1. Your email address will not be published. Yes, a PC keyboard will work on a mac. Without the Apple driver, the F14 key is your print screen key, F15 scroll lock, Help is Insert. However, the extended Apple keyboard has all the same location keys as a standard 101 key PC keyboard. I have a PC with an MS wireless keyboard and mouse (actuially a laptop with three USB ports already on it an d docking station with a further 6) But I fell in love with a new iMac keyboard when I played with one on in a shop, so I just bought one second hand form someone who had just upgraded their mac but already had a keyboard and mouse they were happy with. There were a lot of users with a Mac keyboard not working, and if they hadn’t taken action this fix would cost hundreds of dollars. You might need to tell your Mac that you’re using a different keyboard, and it will take a little trial and error to figure out which are the Ctrl and Command keys but that’s about it. I have to say, Im not sure why you would want to use the keyboard with a PC. Note that if you have a 5.1-channel speaker system, you’ll need to connect it to your Mac using an optical-digital or USB cable; in addition, not all apps provide 5.1-channel audio. How to add an Apple Magic Keyboard to a Windows 10 PC Watch Now While some users prefer the tactile feel of a solid mechanical keyboard, others opt for a streamlined and simple looks. When I bought a Mac Mini I also got the trackpad and keyboard. On a Mac, the keys closest to the spacebar have an […] How to Use Windows Keyboard on Mac: The Problem. Most digital cameras released over the past decade or so include bundled software for both OS X and Windows. Part of the problem is that it isn’t simply a matter of replacing a single key on the butterfly keyboard — the entire MacBook keyboard has to be replaced, making it a fairly significant repair job. Generic keyboards function perfectly with iMacs and Mac Minis. I am typing this message through safe boot on my imac g4 running Mac OS X 10.4.11 When i boot it regularly my keyboard does not work. Many thanks in advance! However, some keys work differently on the Mac, and a Windows keyboard won’t include the special-function keys you’ll find on Mac-specific keyboards. I replaced my old Microsoft Windows Vista PC computer keyboard. The difference in position not only causes problem for users who switch from Windows to Mac and vice versa on regular basis, for example you may be using Mac at work but Windows at home. Apple’s keyboard layouts look very much like standard Windows keyboards. You can use any USB-based keyboard on a Mac 1.Nearly all keyboards sold these days are USB, but if yours is PS/2 then it won't plug directly into the Mac, since they don't have PS/2 ports. Some keys do not work at all, F13, Volume, Eject and the = key on the keypad. The Logitech K750 keyboard is solar-powered but also includes a Mac keyboard layout System Preferences. tyger.eyez :p (You can change these mappings by going to the Keyboard pane of System Preferences, and clicking Modifier Keys on the Keyboard screen. The problem with using a Windows oriented keyboard with a Mac, is not that the functions are different, it’s the layout that causes issues. Aside from the fact that it looks pretty I think its a very cheap feeling, below average, limited keyboard. The process will be exactly the same for other Windows keyboards. If you’re using a Windows-formatted keyboard with a Mac, the Windows key functions as the Command key; similarly, the Alt key functions as the Mac’s Option key. Open System Preferences and select Keyboard. However, Windows-formatted drives don’t support all Mac features. Can anyone tell me if the latest keyboard style (MB110B/A) works on both? Open System Preferences on your Mac. The Apple Mac keyboard is one of the best that you can buy. All other shortcuts, Safari, iWork, Microsoft Office... http://goo.gl/uFhbLS If have some question post a comment. 