Filed under: OS, Software, Productivity, Odds and ends, Mods
An AppleScript to enable Windows keyboards to control a Mac
Someone by the name of UNIXGEEK posted an AppleScript a while ago at Mac Geekery that changes Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger's keyboard layout to play nicely with a Windows keyboard. To be specific: the Command and Option keys are switched on a Windows keyboard (as the Windows key and Alt, respectively), so this script simply changes the layout on Tiger so your non-Apple keyboard still feels like home (sorry pre-Tiger users, Apple only introduced the ability to tinker with keyboard layouts in 10.4). If you aren't a fan of Apple's stock Pro keyboard or the MacBook/Pro 'boards, this script is for you. However, the script at Mac Geekery has a few errors in it, and Engadget's Ryan Block trudged through the post's discussions to make the proper edits to the script, and posted a fixed copy for everyone's benefit (download it from us, not Ryan. We don't wanna hit him with the TUAW effect).As a side note, I think it's funny how attached people can get to one keyboard or another. I'm slowly getting used to this MacBook keyboard, though I've been a die-hard lover of the PowerBook/MacBook Pro's tight and low-travel keys since I've owned one for the last 4 years. Ultimately though, I dislike most keyboards because I used to own an ergonomic - y'know the funny looking split ones? - and that was absolutely killer for both teaching myself better typing habits and making sure I don't get carpal tunnel. The only ergonomic keyboards I can find in stores (since you gotta get your hands on those to really get a feel for 'em) these days are Microsoft's and, while I love their Intellimouse Explorers, their ergonomic keyboards' construction just doesn't feel up to par, and there's far too much needless travel in their keys.
But I digress (a lot) - if you're using a non-Apple keyboard on a Mac, enjoy this script for easily swapping the keyboard layout for your Mac computing pleasure.
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
maRk! said 4:39PM on 10-13-2006
I agree with the desire for a Mac first ergonomic keyboard.
I used one by Microsoft for ages, but anytime another Mac user would need to type on my keyboard there would be much befuddlement.
Since getting my new computer about 6 months ago, I now use the included keyboard.
I still use the Microsoft Intellimouse though.
If Apple put out their own ergonomic keyboard (like they did once long ago), I'd purchase it lickety-split.
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Dave Barnes said 4:56PM on 10-13-2006
Microsoft Natural Keyboard for me. Yes, it is an ugly off-white color. Yes, it looks like crap as I don't clean it often enough. Yes, the keys are backwards.
But, I really like the feel of my Made in Mexico product from the Vole. I started using MS ergonomic keyboards back in 1997 and they are just right for me.
,dave
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Shaun Andrews said 5:11PM on 10-13-2006
I dont know why this script exists. I use a logitech MX Desktop Keyboard/Mouse (made for windows with a windows key). I just switched the keys in the system preferences. OS X is smart enough to know that it should only switch the keys when the keyboard is plugged it, otherwise it reverts back to the standard key assignements. OS X is so smart.
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Lori Olson said 5:17PM on 10-13-2006
Try the Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000. I blogged about it a while back - http://blog.dragonsharp.com/index.php/archive/a-swing-and-a-miss/
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c. said 6:43PM on 10-13-2006
Key Ovation and Adesso make ergonomic Mac keyboards (and a few other companies do too).
http://www.keyovation.com/c-2-ergonomic-keyboards.aspx
http://www.adesso.com/products.asp
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Adrien Alain said 7:02PM on 10-13-2006
Is there some kind of script to allow Windows USB numeric keypads to work on a Mac?
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Lars said 7:04PM on 10-13-2006
I already have a carpal tunnel injury. Picked it up in 1999 - so PLEASE mind the signs! You are quick to get it and really never shake it after that.
Anyways, since there are no ergonomic Mac-boards here in Europe, I forked over cash to get me an Adesso from the US.
Paid import duty on it too. White, so it matched my iMac. Sadly, the keys were pre-OS X (it has one labelled 'Sherlock') and the driver was so ancient I didn't even dare install it.
So I did without the extra keys for volume et all. But the construction was so awful (and my old Microsoft Natural Pro so great) that last week I went back.
I'm happily typing on this Microsoft board. And yeah, it's off-color. But say what you will about the company, Microsoft does know a thing or two about keyboards, mices and maintstream ergonomics.
Anyone else needs to clean their Mighty Mouse every week or so? Mine won't scroll down if I don't give it a good clean.
So tomorrow I'm getting (another off-color) Microsoft mouse. The Intellipoint and Intellitype 6 software is Universal Binary these days so that's one less thing to worry about.
I'm a bit stumped why Apple doesn't have one single ergonomic keyboard in their product line. On another forum I was told that there's no need for one, since "the standard keyboard is so good", but anyone who types for a living knows that's bull.
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Peter Skelton said 8:12PM on 10-13-2006
Hang on, the Intellikey software already allows you to swap the Alt and Windows keys around so they match the physical layout of Apple's Command and Option keys. I use a Comfort Curve 2000 at the moment (bought to replace an ergonomic keyboard that only had a PS/2 plug) and Intellikey has allowed me to map all the extra keys to precisely what I want as well as have the keyboard laid out like an Apple keyboard.
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Aaron said 8:41PM on 10-13-2006
I also don't get it. All this does is open the window and press the buttons for you instead of having you do it yourself. I supppose somebody might want this, but it looks like it's a better teaching-UI-scripting-exercise than actually being useful.
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MfS said 10:45PM on 10-13-2006
Now what would really be nirvana would be if there was an app that acutally worked that would allow an Apple Keyboard to work as a Windows keyboard on a PC.
I've tried a few old, antiquated .exe's on my PC, where I prefer to use an Apple keyboard, but thee's no way to map Scroll Lock, Print Screen, etc. on a PC with an Apple keyboard.
Wish there was a way...
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RipFire said 4:50PM on 10-16-2006
Links aren't working?
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