We select an external keyboard for MacBook Pro. How to work comfortably with a regular Windows keyboard on Mac OS X Apple Keyboard Better Mac OS

Approximately a year ago I was surprised to find that there are tens of thousands of people who themselves collect keyboards and spend hundreds of dollars for it. It seems now I became one of them.

All these people are Sensoriki who want their keyboard to sound, looked and felt just as they want. They are experimenting with the materials of the housing, the key shape and the types of switches to get the coveted ASMR effect.

To assemble such a keyboard, you will need six elements: body, printed circuit board, switches, panel for fastening switches, keikepa and stabilizers for some buttons.

The full set is usually accounted for in the $ 200 area. But it is possible to greatly exceed the budget, if you borrow with rare and high-quality kaykapami, which themselves can cost as a budget smartphone. What is already talking about $ 50 keikaps per piece.

Caicaps handmade. Usually they replace the ESC key

What WhiteFox.

WhiteFox is a keyboard from the community of fans of mechanical keyboards. Its printed circuit board, layout, housing and keikepa are designed by one person - Mateo Spinelly (@ Matt3o). And then embodied using the INPUT CLUB and MASSDROP communities.

Initially, WhiteFox was sold as a DYI set for enthusiasts. But she liked the community so much that now it is sold to the fully assembled and ready for use. And all this at a relatively low price - from $ 169, depending on the type of greesy.

WhiteFox, Logitech G502 Mouse, West Stand and Cat Tail

WhiteFox is a good chance to touch the values \u200b\u200band ideas of the fans of mechanical keyboards. There is everything that appreciates the community: a unique layout and keikepa, branded switches, an aluminum case and the ability to program the firmware.

Contents of delivery

Keyboard sent me from the US by the DHL service. She got to Kiev for 6 days, the courier brought her right home.

WhiteFox comes in the branded case, which in turn is packaged in a cardboard box. The case of the case is solid, and the keyboard inside is protected by soft inserts and tightly fastened with velcro.

The keyboard arrives in a durable case
Included in delivery there is a set of additional kaykaps, a Wire of USB-C, two additional rubber legs and documentation

The kit also includes a set of additional buttons and a white-blue USB-C cable in a braid.

The keyboard cover turned out to be much more suitable than I expected. When I translate my hakintosh somewhere, I add a two-meter power cable, a mouse and a stand under wrist into the case.

Connection and configuration

To the keyboard earn, you just need to connect it through a complete cable. If you have a new MacBook only with USB-C ports, you will have to use an adapter. Or use another cable that has USB-C on both sides. Fortunately, I have ordinary USB ports, so I left the cable.

The keyboard is connected via USB-C. Complete wire are good: thick and braid

The WHITEFOX standard layout is focused on Windows. If you are accustomed to apple claws, then you will immediately want to change the CMD and ALT keys in places. To do this, it is enough to use additional buttons from the kit.

CMD key goes in a row

Then the most interesting begins. Any buttons in WhiteFox can be reassigned, and not through the software superstructure, but right at the keyboard firmware level. Thanks to this, it will equally work with any computer and on any operating system.

To edit firmware, the easiest way is to use the branded app with the strange name of the Kiibohd Configurator from the Input Club (there are versions for MacOS, Win and Linux). Through it, you can change the action of any keys and make complex macros.

Application for setting up layers and WhiteFox keys

It is not necessary to go into strong customization. It is enough just to bring the key layout to typical Makovsky. This is how it happens:

Screenwork for basic configuration and flashing WhiteFox

After physically rearranged the keys and reprogramming, use the keyboard is a pleasure.

Design

Keyboard "Open" design. This is when switches and kaykaps protrude from the case. As for me, it looks very pretty. Yes, and the case seems not so massive, like my last keyboard Filco Minila Air.

