USB: Third Party Keyboards May Not Have Command, Option Keys

Third Party USB keyboards may not always have similar configurations or key icons as Apple keyboards. In particular, they may not have a Command key or an Option key. This article lists the equivalent keys on a PC-style keyboard.
Third party USB keyboards not specifically designed for the Mac OS may not have a "command" key on the keyboard. Not all third party keyboards use Apple standard icons. The following table lists keyboard equivalent for Microsoft Windows icons.
Keyboard Equivalents
Mac OS
Windows
Command keyWindows key
(icon on keycap looks like Windows logo)
Option keyAlt key

Finally, some keyboards may have a key which looks like a cursor pulling down a menu. This key has no equivalent in the Mac OS. It will generate a "*" character when pressed.
Published Date: Feb 20, 2012