Option button for mac on windows keyboard

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It is possible to change the functionality of the keys in the Mac System Preferences, allowing you to change the behaviour of the modifier keys, such as Control, Option (Alt), Caps Lock and Command. Changing this will bring back the familiar Mac layout. When you plug a Windows keyboard into a Mac you will find that the Command key will now be the Windows key rather than the key closest to the space bar. In this case, you may want to change the keyboard behaviour so that it functions the same as a Mac keyboard, even if the keycap labels are not the same.

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You may have simply purchased a new keyboard for your Mac with a Windows layout. If you also use a Windows PC, such as a separate Gaming PC or a work laptop, it is easier and preferable to keep a consistent layout between the devices, rather than having to mentally relearn each time you swap between devices. There are exceptions, such as the excellent keyboards from Das Keyboards or Keychron.

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Most mechanical keyboards are not available with a Mac layout, so many people need to find ways to improve the compatibility with macOS. As the Windows keyboard layout is different from that of a Mac, using a Windows keyboard with your Mac can result in frustration, with missed or incorrect key presses.