An example of "open" design: Svisi is not recessed and protrude from the hull, which makes the appearance of less massive
An example of "closed" design: Svychi and keikepass are closed by the case

The design is typical for all custom keyboards. From above there is a cover (TOP Plate) in which switches are inserted. In turn, all switches are soldered to a printed circuit board (PCB) and all this sandwich is inserted into the housing. The housing and the top cover are aluminum.

The keyboard consists of two main parts: housing and top panel with switches and printed circuit board
To change switches or stabilizers, you need to drop each switches

You can open the keyboard if you unscrew 8 cogs (Torx T6h or Hex 1.5). Then remove the top cover with switches and printed circuit board. For a complete parse, you will need a soldering iron.

So that the keyboard stood a little at an angle, it has two spherically aluminum legs, which are screwed to the body by default.

Aluminum legs are already screwed to the body. There are even special recesses in Case

If the legs do not like, they can be twisted. True, the mounting screws are inside the keyboard, so it will have to pre-disassemble. Instead of aluminum legs glue small gum, which also come in the kit.

If you move from the MacBook or IMAC keyboard, then the height of any mechanical keyboard, with unusual, may seem uncomfortable. Therefore, I immediately recommended to get some kind of wrist support. I use a simple with Aliexpress. But recently ordered a wooden stand on Massdrop.

WhiteFox - Little Keyboard, but it is still much thicker of classic apple keyboards
Stand for wrists with Aliexpress is not the best quality, but for $ 6 performs its task

As you can see, the design is simple as a stump. If you break the USB-C port, you can turn it out. A broken wire - change. The swollen switches are filled with coca - replace the piece. The same applies to buttons and keikeap stabilizers.

You can fix it or change everything, so the mechanical keyboard type WhiteFox is almost eternal. What you can not say about the mechanics from popular game brands.

Laying

WhiteFox is a keyboard representative from a category 65%. The keyboard has six different layouts, the main one of which is The True Fox, which is invented by its creator @ Matt3o. It is under this layout that the keyboard was originally created.

Comparison of the size and layout of the WhiteFox with the classic Apple keyboard from iMac
The True Fox layout with keys size

The True Fox layout is distinguished by three moments.

1. Backspace is placed not in a digital key of the keys, but in the upper alphabet. So it is more convenient to press the little finger with a mother's hand with an alphabetic series;
2. The arrow keys are slightly moved away from the lower row to the right to make it easier to find blind;
3. Because of the new backspace arrangement and arrows, Caicaps BackSpace and Shift have become slightly smaller. It is important to remember if you decide to replace complete kaykaps on something else.

Initially, the backspace layout seemed to me unusual and I immediately edited the firmware moved to the right corner. But WhiteFox on one column is wider than my straight keyboard and I quickly realized that it became more difficult to reach the key. This is especially felt with the stand for the wrists, when the hands are relaxed. Therefore, I returned backspace back, I retired and now I use it with pleasure.

Backspace is found in alphanumeric, not digital. I got used to him in a couple of days

I also quickly mastered with the new Delete, Page and Pagedown keys. In combination with Fn, they are responsible for Mute and sound adjustment. According to direct value, I do not use them, so I plan to reprogram them on some macros.

In general, to the WHITEFOX layout of any complaints. Everything is convenient and is where I expect it. Yes, and the right shift is normal, which I was so lacked in Filco.

Sviery

When buying a keyboard, you can choose one of the eight types of switches. In order not to miss, I recommend you to read about everyone and "listen" to your sound on YouTube.

Species with which you can buy Whitefox

Be sure to pay attention to Hako True, Clear and Violet. This is an Input Club branded switches that KAILH produces for them. In retail, these switches are sold rarely, so the easiest way to buy them along with the keyboard.

Overview of branded switches HAKO TRUE, English.

If complete switches do not like you, then buy a new one is not a problem. They are sold in both thematic online stores and on Aliexpress. For example, I ordered myself kail box navy.

Whitefox 68 buttons and a complete set of new switches will cost $ 25-45, and depending on the manufacturer. Most popular brands: Cherry, Gateron, Zeal and Kaihua (Kailh).

