Using WINDOWS Keyboard On MAC // Easy setup & re-mapping guide

Need to use a Windows keyboard on a Mac? Here's how to set it up and re-map keys!
STUFF IN THIS VIDEO
⌨️ Keyboard Maestro: keyboardmaestro.com/
⌨️ Karabiner: karabiner-elements.pqrs.org/⌨️
🎥 What is a mechanical keyboard? • What Is a Mechanical K...
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
0:46 Changing keyboard type or resetting external keyboard
1:46 Changing modifier keys (Command and Option)
2:49 Using Logitech or other brand software
3:21 Setting up MacOS shortcuts
4:26 3rd party keybind software (FUN and powerful!)
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[@KeebNews]

WHAT DID I MISS, AMAZING MAC USERS?? Drop me a comment!

[@paulinasonnenschein5974]

Could not find change keyboard type

[@Elyo6887]

@@paulinasonnenschein5974 sudo rm /Library/Preferences/com.apple.keyboardtype.plist type that into the terminal

[@mollari2261]

Special Function keys. On a Mac-specific keyboard, F1/F2 control screen brightness, F3 = Mission Control, F4 = Launchpad, F7/F8/F9 control media playback, F10/F11/F12 control system volume. What do the Function keys on a Windows keyboard (plugged into a Mac) do? Short answer is NOTHING. I was hoping to find an answer here; oh well.

[@clauditorium]

How do you switch the monitor off (without putting the computer to sleep)?

[@Maddy130986]

The first 3 minutes video sorted most of my problems. Thanks a ton. 😊

[@Legojunkie]

I haven’t found a video that explains this as well as you did. Your channel is super underrated and amazing!

[@KeebNews]

Aw thanks J :)

[@lwebster7309]

Due to a wrist injury, I had to stop using an Apple Magic Keyboard, which I loved, in conjunction with my MacBook Pro and opt instead for an ergonomic keyboard - an old Kinesis Freestyle 2 split keyboard that had been lying around unused for many years. The Freestyle 2 I have is a PC keyboard. Remapping the modifier keys was easy, as this is built into the Mac's System Settings, but I could not find a way in Settings to map a play/pause key for Music. KeebNews's great video clued me into Karbiner Elements, and it was so easy using that app to map play/pause onto F8, where I wanted it, that I could hardly believe it. You made my day, KeebNews!

[@user-gu3gx7sk6s]

I'm so glad I found your guide. It has certainly made using my keyboard easier

[@Kirbychanbi]

this is the only video that has helped me, thank you!

[@raheem2809]

Changing modifer keys worked, thank you so much.

[@cadenphillips2244]

2:50 This fixed my inability to copy paste, thanks for the help

[@basilesaen9727]

When I try to change the keys command ant option it sort of lags and changes from mac to external keyboard etc. Which makes it impossible to change keys.

[@justmyself3896]

you saved my life! I was getting crazy!!

[@SteveVicious1]

I have a Logitech G710+ keyboard and I would like to figure out how I can change the function of my customizable "G-Keys" without using Logitech software (My keyboard is not supported on M1 Macs). Right now the G-Keys keys type numbers (when I hit G1 it types 1, G2 types 2, etc. Without the Logitech software my Mac cannot tell the difference between me typing the 1 key or the G1 key) is there some software that can make it where my Mac can tell the difference between my 1 key and my G1 key?

[@ddevoverr]

Thanks buddy! You helped me out with that ) Couldn't solve it alone

[@chathurawijekuruppu1154]

You are a life saver brother.

[@KarlC.]

thanks! saved this on my playlist because I can’t type the way I type on my mbp m1 kb lol, so that feeling on my mechanical is different in terms of the pressure I apply with the keys like when I’m gaming or I rage type when my boss wants me to finish a file 😂

[@HelaineFerreira]

This video helped me a lot. Remaped F1 to F4 keys. Will try other aplications to remap music keys). Thanks

[@CreatorDrews]

perfect, thanks!

[@user-li1pm9ff6y]

thanks for the video. i have a problem. < key has to be in rifgt of shift on my keyboard. but it replaced to left of 1. how can i fix?

[@Nailsandlashesbykierra]

How do you turn on lights for a keyboard usb connected to Mac 24”. When I use it in windows computer lights turn on right after I plug it in but it doesn’t for Mac

[@patrikpaprika6267]

Hello, i have a problem with my keyboard. I bought Asus ROG keyboard and when ever i plug my keyboard in, it stars to write lots of random letters. Do you know how to fix this? Thanks a lot. Macbook PRO M1 2021

[@KiD2x2]

I'm just interested in mapping the volume keys on a mechanical keyboard, is theres a free method for this

[@yungxiim2134]

I’m using an razer anansi on my 2015 imac. Along with a razer Naga mouse. for some reason it just started glitching out and my mouse is only left click, and my keyboard is glitching out. Any idea what’s this from?

[@masterv2.045]

thank you so much dude < 3

[@tomlee9570]

my mac won't recognized gmmk pro and also wont type z, b, and n keys!! any help?

[@rajeshravindran930]

Excellent it is working

[@JuanmaGuerrero]

When I plug a Leaven K28 keyboard on my Mac (MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)) running High Sierra, the "Keyboard Setup Assistant" pops up, but it does not recognize anything I type. Anyone with the same issue? I keep pressing keys but nothing gets "written" in any text editor, etc.

[@usmile1]

thank you so much!

[@valerianoz5393]

how can I use the rgb lights?? they are not working on my mac mini m1 TT

[@that41guy94]

Today is my first day using a mac coming from a windows - after less than an hour, i switched back to windows as I didn't want to affect my work productivity. I was slow as hell with the new keyboard layout

[@danielvelho6627]

Thanks!

