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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: sandstrom on Fri, 22 March 2013, 18:12:21

Title: Keyboard for Apple
Post by: sandstrom on Fri, 22 March 2013, 18:12:21
Hi, new here, I have a couple of mechanical keybords for my windows computers but not for my Apple, so now I'm looking for one for it.

Since I'm swedish I need one with swedish keyboard layout.

Br
sandstrom
Title: Re: Keyboard for Apple
Post by: mashby on Fri, 22 March 2013, 18:21:18
Is there any particular layout you prefer? For example, do you need the number pad on the right of the keyboard?

Also, what keyboards do you use on Windows?
Title: Re: Keyboard for Apple
Post by: sandstrom on Fri, 22 March 2013, 18:35:55
I would like the "normal" Apple layout, numpad is not necessary.
I use a Steelseries 6Gv2 with black switches at work and a CM Quick Fire TK  with red switches for my gaming rig (like the both).

Title: Re: Keyboard for Apple
Post by: mashby on Fri, 22 March 2013, 18:46:09
About four months ago, I came from the Apple BT keyboard so I was already used to the compact layout and thankfully have found several keyboards that allowed me to make the switch. Take a look at my signature and you'll see links to the three I've been using (Poker, Pure & Race).

Let me ask a couple of follow-up questions though:

1. Do you need dedicated arrow keys, or is using a fn key OK for that?

2. How much do you use the right side of the keyboard? Specifically, the command, alt and control buttons?

3. Do you think you could use a smaller right shift key?
Title: Re: Keyboard for Apple
Post by: sandstrom on Fri, 22 March 2013, 18:53:19
Thanks for taking time answering my question :)

Dedicated arrow keys would I like to have, smaller right shift is ok. I do use the right side but that could be learned off.

The Race looks great, do you know if they available with swedish layout?
Title: Re: Keyboard for Apple
Post by: mashby on Fri, 22 March 2013, 20:10:59
Thanks for taking time answering my question :)

Dedicated arrow keys would I like to have, smaller right shift is ok. I do use the right side but that could be learned off.

The Race looks great, do you know if they available with swedish layout?

That's where I have a little bad news -- you'll have to wait. So far, most of the compact keyboards have been ANSI layouts. If you needed to buy a keyboard today, then that would be your option.

However, if you can't wait a little while, you'll have more options. If you can wait a little longer and work a little harder, you can get exactly what you want.  ;D

Option 1: KBT Pure Pro
(http://l.mashby.com/UxC5+)

Vortex is making an ISO series of keyboards called the Pure Pro. Vortex has said they plan on releasing "ISO: UK / FR / ES and DE. We're also planning on doing a second batch with nordic layout." I'm not familiar enough with the Swedish layout to know if this comes close, but if it does, then you might be able to adjust any small changes needed in software.

If it's an issue of seeing the characters on the key caps, those can be replaced, but the layout of the Pure Pro will make it a little bit of a challenge.

Option2: GH60
(http://l.mashby.com/dtzy+)

There is a group buy going on right now for a community designed keyboard called the GH 60 (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41464.0;topicseen). This will take longer, but the good news is that it will fully programable and supports ISO layouts.

Group buys are organized by one, or more community members to develop a product. There's been a LOT of hard work to bring the GH60 to life and now is a great time to consider joining this project. Everything is laid out clearly in the other thread, but if you have questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Title: Re: Keyboard for Apple
Post by: aggiejy on Sat, 23 March 2013, 00:07:34
FWIW, I've not come across a keyboard yet that didn't work perfectly on a Mac.  (I'm 100% Mac)  You may need to remap a couple keys, but otherwise I'd just get the layout you like.  Some vendors are selling "Mac" keyboards which is misleading. :)
Title: Re: Re: Keyboard for Apple
Post by: SmallFry on Sat, 23 March 2013, 01:35:15
FWIW, I've not come across a keyboard yet that didn't work perfectly on a Mac.  (I'm 100% Mac)  You may need to remap a couple keys, but otherwise I'd just get the layout you like.  Some vendors are selling "Mac" keyboards which is misleading. :)
Choc Mini, IIRC.
Title: Re: Keyboard for Apple
Post by: sandstrom on Sat, 23 March 2013, 07:04:04
Thanks guys for your answers, feels like i have som thinking to do now.

