Quick Keyboard Question

[Chromus]

I've been looking at picking up a new keyboard, but I was wondering if I could use a keyboard with a Windows layout and still benefit from the Command shortcuts (Cmd + Q, etc). Thanks for the help!

 

[wrinkster22]

Yes the keys will change.

 

[RMo]

I've been looking at picking up a new keyboard, but I was wondering if I could use a keyboard with a Windows layout and still benefit from the Command shortcuts (Cmd + Q, etc). Thanks for the help!

Yes. To expand on the previous poster, the way it usually works by default is that PC Alt corresponds to Mac Option/alt, the Windows key becomes Cmd, and Ctrl remains the same. (The menu key has no function.) Thus, the keys remain as closely labeled to their Mac counterparts as possible--but the Cmd and Option keys are switched in position.

You can change any of these settings in System Preferences. It used to be a machine-wide setting, but I think it's smart enough now (some post-10.4 version, IIRC) to remember individual keyboards (or at least internal-vs-external) now. When I used a PC keyboard, I always did so to keep Cmd next to the space bar like I expected.

 

[Chromus]

Awesome, thanks for the replies! I figured it would work, but just thought I would make sure first.