Tuesday, January 17th, 2017 Author: It may not be the best kept secret, but you don’t have to use Apple-branded keyboards with your Mac. You have a wide range of keyboards to choose from, including most of the keyboards made for use with Windows. I’ll let you in on a little secret; the last Apple-made keyboard I used routinely was the Apple Keyboard (A1048). This was the last keyboard Apple made that included the Apple logo alongside the cloverleaf image on the Command key. I didn’t give up on Apple keyboards because of the missing logo; it was actually because the next generation of Apple keyboards went to the low-profile key design that is still in use today. I like a keyboard with a bit more key travel, thus I made the move to Windows-based keyboards; I’m currently using a Microsoft Digital Media Pro model. Related: Of course, there are a lot of other reasons to use a Windows keyboard.

1. Catek Usb Keyboard For Mac Computer

Use your cursor to select any of the onscreen keyboard keys just as you would on a regular keyboard. You can type with the virtual keyboard in any location on your screen: just click within the desired text box/area and then click on the virtual keyboard, one key at a time, to type.

You may be coming to the Mac from a Windows environment and already have a favorite keyboard. Or you may like some of the more advanced Windows keyboards that offer more, specialized keys,. (Windows keyboards, such as the Logitech G105 Gaming Keyboard, can offer unique layouts.) No matter the reason, you can use most Window keyboards with your Mac.

Making the Change to Windows Keyboards Actually making the switch to Windows-based keyboards is surprisingly easy. Apple has supported USB-based keyboards since it abandoned the ADB (Apple Desktop Bus) interface as the primary means of connecting keyboards and mice. Once, users were free to pick just about any USB-based keyboard and use it with their Macs. No special drivers or software were required, although some keyboard manufacturers did make special software for assigning keys to specific Mac functions (more on that a bit later).

Mac Compatible Keyboards A few Windows keyboard manufacturers started churning out “Mac compatible” versions of their more popular keyboards. Making a USB-based Windows keyboard compatible was a pretty simple process; they already were, at least electrically.

You could plug in the Windows keyboard and it would, for the most part work, fine with your Mac. The only real issues were the names given to special keys, and where they were physically located on the keyboard layout. (Matias makes its Quiet Pro keyboards with either a Mac or a Windows layout; the Mac version is shown here. Image courtesy of Matias.) Some keyboard makers changed the images on the special keys to match the ones Apple used, while others provided a software-based solution that would remap the special Window modifier keys, such as Start, Alt, and Menu/Applications to their corresponding Mac versions. Some keyboard software became pretty sophisticated, able to remap keys globally as well as on a per application basis, which is very handy for remapping game controller settings on your favorite keyboard. Wireless Compatible Keyboards Apple offered a Bluetooth-based wireless keyboard in 2003, but it wasn’t until 2008 that every Mac model had Bluetooth built in.

1. As with the previous Mac mini, you'll need a few things to make it a viable computer, and that includes a keyboard. Whether you want a mechanical, USB, or Bluetooth keyboard, there are tons of great options for you to use with your Mac mini.
2. Jan 16, 2016  The sleek Cateck USB Numeric Keypad is the perfect accessory for your workspace. This keypad was designed with iMacs and MacBooks in mind with its sleek Apple-style curved edge.

With Bluetooth supported across the entire Mac lineup, Bluetooth wireless keyboards worked quite nicely with Macs; no special Bluetooth dongle was needed. But while Bluetooth wireless keyboards worked with a Mac, they had the same keyboard mapping issue; some special keys were named differently or weren’t in the expected locations.

Once again this issue was solved either through the manufacturers providing software to remap the keys, or by producing special Mac compatible versions of their keyboards. RF Keyboards We’ve covered USB and Bluetooth keyboards, noting that for the most part any USB or Bluetooth keyboard will work with your Mac. The same isn’t quite as true with RF-based keyboards. This style of keyboard uses a radio transmitter in the keyboard to talk to a receiver, usually located in a dongle that plugs into a USB port. Some RF keyboards will work with Macs and others will not.

The problem is in the RF dongle and whether the manufacturer has built the dongle to emulate a standard USB keyboard connection; if so, it should work fine with the Mac. If the dongle uses special driver software, you’ll need a Mac version of the driver software. Unless you have a specific need for an RF-based keyboard, I recommend using a standard USB or Bluetooth keyboard. If you must use an RF keyboard, track down the manufacturer and make sure they have a Mac version of the driver software.

Special Key Differences Generally, there are at least five special keys on a Windows keyboard that have a different name or location than their Mac counterparts. (Win) Ctrl (Mac) Control (Win) Alt (Mac) Option (Win) Windows (Mac) Command (four-leaf clover) (Win) Backspace (Mac) Delete (Win) Enter (Mac) Return And there are some keys, such as the Windows Menu/Applications key, that have no Mac equivalent, and are usually ignored by the Mac. Remapping Modifier Keys The Mac OS offers a built-in method for remapping the four most often used modifier keys.

