Does the Ducky One 2 Mini Work With Mac?

Ducky keyboards use Cherry MX switches, known for their durability and responsiveness. The keyboards also come with various switch options, so you can choose the one that best suits your typing style. Ducky keyboards also offer customizable backlighting, multiple macro keys, and Macro 2.0 software for programming macros.

These keyboards are popular among gamers and typists thanks to their premium quality, ergonomic design, and reliable performance. They are also relatively easy to customize, with the ability to add keycaps and switches to suit your needs.

Are Ducky One 2 Mini Compatible With Mac

The Ducky One 2 Mini is a mechanical keyboard compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems. However, to make it work with Mac, you will need to make some minor adjustments. You will need to map the keys of your Ducky One 2 Mini to match the Mac keyboard layout. You can do so by using the keyboard mapping application provided by the manufacturer.

Remember that most keyboards, including Ducky One 2 mini keyboards, are technically Windows keyboards, meaning you may have minor compatibility issues with Mac.

What makes Mac and Windows keyboard layouts and keys differ?

Below are a few differences between a Mac and Windows keyboard layout and keys.

Modifier Keys

Windows modifier keys include the Windows key, Alt, Shift, and Ctrl. The function of the Windows key is to open the Start menu. The function of the Alt key is to access shortcut menus in programs. The function of the Shift key is to capitalize letters and enable you to access special characters while you use the Ctrl key to copy, paste, and undo.

Mac modifier keys include the Command, Option, Shift, and Control keys. You use the Command key for launching programs, accessing menus, and performing other shortcuts. The Option is used for accessing special characters, Shift is used to capitalize letters, and Control is used to copy, paste, and undo. Additionally, the arrangement of the keys on Windows is different from that of a Mac computer.

Key Caps

Windows has a keycap with the Windows logo, which you can use to open the Start screen or Start menu in Windows operating systems. You can also open the Quick Access menu, which provides access to frequently used items and shortcuts, or switch between open applications and windows. Additionally, you can use it with other keys to perform certain functions, such as Alt+Tab to switch between open windows or Win+R to open the Run dialog box.

The Mac keyboards come with the Command key. You use the command key to perform various functions within applications, including accessing menus and keyboard shortcuts. It also executes multiple commands in the command line (Terminal). You can combine the command key with other keys to perform various tasks, such as copying, pasting, and undoing.

How to make Ducky One 2 Mini Fully Compatible With Mac

You first need to plug your keyboard into your Mac before you can map the keys. You can connect the keyboard through a USB cable or wirelessly.

Follow these steps to map your keyboard:

1. Plug the keyboard into your Mac using the USB cable.
2. Open Keyboard, which you will find under System Preferences.
3. A drop-down menu will appear under the Modifier Keys. Select the Options and Command keys. Doing so will configure your Ducky One 2 Mini keys in the correct order for a Mac.

Congratulations, you have configured your keyboard and can now use it seamlessly with your Mac.

How to Troubleshoot Your Ducky One 2 Mini

You may experience some challenges when you connect your Ducky keyboard to your Mac. Luckily you can perform some troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue. 

Below are a few troubleshooting tips you can implement recommendations to rectify the issue:

Reset the External Keyboard

A set-up assistant usually pops up when you connect the keyboard to your Mac. The assistant takes you through the setup process and ensures your keyboard is ready. However, you may prefer to reset your keyboard if the first attempt to set up your keyboard does not work as expected.

Here’s how to reset your keyboard:

1. Unplug the keyboard from your Mac.
2. Tap on Finder.
3. Click on the Hard Drive Devices, which you will find under Devices.
4. Select Preference Folder, which you will find under Library Folder.
5. Delete the file named com.apple.keyboardtype.plist by selecting it and dragging it into Trash.
6. Empty Trash.
7. Plug in your keyboard again.

The set-up assistant should pop up again once you reconnect your keyboard. Follow the prompts and check if your keyboard is working.

Reboot Your Mac

Rebooting helps clear out any temporary files clogging up your system and helps keep your Mac running smoothly. It also gives your computer a fresh start, helping to prevent any software glitches or conflicts that can occur when running multiple programs at once, thus preventing the keyboard from working. 

Here’s how you go about the Mac rebooting process:

1. Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen and select “Restart” from the drop-down menu.
2. A window will appear asking if you want to restart your Mac. Click the “Restart” button.
3. Your Mac will begin the restart process, and you should see the Apple logo on your screen as it reboots.
4. Once the restart process is complete, your Mac will be back up and running.

Check if the keyboard is working correctly after the rebooting process.

Contact Ducky Support

You can also contact Ducky support if your keyboard is not working on Mac. The support team will provide the most up-to-date information and troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue. They may also provide additional resources, such as updated drivers, to help you get your Ducky keyboard working correctly on Mac. Additionally, Ducky support representatives can provide valuable advice and insight to help you diagnose and fix the issue quickly.

Conclusion

The Ducky One 2 Mini is a great mechanical keyboard compatible with Mac operating systems. With its compact size, RGB backlighting, and Cherry MX switches, the keyboard provides an excellent typing and gaming experience. It also has a lot of customization options that you can use to create the perfect setup. With its solid build quality, the Ducky One 2 Mini is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable mechanical keyboard for their Mac. However, you may be required to map some keys to make the keyboard fully compatible with your Mac.

FAQs

Is the Ducky One 2 Mini Compatible with mac?

Yes, the Ducky One 2 Mini is compatible with Mac. You can simply plug the keyboard into your Mac, which will be recognized as a USB keyboard. You may need to change the keyboard’s layout to match Mac’s keyboard layout, but other than that, it should work without any additional software or drivers.

What type of connection does the Ducky One 2 Mini use?

The Ducky One 2 Mini uses a USB connection to connect to your Mac. However, some Ducky keyboards use a wireless connection.

Do Ducky keyboards support Mac’s media keys?

Yes, Ducky keyboards support Mac’s media keys. Some Ducky keyboards come with a Windows/Mac dual mode switch that allows you to use them with either Windows or Mac operating systems. The keyboard mimics the Mac layout in Mac mode, and the media keys will be available when using the keyboard in this mode.

Will the Ducky One 2 Mini work for gaming on my Mac?

Yes, the Ducky One 2 Mini is great for gaming on Mac. The keyboard is fully programmable, so you can customize the keys and macros to improve your gaming experience.