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User profile for user: tmutimer
tmutimer Author
User level: Level 1
5 points

Japanese keyboard when typing English

Hi, I am thinking of getting a macbook Pro on eBay which has a Japanese keyboard layout. There are two keys at the bottom either side of the space-bar which are apparently called kana keys? I don't plan on using the keyboard to type Japanese, only English. My question is what setup in MacOS will be best for typing English (I'd like the cmd, caps lock etc to be where they physically are on keyboard, which is different to US/UK keyboards) and what do the extra kana keys do when typing English? Can they be reassigned?

Posted on Mar 1, 2018 3:47 AM

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User profile for user: Tom Gewecke
Tom Gewecke
User level: Level 10
118,316 points

Posted on Mar 4, 2018 11:46 AM

I recommend you have a close look at the keyboard layout to make sure you comfortable with things like the location of @, the missing `/~ key at the upper left, location of '/", /?, etc.


I don't think the Kana keys have any function unless you use using the Japanese IM, which you would not be: You should set your input source to US.


I have not heard of any way to reassign them, but it might be possible using the karabiner app.

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User profile for user: Tom Gewecke
Tom Gewecke
User level: Level 10
118,316 points

Mar 4, 2018 11:46 AM in response to tmutimer

I recommend you have a close look at the keyboard layout to make sure you comfortable with things like the location of @, the missing `/~ key at the upper left, location of '/", /?, etc.


I don't think the Kana keys have any function unless you use using the Japanese IM, which you would not be: You should set your input source to US.


I have not heard of any way to reassign them, but it might be possible using the karabiner app.

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Japanese keyboard when typing English

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