This simple remapping lets you correct one of the most common issues associated with using a Windows keyboard with a Mac, and that is the physical location of the Alt and Windows keys. As noted above, the Alt key is the same as the Option key on the Mac, while the Windows key is the same as the Command key. The problem is that on a Windows keyboard, these two keys are swapped in respect to their normal placement on the Mac keyboard. Since their functions are identical, you could just get used to their locations on the Windows keyboard. But if you’re a long-time Mac user, you may find the location difference constantly trips you up.

Luckily, you can swap the locations using the Keyboard preference pane. (You can use the Keyboard preference pane to remap Windows modifier keys to match the Mac’s standard keyboard layout.) Launch System Preferences, and then select the Keyboard preference pane.

Make sure the Keyboard tab is selected, and then click the Modifier Keys button. Remapping the modifier keys is on a keyboard-by-keyboard basis. In other words, if you have a MacBook Pro, with its built-in keyboard, as well as a separate Windows keyboard you use when sitting at your desk, you can choose to only modify the Windows keyboard, while leaving the built-in keyboard untouched. If you have more than one keyboard connected to your Mac, use the dropdown menu to select the keyboard you wish to have the modifier keys remapped on. If you have a single keyboard connected to your Mac, there will be no dropdown menu for selecting a keyboard. Any changes will apply to the keyboard that’s currently connected. You’ll see four modifier keys you can remap; the Caps Lock Key, Control Key, Option Key, and Command Key.

You’re remapping the key as named on the specific keyboard to the new function you wish that key to have. We’re going to swap the Option and Command key pairs, so they match up to how a normal Mac keyboard is laid out. Use the dropdown menu next to Option ( ⌥) Key: to select ⌘ Command. Use the dropdown menu next to Command (⌘) Key: to select ⌥ Option. Click the OK button.

Close System Preferences. Alternate Remapping Apps While the Mac’s Keyboard preference pane can handle basic modifier key remapping, some Windows keyboards come with their own keyboard drivers that perform this same function, and usually quite a bit more. Most third-party keyboard re-mappers will let you reassign the usual modifier keys, as well as some specialty keys that may be included in the keyboard, such as multimedia keys and all the function keys. The downside of third-party keyboard drivers is that as, there may come a time when a keyboard driver is no longer supported. If that happens, you can revert to using the Mac’s basic ability to remap modifier keys, but you’ll likely lose any special capabilities you enjoyed with your keyboard. Insignia d300a drivers for mac. So, which keyboard do you use? Let us know in the comments.

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Why is the transfer rate so much slower than the 5Gbps promoted? The USB 2.0 standard uses 8-bit encoding, while the USB 3.0 standard uses 10-bit encoding (8-bit for data transfer purposes + 2-bit for data control purposes). The USB 3.0 transfer rate of 5Gbps (with a theoretical transfer speed of 500MB/s), therefore, is about 8 times faster than the mainstream USB 2.0 transfer rate of 480Mb/s (with a theoretical transfer speed of 60MB/s). Taking usage conditions into consideration, the USB 3.0 standard can achieve transfer speeds about 3 times faster than that of the USB 2.0 standard. Please note that the actual transfer speed will depend on the specific usage environment.

The hub keeps suddenly disconnecting with the device while transferring data. Why is this happening?

If this problem is occurring with properly-installed devices, it is usually due to insufficient power supply. When the hub is transferring data – especially big data – make sure it is connected to a power source. In addition, we recommend connecting the hub to your computer with the cable provided. If not, please make sure the cable length is less than 1m, so as to ensure stable data transfer. Why is my USB 3.0 device being read as a USB 2.0 device when connected to the hub?

This problem may be the result of one of the following causes: a. Insufficient power supply from the USB hub. Please connect the USB hub to a power source. Insufficient power supply from the computer’s USB port. Please connect the USB hub to the USB port positioned on the back of the frame, instead of on the front, to ensure sufficient power supply. The device is being plugged in too slowly.

As a result of the USB 3.0 interface’s design, some systems will recognize devices as USB 2.0 when they are plugged in too slowly, or section by section. A surge warning appears on the screen when the USB hub is connected to the computer. Why is this happening?

When the input current of a connected device is higher than the output current of the USB port (900mAh), a surge warning may appear. Connect the USB hub to a power source to ensure sufficient power supply. To check the current of connected devices, open the “Device Manager” interface, select “Universal Serial Bus Controllers”, followed by “USB Root hub”, then click “Power”. If the problem persists, please check to make sure the USB driver is installed properly, or click the USB icon at the bottom of the screen and select “Reset” to make sure the USB device is being identified correctly.

This problem may be the result of one of the following causes: a. Improper power-saving settings. Right-click “My Computer”, select “Attributes”, then “Hardware”, followed by “Device Manager”. Double-click “Universal Serial Bus Controllers”, right-click “USB Root Hub”, click “Attributes”, then “Power Management”. Unmark “Allow computer to close the device to save power”, click “Yes ”, and then restart the computer.

