multiple wireless keyboards

Hi Dolf,

You can pair different devices with the Mac, keyboard, mouse, etc., but the Bluetooth control panel just shows mouse and keyboard. I don't see anyway to have mouse and keyboard#1 and keyboard#2, etc. It will be annoying after a while unpairing and pairing every time you change keyboards.

The iPad allows you to chaange the virtual keyboard between QWERTY and two or three other layouts, including Dvorak, but still only allows one Bluetooth at a time.

There maybe a utililty app you can search for and find that will allow a virtual switching of the keyboard layout while using the same physical keyboard.

Ralph

Unfortunately, you can only have one keyboard paired via bluetooth at one time. If you want to use another keyboard - or, for that matter, use the first keyboard with another Mac - you will need to unpair/pair every time. You might be better off using wired keyboards.

Dolf,

Yes you can pair and connect two keyboards simultaneously. (mice and trackpads also). It can get a bit confusing so in bluetooth setup you can rename the devices.

Also be aware that theoretically you can connect up to 7 bluetooth devices but the practical limit is 3.

Regards,
Captfred

Edit: as I think about this the connecting 2 keyboards is not a problem but azerty and QWERTY might be. They're controlled from the same preferences.

Message was edited by: captfred

OK, I've thought about it a bit more and since the azerty/qwerty is just key placement not code changes, it should work like a charm.

Regards,
Captfred

captfred,

I based my answer in part on the article linked to below; I realize it states that you can only pair it with one computer, but I would think that the same principle would apply: the computer would get "confused" if there were 2 keyboards paired at the same time? I know that theoretically, 7 devices can be paired (with the practical limit of 3), but it does not mention if these 7 (or 3) have to be different devices (headsets, etc) or can be two of the same type.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.6/en/5191.html

I still agree with Barbara on this...since the article says pair a mouse and keyboard with the computer (in that order) will it not get confusing pairing a mouse and two keyboards? The preferences panel, or control panel, that comes up on my iMac for Bluetooth allows specifying behavior for the mouse and keyboard, batteries for each, but does not have any place to control an additionsl keyboard. If you can associate a name with a specific keyboard, it seems to be theoretically possible, but I don't see anything from the iMac that says it will allow it.

If this has been done it would be interesting to see the details of how it wss done.

Yeah, many of these articles are generic to keep the average user out of trouble. Most people wouldn't want to have multiple keyboard/mice/trackpads in simultaneous use anyway. 😉

The truth of the matter is you can do it. Also you can pair a keyboard with more than one computer. The trick is it can only be connected to 1 computer at a time. So the first one that starts will grab it. Another myth is that they have to be unpaired to use with a new system. I have 7 wireless devices cross paired in various fashions. For example, I pick up a wireless keyboard I'm using on a Mac and walk into the den and it connects with a headless Mac Mini. (out of range from the original mac, must disconnect before connecting).

To re verify my post I paired two aluminum wireless keyboards to my iMac and posted above using one keyboard under the left hand and the other under my right. No delays at all, pretty much seamless.

Regards,
Captfred

Ralph Landry1 wrote:
If this has been done it would be interesting to see the details of how it wss done.

There's no real trick to it, just go to System Preferences > Bluetooth > hit the "+" sign below the list of currently paired devices. Put the device in discovery mode and it will pair.

I agree that there is only one preference pane so I'm not sure how it handles things like reporting power etc. I'll have to experiment more with that.

Regards

Interesting - glad you've got the gear to test it all (my wireless keyboard is in the box where it shall remain until I sell the iMac).

+(out of range from the original mac, must disconnect before connecting).+

Yes, it can be used with more than one Mac, but having to disconnect one and connect to the next is also a pain I'd think?

+posted above using one keyboard under the left hand and the other under my right.+

You're better coordinated than I am...... 🙂

That certainly is definitive...thanks.

Now, the details...how did you install/pair more than one with a computer? Did you "name" each differently? Are their individual codes (8 digit if I remember the Bluetooth standard right) sufficient to keep them uniquely identified to the system?

Even though I have one wireless keyboard and two mice, on different computers, I would still like to see the details of how this was done.

Thanks,
Ralph

Ralph Landry1 wrote:
That certainly is definitive...thanks.

Now, the details...how did you install/pair more than one with a computer? Did you "name" each differently?

Pair the additional device as any other. System Preferences > bluetooth > +. Put the device in discovery mode and it will pair. The device name is automatically assigned but it doesn't really matter the name because it uses the 6 byte address. It can be renamed for clarity after pairing using the gear icon under the device list. It will automatically connect after pairing. The preference pane options will apply to both devices. ie secondary click on or off applies to both. The battery level reported will be the first connected device however the bluetooth menubar drop down will list each device and the correct power level.

Are their individual codes (8 digit if I remember the Bluetooth standard right) sufficient to keep them uniquely identified to the system?

Yes (6 byte)

Even though I have one wireless keyboard and two mice, on different computers, I would still like to see the details of how this was done.

Thanks,
Ralph

All the above applies to Apple's aluminum wireless keyboards, magic mouse, and magic trackpads. I can't promise anything for the white keyboards or mighty mouse.

Thanks, Capt, that was most helpful.

Ralph

Glad to help, Ralph.

Hope the Original Poster didn't get tired and tune out...

Glad to help. Let us know how it works out.

Captfred