Aluminum keyboard - customizing keys

Does anyone know of a way to make the F13 to F15 keys the volume keys with one of the (newer) aluminum keyboards? I have turned off the default keys in system preferences so that I can use the "normal" F functions (rather than dashboard, brightness, etc.), but the system preferences keyboard pane doesn't seem to let me reassign the volume keys to whatever function keys I want. This is very frustrating and makes me miss my old keyboard. I have tried a shareware program called "Controller-Mate" but it seems like something that should be built-in to OS X. Any suggestions?

Many of us have had the same problem - a sad limitation to an otherwise nice keyboard. Come on Apple - surely you can do better!!

Similar Messages

Apple aluminum keyboard brightness keys

Just bought a apple aluminum keyboard (wired, not wireless) and hooked it up to my Macbook Pro which has all the latest system updates. The Macbook is connected to a Samsung SyncMaster 213T. Everything seems to work fine except that the F1 and F2 keys, which are supposed to control the brightness don't do anything. Before taking the keyboard back for an exchange, I thought I would ask here if there are any tricks I should try...like turning something on or off?

Hi,
I believe you can control how the F keys are intepreted via the System Preferences under the keyboard preferences. I think you have the option to set whether or not to require pressing Function at the same time as the F key to control system functions. You might want to try pressing Function + F1 and Function + F2.
I am also not sure you can contol the brightness of a non-Apple-brand external monitor with the F keys. On the MacBook, the F keys control the backlight level as opposed to modifying the video signal's brightness characteristics. An external monitor's backlight level is usually set to a fixed level.
Bill

Aluminum Keyboard Repeat Keys after 10.5.7

I have a white 2.16 Intel Core 2 Duo. I bought an aluminum keyboard for it. After installing 10.5.7 my keyboard repeats keys, delays responses, etc. I thought the keyboard might be bad so I replaced it under warranty. The new keyboard does the exact same thing. The KB is plugged directly into the USB port on back of the imac. Anyone have any thoughts? For now I am using the old white keyboard that came with the imac and it works perfectly---even though it doesn't feel as good as the aluminum keyboard.

Hi Jacob,
First, try resetting the SMC. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1543
If that doesn't help, download and install the 10.5.7 combo update available here.
http://support.apple.com/downloads/MacOS_X_10_5_7_ComboUpdate
Run Disk Utility and repair permissions when it's finished.
Carolyn

Mac Aluminum keyboard VOLUME KEYS not remapping

So I bought a new full size aluminum keyboard from apple. Totally great design, except that the volume keys are perplexing me. Apple, in its infinite wisdom, has moved the volume keys to F10, F11 and F12, instead of above the keypad where they used to be.
There's apparently no way I can figure out how to move these volume keys back to the old places which are easier to use.
But even if they couldn't move, the big problem I'm having is when I use Final Cut Pro. I map the function keys F1 through F9. However, I CANNOT map any of these keys unless I check the keyboard control panel box to use the function keys as "standard function keys". This is great except that when I check this, I can no longer adjust the volume with the volume keys without holding down the "FN" key. I adjust the volume a LOT while working with video. So holding the FN key each time to adjust or mute the volume is VERY VERY ANNOYING.
So here's the question, is there a solution to this or are the Apple Engineers giving their users the middle finger? I've called Apple and they have no answers. Awesome.
Thanks,
Frustrated

I had another unrelated keyboard problem that gave me a tiny bit of information.
(QPI would not connect to keyboard on start and restart, Apple updated the SMC to fix this problem but only on the new Ash Can Mac Pros, older Mac Pros are simply out of luck)
In this process I was shipped a replacement keyboard for free as a troubleshooting test.
I was sent the wrong keyboard as luck would have it.
In this case the wrong keyboard was the "A" model and my Mac Pro uses the "B" model.
The tiny bit of information I received is that Apple defines the "A" model as "Keyboard, Extended, Wired (2007)" and the "B" model as "Keyboard, Extended, Wired (2011)".
This can be helpful.
You can contact Apple and request the 2007 model as a replacement part.... OR.... use the serial number from an older Mac and request a replacement keyboard.
This will allow you to purchase a spare "A" model. ($50-$60)
(it also helps to know the model number of the keyboard but not much because Apple does not seem to have that as a reference)
How long the 2007 model will be available requires a crystal ball but we can bet that it won't be around forever.
The writing is on the wall.
DID YOU KNOW?
You can no longer purchase a compatible Apple Monitor for ANY Mac Pro previous to 2013.
Since the new model keyboard is incompatible (or nearly) with older machines and there is no Apple monitor compatible with older machines, the writing on the wall says.... you MUST purchase a new Mac if ANY peripheral fails.
(management calls this.... "doing good business")
To answer your question.
If a peripheral fails and your computer is still fully functional, you are out of luck IF.... you did not buy compatible spares when they were available.
I certainly did. (I bought both original keyboard and aluminum "A" model spares as well as three 27" DisplayPort monitors.... Displayport monitors work with Thunderbolt machines - Thunderbolt monitors do Not work with DisplayPort machines.... its One-Way Street)