Br
sandstrom
Title: Re: Re: Keyboard for Apple
Post by: mashby on Sat, 23 March 2013, 08:41:07
FWIW, I've not come across a keyboard yet that didn't work perfectly on a Mac.  (I'm 100% Mac)  You may need to remap a couple keys, but otherwise I'd just get the layout you like.  Some vendors are selling "Mac" keyboards which is misleading. :)
Choc Mini, IIRC.

I've heard Choc isn't mac compatible.
Title: Keyboard for Apple
Post by: aggiejy on Sat, 23 March 2013, 08:45:40
Yeah, I almost mentioned that but it's a bit obscure now and it did work (mostly) with the later versions. :-)
Title: Re: Keyboard for Apple
Post by: justin.wu on Sat, 23 March 2013, 09:34:29
hi,,for your request ,

I think TEX mini keyboard (TKB-600) , that called "beetle" you can check that , that reason have 2

1
please check this link first , https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B7TuRf3KQe7GcUsxQ1ZLZ0lSNG8/edit?usp=sharing  ,
you can see about our ISO (EU) version keyboard , and all the layout .
and you can see " Layout Customization " in datasheet , the function
fn key + W = Swap Win(Left) & Fn(Left) , so that will be fit for Apple .

2
about the keyboard outward , that use CNC aluminum top frame ,
that you can check picture in this link
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jewu8210/sets/72157632574538186/with/8556317331/


B.R

Hi, new here, I have a couple of mechanical keybords for my windows computers but not for my Apple, so now I'm looking for one for it.

Since I'm swedish I need one with swedish keyboard layout.

Br
sandstrom
Title: Re: Keyboard for Apple
Post by: mashby on Sat, 23 March 2013, 10:09:37
please check this link first , https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B7TuRf3KQe7GcUsxQ1ZLZ0lSNG8/edit?usp=sharing  ,
you can see about our ISO (EU) version keyboard , and all the layout .
and you can see " Layout Customization " in datasheet , the function
fn key + W = Swap Win(Left) & Fn(Left) , so that will be fit for Apple .

@Justin -- I totally forgot you guys were coming out with an ISO version as well. That's awesome! Is the ISO version being released at the same time as the ANSI?

@sandstrom -- MechanicalKeyboards.com shows that they are getting the ANSI versions (http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/incoming.php) in sometime around the first of May.
Title: Re: Keyboard for Apple
Post by: justin.wu on Sat, 23 March 2013, 10:28:34
Thanks !! Mashby

sure , we have US Ansi / ISO for EU / and JP , for all layout we have ready :)

please check this link first , https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B7TuRf3KQe7GcUsxQ1ZLZ0lSNG8/edit?usp=sharing  ,
you can see about our ISO (EU) version keyboard , and all the layout .
and you can see " Layout Customization " in datasheet , the function
fn key + W = Swap Win(Left) & Fn(Left) , so that will be fit for Apple .

@Justin -- I totally forgot you guys were coming out with an ISO version as well. That's awesome! Is the ISO version being released at the same time as the ANSI?

@sandstrom -- MechanicalKeyboards.com shows that they are getting the ANSI versions (http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/incoming.php) in sometime around the first of May.
Title: Re: Re: Keyboard for Apple
Post by: SmallFry on Sat, 23 March 2013, 14:39:44
Thanks !! Mashby

sure , we have US Ansi / ISO for EU / and JP , for all layout we have ready :)

please check this link first , https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B7TuRf3KQe7GcUsxQ1ZLZ0lSNG8/edit?usp=sharing  ,
you can see about our ISO (EU) version keyboard , and all the layout .
and you can see " Layout Customization " in datasheet , the function
fn key + W = Swap Win(Left) & Fn(Left) , so that will be fit for Apple .

@Justin -- I totally forgot you guys were coming out with an ISO version as well. That's awesome! Is the ISO version being released at the same time as the ANSI?

@sandstrom -- MechanicalKeyboards.com shows that they are getting the ANSI versions (http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/incoming.php) in sometime around the first of May.
Very cool! Good luck with your buisness!