Running the same BT Keyboard on a Windows 11 PC, and a Mac Studio both with BT 5.1

As I think I understand it you cannot pair a BT keyboard across platforms. I have a Keychron Q1 that can pair with 3 different BT devices. I have successfully paired it with the Kamuri Mini PC, and the Mac Studio but not at the same time. Meaning I cannot switch between the 2 systems without repairing them. It is the Mac that is the PIA. It has a security protocol that prevents someone from walking up and pairing a BT keyboard. It requires you to sign in to give permission to do it every time I return from the PC to pair it. This permission works across multiple macOS, iPadOS, and iOS on the same network. Same for Windows. I can run a second keyboard on the PC but I don't have the room in the desk. This is my amatuer radio station and both computers are a part of it. both systems are switched by my Yamaha AVR so to go from on computer to the other I just switch HDMI inputs.

The Keychron's BT channels are invoked in Mac mode fn + 1-2, or 3. In Windows mode with the PC keycaps Windows + 1,2, or 3. Pairing the keyboard is a straight forward Bluetooth scan for devices, click connect, done. On the Mac it is scan for a device, give permission, and connect. If I go in either direction the keyboard it can no longer automatically pair. You have to tell it to forget the device and start all over. It seems that is just the way it is.

However I have been told of software that enables this. The problem is none of the mentions let on what software that might be. Can anyone tell me what a good utility that enables this is? On the Mac side of things this issue is deer's eyes in the headlights, "you are running a PC???" . There is really good amatuer radio software that only runs on PC. With Apple Silicon software developers can no longer publish software that sorta works on Intel Macs so the field is starting to change. It's about time.

I don't have an answer for you unfortunately but, to know your Windows version
simply press the keys , Windows +R and type WinVer click OK.

Flashorn said:

I don't have an answer for you unfortunately but, to know your Windows version
simply press the keys , Windows +R and type WinVer click OK.

Click to expand...

LIke I say it is the Mac that is being the PIA. No surprise there.

What I have been doing is I have the USB cable plugged into the PC, and the Mac connected via BT. The Keychron is charged by the PC. On the Mac it is connected via BT, on the PC I just switch the keyboard from BT to manual, and to Windows and it works on the PC that way.

transmaster said:

The Keychron is charged by the PC.

Click to expand...

Would keeping the keyboard on the charge all the time be a problem?
Don't know, just asking.
I have a BT Logitech Mini MX Keys and if I'm not mistaken, it does say that it
will not connect to a Mac at the same time.

Flashorn said:

Would keeping the keyboard on the charge all the time be a problem?
Don't know, just asking.
I have a BT Logitech Mini MX Keys and if I'm not mistaken, it does say that it
will not connect to a Mac at the same time.

Click to expand...

No it is not a problem keeping a wireless keyboard plugged in the Keychrons and other top quality wireless KB's have an internal charge controllers that keeps things on the up-n-up. This is a good thing because if you leave the RGB on it eats the battery alive. Keyboards like the Keychrons are totally rebuildable, customizable, and with hot swapped switch you have an endless choice of replacement switches with different feels. My current favorite is the Keychron Banana, and yellow colored switch that is so comfortable to use.

transmaster said:

My current favorite is the Keychron Banana, and yellow colored switch

Click to expand...

I have seen these colored switches and they just keep me smiling.
I couldn't see myself using them but, the kids seem to like them allot.
I have a RGB bar at the front of this notebook and it is turned off.
The only thing that has lights is the keyboard. What I like about the
Logitech mini keys is that the lighting is off when you hands are not
close to the keys. I have had this keyboard for quite a while now and
have yet to charge it. Don't use it often but, the battery is a really good
one. It is heavy though.

This is the keyboard in question he 75% Keychron Q1. Its case is CNC machined. This keyboard has the heft of a cast iron frypan. If you drop it on your foot, it isn't breaking the keyboard that is the problem, it is the keyboard breaking your foot.

Flashorn said:

I have seen these colored switches and they just keep me smiling.
I couldn't see myself using them but, the kids seem to like them allot.
I have a RGB bar at the front of this notebook and it is turned off.
The only thing that has lights is the keyboard. What I like about the
Logitech mini keys is that the lighting is off when you hands are not
close to the keys. I have had this keyboard for quite a while now and
have yet to charge it. Don't use it often but, the battery is a really good
one. It is heavy though.

Click to expand...

Each hot swap switch has different specs. If you are a gamer or a high speed touch typist how a key feels is all important. They have magnetic, and optical switches. The Magnetic switch uses magnets instead of springs, and the Optical switches use laser coupling to do the switching.

To the moderator. Is there a keyboard thread on this forum?

Am not a typist at all. I do game when I have the time but, the keyboard I like the best is the one on
this notebook. It's the Steelseries low profile with a small travel. I do tend to simply slide my fingers
from one key to the other when gaming. otherwise, My fingers (and nails) get stuck on or rather
under the keys which just infuriates me.

I have a Logitech K380 in the keyboard stash. A good keyboard until you use something like a Keychron, Drop, Nuphy or other similar keyboards. There is no going back.