Aluminum Keyboard Media Keys Question

I just got a new Logitech M500 mouse to replace the $15 Dynex mouse I was using prior and I have had a slight problem with the button mapping.
What I want to do is set one of the buttons on the mouse to perform the same action as the play/pause button on my aluminum keyboard.
When I set the button to "F8" all it does is push the non fn modified F8. It does this regardless of whether or not I have the use "F1, F2, etc. as standard function keys" option selected.
What would probably work best would be to map another key on the keyboard to perform the Play/Pause action of "fn F8" but I have searched extensively and have not seen anyway to do this. Is it even possible?

Looks like this was already reported earlier in another thread (but with the white Apple Remote instead of keyboard).
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2136573

Aluminum Keyboard Function Keys don't work correctly

I just bough a brand new aluminum wireless keyboard and some of the function keys aren't working, from F1 through F7. F9 works like F3 should and F12 like F5. It's so bizarre. Otherwise the keys all work fine. I've updated everything, tried working through the forums workarounds on the aluminum keyboard, and so far it didn't work for my computer. I'm pretty frustrated. Has anyone figured out the solution? I'm running 10.6.7 and have updated all my software.

One last key combo to try, while holding SHIFT fn try toglling volume brightness... and see if that works. It'a been years since I've used anything but my built in keyboard.
At this point Run software update with the keyboard connected and see if there may be an update for that.
Try a SMC reset:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
Shut down the computer.
Unplug the computer's power cord.
Wait fifteen seconds.
Attach the computer's power cord.
Wait five seconds, then press the power button to turn on the computer.
try a pram reset:
Resetting NVRAM / PRAM
Shut down your Mac.
Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command (⌘), Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
Turn on the computer.
Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys before the gray screen appears.
Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
Release the keys.
After resetting NVRAM or PRAM, you may need to reconfigure your settings for speaker volume, screen resolution, startup disk selection, and time zone information. If issues persist, your Mac's logic board battery (not a portable Mac's rechargeable battery) may need to be replaced. The logic board battery helps retain NVRAM/PRAM settings when your computer is shut down. You can take your Mac to a Mac Genius or Apple Authorized Service Provider to replace the battery on the logic board.
If still no joy, contact Apple, or go to the store and find out what you may need to do, This was the bullet in my gun, I'm sorry I could not resolve this for you.It's probably something simple, or maybe your machine is too old to suport this device.
Best of luck.
If they get you going, please post back so others may find out the fix:>

Aluminum Keyboard Arrow Keys don't work in Excel?

My new Power Mac G5 came with a USB aluminum keyboard. The arrow keys no longer work with Excel as they used to (they move the window rather than the selection). Is there a fix for this?

Kenichi - THANK YOU. AND your memory is right on. I tried to search for Scroll Lock in Excel help and got nothing so tried your solution and it worked.
Seasons greetings
Martin

Disable aluminum keyboard media keys (F7-F9)?

Hi. I've been a user of Synergy for a couple years now, a program which allows you to control iTunes from the keyboard. It's has a lot of features that I like which aren't available by using the basic functionality of the media control keys on the new aluminum Apple keyboard.
Does anyone know if it's possible to disable the media functionality of the F7, F8 and F9 keys to free them up for use with Synergy? I'm willing to edit .plist files if I have to.

Looks like this was already reported earlier in another thread (but with the white Apple Remote instead of keyboard).
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2136573

Aluminum keyboard not working

this is very strange. my aluminum keyboard wired keys are not working. well just 2 keys the 'e' key and 'd'
anyone have any advice, thanks

Use an air spray can or a vacuum hose over the keys. It's possible there may be some crumbs, dirt, etc. stuck under the keys especially if you have the habit of eating while using the computer.

Remap volume and eject keys on aluminum keyboard?

Is there a way to remap the volume, mute and eject keys on the Apple
(wired) aluminum keyboard?
I'd rather have them above the keypad if that's possible - like they
were on previous Apple keyboards.

