Using an Apple Magic Keyboard on a Mac is a seamless experience. However, when you switch to a different operating system like Ubuntu, things can get a bit tricky. This article aims to guide you through the process of fully utilizing your Apple Magic Keyboard on Ubuntu, including key remaps and shortcuts.
To fully use the Apple Magic Keyboard on Ubuntu, you can remap keys using the gnome-tweaks tool or the hid-apple-patched repository. Additionally, you can customize keyboard shortcuts in the System Settings. With these tweaks, you can have a seamless keyboard experience on Ubuntu, similar to that on a Mac.
Understanding the Apple Magic Keyboard Layout
The Apple Magic Keyboard has a unique layout compared to standard keyboards. It features a ‘command’ key (also known as the ‘apple’ key) and a ‘control’ key, which function differently than on a traditional keyboard. Additionally, the ‘delete’ key on an Apple Magic Keyboard functions as a ‘backspace’ key on Ubuntu.
Key Remapping on Ubuntu
To maximize the functionality of your Apple Magic Keyboard on Ubuntu, you may need to remap some keys. Key remapping can be done using the gnome-tweaks tool or the hid-apple-patched repository.
Using Gnome Tweaks
- Installing Gnome Tweaks: The
gnome-tweakstool is not installed by default on Ubuntu. To install it, open the terminal and run the following command:
Thesudo apt install gnome-tweakssudocommand allows you to run operations that require administrative or root permissions.aptis the package handling utility in Ubuntu, andinstallis the command to install a new package. - Map CMD+backspace to DEL: Once installed, open the
gnome-tweaksUI and navigate to the Keyboard section. Here, you can change the behavior of the backspace key to function as a ‘delete’ key. - Map ‘command’ to ‘control’: Similarly, you can remap the ‘command’ key to function as a ‘control’ key. In the Keyboard section of the
gnome-tweakstool, look for the option to swap the left ‘control’ key with the left ‘win’ key.
Using the hid-apple-patched Repository
An alternative to gnome-tweaks is the hid-apple-patched repository. This repository provides a patched version of the hid-apple kernel module, which allows you to swap the alt/cmd keys and the fn/ctrl keys, and change the function key layout. You can find installation instructions in the repository’s README file.
Customizing Shortcuts on Ubuntu
In addition to key remapping, you can also customize keyboard shortcuts on Ubuntu to match the ones you’re used to on your Mac. To do this, open the System Settings, navigate to the Keyboard section, and click on the Shortcuts tab. Here, you can add, remove, or change shortcuts as per your preference.
Conclusion
While the Apple Magic Keyboard is designed for Mac, it can still be fully utilized on Ubuntu with some tweaks. By remapping keys and customizing shortcuts, you can have a seamless keyboard experience on Ubuntu, similar to that on a Mac. Remember, the key to a comfortable computing experience is a setup that caters to your personal preferences and workflow.
Yes, you can use an Apple Magic Keyboard on Ubuntu. However, some key mappings and shortcuts may need to be adjusted to match the Ubuntu operating system.
To install gnome-tweaks on Ubuntu, open the terminal and run the command sudo apt install gnome-tweaks. This will install the tool that allows you to customize keyboard settings.
Yes, you can remap the ‘command’ key to function as a ‘control’ key on Ubuntu. You can use either the gnome-tweaks tool or the hid-apple-patched repository to achieve this.
Using the gnome-tweaks tool, you can remap the ‘backspace’ key to function as a ‘delete’ key. Open the gnome-tweaks UI, navigate to the Keyboard section, and modify the behavior of the backspace key.
Yes, you can customize keyboard shortcuts on Ubuntu. Open the System Settings, go to the Keyboard section, and click on the Shortcuts tab. From there, you can add, remove, or modify shortcuts according to your preference.