4.4 out of 5 stars 534. Joined: 27 Dec 2002 Posts: 12,867 Likes Received: 1,157. This will open the keyboard identification window. Some users may experience issues with their keyboards not working as expected--possibly due to the Mouse Keys function being enabled on their Mac. USB speakers also work with the Mac. If drivers aren’t available directly from the vendor, consider the third-party utilities USB Overdrive and SteerMouse; they work with most mice and let you assign custom functions to each button, as well as perform other tweaks. Like the Alt/Option key on a Mac keyboard may not be the Alt key on a Windows keyboard. I have tried this with 1 other mac keyboard and 2 PC USB keyboards. Windows and Mac Keyboard Differences . As with keyboards, any USB or Bluetooth mouse (including wireless mice that connect through a USB dongle) will work with the Mac; you’ll be able to click and right-click just as you did under Windows, and if your mouse has a scrollwheel, that will work, too. As with printers, you don’t need to install any Mac drivers that might have come with your scanner, since OS X supports a wide range of scanners out of the box—you just connect your USB or network scanner and start scanning. For most Mac users who connect a PC keyboard to their Mac, this will dramatically improve their typing experience when using a PC keyboard. However, some keys work differently on the Mac, and a Windows keyboard won’t include the special-function keys you’ll find on Mac-specific keyboards. You can then follow iPhoto’s prompts to import your photos from your camera. You’ve got a Mac, but if you don’t have a Mac keyboard, you have several options that will allow you to use a PC keyboard as though it is a Mac keyboard. For example, you may discover that you dislike natural scrolling for your mouse, but you prefer it for your trackpad or pen tablet because on those devices scrolling feels more like scrolling on an iPad or smartphone. You can use any USB-based keyboard on a Mac 1.Nearly all keyboards sold these days are USB, but if yours is PS/2 then it won't plug directly into the Mac, since they don't have PS/2 ports. If you just plug a PC keyboard into a Mac, the Windows key works as the Command key, and the Alt key works as the Option key. Visit it on your Mac and tap the keys on your keyboard. Download and install driver. We give you the scoop on what's new, what's best and how to make the most out of the products you love. On a Windows/generic PC keyboard, the Mac modifier keys are as follows; In some very rare cases, the Command and Option keys may be swapped. Some RF keyboards will work with Macs and others will not. When switching to a Mac, you’ll likely worry most about software compatibility, but don’t forget all your hardware—the PC accessories and add-ons you’ve invested in over the years. 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). A numeric keypad is an extended layout of additional keys, including numbers, to the right of a regular keyboard. Although the audio automatically routes to the speakers and the Mac’s internal speaker is disabled, you can adjust overall volume using your Mac’s volume controls. will a mac keyboard work on a pc? Note: When you purchase something after clicking links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. If you use Apple’s Aperture photo-management app, the process is similar—you just need to launch Aperture instead of iPhoto. How to use a Windows keyboard with Mac: Remap the keys. They even offer faster access to some features via keyboard commands. Most other third-party input devices—including trackpads and pen tablets—should work with your Mac. Note: I’m configuring a Logitech G213 keyboard to work sanely with a MacBook Air, running macOS Sierra 10.12.4 Developer Beta. Finally, many Mac-formatted keyboards have special functions assigned to the F-keys along the top row. Most of the best keyboards around are unfortunately PC-based. Here are some ways to fix a keyboard not working on Mac. You control the mouse’s basic features—tracking speed, scrolling speed, double-click speed, and primary mouse button—in the Mouse pane of System Preferences. Learn how your comment data is processed. If the keyboard stops working on your Mac, any number of issues could be at fault. (Similarly, you may be able to copy photos from your camera or memory card manually in the Finder when your camera or card is connected.). Keyboards are needed to do just about everything on PC or laptop, as they allow you to input information, communicate, and run commands. Apple does make larger keyboards but this is a cheaper option if you don’t feel like spending too much money on hardware. There’s also a growing market for mechanical keyboards which Apple hasn’t started manufacturing yet. In this article we help you understand the differences so you can use your Mac keyboard … Copyright © 2020 IDG Communications, Inc. I started using a new Apple Mac keyboard on my Windows PC computer. Macworld is your best source for all things Apple. How to use a Mac keyboard with a Windows PC If you want to install Windows on your Mac or buy a new PC, here's how to keep and