Differences between a Mac Keyboard & Windows Keyboard

Mac and Windows keyboards have some key differences, which can take some getting used to if you switch between the two platforms.

The most obvious difference is the layout of the keys. Mac keyboards typically have a different layout for the function keys (F1-F12) and the special keys (such as the “Command” and “Option” keys). Windows keyboards also have a “Windows” key, which is not present on Mac.

Another difference is the placement of the “Ctrl” key. On a Windows keyboard, the “Ctrl” key is located in the bottom left corner, while on a Mac keyboard, it is located on the left side, next to the “Option” key.

The “Alt” key is also located in a different place on a Mac keyboard than a Windows keyboard. On a Mac keyboard, the “Alt” key is called the “Option” key and is located next to the “Ctrl” key. The “Alt” key is next to the spacebar on a Windows keyboard.

Additionally, in Mac keyboards, the keys for volume and brightness are on the F1-F12 keys, and the Eject key is in the top right corner. While in Windows keyboards, volume and brightness keys are usually in different keys, and there is no Eject key.

Here is a handy table to reference: