---
title: Poker 3 for Mac
date: 2017-08-15T07:20:07+00:00
modified: 2017-09-29T13:45:04+00:00
image:: https://kaspars.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/poker3-mac-layout.png
permalink: https://kaspars.net/blog/poker3-mac
post_type: post
author:
  name: Kaspars
  avatar: https://reverse.kaspars.net/gravatar/avatar/92bfcd3a8c3a21a033a6484d32c25a40b113ec6891f674336081513d5c98ef76?s=96&d=mm&r=g
category:
  - Observatory
post_tag:
  - Tool
---

# Poker 3 for Mac

Recently I got my first mechanical keyboard [Poker 3 with the Cherry MX Brown switches](https://kaspars.net/go/poker3-keyboard). Here is how I configured the keyboard to match the familiar Mac layout:

[![Mac Layout for Poker 3 Mechanical Keyboard](https://kaspars.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/poker3-mac-layout.png?strip=all&quality=90&resize=800,280)](http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/a7fa3da73ef9361789d91a34bd8cb4d4)

- Use `FN`, `PN`, `Ctrl` and `Shift` as arrow keys. You’ll have to learn to use the left `Shift` for capitalising letters which I’m still getting used to.
- Map `CapsLock` to `FN` because `FN` is now the left arrow key.
- Map left `Alt` to `Command ⌘`.
- Map left `Win` to `Option <b>⌥</b>`.

## Keyboard Layers

The keyboard has three programmable layouts or layers. I’m using layer 3 (red LED) to store this configuration. Use `FN` + `>` to switch to layer 3. Note that the default layer 1 can’t be configured.

## Enable the Arrow Keys

Next we want to turn `CapsLock` into `FN` because `FN` will become the left arrow key. Switch the 3rd dip switch on the back of the keyboard to enable this.

Press left `Win`, `Space` + right `Alt` to turn right `FN` (left), `PN` (down), `Shift` (up) and `Ctrl` (right) into permanent arrow keys. Please note that this setting isn’t preserved between keyboard reboots.

## Swap Win/Cmd and Alt

Finally we need to switch the left `Win` and `Alt` keys to match the Mac layout where the `Win` or `Command` keys are right next to the spacebar. Enter the programming mode by pressing `FN` + right `Ctrl`:

- Press `Alt` then `Win` then `PN` to set the `Command` key.
- Press `Win` then `Alt` then `PN` to set the `Option` key.

I used this [Pok3r layout guide](https://github.com/davidjenni/pok3r-layouts) for reference.