logitech keyboards (just one of the well-known brands) have key bindings that control the volume of sounds on your Mac. If these keys work, then the only key you'll really miss is the Eject key. Mac keyboards have this key, but Windows keyboards do not.
It is quite possible that there is some clever trick that allows you to add an analogue of the Eject key for ejecting removable media to the Windows keyboard. But if you are already tired of all this fuss with re-partitioning and reassigning keyboard shortcuts, then there is another way that is simpler and shorter. Just add the Eject option to the menu bar. This is not even easy, but very simple. Browse your System folder by going to the following path: System/Library/Core Services/Menu Extras. Once in the desired directory, double-click on the Eject.menu file, and the additional Eject menu will appear in your menu bar (Figure 8.27).
If you're hoping that all the plethora of dedicated keys on Windows keyboards can be repurposed to do something useful on a Mac using the keyboard shortcut bar, then you're out of luck. Mac OS X does not recognize, for example, the additional Email key; trying to use it as a function key (or for some other purpose) will lead to nothing. The Mac will only beep, as if to tell you "I know you're pressing something, but I don't care - I'm not listening."
For most people, Apple computers are something out of science fiction, something strange, incomprehensible and very inconvenient. In part, such comments are fair, because Apple laptops and desktop machines are very different from the Windows computers we are used to. A new Mac user is already stumped at the initial stage when faced with the fact that the keyboard does not work the way he is used to.
It is not known whether such drastic changes are caused by Steven Jobs’ hatred of Microsoft products, or whether the Apple corporation has its own ideas about the anatomy of the hands, but the usual hot keys on their computers look and work somewhat differently. In this material, the reader will find answers to basic questions, such as: “Why doesn’t changing the layout work?”; "What does the Option key look like on a Mac?" and others. The solution to these and other problems is very close, you just need to spend some time setting it up.
Keyboard shortcuts (modifier keys)
The key combinations on Apple computers are not much different from those on Windows, with the exception of changing the layout. This means that all the usual combinations, such as “copy”, “paste”, “cancel” are in place, only the modifier key has changed, Command is used instead of Control. Command + C, Command + V and so on (which is logical, because that’s what Command is for, to execute commands).
Often modifier keys are indicated using special characters:
Name | Symbol | Meaning |
Command | Performs a function used as the basis of a modifier. |
|
Shift | Performs a function similar to that in Windows. |
|
Option | Calls up alternative options. |
|
Control | Used in complex combinations. |
|
Caps Lock | Can be used as a modifier after installing Karabiner Elements, and commands can be assigned manually, regardless of system limitations. |
Option key on Mac: where is it and how to use it?
Some advanced Mac users call this key the magic key, because almost every function with its use opens up new horizons in using the computer. First, it’s worth finding out where On modern laptops and keyboards from Apple, Option is located next to the Command buttons, and it says, attention, Alt. The same Alt, familiar to everyone who has sat down at a modern keyboard at least once in their life. What capabilities does this button provide?
Access additional information in the toolbar:
- By holding Option and hovering over the apple icon, you can access more complete information about the system.
- On laptops you can get information about the battery status.
- If you open the sound settings by holding down Option, you can select the playback source.
Quick access to settings and alternative options:
- If you hold Option while pressing, the system will automatically open the settings related to the specific function key.
- All applications offer alternative keyboard shortcuts that are somehow related to the Option key, to do this, simply hold it down while viewing a function in the toolbar.
- When using the Time Machine backup tool, the Option key will reveal all drives that contain at least one copy.
The Option button also allows you to enter alternative characters, identical to Windows (this applies to those who still use a hyphen instead of a dash).
Keyboard layout
We figured out that the key assignments in Mac are different from those in Windows. Now it’s worth understanding how the layout differs and how to fix it. Yes, yes, to fix it, because by default the Mac uses a keyboard layout familiar to those who have used a typewriter - Russian typescript. The technical structure of the typewriter forced the designers to place punctuation marks in the top row of keys so that they do not touch each other; on a computer, this approach only slows down the speed of typing, so it is necessary to immediately change the layout. This is done simply:
- Go to "System Settings".
- Sub-item "Keyboard".
- Submenu “Input Sources”.
- Next, you need to add a new layout - Russian PC, and delete the old one.
Now all the keys are back in their places, and although the engraving on the keyboard does not coincide with the actual purpose of the buttons, anyone familiar with the blind text input method will be happy after changing the layout. Also, after this, the letter E, which many still use in printing to this day, will return to its place.
Switching layouts
The most ingrained habit of all Windows users is the Shift + Alt key combination - a big problem for newcomers to the world of apples. There are two options for solving the problem: either get used to the new combination Command + spacebar (which is anatomically much more convenient), or install Punto Switcher from Yandex, which allows you to use both modifiers at the same time to change the keyboard layout, and also has a lot of other functions (for example, automatic change the language without using a key combination at all).
Instead of a conclusion
As can be seen from the above material, moving into the Apple universe is not only pleasure, but also a number of difficulties associated with certain habits that we acquire while using a computer. It's up to the buyer to put up with them and set up the computer or give up and go back to Microsoft, but with difficulties there is always a reward, and in the case of the Mac it is really worth it. Moreover, once you break the habit, you can understand that keyboard shortcuts are more logical and convenient than in Windows, and the Option key on a Mac is truly magical and the notorious Alt is no match for it.
In this material we will talk about third-party keyboards, or, to be more precise, Windows analogs that work in tandem with a Mac, what inconveniences exist in everyday use and how to fix them.
And even MacBook's own keyboards are far from perfect. Everything certainly depends on the tasks being performed. not very convenient when used in games and does not have additional programmable keys, the Magic Trackpad 2 is generally tailored for creative individuals, and the keyboards also cannot boast of additional features that gaming instruments from famous peripheral manufacturers have.
Well, you have become or want to become the proud owner of some kind of gaming, simply programmable keyboard, or you have lost an external USB keyboard with a numeric keypad that you want to connect to your MacBook. Or maybe you even have a hackintosh? In fact, all the keys are identical - Ctrl - Control (⌃), Windows - Command (⌘), Alt - Option (⌥), but the only problem is that the pens remember that on a Mac the sequence from left to right is ⌃ | ⌥ | ⌘, and on Windows ⌃ | ⌘ | ⌥. And it is precisely the castling of the Option and Command keys that will often lead to mistakes and not the actions that the brain wants to perform.
In order not to resort to third-party utilities, like, you can get away with the standard OS X settings and change the layout of the keys to your taste:
1 . Go to menu → System Settings → .
2
. In the " " in the lower right corner, click the button with a strange translation " Modification keys...».
3
. Select the connected external keyboard (USB Keyboard) and assign the following actions to the keys:
- for the key Option (⌥) → Command (⌘);
- for the key Command (⌘) → Option (⌥).
4
. Save your changes by pressing OK and enjoy.