[@Kretena]

hi i haw problem i need comand for macbook terminal for turn on backlight on keyboard

[@jokerentstudio]

Thanks!!

[@molahtyab1320]

How do I turn on Clavi Gaming Light on a MacBook?

[@MegaShowmaster]

thank you !!! :)

[@Tat2dCrystal]

My question is a little different and I can’t find an answer anywhere. I use multiple mechanical keebs with my iMac M3. I found one that I LOVE but it’s wired. It comes with a coiled USB-A to USB-C cable. What kind of cord do I need? I’ve scoured Google, Reddit and YT and can’t find the answer.

[@Ninjadave18]

My keyboard has a FN key. CTRL>FN>Windows>ALT How Does this translate when plugged into an iMac

[@enriquethking70]

How do I change my brightness on my keyboard

[@gold-junge91]

I need the other way around Windows S**** on all points, but I need it for work anyone a practical solution how to get for my MX keys on Windows 10/11 same layout as Mac?

[@heyalbee]

If you switch back to a Mac keyboard do the changes stick? If yes, can the original Preferences file be put back into System to give me my original modified preferences? Thank you.

[@KeebNews]

It depends on "which changes." If you change the modifier key settings in System Preferences--those will likely stick. I'd guess MOST of the software based changes (in System Preferences) will stick as well. And I'm not sure about that last one! I'd probably test it out before doing major changes... 1 - try to save the plist file somewhere (a copy of it, etc) 2 - make 1-2 changes 3 - try to revert back and see what happens?

[@jaydekaytv]

Thx boss

[@leximclain26_uwu]

The “black light” doesn’t work for me light up keyboard because “F14” is brightness down

[@user-om8to9kw5m]

hey i want to ask hot i turn on light RGB on my mac i just clicking Scroll lock to light on windows keyboard and i cant becasue its my mac bringnes changing

[@gerrysalviejo4774]

Up

[@fakingfrench]

For some reason, it doesn't show USB DEVICE on the select keyboard area. Any idea why?

[@KeebNews]

Not positive, but a few things I'd check. Is it plugging in all the way? Do any of the keys work? (i.e. the keyboard works but just doesn't show up?) What keyboard is it? (feel free to respond here if ya want) You might also have to Google a bit, something like "Mac won't recognize keyboard" or something and see what pops up.

[@randomjoe1131]

Great video! Is there any way to remap keyboard specific keys? I want to use a 2nd keyboard for macros?

[@KeebNews]

Yup! I think the EASIEST way to do this is using a 3rd party software (like Keyboard Maestro! There are others, but this one is easily the best)

[@randomjoe1131]

@@KeebNews thanks for the reply. I tried keyboard maestro and couldn’t set macros to specific keyboards. I am trying to set up a 2nd keyboard just for macros. And would like all keys to be normal on my main keyboard, and be macros on the second. For example “a” should type the letter A on keyboard one and function as a copy/paste key on keyboard 2.

[@KeebNews]

@@randomjoe1131 you gettin fancy. If it's QMK compatible, you should try Via! You should be able to program different stuff for each keyboard?

[@8wolfOfficial]

so I've got a Mac but a windows keyboard n so I can't press f11 n f12 to bring up or down my volume can anyone plz help me!!

[@geoffreyamadi]

I think u need to press fn + f11 or f12

[@mertefe4345]

isn't this useless because it partly works because you still cannot do CTRL C, V, X, Z? And you now have to do that through ALT ?

[@MAKEORAMA]

You made my day. Thanks for that vodeo

[@KeebNews]

One might say I made-o-rama'd it?

[@ralekay]

@@KeebNews XD hell yeah

[@tomas4623]

I LOVE YOU

[@KeebNews]

NO U

[@thegamingchannel1005]

for me some symbols are not on the right spot even tho it is. you know when you use shift for symbols

[@agrimdahal2325]

how do i use windows keyboard rgb on mac?

[@KeebNews]

The RGB SHOULD work automatically, regardless. If you're wondering how to CHANGE the RGB, I'd probably start by looking at your specific keyboard's instructions!

[@DailyBirb]

When i plug my windows keyboard that is supposed to light up into my mac it does not light up. Anyone pls know how to fix this

[@KeebNews]

1 - what keyboard? and 2 - have you tried changing the RGB settings, etc on the keyboard (look in the documentation, they usually list the function shortcuts to turn RGB on, off, change patterns, colors, etc. Maybe even "brightness.")

[@DailyBirb]

@@KeebNews 1. LVLUP Pro Gaming Keyboard with LED Keys 2. yes i did it does not say how to turn the led keys on or off :(

[@MagickalDistruction]

@@DailyBirb im having this issue with my Dart frog

[@itscassburton]

OH MY GOD YOU SAVED ME d

[@williamkterrell]

Great video, Thanks so much. I do not have to buy a new keyboard.

[@jacksmith4266]

Doesn't work on Sonoma

[@Jeff-zc6rr]

Sorry don't have modifier keys settings. Maybe this video needs updating.

[@yagoa]

real layout remapping is done with Ukelele

[@bdr8823]

cool vid bro but i'd say make the vids shorter, ppl are looking for quick fixes. gj tho

[@KeebNews]

Noted ;)

[@John-me6og]

I would have said that you could have just cut everything out before 1:47 and after 2:27. But, you would miss missed telling us exactly what color mouse you can use to do these things. Or what chair you can sit on, and how comfortable that chair is, and why you would even WANT to be comfortable in a chair, and why that means the human condition is based on comfort and that leads to why the Neanderthals had to struggle to find meat to feed their children which only lived a few years but anyway....swap "Command" and "Option". You are terrible at this. And you should feel terrible. Forever.

[@nickmitilineos7417]

Thanks!!!!