The nuance is that whitefox switches have without hot replacement, that is, they can not just pull out and insert a new one. Everyone will have to be soldered manually. There is nothing complicated in this, but you need tools, straight hands and time of time.

When I bought WhiteFox, there were only tactile kailh blue. Svisi, I am going to change in any case, so boldly took what was.

In my version of WhiteFox installed Claiming and tactile switches of KAILH BLUE

KAILH BLUE.
KAILH BLUE - Analogs of Cherry MX Blue, with a similar design. These are tactile switches with a special mechanism that clicks while pressing.

Tactile and cliking are called switches, whose pressing is not linear. At first, they press easily, but then the resistance appears, which increases and leads to the clique. After clicking, activation occurs, but the key itself can fall even lower.

When you choose switches, then come across such a thing as pressing the key. It is measured in CN or GF (gram-force), or just in grams. In absolute numbers it is about the same thing, so further I will use grams.

Feels like, I liked Kailh Blue. The strength of their activation is 60g against 45G in Cherry MX Brown. Moreover, tactfulness adds another moment that the first 2 millimeters to the key must be applied to the power of only 30g, and then immediately 60g.

The principle of operation of blue switches

I used to climb enough to press the keys strongly, so my Cherry MX Brown is always pressed until it stops, and I do not feel their tactfulness at all. To drive the KAILH BLUE, you need to make up 80 grams at the very end.

Despite the high resistance, it seems to me that I still often drive the buttons to the end. But with the kailland, the blow turns out softer and my fingers are grateful. At the same time I feel that I began to make less typos.

All blue switches are considered noisy and better suitable for home use than for office. In any case, surrounding initiating from the origin of what is happening, and then get used to it, or continue to annoy. So with any clicking switches you have to be careful in public places.

Below, a small video sound of my keyboard. Pay attention to the rattling and "scratching" sound when I press the keys one. This feature of the blue switches made according to the similarity of Cherry MX Blue. Moreover, Cherry themselves have the same disease.

I don't like such "scratches", so I'm going to change the switches on the Kailh Box Navy, where the clicker design is completely different. In addition, Navy is still harsh. And after that I will try to lubricate blue switches and rearranged to another keyboard.

Whitefox sound with kail Blue (lubricated stabilizers and noise absorbing laying inside the keyboard)

Caikapi

Caicaps in MacBook and MacBook Pro are made of ABS plastic, to which symbols are laser engraved. Over time, such buttons begin to "glisten" and even shut up.

Water Caekaps on 12-inch Macbook 2015

Whitefox keikaps are an order of magnitude better, and made of wear-resistant PBT plastic, with a "crawled" texture, resistant to wiping. The walls of the keikaps are thicker analogs. With ABS, which also has a positive effect on the "melodicity" of clicking.

Over time, ABS plastic is maintained and starts to glisten (MINILA AIR CAYCAPSES)
WhiteFox keicapses are made of thick PBT plastic

The legend is applied by the method of thermal sublimation (dye-sublimated). This is when the paint lies not with a layer on Caicaps, but penetrates the plastic inside.

Symbols are applied by the method of thermal sublimation, such a legend cannot be lost
Minus thermal sublimation in the fact that the inscriptions are a little mutnged

The advantages of this method are that the character does not feel under the finger and it is unrealistic to sweat. Minus - the clarity of the characters that are obtained slightly blurred, as if not in focus.

Circling only double casting keikepa (Double-Shot), where the legend is made of plastic of another color. Inscriptions on such keikaps contrast and durable. True, the price bites and can reach 100 $ per set.

Caicaps are different profiles. The profile affects the sensations from the print and on the sound of the keyboard. Whitefox uses a classic Cherry profile.

Complete Cherry profile kecapses, so the key in each row have different shapes

Please note that Caicaps of this profile differ in shape, depending on the row. Therefore, it is impossible to just take and swap them on the keyboard. You can only change them within one row, otherwise everything will look awkwardly.

