In fact, Apple even sells the Mac Mini without a keyboard or mouse. There’s just one little problem with using a non-Apple keyboard: figuring out some of the keyboard equivalents.
Windows and Mac Keyboard Differences
At least five keys have different names or symbols on a Windows keyboard than they do on a Mac keyboard, which can make it difficult to follow Mac-related instructions. For example, a software manual may tell you to hold down the command key ( ⌘ ), which appears to be missing from your Windows keyboard. It’s there; it just looks a little different. Here are the five most commonly used special keys on a Mac and their Windows keyboard equivalents. Another helpful bit of information for new Mac users is to know which menu key symbols correspond to which keys on the keyboard. The symbols used in the Mac menus can be a bit strange to those new to the Mac, as well as old hands who may be more mousers than keyboard users.
The Command and Option Key Swap
Besides Windows and Mac keyboards having slightly different names, they also swap the positions of two often-used modifier keys: the Command and Option keys. If you’re a long-time Mac user transitioning to a Windows keyboard, the Windows key, which is equivalent to the Mac’s Command key, may occupy the physical position of the Option key on a Mac keyboard. Likewise, the Windows keyboard’s Alt key is where you expect to find the Mac’s Command key. If you’re used to using the modifier keys from your old Mac keyboard, you’re likely to run into trouble for a while as you relearn the key locations.
How to Reassign Key Locations on a Mac
Instead of having to relearn key locations, use the Keyboard pane in System Preferences to reassign the modifier keys. With the modifier keys remapped, you shouldn’t have any problems using any Windows keyboard with your Mac.
Keyboard Shortcuts
People new to the Mac but proficient using keyboard shortcuts to speed up their workflow may be a little taken aback by the notation used in the Mac’s menu system to indicate when a keyboard shortcut is available. If a keyboard shortcut is available for a menu item, the shortcut will be displayed next to the menu item using the following notation:
