Plus 20 shortcuts for PC Keyboards, Mac Keyboards, and Linux Keyboards.
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.
A Word About Linux Keyboards
Manufacturers don’t make keyboards just for Linux, but many PC keyboards are Linux-compatible. Unlike Max and Windows (PC), Linux has multiple distributions, so it doesn’t have a universal keyboard layout. Mac keyboards aren’t compatible with Linux out of the box, but it’s possible to map a Mac keyboard to work with Linux. For that reason, this article assumes that Windows and Linux keyboards are the same.
If you’re a Linux enthusiast, you can order custom keycaps 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’s referred to as the Super key on Linux deployments such as Ubuntu.
PC and Linux-Compatible Keyboards VS Mac Keyboards: Key Differences
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’s a breakdown of their visible and functional differences.
Control (Ctrl) Keys on PC Keyboards
On PC and Linux, the Control (Ctrl) key is used for keyboard shortcuts. For example, you can press Ctrl + C to copy a selection.
On Mac keyboards, the Control (Ctrl) key is a modifier key that makes shortcuts, but it’s 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’t have right-click.
Command (Cmd) Keys on Mac Keyboards
Mac keyboards feature two Command (Cmd) keys, one on each side of the Space Bar. They’re used for keyboard shortcuts, similar to how the Control (Ctrl) key works on Linux and PC keyboards.
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.
PC and Linux keyboards do not have Command keys.
Alt and Option Keys on PC Keyboards
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 “Option” and “Alt.”
On a PC keyboard, the Alt key allows you to:
- Perform shortcut commands. For instance, Alt + Tab toggles between open apps. Alt + Control + Delete lets you open the Task Manager, switch users, or log out.
- Insert special characters. For example, pressing Alt + 3 on the numerical keypad types a heart symbol.
- Navigate menus. If you press Alt in Microsoft Word, for example, the program overlays key-based shortcuts so you can navigate its menu without a mouse.
On a Mac keyboard, the Option key allows you to:
- Perform shortcut commands. Option + Cmd + T shows and hides toolbars, for example.
- Control your cursor. For instance, Option + Right Arrow moves your cursor to the end of the next word. Option + Left Arrow moves the cursor to the beginning of the previous word.
- Insert special characters. For example, you can press Option + G to type a copyright symbol.
Windows Key on PC Keyboards
Found only on PC and Linux-compatible PC keyboards, the Windows key opens the start menu. It’s also used to access shortcuts.
For example, Windows + D minimizes all open windows. Note that if you’re using a PC keyboard with a Mac computer, the Windows key functions as the Command key.
Other Key Differences Between PC Keyboards, Linux Keyboards, and Mac Keyboards
Other differences between Mac and PC and Linux-compatible keyboards include:
- Enter and Return keys: The Enter key on a PC keyboard is equivalent to the Return key on a Mac keyboard. They have the same function but different labels (though Mac keyboards feature an Enter key on the numerical keyboard).
- Backspace and Delete keys: On the alphabetic keyboard, the Backspace (PC and Linux) and Delete (Mac) keys function the same.
- Insert key: PC and Linux-compatible keyboards have an Insert (Ins) key, but Mac keyboards do not. The Insert key typically switches to overwrite mode, though it’s also used for some shortcuts.
- Print Screen, Scroll Lock, and Pause: PC and Linux keyboards often include hotkeys for screenshots (PrtSc), arrow-based scrolling (ScrLk), and pausing processes (Pause). Mac keyboards do not have these keys and on the Das Keyboard 4 Professional for Mac these keys are used for the F13 key, the dim screen brightness key, and increase screen brighness key.
- Numerical keypads: PC and Linux numerical keypads typically have a Number Lock (NumLK) key that switches between input modes (for example, the number 4 becomes a left arrow key). Mac numerical keypads do not have a number lock, but they have a Clear key that deletes the selected input. In some cases, the Add, Subtract, Multiply and Divide key layouts differ between PC and Mac, and some Mac keyboards have an Equal key that’s not present on PC keyboards.
- Function (Fn) keys: Function keys vary between operating systems and keyboard manufacturers, so it’s helpful to know there isn’t a universal difference between function keys on a PC, Linux, or Mac keyboard.