Something vaguely relevant from MacFixit:
"Friday, March 03 2006 @ 02:46 PM PST
Mac OS X 10.4.5 Special Report: Keyboard/Mouse issues
Some users are reporting issues with specific input devices -- generally third-party keyboards -- after the update to Mac OS X 10.4.5.
One reader writes:
"After updating my iMac Core Duo to 10.4.5, the scroll function of the blue, middle button on my IBM SpaceSaver USB keyboard (with integrated trackpoint pointing device) no longer works. I had been using USB OverDrive 10.4.4 to gain this feature."
Re-installing combo updater The versatile workaround of re-installing the Mac OS X combo updater (PowerPC, (Intel) works to resolve a number of odd keyboard and mouse issues occurring after the update, including inversion of mouse buttons. "
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosxupdate1045combo.html

How to remap volume control keys on aluminum keyboard?

I want to remap my volume control keys (increase, decrease and mute toggle) to F16, F17, and F18 on my new aluminum keyboard. But I can't figure out how to do this. I called AppleCare tech support and was told that volume key location is hardwired into the keyboard. Say it ain't so! There's got to be a way, right?
Help?
thank you!

I second this, I still think this was a poor decision on Apple's part. I loved real media keys, this is not a laptop keyboard, (Fn)+(..) should not be necessary. My real complaint comes from IF i can get it to remap in OSX i am still stuck with it as is in Bootcamp. No remapping programs work with (Fn) in XP.
Sorry for the rant but I have actually stopped using the keyboard because of this and finally went back to it to try again.

How do I get the fn key on the aluminum keyboard to work like Insert under Windows?

How do I get the fn key on the aluminum keyboard to work like Insert under Windows without having to press fn + Enter?
This article explains the problem but has no real solution:
Boot Camp: About keyboards and key assignment for Microsoft Windows - Apple Support

I'm not sure if you even read the first couple of posts at all. On the old Apple Pro Keyboard (white keys and translucent body), pressing the Help key resulted in exactly the same key code as the Insert key on any standard (IBM) PC keyboard. This meant that regarding this key, that Mac keyboard will work just like a PC keyboard. (I don't care much about the other keys.)
The problem is that on the current Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (white low-profile chicklet keys, ultra-slim aluminum body), the Help key is now called fn and produces a different key code than the old Help key, so that you have to press fn + Enter (on the numerical keypad) to get Insert.
This page explains the problem:
Boot Camp: About keyboards and key assignment for Microsoft Windows - Apple Support
Do you understand what I mean? It's not a software thing, it's a hardware issue in the Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, because fn is a hard-coded, not software-controlled modifier key. I have no idea if there is even a way to get around that, and that is what I am trying to find out.

Where is HELP key on new Aluminum Keyboard?

Instructions for Boot Camp tells me to use the HELP key for the INSERT command in Windows. The aluminum keyboard has no HELP key. Where is the HELP key the aluminum keyboard??

I am having the same issue but only when I run windows XP - I really would like to know how to avoid this. it seems that after about 5 mins. of using the bluetooth keyboard in XP a key just randomly starts repeating until i turn off the computer - I was not able to get it to stop any other way. (it has nothing to do with range as I am 6" from the MBP at all times)
Message was edited by: CADer

Problem with Enter key on Aluminum Keyboard

Just upgraded to an Aluminum iMac with the thin keyboard. We have a terminal application that communicates with our mainframe. The application looks for the 0x03 character, along with the NSNumericPadKeyMask flag, to determine that the Enter key was pressed, and then changes the character to a 0x0d (Return). This is because the 0x03 character is recognized as a Break key on the mainframe. However, when using the Aluminum Keyboard, the Enter key goes straight through as a 0x03, meaning the flag is not being set. To make things more interesting, if I use the Keyboard Viewer and click on the Enter key, the flag is set and the 0x0d is sent.
Is there something else I should be looking for to recognize the Enter key? Perhaps something with the KeyCode? Is there some way to remap the Enter key to emulate the Return?

I don't think you'll be able to control a Button symbol in the way you desire. You probably need to create it as a MovieClip so that you can control what frame it is in.
To utilize the ENTER key to take action, the following should work...
var keyListener:Object = new Object();
keyListener.onKeyDown = function() {
if (Key.isDown(Key.ENTER)) {
// do your button_mc control here
Key.addListener(keyListener);

Aluminum wireless keyboard "i" key quit working

Aluminum wireless keyboard "i" key quit working. Is there a way to repair? It has the latest firmware and all other functions work fine.
Address: 00-1b-63-fc-07-22
Type: Keyboard
Firmware Version: 0x141
Services: Apple Wireless Keyboard
Paired: Yes
Favorite: No
Connected: Yes
Manufacturer: Broadcom (0x3, 0x32c)
Vendor ID: 0x5ac
Product ID: 0x22c

Hello b:
Welcome to Apple discussions.
Aluminum wireless keyboard "i" key quit working. Is there a way to repair?
To my knowledge, no. If you are near an Apple store take the KB in for diagnosis.
Barry

Aluminum keyboard - customizing keys

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for