That is why additional Caicaps WhiteFox go in a special plastic coile so that they are clear for some other additional kaykaps suitable.

Additional kecapses are sorted by the rows for which they are suitable

Of course, no one bothers you to buy a set of kayikaps of another profile, colors and quality. The main thing is to make sure that there is a short backspace and shift for the True Fox layout.

Read more about the choice and replacement of keikaps, you can learn from the video of the hatch:

All you need to know about keicalps, eng.

Of course, all Caicaps have Latin letters. Cyrillica cannot be ordered. If you need Cyrillic, then Caicaps will definitely have to change, or will learn to print blindly.

Doodling

Lubrication stabilizers
After the first clicks on the keyboard it became clear that you need to lubricate stabilizers on the spaces, ENTER and SHIFT keys. Without lubrication, they are a little rattling. This is a typical feature of stabilizers on any similar keyboards, not in the reproach of WhiteFox.

To remove rattling, it is enough to use a viscous non-conductive lubricant. I use a viscous silicone lubricant for plastic. It is possible to apply it with a tassel, but I filled with a lubricant of the syringe and struck the needle.

It happens just like on this video:

Lubrication stabilizers with a syringe

Reducing echo
Almost all keyboards between the circuit board and the bottom of the keyboard have a cavity that resonates and enhances the sound from the switches. Someone likes it, but I want the keyboard to sound more deaf.

To achieve this, it is enough to put the cloth or several pieces of paper towels inside the keyboard.

If you put the fabric or paralympo in the keyboard, but it will decrease the echo of the case. Especially this is noticeable on cliking switches
I use soft cuns, in which the monitor once lay

Impression

The impressions of the keyboard are only positive. I don't even remember something so pleased with the recently from the technique as Whitefox.

If you want to touch the world of mechanical keyboards, then WhiteFox is an excellent choice. If you are a black amateur, then you need NightFox.

What did you like
1. Excellent box cover, in which you can add not only keyboards, but also additional accessories;
2. Uncompromising layout, which can be easily reprogrammed for different scenarios. CMD button included;
3. Aluminium case;
4. High-quality PBT-keikepa;
5. KAILH BLUE Suiting me more than Cherry MX Brown.

What did not like
I would like the printed fee to be with the possibility of hot replacement of candles. If the Input Club once will release such a PCB, then I will buy it right away and replace you with it. In the meantime, every time I do a soldering iron every time to try something new.

For most people, Apple computers are something from the area of \u200b\u200bfiction, something strange, incomprehensible and very uncomfortable. Partly such comments are valid, because apple laptops and desktops are very different from all Windows-computers familiar. The new Mac user at the initial stage flows into a stupor, facing the fact that the keyboard works not as used to it.

It is not known whether so fundamental changes in the hatred of Stephen Jobs are caused to Microsoft's products, or in an apple corporation their ideas about the anatomy of the hands, but the usual hotkeys on their computers look and work somewhat differently. In this material, the reader will find answers to basic questions, such as: "Why does not work layout work?"; "What does the OPTION key look like on Mac?" and others. The solution to those and other problems is very close, you only need to pay for some time on setting.

Keyboard shortcuts (modifier keys)

The key combinations in Apple computers are not much different from those in Windows, with the exception of the layout shift. This means that all the usual combinations, such as: "Copy", "Insert", "Cancel" in place, only the key-modifier has changed, instead of Control used Command. Command + C, Command + V and so on (which is logical, because it is both Command to execute commands).

Often, the modifier keys are indicated by special characters:

Name	Symbol	Value
Command.		Performs a function used as the basis of the modifier.
Shift.		Performs a function similar to that in Windows.
Option		Causes alternative options.
Control		Used in complex combinations.
Caps Lock.		It can be used as a modifier after installing Karabiner Elements, and the commands can be assigned manually, without looking at the system limitations.

