KaanIt is not, I got one last round and tried it, and there is no documentation or visible dip switch so as far as I can tell this one is NOT OS X friendly.
rolloverThat is the very similar VA87M that you are thinking of. This is a new model that has fixed the issue. I'll try and get details on how is fixed but it worked fine for me. Only problem I encountered was the windows key did not work as the command key so I had to switch caps lock to command in osx.
AlexPkCan I get some clarification on this? I'd like to be able to use: ctrl is ctrl; caps lock is ctrl; alt is command; windows is alt/meta. I can do this with my quickfire stealth and my code keyboard using the os x settings. Is this not possible for this keyboard?
DoctorXFor me it didn't. I'll try it on some other Macbooks and hopefully ones running older versions of OSX, but on a Macbook running Yosemite the Windows/Command key didn't seem to register properly.
midfieldSo for me on the one computer I had to test the Command key just didn't respond. I could still hold Fn+Win to enable the Windows Lock feature so the key is definitely functional, just not registering properly. I'm going to try and play around with it more tomorrow to see if I can pinpoint any specific problem(OSX version, Sys Pref mapping, etc) and post back here.
AlexPkHello, I want to confirm that this is the case for the Varmilo VA87MR? I heard that the VA87M had terrible compatibility with OS X but given that the description explicitly mention Mac compatibility as one of its features, it just is hard to believe that /the VA87MR has such issues.
H2O2I've edited the copy since it's more like 95% Mac compatible. Everything else functions properly, but the Windows key does not register as Command. Not sure if there's a way to make it work, but I'll talk to some more knowledgeable mac people when they get in.
AlexPkIf it is anything like the base model, we spent some time trying to make it function with OS X and it was not able to. I doubt that changing only the switch type would affect this.
jlmarksThis one doesn't have that problem, but the Windows key doesn't get read as Command. If you rebind your Command key to ctrl/alt/caps lock it all works fine, but I think it's not entirely true to say its "Mac compatible" if the Command key doesn't work out of the box.
AlexPkThis is the first time that I heard of a 95% compatible Mac keyboard. The only other keyboard that I had which would not work with my mac only registered my text keys. So a 35% mac compatible keyboard.
So weird. Would you be able to contact Varmilo to ask them regarding why their command key cannot register?
Also, does the command key map to anything or does it simply not register with the computer?
Thanks
H2O2Yea it's a very weird problem. The F row even does the Mac functions.
Just tested binding another function to the Command key and didn't work. For some reason just that key doesn't want to do anything.
AlexPkHmm, that's disappointing. I wonder if Varmilo can fix the issue by firmware update or something before the keyboard ships. Because right now I m considering pulling out of this drop even though it is a really sexy keyboard (and with Gaterons too)... Don't want to sacrifice caps lock function.
H2O2Understandable. You can also bind ctrl or alt, but still not the most desirable solution. I'll see if we can get a hold of Varmilo before the drop ends.
AlexPkIs it possible that the wrong keyboard type has been chosen by OS X? Can you try going through System Preferences -> Keyboard -> Change Keyboard Type?
midfieldIf we're talking about the same setting it was right for me. Standard ANSI layout. I'll give it another look in the morning though to make sure.
Varmilo's answer when I asked was that this model is still not officially Mac compatible, but they are working one that would be.
AlexPkIf that does not work, would you be willing to try this solution found on Github? https://github.com/thefloweringash/iousbhiddriver-descriptor-override
Incompatibilities with OS X usually comes from how keyboards handle NKRO, the kernel extension above overrides what the keyboards wants the computer to think.
AlexPkI read of a possible workaround for other keyboards where you hook it up with BOTH a USB>PS2 adapter and a PS2>USB adapter. It sounds awful, but would you be willing to try it?
itchyHey everyone,
After talking with Varmilo some more they mentioned a board that should be coming out very soon that will be officially Mac compatible. I'll keep playing around with this board for the sake of curiosity, but if you want to sit this one out and wait a little bit there will be a Varmilo coming that won't take some weird work around.
Hope this helps some of you wavering about whether this is worth the risk.
Cheers
AlexPkAwesome, thanks for the followup. If any of the work arounds you try are successful please let me know and I'll stay in this drop. Otherwise, I'll wait for the OSX friendly board!
AlexPkI have the new upcoming keyboard from Varmilo. Although in ISO layout. I have been testing it for Varmilo for a while.
The model name is VA88Mac and it's a dual-os keyboard which let you switch between Apple and window modes by holding down Fn-a or Fn-w For three seconds.
It it works great on macos 10.12.6. It handles filevault booting and password entry.
The backlight LED is controlled the same way as on Mac with F5/F6 but it seems to be strictly firmware based. it can be turned off and have four intensity levels when turned on
A 1.5 meter mini USB cable is included as well as a keycap puller.
I have posted a few photos of it on Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/6r0lu1/my_varmilo_va88macn_dualos/?st=J5WOREN0&sh=9d6cbcc7