{"id":9525,"date":"2022-03-16T09:59:46","date_gmt":"2022-03-16T15:59:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.daskeyboard.com\/blog\/?p=9525"},"modified":"2024-01-12T15:16:18","modified_gmt":"2024-01-12T21:16:18","slug":"differences-between-pc-keyboard-mac-keyboard-linux-keyboard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.daskeyboard.com\/blog\/differences-between-pc-keyboard-mac-keyboard-linux-keyboard\/","title":{"rendered":"The Differences Between a PC Keyboard, Mac Keyboard, and Linux Keyboard"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Plus 20 shortcuts for PC Keyboards, Mac Keyboards, and Linux Keyboards.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

PC, Mac, and Linux keyboards share similarities such as QWERTY alphabetic layouts, but they also have distinct differences in appearance and behavior that can make switching to a new type of keyboard challenging. The following details the differences between a PC keyboard, Mac keyboard, and Linux keyboard, including unique keys and shortcuts, so you know what to expect when you switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Word About Linux Keyboards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Linux<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Manufacturers don\u2019t make keyboards just for Linux, but many PC keyboards are Linux-compatible<\/a>. Unlike Max and Windows (PC), Linux has multiple distributions, so it doesn\u2019t have a universal keyboard layout. Mac keyboards aren\u2019t compatible with Linux out of the box, but it\u2019s possible to map a Mac keyboard to work with Linux. For that reason, this article assumes that Windows and Linux keyboards are the same. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a Linux enthusiast, you can order custom keycaps<\/a> to replace branded Windows keys on your keyboard. For example, you can replace the Windows key with a key that features Tux, the Linux penguin. It\u2019s referred to as the Super key on Linux deployments such as Ubuntu.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

PC and Linux-Compatible Keyboards VS Mac Keyboards: Key Differences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The most notable differences between PC (and Linux) keyboards and Mac keyboards are the Control, Command, Alt, Option, and Windows keys (the Windows key is the Das Keyboard icon in the left image above). Here\u2019s a breakdown of their visible and functional differences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Control (Ctrl) Keys on PC Keyboards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On PC and Linux, the Control (Ctrl) key is used for keyboard shortcuts. For example, you can press Ctrl + C to copy a selection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Mac keyboards<\/a>, the Control (Ctrl) key is a modifier key that makes shortcuts, but it\u2019s not equivalent to the PC Control key. For example, Ctrl + Cmd + Space opens the Character Viewer, where you can find emojis and symbols. The key also opens a right-click menu if you hold it down while you left-click your mouse. This feature is helpful for single-button Mac mice that don\u2019t have right-click. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Command (Cmd) Keys on Mac Keyboards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Mac keyboards feature two Command (Cmd) keys, one on each side of the Space Bar. They\u2019re used for keyboard shortcuts, similar to how the Control (Ctrl) key works on Linux and PC keyboards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can swap Command and Control to achieve the same effect in many cases. On a PC keyboard, for example, Ctrl + C copies a selection. On a Mac keyboard, Cmd + C does the same thing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

PC and Linux keyboards do not have Command keys. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alt and Option Keys on PC Keyboards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

PC and Linux keyboards have Alt keys, typically positioned on either side of the Space Bar. Macs have Option keys next to the Command keys. The Alt and Option keys have similar (but not identical) functions, which is why some Mac keyboards label the key with both \u201cOption\u201d and \u201cAlt.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On a PC keyboard, the Alt key allows you to: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n