multiple keyboard layouts

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Level 1

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multiple keyboard layouts

Hi, is it possible to use two keyboards with different layouts? I have a MacBook Pro with a British keyboard layout, and a magic keyboard with as US layout. I'd like each keyboard to work the way it's supposed to without manipulations when I switch between the two. Is it possible?

In addition, even the instructions to find the layout for a single keyboard don't work for me. I'm following this support article: https://support.apple.com/en-ie/guide/mac-help/mchlp2886/mac

But when I do, a window appears, asking me to press the key to the right of the left shift key. I do, and I get a popup saying that this key isn't recognised. That's shocking since both keyboards are Apple products, I expect Mac OS to be able to recognise them both easily.

Posted on Jul 17, 2021 8:59 AM

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Answer 1

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Tom Gewecke

Level 10

116,426 points

Jul 19, 2021 3:37 AM in response to BrieucJ

BrieucJ wrote:

For now, the keyboard preferences allow me to choose only one logical layout, and it's applied to both keyboards. It can't be correct because they have different physical layouts. So at any point in time, one of the two keyboards isn't doing the right thing when I press shift+3.

Thanks for the clarification!

Normally you would have to switch input sources manually using Control Space or another shortcut each time you switch hardware keyboards.

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/type-language-mac-input-sources-mchlp1406/11.0/mac/11.0

I think that the Karabiner app has a feature where the layout can be switched automatically. I will try to find the specifics.

https://karabiner-elements.pqrs.org

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Answer 2

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

116,426 points

Jul 18, 2021 8:14 AM in response to BrieucJ

Could you specify exactly which keys of which keyboard do not produce what is printed on them at present? There are not many differences between the Apple British and US keyboards, mainly the extra key next to Z on the British one.

Also tell us what you have on your list in system preferences > keyboard > input sources.

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Answer 3

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

116,426 points

Jul 19, 2021 2:36 AM in response to BrieucJ

BrieucJ wrote:

The combination of shift and 3. On the UK layout, it produces a British pound sign, on the US one, it produces a hash.

That is how those layouts are supposed to work. A UK keyboard should have £ printed above 3 and a US keyboard should have # printed above 3. How exactly do you want this behavior to change?

(On a UK layout, # will be Option 3. On a US layout, £ will be option 3)

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Answer 4

BrieucJ Author

Level 1

10 points

Jul 19, 2021 2:49 AM in response to Tom Gewecke

Yes, I know it's how they should work. Did you read the problem description? It says clearly what behaviour I want to change. Let me copy and paste what's wrong: I'd like each keyboard to work the way it's supposed to without manipulations when I switch between the two.

For now, the keyboard preferences allow me to choose only one logical layout, and it's applied to both keyboards. It can't be correct because they have different physical layouts. So at any point in time, one of the two keyboards isn't doing the right thing when I press shift+3.

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