Mech Newbie Needs Mac Help

[xepherys]

Hello all,

So, I'm looking to get a new mechanical keyboard for my Mac.  I have most of the major things figured out (Cherry MX Blue switches, not super concerned about backlight, though it might not be bad, etc.), but I'm trying to get a KB with Mac keys already on it.  I'm thinking Das or WASD simply because many of the others I've looked at - well...  it might be difficult to get a one-off Mac super key that matches the rest of the caps.  I'm a stickler for these things.  While function is more important than form, form is also worth something to me, so I'd rather not have something crazy looking.  Obviously, I could get almost any keyboard and buy a complete new set of caps, which just might go beyond my budget at the moment.  Does anyone have recommendations?  I've seen threads on reddit and some other sites talking about this, but couldn't find anything here. 

Almost always, people just point to Das or WASD, and sometimes Matias (which I'm not a fan of, solely due to looks).  There are some decent looking Ducky KBs, but most of them are listed as "limited" compatibility with Mac.  I'm not sure if that means I could use Karabiner to remap super keys or if it's like some KBs that apparently the Mac simply won't recognize the key properly even remapped.  I'm not looking to drop a decent chunk of change on a keyboard that doesn't work right, and I'd prefer to have keycaps come on it or readily available that will reflect at least the Mac command and options keys.

Any thoughts?


Thanks!

[FoxWolf1]

Keep in mind that if you get the Mac version of the Das Pro 4, you will get Greetech rather than Cherry switches. Whether you consider this a good or bad thing is up to you-- there are arguments to be made either way-- but do be aware.

Also: quite a few so-called "Mac layout" mechanical keyboards aren't quite proper-- they get the modifier keys right, but they don't have the Mac number pad configuration (1x + key with - above it, * in the top right corner, / to the left of *, = to the left of /, and Clear in the spot where PC number pads have Num Lock). Matias gets this right, as do Unicomp (http://www.pckeyboard.com/page/product/UB4ZPHA) and Rogue (http://www.roguegamegear.com/mondo-board/-- well, almost; it looks like it might have Num where Clear belongs) but lots of other companies get it wrong. I think the MicroConnectors keyboard has it right as well, but all of the ones in less crazy colors sold out years ago, so it's probably not what you're looking for. Also, none of these use MX Blue switches, though both the Matias and the Unicomp come in clicky form if that's mainly what you're after.

On the other hand, if you want something a bit more high-spec than the "obvious" answers that people keep mentioning, and are dead-set on MX Blue switches, and don't care as much about whether the number pad has the true Mac layout, you could try tracking down a Jaki JB002. It comes with a set of Mac keycaps and the ability to switch to Mac layout (well, except for the number pad) at the push of a button.

[xepherys]

Thanks for the info.  The Jaki looks pretty decent from pictures, at least.  The numpad placement isn't too much of an issue (I use a Windows standard full size KB at the office, and probably use the keypad there more often).  Big thank you for the Greetech info.  I actually got a switch tester to give a few key switches a try, and the Greetech blues seem super stiff to me.  The only other blue that I like of the bunch was the Kailh.  The Gateron is ok feeling, and I actually prefer the Gateron brown to the Cherry, but I'm pretty set on the Cherry blue at this point.   

[crickclackman]

Some keyboards NKRO do not play well with OSX.

[smknjoe]

HHKB

[phoible]

You can get most keyboards to work correctly on the Mac. You just swap the Ctrl and Alt keys in keyboard settings, and then use Karabiner to get the function keys mapped correctly. I don't have any keyboards that are "Mac specific," but they all function pretty much the same as my built-in keyboard with a few tweaks.

The only real problem is the Windows key. You can find Mac-specific keycaps, or just run blank keys like I do.

[raymogi]

Karabiner will be your best friend here. I was using on Windows for a while but have just recently switched back to Mac and all my keyboards are working fine.

I love how the app stores different profile for each keyboard.

[axtran]

KUL ES-87 is the best Mac supporting mass production board that I've ever used. Let me know if you have Mac specific questions.

[grav3serker]

The KBParadise V60 comes with Mac keys and dip switches to enable Mac mode. If you're looking for a fairly inexpensive mech, the V60 is your best friend. That is, if you don't mind a 60% board. Good luck on your hunt! 

[axtran]

The KBParadise V60 comes with Mac keys and dip switches to enable Mac mode. If you're looking for a fairly inexpensive mech, the V60 is your best friend. That is, if you don't mind a 60% board. Good luck on your hunt! 

Does the V60 actually push the Mac function keys (like Mission Control) though?

[grav3serker]

The KBParadise V60 comes with Mac keys and dip switches to enable Mac mode. If you're looking for a fairly inexpensive mech, the V60 is your best friend. That is, if you don't mind a 60% board. Good luck on your hunt! 

Does the V60 actually push the Mac function keys (like Mission Control) though?

I'll know in a week or so when it arrives. I was just passing on info I've read about it. I hope it does!

[TopreFan333]

Hello all,

So, I'm looking to get a new mechanical keyboard for my Mac.  I have most of the major things figured out (Cherry MX Blue switches, not super concerned about backlight, though it might not be bad, etc.), but I'm trying to get a KB with Mac keys already on it. 

This drove me a bit nuts too at first (having proper Command and Option keys instead of some ugly Windows-logo key making it look like garbage). I ended up getting a KUL for my first mechanical keyboard, and found that the diamond-shaped key didn't bother me too much, and I was able to quickly swap it with the Option key so all worked normally. I believe the KUL has DIP switches too, so you don't even have to change the setting on your machine(s).

If you're not too averse to a little mismatch, Elite Keyboards has OS X-marked mods on their site.

I eventually upgraded to HHKB and of course it has full OS X support built in quite nicely, right down to the correctly-marked Command key in the right place.