The computer can’t start because it can’t read system files. This occurs when the BIOS is set to “Start the Computer from the USB Device”. In order to solve this, change the setting to “Start the Computer from the Hard Disk”. For Mac users, please uncheck the box “Put the hard disks to sleep when possible” under Energy Saver. – See more at: Q5. Can I use my own accessories, such as power adapters and data cables, with the USB hub?

Generally speaking, the USB 3.0 hub is equipped with its own power adapter and data cable to ensure maximum compatibility. Use with the provided accessories, therefore, is recommended.

If you have lost your power adapter or data cable, please make sure the specifications of any accessory you intend to use in their place correspond with theirs. To ensure stable performance, the length of the data cable should not exceed 1m. Devices are not being identified by my computer when connected to the USB hub, but they are being identified when connected directly to the computer. This problem may be the result of one of the following causes: a. Insufficient power supply. Please connect the USB hub to a power source.

Compatibility issues between the motherboard and system. Please try refreshing the BIOS in the motherboard. Incorrect insertion or unplugging. Do not unplug the device when transferring data in order to avoid damaging the chipset.

Improper driver installation. Under “Device Manager”, go to “Other Devices” and select “Universal Serial Bus Controllers”. If there are any yellow question or exclamation marks visible, uninstall the driver in “Device Manager”, then restart your computer. The driver will be reinstalled automatically. Can I use the USB hub as a standalone charger? For Anker hubs with specially-designed charging ports, the max output current of the USB ports is 900mA. These ports can transfer data but are not intended for charging.

The specially-designed charging ports, on the other hand, can reach outputs of up to 2.1A and charge iPads, iPhones or other smartphones. Keep in mind, however, that the charging ports CANNOT transfer data. When a port is designed for charging, it offers a specific voltage signal to devices such as iPhones/iPads/etc., so that the devices will recognize it as a charging port when they are plugged in and thus enter charging mode to charge at optimal speed. Why doesn’t the Apple SuperDrive work with the hub?

It’s showing an error message. According to Apple Support Article HT2801 (Apple Superdrives can only be plugged into USB ports on selected Apple computers. It is not recommend plugging them into USB hubs. Please see the excerpt below: The SuperDrive is designed exclusively for use with MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini’s that do not have a built-in optical drive. The SuperDrive must be directly plugged into the computer’s USB port, and cannot be used if connected to a USB hub.

Why doesn’t my wireless mouse/keyboard work in close proximity to the hub? 2.4Ghz wireless devices (keyboards, mice, etc.) may not work around USB 3.0 ports due to frequency interference. We recommend a USB 2.0 hub instead. Regarding the incompatibility issue, there is an announcement by Intel, provided for your reference: Q10. Why don’t devices charge at 900mA (the max for a USB 3.0 port) when a USB 3.0 port is not being used for data transfer? Attached devices will first detect whether a port is designed for charging or data transfer and then enter the corresponding mode. When attached to a USB 3.0 port, a device will reserve about 500-600mA for data transfer (even when not in use) and leave the rest for charging.

Can I use the USB 3.0 and e-SATA ports on the docking station at the same time? When both ports are connected to the computer, only the e-SATA port will be identified and usable for transferring data. When the USB 3.0 and e-SATA ports are connected to two computers, the same is the case. Can I use the USB 3.0 and e-SATA ports together to transfer data?

No, you can’t. When both ports are in use, only the e-SATA port will be used to transfer data, while the USB 3.0 port will simply be used to supply power. Why am I unable to reach SATA-III transfer rates of up to 6Gbps? While many of our SATA devices can detect and transfer data for SATA III disks, e-SATA cables limit these transfer speeds to 3Gbps. We are currently evaluating upgrade options.

Why is the hard disk disconnecting from the computer during data transfer? Make sure the device is connected to a power source. Do not touch or move the device as this may loosen the connection between the hard disk and your computer. Use the cable provided to transfer data. If you don’t, make sure the length of your cable does not exceed 1m.

Why isn’t the docking station visible under “MY COMPUTER” when I plug it in? This may be caused by one of the two scenarios below: a.

Conflicting drive names (usually for a hard drive that has been used previously on another computer): Customers will sometimes retrieve a hard drive (from another computer) labelled “C Drive” by default to use as a backup. Since this hard drive has already been used, it will inevitably have the name “C”. This may be in conflict with the name of the drive on your current computer, causing the computer not to recognize it. Solution: Go to “COMPUTER MANAGEMENT”, select “DISK MANAGEMENT,” locate the external hard drive, and then assign a different name to it. The brand-new or used hard drive is configured to operate with another OS: Solution: In this case, the hard drive needs to be reformatted. There are two ways to go about this: – Quick formatting: Good for a new hard drive. Since no data is stored, there is not much “clean up” needed.

– Full formatting: Good for a used hard drive. This will ensure that all existing data is wiped out and ensure a properly working hard drive. This will take longer, however. PLEASE BACK UP ALL DATA BEFORE FORMATTING YOUR HARD DRIVE. Why doesn’t my hard drive fit into the docking station?

Catek Usb Keyboard For Mac Computer

This is usually because it’s an ATA, not SATA, hard drive.