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User profile for user: tomlocke
tomlocke Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

Changes to Modifier Keys not working on external keyboards

I really really really need to change my capslock key to act as control. This works fine for the internal keyboard, but is not working at all for an external keyboard.

I've tried changing modifiers other than capslock - same story - no problem on internal keyboard, no effect on external keyboard.

I've tried with both the bluetooth keyboard (3 battery version, not the very latest one) and USB alu keyboard (the full size one with the number pad). Same story.

Help!

Thanks

Tom

Macbook Air, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Mar 11, 2010 6:37 AM

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17 replies
User profile for user: lhmpdx
lhmpdx
User level: Level 1
9 points

Jun 13, 2010 2:13 PM in response to Russell Vaught

I've had the same problem, but just noticed that the "Modifier Keys" section of the Keyboard System Preference requires that you select each keyboard when you modify the Caps Lock to Control. Even if you've set your internal MBP Caps Lock Key to act as a Control Key, you still have to do the same thing for every additional external keyboard you attach.
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User profile for user: Pen-Pen
Pen-Pen
User level: Level 1
0 points

Jun 26, 2010 4:18 PM in response to tomlocke

Same here on unibody aluminum macbook with 2-battery Apple wireless keyboard.

I've gone to the Keyboard prefpane, selected every keyboard in the dropdown menu one-by-one and configured every one of them to remap Caps Lock to Control. Not only does the key not generate a Control event on the wireless kbd, it still acts as a Caps Lock. This works fine on any other keyboard I've tried: the built-in, external apple wired keyboard (w/ and w/o num keypad), and even Dell USB keyboards.

All I want is for this wireless keyboard to behave exactly like any other apple keyboard I've used.

UPDATE: Just tried the same configuration with Snow Leopard Server on the new 1TB macmini, and IT WORKED. I don't have any other macs handy to test, but is this a Server vs Desktop issue or a Macbook vs Mini issue?

Message was edited by: penryu
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User profile for user: charlax
charlax
User level: Level 1
0 points

Oct 4, 2010 2:14 AM in response to rampyre

I have the same problem on Max Os X 10.6.4

Unplugging the keyboard then plugging it does not change anything.

This has work for me:

1. Plug in the external keyboard and set the modifier keys to work correctly with the external keyboard.
2. Change the modifier keys back to default settings. Try the laptop keyboard to insure the modifier keys work correctly.
3. Go back to the modifier keys section and in the "Select keyboard:" drop down pick the external keyboard.
4. Change the modifier keys to work with the external keyboard.
5. Test both keyboards, they should now work.

http://discussions.info.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=8911817

This is a very annoying bug...
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User profile for user: Beisarius
Beisarius
User level: Level 1
12 points

Nov 27, 2010 7:39 AM in response to charlax

To ensure the swap works, and that Snow Leopard/Leopard learns the external keyboard,

* DO NOT USE THE EXTERNAL VIA A USB HUB. THE SET UP MUST BE DONE WITH THE APPLE KB PLUGGED DIRECTLY.

- Unplug and do changes on internal keyboard. test
- Reboot.
- Plug directly external KB. Do changes in the Keyboard Settings. Select External KB. Test.
- Now, replug your external KB via a USB hub. No more issues.
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User profile for user: squidbot
squidbot
User level: Level 1
5 points

Feb 3, 2011 9:02 AM in response to [macnn]milhous

I just wanted to chime in that I had the same problem, and it was due to having the keyboard plugged in to a USB hub. Once I plugged the keyboard in directly to the Mac and set the modifier keys, it then behaved properly when plugged back in to the USB hub.

I'd be tempted to say it's the fault of the hub, but it because it a)happened with three different hubs and b) OS X recognizes the keyboard type through the USB hub (even before plugging it directly in) it does seems like a bug in OS X (10.6.6 currently.)
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Changes to Modifier Keys not working on external keyboards

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