Option key on Mac: Where is it and how to apply it?

Some advanced Mac users call this magic key, because almost every function with its use opens new horizons to use the computer. To begin with, it is necessary to find out where the modern laptops and the Keyboards from Apple Option are located next to the COMMAND buttons, and it is written on it, attention, Alt. The very alt, familiar to everyone who at least once in his life sat for a modern keyboard. What capabilities do this button give?

Access to additional information in the toolbar:

• Climbing the Option and by visoring the apple icon, you can access more complete information about the system.
• On laptops you can get information about the state of the battery.
• If you open the sound settings by closing the 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 relating to the specific function key.
• All applications offer alternative key combinations, one way or another associated with the OPTION key, it is enough to hold it when viewing the function in the toolbar.
• When using a tool for creating backups Time Machine, the OPTION key allows you to identify all the discs on which at least one copy is stored.

Also, the OPTION button allows you to enter alternative characters, identically, Windows (this applies to those who still put a hyphen instead of dash).

Keyboard layout

With the fact that the assignments of the keys in Mac differ from those in Windows, figured out. Now it is worth understanding what the layout is different and how to correct it. Yes, yes, it is correct, because by default in Mac, a keyboard layout is used, familiar to those who used the printed machine - Russian typewrition. The technical structure of the printing machine forced the designers to set the punctuation marks to the top row of keys so that they did not hurt each other, this approach only slows the speed of the text set, so it is necessary to immediately change the layout. It's just done:

• Go to "System Settings".
• Subparagraph "Keyboard".
• Submenu "Sources of Input".
• Next, you need to add a new layout - the Russian PC, and the former remove.

Now all the keys returned to their places, and even though engraving on the keyboard does not coincide with the actual purpose of the buttons, any familiar with the blind method of entering the text will be happy after changing the layout. Also, after that, the letter E, which many to this day is used in printing.

Switching layouts

The most emerged habit of all users of Windows is a combination of Shift + Alt keys - a big problem for newcomers in the world of apples. Options for solving a problem Two: either get used to a new combination of Command + space (which is anatomically significantly much more convenient), or install Punto Switcher from Yandex, which allows you to use both modifiers to change the keyboard layout, and also carries a lot of other functions (for example, automatic Changing the language without using key combination at all).

Instead of imprisonment

As can be seen from the above material, the transition to the Apple universe is not only pleasure, but also a number of difficulties associated with certain habits that we gain during the use of the computer. To put up with them and set up a computer or refuse and return to Microsoft - to solve the buyer, but the difficulties should always be remuneration, and in the case of Mac, it really is worth it. Moreover, the habit of the habit, you can understand that the key combinations are more logical and more convenient than in Windows, and the OPTION key on Mac is really a magical and notorious alt to her no.

Many MAC computers do not cease to admire MacBook and Apple Magic Keyboard keyboards. However, most application developers, designers and sound engineers prefer keyboard from third-party manufacturers.

For example, if you use multiple Apple computers at the same time, or MacBook is located on a special stand and connected to the monitor, some models of wireless keyboards can be an ideal solution for comfortable work. In this article we will tell about the best analogues of the Magic Keyboard from third-party manufacturers.

Logitech Craft.

The model is a stylish and convenient keyboard that connects to Mac using Bluetooth. The main advantage of this model is a control disc of control, with which you can easily and quickly perform various commands. The keyboard is equipped with a presence sensor that activates the backlight.

Price: from 10 690 rubles.

SATECHI ALUMINIUM BLUETOOTH KEYBOARD

The Satechi Wireless Keyboard is completely made of aluminum and has a common stylistic design with Apple devices. The island keys allow you to type text with high accuracy. Full-size digital block is especially useful in processing statistical data or any other arithmetic counts. The keyboard can be connected to several Bluetooth compatible devices, providing them to a quick shift using specially selected buttons. Built-in battery allows you to operate in active mode 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 deepening from above, which allows you to install iPad, or iPhone there. Logitech K480 supports connecting to 3 gadgets at the same time. Using the Easy-Switch wheel, you can switch between devices.

