The keyboard , is the text input device, but also fulfills other functions ; through it we can enter data to work in some programs or applications, use key combinations to perform certain functions of the operating system and also, if for some reason the mouse stops working we can momentarily cover the problem using the keyboard, since, It has keys that if we learn to use they function as an on-screen pointer to search or open different things .
Although you may have a good writing peripheral and still have failures when using it , this is usually due to configuration problems and is very common on Mac computers because they are a bit more complicated to configure. That is why many people tend to hire experts in the field to solve it, but we already tell you that this is not necessary since anyone can do it with their own hands.
In this tutorial we will explain how to quickly and easily identify and solve the most common bugs on Mac computer keyboards and everything you need to know to configure it correctly. In addition, you will learn how to solve the main problems of deconfiguration of it, so that you do not run away to spend money on a new one.
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Steps to configure the keyboard on Mac OS computers
The operation of an Apple brand operating system is completely different from that of Windows, so if you are used to the latter, Mac can give you headaches . Many choose these computers for the amount of storage space and other features that seem to be better than Windows, however for those who buy their first computer of this brand it is difficult to get used to the use.
Among them, is the configuration of the keyboard peripheral , it will depend on whether you have problems using it or not. It is best to perform the configuration at the time of purchase and installation , but if you have not done so, you can do so whenever you are following the steps below.
- Go to “ System Preferences “, from the home screen it is easy to access by clicking on the drop-down menu in the upper left corner.
- Access in the system preferences menu to « Keyboard «.
- In this window, choose the section you want to modify, on the main screen you will get some basic options that you can configure according to your preferences .
- Turn off the backlight after X seconds of inactivity.
- Show the viewers and emojis in the menu bar.
- Use function keys (F1, F2 etc) as standard function keys.
In addition to these basic settings you will find different sections such as Keyboard, Bluetooth and Quick Functions .
Each one must be configured differently and independently so that it meets your requirements:
- Keyboard: This is the basic configuration , so you will find options to regulate the speed of the characters and wait for the repetition, the start of Registration of some new character. When carrying out the modification you must decide whether the function keys will be active or not, which means that they perform a certain action when combined with the Fn key. Right there you can assign these actions according to your preference with the uppercase keys, CTRL, Command , the brand logo key and the option key.
- Bluetooth: Be apart as your name denotes it is about modifying the keyboard or mouse connected via Bluetooth . Inside you will find battery level and connection information and other aspects that can be edited as you want.
- Quick functions: In other words, the keyboard shortcuts of Mac . These are the key combinations that allow you to start applications or perform actions without opening window by window. Here you will find from the default shortcuts that the Mac has to those that you have been adding over time, in addition to allowing you to add new ones and remove those that you no longer require using the + and – signs, finally if you have too many and consider that at the beginning it was better you can use the restore option.
- Text: Here you can set preferences at the time of writing such as adding punctuation with keys, capitalization, using quotation marks, activating the automatic corrector and others.
- Input sources : This is the language you use or want to use, you can add a new one or delete the current one, next to it shows an image of how the peripheral operation changes with each language.
- Dictation : Here you configure the option so that the computer can hear you through a microphone so that it can write or write according to the words you say.
How to change the keyboard language to Spanish on Mac?
The most common problem for those who speak Spanish when using a Mac is usually that cannot write the letter “ñ” or put tildes , this is due to the lack of language settings or have done wrong. These devices are manufactured to work in English, so it is important to modify the default settings and thus be able to write what we want without problems.
To help those with this problem, we will explain in detail the language selection process on Mac:
- Enter the keyboard settings , following the steps we have already given you, go to system preferences, then “ Keyboard ” to enter the window to configure and add a new language.
- Choose the section « Input Sources» , it is number four in the menu, and inside look for the symbol ‘ + ‘on the bottom left on the screen, when you get it, click it.
- Search Spanish , in the search bar you will have on screen you search for Spanish, you should get 2 options, choose « Spanish ISO» and add.
- Remove the previous one : It will take you back to the font screen, choose the language that was in use and then click on the « – « symbol, located right next to “ + “. And it will be ready, the new one is automatically configured and you can start testing it.
Problems and deconfiguration solutions on the Apple computer keyboard
Those manufactured by Apple, whether they come with the equipment or that are bought and installed are very comfortable and easy to handle , although with a short tour. That’s why many decide to buy a third-party keyboard and install it on the Mac, which usually happens when the original breaks down.
External writing peripherals can be quite economical and a good option outside the Apple official, but when using it problems can start to appear as all the keys do not work properly , because not detected in the correct order.
This can happen with any new keyboard that is installed, since the configuration must change . Although many do not believe this type of failures are easy to solve and can be solved at home, without having to go to a technician and pay money. That’s why we’ll explain the most common problems and how to get rid of them.
How to fix the keyboard deconfiguration on Mac?
If you connect a new one and the operation is out of control, these are the steps you must follow to restore that configuration :
- Open the Mac terminal and enter the following command: sudo rm /Library/Preferences/com.apple.keyboard type.plist and then press « Enter» .
- The system will ask you for your password so you can save changes, place it and then restart your Mac .
- Try it, when turning on the keyboard preferences they should be as at the factory time so you can use it or customize it again without problems.
How to use and configure a Windows keyboard in the Mac?
The structure and distribution of this Mac hardware is very different from that of Windows, so connecting a keyboard from the latter system to an Apple computer can be a difficult task. In doing so, some unexpected changes usually occur , for example the fact of the task of the basic keys will change as follows.
- The «Windows» key will play the «Command»
- key «Alt» will function as the «Option» key in macOS
In MacOS the command key is located on the left side of the spacebar just as Windows places Alt. All this can be quite confusing for many due to lack of habit. However, it is possible to change it at any time by following the steps below .
- Access the keyboard configuration as we taught you in previous sections.
- Choose « Modification Keys » within the options of the same, there you can configure the « Caps Lock «, « Control » and other basic operation keys. When you are satisfied, choose permitted Accept with.
Because I can’t write special characters like @, ~, # and others on my keyboard.
Another common problem, is not being able to use special characters as we do in Windows . This can be a daily headache, for example when trying to get in the mail. Most likely, when this happens, you have activated an unintentional command that deactivates these characters. To deactivate it, do the following.
- Go to System Preferences, search for “ Keyboard “, go to the “ Quick Functions ” tab and finally click on “ Mission Control », located in the left column.
- See the options, you will get a list of options, go to the end and confirm that the last two are disabled . In case they are activated, deactivated, save and go.