Mac USB & FireWire

Guide to USB Keyboards

Last updated December 7, 1999 and no longer being updated.

This is as complete listing of USB keyboards as possible. Every known USB keyboard is listed.

All USB keyboards are not created equal. Some are beige, while others come in one or more colors to complement current Macs. Some have a lot of extra programmable buttons. One even has a volume knob. I was unable to find pricing on many of these. In some cases, these keyboards may not be available in your market.

They should all work with the Mac or USB-equipped PCs, but you'll want to verify that before buying.

Note that many of these have PC layouts which do not match the standard Macintosh Extended Keyboard layout. The biggest issues: the Alt and Cmd (or Windows) keys are reversed, and there may not be a power key. Keyboards with Mac layout are marked with bold type.

If you know of a utility that can remap the Alt/Option and Cmd/Windows keys, please email Dan Knight . I'm testing some Windows keyboards on the Mac, and such a utility would be a life saver.

• USB: Using a Windows USB keyboard on a Mac, ResExcellence, 12/27 [No Beige]. Swaps Opt and Windows keys for Cmd and Opt. Warning: this involves manually modifying your System file.

Note that not all keyboards have additional USB ports. Specifications subject to change, so be sure to visit the manufacturer's site for more details before buying.

• The world's worst keyboard, ZDNet, 12/17. No, it's not Apple's; it's Microsoft's line of "natural" keyboards.

• Manufacturers and distributors: Interested in having your product reviewed? Please read our review policy.

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