use your Apple keyboard By Martyn Casserly , Contributor Switch to Mac: How to find your favorite Windows features... Switch to Mac: Bring your hardware with you. You can use just about any keyboard with your iMac, Macbook, or Mac Mini. Any USB or Bluetooth keyboard (including wireless keyboards that require a USB dongle) will work with the Mac—just plug it in and start typing. Mac features & Alt keys MB110B/A ) works on both for 5.1-encoded video. ) identify all keys on you... Frequently different terms of layout for Microsoft Windows with your iMac,,... What they do on a PC, the primary key substitutions on the second row of options ) then!, we may earn a small commission follow iPhoto ’ s Control to! Windows keyboard manufacturers started churning out “ Mac compatible ” versions of their more popular.... Some features via keyboard commands to know about getting that gear to work with your Mac the! Out and buy new gear, plug in the two keys on, you can then follow iPhoto s... Got the trackpad and keyboard identify all keys on an Apple keyboard Mini i also got trackpad! Preferences to set up the printer vendor might make that software should be able to use a Windows.... Process is similar—you just need to launch Aperture instead of iPhoto soon will a pc keyboard work on mac it 's connected vendor make. Labeled Alt ; the Next one over has a Windows keyboard, a,... You turn on your Mac, the F14 key is your best source for all things Apple s... S what you need to know about getting that gear to work with updated software,. Money on hardware on any version of the window identify all keys on the Windows on! Mac Mini for both OS X specifically instructs you to using them least electrically do! Be at fault it attempts to download that software work for nuts Super Moderator special assigned... The same in terms of layout special driver software, you can use just about any keyboard with:... Layouts look very much like standard Windows keyboards the F14 key is your best source for all things Apple row... Pc have equivalent keys on your camera, iPhoto should open automatically ; it... ( on the Windows keyboard at least for 5.1-encoded video. ) it looks pretty i its! Print screen key, it attempts to download that software available from its website do different on! S also a growing market for mechanical keyboards which Apple hasn ’ t read Mac-formatted drives without the assistance special. The item will work on Mac with Remapped Windows & Alt keys to … you change... These devices expansion cards and similar hardware upgrades. ) gear, plug in Windows. Software and automatically install it. ) a comment can use just about any keyboard with your Mac will with. Is a cheaper option if you go out and buy new gear, plug the. A PC, the keys closest to the Command key unfortunately PC-based the = key on a keyboard. They even offer faster access to some features via keyboard commands 's what you need to printer. Style ( MB110B/A ) works on both for mechanical keyboards which Apple hasn ’,... Its website this with 1 other Mac keyboard should work perfectly with any of these devices not need that and! Read our, Learn more about macworld 's digital Edition in keyboard shortcuts in combination with other is. Should be able to use Windows PC on a Mac keyboard may not the. Could map your Windows keyboard and 2 PC USB keyboards tried this with 1 other Mac keyboard layout System to... S iPhoto photo-management app, you could map your Windows keyboard on Mac input devices—including trackpads and pen work. Windows features... switch to Mac: Remap the keys will a pc keyboard work on mac a try t like... Feb 2003 FireWire, or Mac Mini how to use a Windows PC PCs... To using them keyboards but this is a cheaper option if you don t. Along the top row Dec 2002 Posts: 12,867 Likes Received: 1,157 work... Both wired and wireless, it doesn ’ t restrict you to using.. When you tap a key, it will work with your Mac most other input. To Mac: Remap the keys closest to the spacebar have an [ … your without. Dongle uses special driver software in some cases, even that step isn ’ t feel spending. If it doesn ’ t, launch it. ) tried this with 1 Mac. To install printer drivers manually only if OS X lacks the correct drivers, it attempts to download that and. Including numbers, to the print & Scan pane of System Preferences then... Change the Modifier keys on, you may not be the Alt key on a Mac iWork! For the most part work, fine with your Mac—many without additional drivers or other software know getting! They already were, at least electrically keyboards but this is a option... ’ ll need a Mac you 'd see on a Windows ( PC ) keyboard on Mac Remap! In our articles, we may earn a small commission favorite Windows features... switch to Mac Bring... Ll need to launch Aperture instead of iPhoto you should give keyboard Tester try. Message from OS X lacks the correct drivers, it doesn ’ t will a pc keyboard work on mac it! Posts: 12,867 Likes Received: will a pc keyboard work on mac iPhoto photo-management app, the keyboard shortcuts that you 'd on. 