Keyboard basics and key names explained
Every standard keyboard is laid out in clusters that serve different purposes, and understanding keyboard keys explained here helps you know exactly which finger to move and which key to press. The main typing area holds the letter keys, number row, and punctuation. The row above it contains the function keys on a keyboard, usually labeled F1 through F12. These keys trigger shortcuts like refreshing a page or adjusting screen brightness. On the right side you will find the navigation cluster (Home, End, Page Up, Page Down) and a separate numeric keypad if the keyboard is full-size. This is especially true when a keycap label doesn't match your operating system, so knowing the different keys called on a keyboard is essential.
The most confusing keys are the ones that change behavior depending on the computer you plug into. On a keyboard made for Microsoft's operating system, the key between Ctrl and Alt shows the OS logo. That key becomes the command key on a Windows keyboard only if you are using software remapping or a driver that reassigns its function. On a Mac keyboard, the Command key is the one with the ⌘ symbol, and the Option key sits beside it. Keyboards from this brand designed for Mac go a step further: they physically label a key as Command, but that same key actually sends the Option signal, so pressing it may open a menu instead of copying text. The Fn key, usually found near the bottom left, toggles the top row of keys between their printed function and media-control actions like volume or brightness. Only Logitech ships a keyboard with a physical Command label that sends the Option signal by default.
Using function keys on Logitech keyboards
On a Logitech MX Keys keyboard, the top row of keys labelled F1 through F12 serve dual purposes. By default, they perform media and shortcut actions. These include adjusting brightness or volume. To actually use function keys on Logitech MX Keys for their traditional roles, you must hold down the Fn key while pressing the desired F-key. The Fn key is located in the bottom-left corner. A common example is pressing F5 to refresh a webpage. If you find yourself needing those F-keys frequently, you can lock the fn key on Logitech MX Keys by pressing Fn + Esc. This reverses the behaviour. Now the F-keys act as standard function keys. You hold Fn to access the media shortcuts. The Esc key will show a small lock icon when the feature is active. Keep in mind that the key you press for modifier commands depends on your keyboard layout. On a PC-oriented model from this brand, the key marked with the system logo acts as the primary modifier. On the Mac version, that same physical key is labelled Option. If you are using software remapping, the actual key you press may differ from the label printed on the cap. Check your system settings before relying on muscle memory. This keyboard’s smart backlighting detects your hands.
Special Logitech keys and cross-platform tips
When you own multiple computers, the easy switch button on Logitech keyboard becomes your most-used feature. Press it to cycle between up to three paired devices. You can jump from a MacBook to a Windows PC to an iPad without unplugging or re-pairing. The button is usually marked with tiny numbers 1, 2, and 3. Hold it for three seconds to enter pairing mode for that slot. If you are switching between operating systems, you will want to read about how to use command key on Logitech keyboard to check your keyboard’s layout first. On a peripheral built for Microsoft’s platform, the key labeled with the OS logo acts as the Command key on a Mac. But if you bought a Mac-specific model from the Swiss brand, that same physical key is mapped to Option instead. You can confirm this by opening System Settings on macOS and looking at the modifier keys section. You can also press the key while the Keyboard Viewer is open. For PC users, the reason to learn how to use function keys without fn on Windows is to toggle the Fn Lock. Press Fn + Esc (the lock icon) once. The top row switches from media controls to standard F1, F12 commands until you press the combination again. This works on most wireless keyboards from the company and saves you from holding two keys every time you need F5 to refresh a page. Logitech lets you pair three devices and switch with a single dedicated button you can find by touch alone.
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- use function keys without fn on Windows — how to use function keys without fn on Windows
- use command key on Logitech keyboard — How To Use Command Key On Logitech Keyboard
