Using a Mac Keyboard with a PC is quite nice once you get a few things straightened out. I used a Mac for a few years so this configuration favors Mac to Windows users. This configuration works for Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.
For seamless integration you need to download three (3) programs:
-> KeyTweak - Bring back the Delete key
-> PrtScr - For Print Screen functionality (No F13 on the compact wired/wireless keyboards)
-> AutoHotkey - Create shortcuts for missing keys including the media keys and eject key
Add an optional fourth program to make launching applications easier:
-> Launchy, like quicksilver for OSX...
Remap your Right Option/Alt key to Delete
This is hugely beneficial and almost required unless you want to use your eject key as the delete key instead. I find the right alt key to be in the best position for deleting text as a programmer.
- Launch KeyTweak
- On the virtual keyboard, click on key #62
- In the Keyboard Controls section, click the Choose New Remapping drop down and choose Delete
- Click the Remap Key button
- Click Apply. Changes will be applied, you can cancel out of the dialog or reboot, your choice.
Make Print Screen work
Using the on screen keyboard is not very feasible. Instead, you can use a print screen program and map that to a key using AutoHotkey in the next step.
- Install PrtScr
- Configure PrtScr
Remap the rest of your keys using AutoHotkey
For simplicity, use these configuration files as a starting point and remove/change as necessary. See the AutoHotkey documentation for more customization options.
- Install AutoHotkey, defaults are fine
- Extract these files into your AutoHotkey folder (C:\Program Files\AutoHotkey\ in Windows XP)
- Run AutoHotkey (hopefully the script won't throw any errors)
Here's what you get:
| Keys | Operation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mac Key Emulation (Win = Command) | ||
| Win+Z | Undo | |
| Win+Y | Redo | |
| Win+A | Select All | |
| Win+X | Cut | |
| Win+C | Copy | |
| Win+V | Paste | |
| For programs that support them | ||
| Win+W | Close Window | |
| Win+Q | Close Program | |
| Win+F | Find | |
| Win+H | Replace | |
| Win+S | Save | |
| Media Keys | ||
| Win+F3 | Print Screen | Requires Prt-Scr Installed and mapped to Print Screen key. Tip: After pressing Win+F3, Alt Drag will draw on the screen, Ctrl Left Mouse will draw a box. Upon releasing the mouse the image will be in your clipboard. You can configure the default action in the program settings. |
| Win+F4 | Sleep | ...if you computer supports it |
| Win+F7 | Previous Track | |
| Win+F8 | Play/Pause | |
| Win+F9 | Next Track | |
| Win+F10 | Mute | |
| Win+F11 | Volume Down | |
| Win+F11 | Volume Up | |
| Special Key Emulation and Overrides | ||
| Win+Up | Page Up | |
| Win+Down | Page Down | |
| Win+Left | Home | |
| Win+Right | End | |
| Right Alt | Delete | |
| Eject | Eject or Delete | Provided by the Apple Wired Keyboard.ahk. Rename the Apple Wired Keyboard.Delete.ahk to Apple Wired Keyboard.ahk if you want to use it as a delete button |
I have been using this combination for about two years. The setup is incredibly effective. The only key that doesn't work period is the "fn" key. It doesn't register at all in Windows.
20110426: Someone had an issue with the "Pause/Break" key missing. I would suggest mapping that to the eject key if you're not using it.
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