Will a regular keyboard fit a mac? Apple keyboard: Option key on Mac and other features of the Apple keyboard. Connection and setup

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 separate keyboard, intended for use with Apple computers, then you have no choice, and it doesn’t matter whether this keyboard meets your requirements or not. If you don’t like Apple keyboards (perhaps you want a larger keyboard or with harder 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 simply connect a randomly selected Windows keyboard to USB port on your Mac, then there is a high probability that 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).

On this step You might get carried away with changing your keyboard layout and re-layout it to make it feel as similar as possible to a 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 Alt key on 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 she is absent.

It is quite possible that there is some clever trick that allows you to add an analogue of the Eject key to eject 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 shortcuts 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."

Many users Mac computers continue to admire 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 the MacBook is located on a special stand and connected to a monitor, some models of wireless keyboards may become ideal solution for comfortable work. In this article we will talk about best analogues Magic Keyboard 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 the same stylistic design as 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, providing them with quick shift 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. Distinctive feature this model are 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.

The apple brand is participating in the review latest version wireless and standard wired keyboard with full-size numeric keypad. Opponents include Logitech Easy-Switch K811, Matias Laptop Pro for Mac, Kinesis Freestyle2, Das Keyboard and Logitech K750.

Apple Keyboard duet: innovations vs standards

The unspoken policy of the corporation is that only two models are enough to fill the segment of keyboard accessories for computers of its own production. A clear illustration of the saying “less is more”, because both options are comprehensive solutions in their category. And formally, the potential buyer can only choose between the wireless option and the “keyboard with a tail.” In practice, the really common features Magic Keyboard And Apple Keyboard only two: support for all function keys in OS X and easy, from the first connection, adaptation to any proprietary device of the company.

Everything else is continuous, albeit subtle, differences. For example, if a wireless accessory has a truly “ultra-thin” aluminium case”weighing just over 200 g, then the dimensions of the classic keyboard, not intended for voyages, are not indicated at all on the manufacturer’s website. There is no need to travel, let yourself stand, confidently leaning on the tabletop with your legs, each of which has a hidden USB 2.0 port - you can connect any necessary peripherals. The Magic's capabilities are limited to Bluetooth and a Lightning/USB rescue cable, but this makes it convenient to work with both iPad and Mac, which is an indirect indication of Apple's desire to move away from highly specialized devices.

Minimization did not affect the size of the buttons, but the attempt to create a mobile keyboard led to the abandonment of the number pad. A mere trifle for the younger generation, accustomed to entering data through touch systems, but it breaks the patterns and breaks the habits of avid office workers with impressive typing speeds and long stacks of numbers. Fortunately, despite the fundamentally different mechanisms of key movement, the “responsiveness” of pressing the keys is excellent in both cases. There are also no problems with power supply - the traditional keyboard receives it through an equally familiar USB cable, the new one is equipped with a battery designed for a month of autonomous operation of the gadget.

Judging by the specifications, this is a direct competitor to the Magic Keyboard; this model is aimed at wireless connection to Mac, iPad, Apple TV, iPhone, etc. A total of up to three gadgets at the same time, with switching between them as fast and reliable as Bluetooth allows, without the need for re-authorization. Other advantages of the accessory include a capacious battery, backlit keys, their “quiet click” and a thin, elegant silhouette of the keyboard. Price $100.

Matias Laptop Pro for Mac

The second brightly lit advantage Matias Laptop Pro is the proprietary button design - not the same as Apple, but not the widespread Cherry MX. The mechanism is so quiet that the keyboard is not difficult to confuse with membrane models, plus there are a number of useful little things, such as sculpted relief of the keys, laser engraving and copying of the full set of functional buttons for Mac. Beautiful, solid and not cheap, $160 per copy.

An example of when ergonomics is a priority:

• The design of the accessory allows you to place the keyboard halves at a distance of 0-20 cm relative to each other in any position. Indispensable for adapting to people with different body proportions or physical ailments.
• Flat, inclined, combined - the angle of the device parts relative to the supporting surface varies to reduce the load on the wrists.
• A separate row of popular keys on the left side of the gadget, separated from the main set by a deep groove. Allows your fingers not to slip off the function buttons during high-speed editing of documentation, web surfing, and working with system commands.
• Price about 100 US dollars

Das Keyboard

Large and heavy, 46×7×2 cm and 1.3 kg, durable - gold-plated key contacts, no wear even after 50 million keystrokes, a full-size keyboard with a separate numeric keypad, which is mandatory for solid, working devices. Designed for long and intensive use, for which, in addition to paint, deep laser engraving is used when marking the buttons.

