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I used one of the aluminum Apple keyboards in a computer lab today and really liked it, and really want one, I just want to know if there are any issues that would arise when not using them with OSX.

A couple big questions:

  1. Does the "delete" key (the one where a standard backspace key is) function as backspace, and the other delete key function as a normal delete key in windows?

  2. Does the Apple key work as a Windows key in Windows? I know it will work as a super key in most linux distros.

I'm leaning towards the wired version, if that matters.

I'd really like to avoid spending hours (or more) configuring the thing. If I buy it, and plug it in, what issues might I encounter?

Alex S
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3 Answers3

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Does the "delete" key (the one where a standard backspace key is) function as backspace, and the other delete key function as a normal delete key in windows?

  1. Yes

Does the Apple key work as a Windows key in Windows? I know it will work as a super key in most linux distros.

  1. Yes

The only thing to take into account is the sequence on a Mac keyboard used in Windows is from bottom left to right it goes Control, Alt, Windows ("Command" on Macs), whereas on a Windows keyboard it goes Control, Windows, Alt.

eSavior
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emgee
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Seeing as the Apple Keyboards are used with Windows all the time with Boot Camp, there is nothing wrong (and different) with using them on an actual PC. In fact, many will recommend it.

The only real gotcha is that the ctrl, alt and windows buttons are a bit jumbled up and the function keys may be enabled by default (apposed to pressing fn to enable them), and you might have to press fn every time you want to press F3.

You can remap the ctrl, alt and Windows key using SharpKeys, which I am often recommending:

Map Any Key to Any Key on Windows XP / Vista is an awesome guide on how to remap the caps lock (or any other) button.

Aditionally, Lifehacker has a really good guide on how to remap or disable it entirely.

Community
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Josh Hunt
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I've found the lack of "Print Screen" button to be incredibly annoying myself. You'll be missing that and "Scroll Lock" and "Pause Break" (I don't use the latter 2 much).

7777
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