Turn Any Keyboard into a Mac Keyboard (Without Spending a Penny)

Why Do This?

• Reuse your Windows keyboard (save the cost! 🎉)

• Win key becomes Option key on Mac & Alt key becomes Command key

• Bonus: Prioritizing Function keys to work better for coding

Note: Multimedia keys like brightness/volume may not work (e.g. on Logitech K360 which I use, it doesn’t and Idon’t care!)

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Step 1: Set Keyboard Type (Settings → Keyboard)

Usually prompts when you connect your external keyboard to your Mac, but in case if you skipped it or aren’t sure, follow these steps:

1. Open System Settings → Keyboard

2. Click Change Keyboard Type (on the bottom)
   If you are unable to move to next step, disconnect your USB Receiver or USB Keyboard and try again.

3. Choose ISO layout instead of ANSI
   → Learn more: ANSI vs ISO Layout

Step 2: Modify “Keyboard Shortcuts” (Settings → Keyboard)

1. Click Keyboard Shortcut (Settings → Keyboard), go to Modifier Keys

2. Under Select Keyboard, Select your USB Receiver from the list

3. Swap Keys:
   - Option ⟶ Command
   - Command ⟶ Option
   → This remaps: Alt ➝ Command & Win ➝ Option

4. Optional: Go to Function Keys section
   - Enable: “Use F1, F2, etc. as standard function keys”
   → Especially helpful for developers