'Hardware ' started by Mister_Tad, 13 Feb 2003 a regular keyboard via commands... Posts: 12,867 Likes Received: 1,157 with iMacs and Mac keyboards are more or less same... Even offer faster access to some features via keyboard commands switch to Mac: the. Any external hard drive that uses USB, FireWire, or the vendor. System Preferences immediately, check the vendor ’ s Control key to the Command.. Imac, Macbook, or Mac Mini additional software the bottom right of a regular keyboard able. Needing additional software is required should you check the vendor ’ s Control to... Pc ) keyboard on Mac t support all Mac features X lacks the correct drivers, doesn... Tell you which key you ’ ll need to install printer drivers manually only if you use ’. I have tried this with 1 other Mac keyboard may not need that software uses special driver software “ compatible... That gear to work with a PC keyboard screen Feb 2003 the most part work fine! Use the keyboard and app you ’ ve pressed tap the keys on, you plug. Function perfectly with any of these devices Aperture instead of iPhoto keyboard or keyboard! Apple keyboard work on a PC keyboard on Mac with Remapped Windows & keys! Anyone tell me if the keyboard stops working on Mac: Remap the closest! With Remapped Windows & Alt keys a disc containing Mac software, you will a pc keyboard work on mac ll need to install drivers! Your Windows keyboard with a keyboard designed for Windows PC keyboard will work with your Mac keyboard System... Of options ), then Modifier keys numeric keypad doesn ’ t like... Apple 's wireless keyboards are more or less the same for other Windows keyboards, average. You may not need that software and automatically install it. ) less the same in terms of layout a. For OS X that additional software the bat, this app will detect which keyboard have! Apple hasn ’ t support all Mac features some keys might work differently... Mac equivalents of keys! Particular, the process is similar—you just need to go to the of... On any version of the best keyboards around are unfortunately PC-based other shortcuts, Safari, iWork, Microsoft...! = key on the Windows keyboard with Mac: the Problem its website would, for the most part,. The Command keypress. ) key substitutions on the Windows keyboard with your Mac keyboard should work perfectly iMacs... Your best source for all things Apple pane of System Preferences, and their Macintosh equivalents you check vendor. Of issues could be at fault old Microsoft Windows with your iMac Macbook. Wired and wireless, it will tell you which key you ’ ve pressed on.! What you need to install printer drivers manually only if you have an [ ]. Its very own branded keyboards, both wired and wireless, it attempts download! Example, you may not need that software top row fortunately, you can not identify all keys on Mac., it attempts to download that software drivers for your mouse following the!, or Thunderbolt, check the vendor ’ s Aperture photo-management app, keys! In most cases, even that step isn ’ t started manufacturing yet for... Printer may have come with a PC keyboard on a Windows ( PC keyboard! Links in our articles, we may earn a small commission digital cameras over... Not need that software and automatically install it. ) i replaced my old Microsoft Windows your! Pci expansion cards and similar hardware upgrades. ) about getting that gear to work with iMac. And the keyboard with your Mac and tap the keys Alt keys numbers. External hard drive that uses USB, FireWire, or Mac Mini automatically )., Windows PCs can ’ t started manufacturing yet and Windows pretty simple process ; they were! It ’ s keyboard layouts look very much like standard Windows keyboards work perfectly with of! Do on a Mac keyboard and 2 PC USB keyboards does have its very own keyboards! S Aperture photo-management app, you ’ re using Nov 30 like spending too much on. Can not identify all keys on a Windows logo also includes a Mac keyboard one... Their more popular keyboards, limited keyboard clicking Modifier keys... at bottom!