Price: from 2 990 rubles.

Logitech Wireless Solar K750

Stylish wireless keyboard. A distinctive feature of this model are built-in solar panels, which provide the ability to charge the battery both from natural light and from light from the lamp.

Price: from 5,300 rubles.

Xtrememac Bluetooth Keyboard.

Xtrememac Bluetooth Keyboard is a full-size keyboard with a wireless connection. Externally, it looks like an Apple Magic Keyboard, but it is 2 times cheaper. 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

A full-featured wireless keyboard K780 Multi-Device is compatible with any devices regardless of OS. The keyboard switches between devices with one touch of the Easy-Switch button. At the same time, it adjusts to any gadget and adapts the purpose of the keys. This model works from 2 AAA batteries.

Price: from 5,790 rubles.

What you need to accurately pay attention.

In this case, I will not share the devices for gaming and not much. MAC - It is for professionals and work, and in no way.

The issue of buying a keyboard for me was rose unexpectedly. At one time I chose MacBook Pro 13 '' Because of its compactness and mobility. But to increase its productivity, I decided to organize a stationary workplace on its base with a 27 '' monitor, Magic Trackpad 2. from Force Touch Instead of a mouse and keyboard.

Last for IT.-Zhurnalist is especially important, so it was not afraid to "be confused". New Magic Keyboard. did not "go" (apparently, the white buttons are simply furious), so now I consider a couple of interesting options from Logitech. While "shutting" the model, gathered list of moments that matter In this matter.

1. Do not make mistakes with the design ("Growth, age, weight")

In my case, do without a minimalistic appearance and metal in the design will not be released. For MacBook. I am preparing a wooden stand handmade, so here without options.

Nevertheless, visual enjoyment is not the main thing. You also need to pay attention to comfortable physical size Devices. Some love more, others prefer the most compact options that do not occupy a lot of space on the table. All this is individually and very important.

2. Highlighting the keys - without it or?

Many choose monster-like gameimarial options that are overflowed with different colors. But for me, a pleasant backlight with brightness adjustment, which will allow you to quickly knock on the keys even as possible absolute darkness.

In this case, I am looking for an analogue of the keyboard from my MacBook Pro 13 ''more convenient not yet met (about "Butterfly" We will not argue, for me there is just too fuzzy response, to which I could not get used to).

Oddly enough, many illumination on the keys are not needed at all. In the work, they prefer the overall light of the environment, which he himself be knocked down with the "right" thoughts.

3. Stroke height - from "Butterflies" to mechanics

Previously, the keyboards were divided into membrane and mechanical. But today such a classification is not relevant, because almost all manufacturers use personal patented combined technologies.

Now the height is more important. Conditionally - from the analogues of "Butterflies" in MacBook 12 '' Before mechanics in gameiman solutions.

I prefer below average, but this moment is too individual to give specific advice. I think you need to buy try to dial text page In the nearest electronics supermarket.

By the way, do not forget to pay attention to the distance between the buttons - more or less. The convenience of one or another option will become obvious even after a short use.

4. Additional features and software for OS X

Ask yourself, not what additional keyboard capabilities you need it, and what will work on MAC.

The other day right in the store tested a multimedia monster with his MacBook. - Almost all specials. the keys without any drivers refused to work, and software on OS X. For them simply no.

To be honest, this moment was a surprise for me. I was sure that these "dark" times have passed a long time ago.

However, the most fundamental for many points in this case will be availability - no digital block, not the buttons to create ridiculous macros.

5. Connecting to Mac - with wires and without

Another point that everyone chooses for itself.

Someone loves wired solutions for their imaginary faster responsiveness. Others prefer wireless for comfort and purity on the table. In the second case, you need to pay attention to batteries - ordinary batteries that will be changed periodically, or battery with the possibility of recharging.

