I'm the happy new owner of an Apple Keyboard (simply known as that), and for the most part, it works seamlessly with my Windows PC after a simple plug-and-play. It's got such a nice form factor that I'm surprised that there isn't a native PC equivalent. I'm also liking the "new computer smell" emanating from the Keyboard, a scent that transports me back to 1993 when I got my first Mac.

However, I did run into a few quirks: for instance, several PC-specific keys are labeled differently or not found at all on this Apple Keyboard. The good news is you can easily regain that functionality, and here's how — these tips should work for any Mac USB keyboard, including Apple's Wireless Keyboard, and other Mac-friendly brands like MacAlly and Kensington.

First, get SharpKeys. This utility lets you easily remap keys. For example, the Windows key is mapped to Command on a Mac keyboard, and the Alt key is mapped to Option. You can switch them around by doing this:

  • Open SharpKeys.
     
  • Click "Add". (I've this odd problem where SharpKeys repeatedly refreshes the window upon opening, but it goes away after a few seconds.)
     
  • On the left-hand side, click "Type Key" and press your left Windows key. It should register it as "Special: Left Windows (EO_5B)". Click "OK".
     
  • On the right-hand side, scroll down the list (since Alt isn't recognized when you type it), and select "Special: Left Alt (00_38)".
     
  • Click "OK", and it'll show your new key remapping in the list.
     
  • Make sure to repeat this process in reverse, so that Windows and Alt are mapped both ways to each other — otherwise, you'll end up with two left Windows or Alt keys.
     
  • Using the same steps, enter additional key remappings such as using the Apple Keyboard's extra F13-F19 keys to do special things like change the volume level. You can also add the right Windows and Alt keys, of course — I nary use them.
     
  • When it looks like you've got a list you're happy with, click "Write to Registry" and be sure to log out and back in, or restart. You should notice the changes after you do that.

Here's what my current keymappings are, and I'll likely tweak them further as time goes by:

Torley's SharpKeys setup

And voila! You should have both the benefits of an elegant Apple Keyboard and the key mapping you find most useful. Wasn't that fun? :)

If that wasn't enough knowhow for you, also see:

Do you own an Apple Keyboard? Let me know what you think about it.