Using a Windows Keyboard with a Mac

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If you limit your keyboards to only ones made for the Mac, you’re going to miss out on a bunch. Fortunately, any Windows keyboard can be used on the Mac. The only real differences are the locations of the Windows/Command key and the option key. They’re swapped. But, with macOS, you can swap these keys with ease. Also, if you got a mechanical keyboard, you can even swap the keys themselves, so you’ll always be able to tell the keys apart. Mac users shouldn’t have to get used to doing things the wrong (Windows) way. No pinky stretching exercises for you! Here’s how to swap your Command (Windows/Super) key and your Alt Key.

Customizing Your Modifier Keys

To swap your Alt and Command (Super or Windows key), you’re going to need to modify the settings for your keyboard. Fortunately, these are exactly where you’d expect them to be, in System Preferences.

1. Open System Preferences
2. Click Keyboard
3. Select Modifier Keys
4. Swap Command and Alt (and get rid of Caps Lock permanently, if you’d like).

Customizing Your Keys

Some keyboards, mainly mechanical ones, can swap the keys in their own firmware. I did this with my Vortex Race 3 keyboard, but not my CM Storm Keyboard (which I’m typing this review on). Not all can do this. The software solution above should work for most keyboards. Best of all, macOS can tell the difference between your keyboards, which means if you use other keyboards with it, including the attached keyboard on the MacBook Pro, the settings won’t carry over.

Oh, and if you have a mechanical keyboard (seriously, you should get one), use a key puller to pull up straight on your keys. Don’t force it, just slide it straight up (it may take some force, but be careful). I’ve replaced every key on a keyboard before, once you get used to it, it’s really easy.

Apple doesn’t always favor customization. However, there is one place Apple still offers choice: peripherals. You can use any mouse and keyboard with your Mac. Which is good, because I hate Apple’s offerings. The Magic Mouse lays uncomfortably flat and you can’t use it while charging. The Magic Trackpad likely damaged my right hand’s wrist permanently, as I didn’t stop feeling pain in it until I stopped using Apple’s trackpad. The pain comes back sometimes, and it keeps me from playing tennis. Finally, there’s Apple’s keyboard. Its keys have next to no travel, and it too is flat and uncomfortable to use. Fortunately, I can also use my favorite gaming mouse (I have two of these) and mechanical keyboards with my Macs. At least Apple gave us freedom from their lousy (and hobby-ruining) hardware.