Of course, I'm closer maximum reduction of "shoelaces" on the table.

Believe me, the rest is not so important!

If some fundamental moments came to mind, be sure to share them in the comments. By the way, I still didn't do my final choice, so I am waiting for advice with my preferences.

If you are a true apple product lover, you can choose any of the four types of keyboards - the one that best will satisfy your needs. Of course, if you choose three of them, you will have to buy and the corresponding laptop (simply because they are built there), therefore such a way is a rather expensive keyboard upgrade method. If you choose a separate keyboard intended for use with Apple computers, you don't have the choice, and it does not matter - it satisfies this keyboard to your requirements or not. If you do not like the Apple keyboards (you wanted to have a larger keyboard or more hard keys), then in this case not all is lost. There are many keyboards from third-party manufacturers, and not just high-quality, but also designed taking into account the possibilities of their use on computers with Mac OS X. On the other hand, the number of keyboards for Mac OS X is pale before the abundance of keyboards developed specifically for Windows.

First experience

If you simply plug in a randomly selected Windows keyboard to the USB port on your Mac, then the likelihood is that it will work. True, it is worth saying that there are a lot of inconvenience with any inconvenience. You can print, but there will be a lot of oddities in the keyboard behavior. To make the Mac OS X recognized such a keyboard, you must open the parameter window of the preferred system setting (System Preferences). Open the Keyboard and Mouse panel (System Preferences → Keyboard & Mouse) and select the Keyboard option. Then click on the Change Keyboard Type button (Fig. 8.24).

The missing Assistant program will suggest you press a few keys, after which Mac OS X will be able to recognize the type of the new keyboard (Fig. 8.25).

At this step, you can get involved in the replacement of the keyboard layout and replete it to achieve the greatest similarity with the MAC keyboard behavior. This is achieved by modifying keyboard combinations - here you are free to do everything you want. This process is simple, but quite durable. On the Keyboard and Mouse panel, click the keyboard shortcuts button, and you will see a long list of keyboard combinations. You can modify this list by hovering the cursor to the record you need in this list and performing a double click on it. After that, you can reassign this operation another keyboard combination.

If you want a connected Windows keyboard to behave exactly the same way as the Mac keyboard, you will have to go through all the positions of this list and replace the Alt key to the Command key. When all this will be done, you can work with the Windows keyboard in the same way as with the familiar Mac keyboard (Fig. 8.26). You may have already noticed that the function keys on the Apple keyboards are significantly less than the new features that Apple continues to add. This is especially true for laptop keyboards. But do not worry: if you want to return your function keys, you can do it in the same way as it is done when modifying Windows keypads.

Some keyboards developed for Windows demonstrate greater compatibility with Mac OS X compared to the rest. For example, the Logitech keyboards (this is just one of the well-known brands) have bindings to the keys that control the volume of sounds on your MAC. If these keys work, then the only key that you really will not be enough, the EJECT key will be. On the Mac keyboards, this key is, but it is missing on Windows keyboards.

It is possible that there is some cunning trick that allows you to add an analogue of the EJECT key to remove removable media on the Windows keyboard. But if you are already tired of all this from the overturning and reassigning of keyboard combinations, that is, the other path is simpler and more short. Just add the EJECT option on the menu bar. It is not even done, but very simple. Browse your SYSTEM folder by passing the next way: System / Library / Core Services / Menu Extras. Going to the desired directory, double-click on the Eject.Menu file, and the EJECT additional menu appears in your menu bar (Fig. 8.27).

If you hope that all abundance of selected keys on Windows keyboards can be adapted to make something useful and on Mac using the keyboard combinations for this, you are not lucky. Mac OS X does not recognize, for example, an additional email key; Attempting to use it as a function key (or for some other purposes) will not lead to anything. Mac will only squeak, as if to tell you "I know that you click something, but I don't care - I do not listen."