The device uses a standard connection via the USB 3.0 interface, comes with an extended cable, does not require drivers and supports function buttons in OS X. As a bonus, there is an integrated volume dial and a solid stand instead of a pair of fragile legs. Made to last and therefore priced accordingly at $175.

Is it fair to compare Apple's $99 and $49 offerings to significantly more expensive keyboards? Perhaps it really makes sense to look in the other direction - the price of the model in the official store is $60. The keyboard catches sunlight and can store it for 3 months battery life, and the optional silver color of the 8.5 mm thick case is a direct hint at the need for close cooperation with Apple products.

Communication with the Mac is wireless and in the same way you can connect up to 6 Logitech devices to the gadget, such as a mouse, headset, gamepad or, why not, another keyboard.

Bottom line

The review does not pretend to be an ultimate guide to the variety of keyboards for the Mac family of computers, but it is a good opportunity to illustrate the fact that Apple directly produces utilitarian, application devices. Light and beautiful, compared to luxurious, thoughtful and expensive products from partner companies, the Magic Keyboard and its wired “sister” are like gadgets for texting. e-mail. And if you need to issue a modern version of “War and Peace” to the mountain every week, complete workplace on a distant expedition, to ensure coordination of the work of a peripheral set of equipment, or to compensate for the user’s physical illness, there are options with a high level of efficiency. For an appropriate fee, of course.

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 your own MacBook keyboards far from ideal. Everything certainly depends on the tasks being performed. is not very convenient when used in games and does not have additional programmable keys, Magic Trackpad 2 is generally tailored for creative individuals, and the keyboards also cannot boast additional features, which are available to gaming tools from renowned peripheral manufacturers.

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, it seems, you can get off and standard settings OS X and change the key layout to your liking:

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.

Having released new MacBook Pro with the new Touch Bar Apple has both delighted and disappointed many users. The problem with the panel is that it robs owners of the 15-inch model of the function keys and the Escape key.

In this regard, many users, when buying a new MacBook Pro, are thinking about purchasing a full-fledged external keyboard that contains the missing row of buttons.

Let's take a look at the interesting Mac keyboards you can buy today

Apple Magic Keyboard

The most obvious option when choosing an accessory for your MacBook Pro is a wireless keyboard from Apple. Tim Cook's company released new model Apple Magic Keyboard a few months ago, changing the internal structure of the buttons and reducing power consumption.

Apple Magic Keyboard is a very compact and mobile accessory that can be carried in the same bag with your MacBook Pro.

In the Russian version of the Apple online store, the keyboard costs 8,690 rubles.

Matias Quiet Pro

Matias produces Quiet Pro mechanical keyboards for Mac and Windows. The manufacturer claims that the device is no louder than a regular membrane keyboard.

Matias Quiet Pro contains 3 USB 2.0 ports, which is important when working with modern MacBook Pros. Of course, in 2016/2017 it is strange to buy a device with ports of an older generation than USB 3.0, but the old ports are quite enough to connect additional accessories. Why use an additional USB hub if the keyboard has ports?

The main disadvantage of Matias Quiet Pro is that it will also have to be connected via a wire, using an adapter for a regular USB port.

On the manufacturer's website, Matias Quiet Pro can be purchased for $150.

Satechi Bluetooth Wireless Smart

If you're looking for a wireless alternative to the Apple Magic Keyboard but don't want a bulky mechanical keyboard, consider Satechi.

The keyboard can go into sleep mode to save battery. The Function key, combined with the numbers on your keyboard, lets you quickly switch between devices to type a message on your iPhone or reply to an email on your iPad.

On the manufacturer's website the cost of the keyboard is $55.

Kanex MultiSync Aluminum Mac Keyboard

The Kanex project conducted a successful fundraising campaign on Indigogo, as a result of which anyone can now order a Kanex MultiSync Aluminum keyboard. The keyboard includes a layout for convenient work with numbers and looks great next to Apple products.

The user can sync Kanex MultiSync Aluminum with up to four devices, quickly switching between them using dedicated keys.

The device can be purchased on the Kanex website for $100.

Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard

Logitech positions this keyboard as a mobile accessory designed to work with different types devices. The K380 is compatible with macOS, iOS, Windows, Android and Chrome OS.

The keyboard can be connected to 3 devices simultaneously, but it is worth remembering that it uses the Bluetooth 3.0 connection standard.

On the Logitech website, the K380 keyboard costs $40.