Top 20 Shortcuts for PC Keyboards, Linux Keyboards, and Mac Keyboards
Productivity professionals and gamers rely on keyboard shortcuts to quickly activate helpful commands. Here are the different key combinations for 20 of the most useful keyboard shortcuts on PC, Linux, and Mac keyboards.
1. Select all
Selects all the text in an open window or application.
- Windows: Ctrl + A
- Linux: Ctrl + A
- Mac: Cmd + A
2. Copy
Copies selected text.
- Windows: Ctrl + C
- Linux: Ctrl + C
- Mac: Cmd + C
3. Cut
Cuts selected text from a document.
- Windows: Ctrl + X
- Linux: Ctrl + X
- Mac: Cmd + X
4. Paste
Pastes text you just copied or cut.
- Windows: Ctrl + V
- Linux: Ctrl + V
- Mac: Cmd + V
5. Undo
Undoes your most recent action.
- Windows: Ctrl + Z
- Linux: Ctrl + Z
- Mac: Cmd + Z
6. Redo
Redoes the action you just undid.
- Windows: Ctrl + Y OR Ctrl + Shift + Z
- Linux: Ctrl + Y OR Ctrl + Shift + Z
- Mac: Cmd + Shift + Z
7. Bold
Bolds selected text.
- Windows: Ctrl + B
- Linux: Ctrl + B
- Mac: Cmd + B
8. Italics
Italicizes selected text.
- Windows: Ctrl + I
- Linux: Ctrl + I
- Mac: Cmd + I
9. Underline
Underlines selected text.
- Windows: Ctrl + U
- Linux: Ctrl + U
- Mac: Cmd + U
10. All Caps
Capitalizes selected text.
- Windows: Ctrl + Shift + A
- Linux: Ctrl + Shift + A
- Mac: Cmd + Shift + A
11. Increase text size
Increases the size of on-screen text.
- Windows: Ctrl + Plus (+)
- Linux: Ctrl + Plus (+)
- Mac: Cmd + Plus (+)
12. Decrease text size
Decreases the size of on-screen text.
- Windows: Ctrl + Minus (-)
- Linux: Ctrl + Minus (-)
- Mac: Cmd + Minus (-)
13. Save
Saves your current file.
- Windows: Ctrl + S
- Linux: Ctrl + S
- Mac: Cmd + S
14. Print
Prints the current active file.
- Windows: Ctrl + P
- Linux: Ctrl + P
- Mac: Cmd + P
15. Toggle open apps
Quickly switch between apps.
- Windows: Alt + Tab
- Linux: Alt + Tab
- Mac: Cmd + Tab
16. Find
Search for a term within an open window.
- Windows: Ctrl + F
- Linux: Ctrl + F
- Mac: Cmd + F
17. New tab
Opens a new tab in your web browser.
- Windows: Ctrl + T
- Linux: Ctrl + T
- Mac: Cmd + T
18. Refresh
Reload the current web page.
- Windows: Ctrl + R
- Linux: Ctrl + R
- Mac: Cmd + R
19. Open
Opens a selected file.
- Windows: Ctrl + O
- Linux: Ctrl + O
- Mac: Cmd + O
20. Quit
Closes the active application.
- Windows: Alt + F4
- Linux: Alt + F4
- Mac: Cmd + Q
The differences between PC, Linux, and Mac keyboards might seem minor, but they can profoundly impact performance and productivity. Switching from one type of keyboard to another can prove challenging until you’re comfortable with your new keyboard’s layout and behavior.
That said, you can customize many keyboards so they function any way you’d like. You can map a PC keyboard to a Mac, for example, and vice versa. Keep in mind that companies don’t make keyboards just for Linux, so if you run that operating system, you’ll probably need a compatible PC keyboard.
Ultimately, choose a keyboard that delivers advanced accuracy, comfort, and customization so you can perform at your best, whether you’re fragging enemies in Call of Duty or typing a 5,000-word white paper. Your choice of keyboard plays a critical role in your success, so consider investing in a high-performance mechanical keyboard that’s compatible with PC, Linux, or Mac operating systems.
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FAQs
The Differences Between a PC Keyboard, Mac Keyboard, and Linux Keyboard - Das Keyboard Mechanical Keyboard Blog? ›
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).
Is Mac keyboard a mechanical keyboard? ›The Apple Standard Keyboard is still loved to this day by mechanical keyboard enthusiasts due in no small measure to the keyboard's use of Orange Alps switches. This keyboard was first released with the Macintosh II and Macintosh SE, both of which did not come with a keyboard.
