2y ago

I'll ask this here since idk where else

My company is very concerned about security, which means that even the Windows we use is so heavily modified it makes any Arch-user jealous. Nevertheless we have the possibility to work from home. I have a full Apple setup for myself, even the TobenOne UDS033 dock to use 2 external monitors with my MacBook Air M1 (works like a charm btw). But here is the problem: the laptop has no Bluetooth. No Bluetooth mouse, no Bluetooth keyboard, nothing. The mouse is no problem since I use my trusty wired gaming mouse from 2014. My problem is the keyboard. I have not found a single one that is primarily for Mac and also happens to work on Windows, yet works wired as well.

I have read that Apple‘s Magic Keyboard works wired on Windows, can anyone confirm this? The rest of the internet is not very helpful.

12 comments

Checkout Keychron’s k series. They’re both wireless and wired as well as both Mac and windows, just flip two small switches on the side to change the behavior. I have a k2 myself, but you may prefer the k4 which is a larger layout. It’s basically the perfect keyboard for supporting what you’re talking about
- I'd go Nuphy Air (available in a few different sizes) rather than Keychron.
  I love my Keychrons (own four of them...) but Nuphy is quite a bit better in several small ways, from nicer keycaps to feet that sit perfectly on top of a MacBook Air keyboard (if you buy a small Nuphy) to lovely cary cases that double as a tablet/phone stand.
I've never experienced a keyboard that is OS specific. Some of the RGB bits may not work on Mac or Linux, or may work but not be very configurable, but the basic typing functions still work.
- For example - Apple keyboards have an emoji button, a power button, and cryptographically secure* biometrics. All OS specific.
  (* the fingerprint scanner isn't just OS specific, it requires matching hardware on the motherboard of your computer - the keyboard just has a dumb sensor and it's your Mac that actually checks the fingerprint.. and it happens in hardware not software. Not even firmware)
Not sure if this is what you’re looking for, but a Keychron keyboard has a toggle mode for use on Mac and Windows. It has Bluetooth and it can also be used with a wired connection.
I use the K8 model, see below Amazon link. https://a.co/d/d1Oa0Pu
The Apple Magic Keyboard works wired and with Windows.
- It has a weird layout though, with a globe key where control should be.
Take a look at Keychron: they make mechanical keyboards of different price levels with the most diversified layouts and features. Usually they have a switch to change from Mac to Win layout and have Bluetooth and wired versions.
It’s not clear what you’re asking for. You want to use a Mac keyboard on a Windows PC?
- He wants to use his work laptop (Windows) on his home laptop dock, which works for his Mac laptop, but doesn’t for his work laptop. Because his work laptop doesn’t support Bluetooth, because of safety reasons.
It makes any Arch-user jealous.
LoooooL... made my day
MacBook Air M1 has Bluetooth I don’t know why you say they don’t. Any BT or wired keyboard works.

12 comments