Can I use Mac keyboard with PC? ›All Mac and Apple keyboards also work on the PC. Connect via Bluetooth by clicking Bluetooth > Add Bluetooth > and select your Magic Keyboard from the list. It's possible to remap any keys via the Microsoft PowerTools app.
Do you need a different keyboard for Mac? ›One of the most important things to remember when exploring your options is compatibility—whether a keyboard works well with macOS systems. Virtually all keyboards are at least "partially" compatible with macOS, meaning that almost every button, except for a few keys, works right out of the box.
Are Mac keyboards different? ›Mac numerical keypads do not have a number lock, but they have a Clear key that deletes the selected input. In some cases, the Add, Subtract, Multiply and Divide key layouts differ between PC and Mac, and some Mac keyboards have an Equal key that's not present on PC keyboards.
What is the difference between a keyboard and a mechanical keyboard? ›Mechanical keyboards are designed with specific key switches that provide different levels of resistance and feedback, which can lead to a more satisfying typing experience. In contrast, regular keyboards use rubber domes that collapse under pressure, which can result in a less responsive typing experience.
Are Mac and Windows keyboards different? ›Although Windows and Mac keyboards feature most of the same keys, there are a few that differ. When using a Windows keyboard on a Mac, the Windows key is used instead of the Command key, and the Alt key is used in place of the Option key. For example, the Undo shortcut would use Windows+Z instead of Command+Z.
Can I use same keyboard for Mac and Windows? ›For example, if you have a Windows device and a MacBook Pro, you can use the trackpad and keyboard on your MacBook to control your Windows device. It also works vice-versa, with the Windows PC peripherals working on your Mac. You can use the Share Mouse app as long as both computers are on the same network.
Why mechanical keyboards are better? ›Mechanical keyboards have an individual switch beneath each key, which makes this style of keyboard more durable, easier to repair, and more customizable than membrane, scissor, or butterfly keyboards. Mechanical switches come in three main varieties: linear, tactile, and clicky.
What keyboard does Mac use? ›macOS recognizes three keyboard types: ANSI, JIS (Japan), and ISO (Europe). The ANSI keyboard is a standard 101-key layout widely used in North America and many other parts of the world.
Can you use a Mac keyboard without a mouse? ›
On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Keyboard in the sidebar (you may need to scroll down). Turn on “Keyboard navigation.” With this option turned on, you can use the Tab key to navigate to all controls on the screen.
What are the 4 types of keyboard layout? ›These layouts are usually named after the first six letters on the first row: AZERTY, QWERTY, QWERTZ, QZERTY and national variants thereof.
Why does Mac use a different keyboard? ›Windows vs Mac Keyboards: The Main Differences. The major differences between Windows and Mac keyboards are the special keys found on either side of the spacebar. These keys are used for keyboard shortcuts which provide a way to perform certain functions by pressing multiple keys at once.
What are three main keyboard layouts? ›Changing the Layout of the Keys. For languages using the Latin alphabet, there are three main key layouts: QWERTY, QWERTZ, and AZERTY. Regional variations in several countries have been created based on these. For example, the CSA (Canadian French) keyboard uses QWERTY, but with different keys, like , and .
Are Mac keyboards mechanical or membrane? ›For starters, the Apple Magic Keyboard is a membrane keyboard with Apple scissor switches. Although I prefer mechanical keys, these scissor switches are surprisingly pleasant, actuating via a see-saw mechanism that snaps down with excellent spring.
What counts as a mechanical keyboard? ›A mechanical keyboard is a computer keyboard that uses spring-activated switches. A rubber membrane keyboard with its keycaps removed.
How do I know if a keyboard is mechanical? ›On your keyboard, tap the key and see how loud it sounds. If it's pretty loud and clicky, it's almost certainly a mechanical keyboard. Alternatively, carefully lift one of the keys from the keyboard and check if there is a switch underneath the key. If there is, it's a mechanical keyboard.
What type of keyboard is a mechanical keyboard? ›Mechanical keyboards have an individual switch beneath each key, which makes this style of keyboard more durable, easier to repair, and more customizable than membrane, scissor, or butterfly keyboards. Mechanical switches come in three main varieties: linear, tactile, and clicky.