Keyboard keys fall into a few practical groups: keys for typing, modifiers that change another key’s action, navigation and editing keys, function keys, and—on many full-size keyboards—a numeric keypad. On Logitech keyboards, the function row and Fn shortcuts vary by model, so check the model’s guide and selected operating-system layout before changing settings.
What are the keys on a keyboard called?
Names usually describe a key’s job rather than a universal position. A key’s exact output can also depend on the physical keyboard layout, the operating-system layout, and the app in use.
Alphanumeric keys
Letters, numbers, punctuation, and symbol keys make up the main typing area. The character printed on a key may not be the character produced if the operating system is set to a different keyboard layout. Shift commonly types a capital letter or selects a key’s alternate symbol.
Modifier keys
A modifier changes how another key is interpreted. Shift, Ctrl, and Alt are common examples; their effects depend on the operating system and app. Fn is a device-specific modifier found on many keyboards: it can select a secondary action printed on another key, such as a media or brightness shortcut. Fn’s behavior is set by the keyboard model and may have a lock or software setting.
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- Fluid Typing Experience: Laptop-like profile with spherically-dished keys shaped for your fingertips delivers a fast, fluid, precise and quieter typing experience
- Automate Repetitive Tasks: Easily create and share time-saving Smart Actions shortcuts to perform multiple actions with a single keystroke with the Logi Options+ app (1)
- Smarter Illumination: Backlit keyboard keys light up as your hands approach and adapt to the environment; Now with more lighting customizations on Logi Options+ (1)
- More Comfort, Deeper Focus: Work for longer with a solid build, low-profile design and an optimum keyboard angle that is better for your wrist posture
- Multi-Device, Multi OS Bluetooth Keyboard: Pair with up to 3 devices on nearly any operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Googlebook OS) via Bluetooth Low Energy or included Logi Bolt USB receiver (2)
Function keys
F1 through F12 form the function row. Some keyboards send standard F-key actions by default; others prioritize media, brightness, search, or productivity shortcuts printed on the same keys. There is no universal action for a particular F-key across keyboards and applications.
Navigation and arrow keys
Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down typically move a cursor or change the visible portion of a document or page. Arrow keys can move a cursor, selection, or focus. The precise result depends on the application and what is selected.
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- Tactile Quiet mechanical key switches with a satisfying tactile bump you feel - for precise feedback, reactive key reset, and less noise so your typing doesn't disturb those around you
- Low-profile keys, more comfort: A keyboard layout designed for effortless precision, with a full-size form factor and low-profile mechanical switches for better ergonomics
- Smart illumination: Backlit keys light up the moment your hands approach the cordless keyboard and automatically adjust to suit changing lighting conditions
- Faster workflow, more customization: Customize Fn keys, assign backlighting effects, enable Flow cross-computer, multi-device control, and more in the improved Logi Options+ (1)
- Multi-device, multi-OS: Pair MX Mechanical Bluetooth wireless keyboard with up to 3 devices on nearly any operating system via Bluetooth Low Energy or included Logi Bolt receiver(2)
Editing and system keys
- Backspace commonly deletes text before the insertion point; Delete commonly removes text after it or deletes a selected item.
- Enter confirms an action or starts a new line, depending on context.
- Escape often cancels or closes a menu or dialog.
- Tab moves between fields or inserts an indent in some editors.
- A context-menu key, when present, opens a menu for the selected item.
These are common uses, not guarantees: software can assign different behavior to the same key.
Numeric keypad
Many full-size keyboards have a separate number-entry cluster called the numeric keypad. Compact keyboards often omit it to save space.
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- Improved Typing Posture: Type more naturally with a curved, split keyframe and reduce muscle strain on your wrists and forearms thanks to the sloping keyboard design
- Pillowed Wrist Rest: Curved wrist rest with memory foam layer offers typing comfort with 54 per cent more wrist support; 25 per cent less wrist bending compared to standard keyboard without palm rest
- Perfect Stroke Keys: Scooped keys match the shape of your fingertips so you can type with confidence on a wireless keyboard crafted for comfort, precision and fluidity
- Adjustable Palm Lift: Whether seated or standing, keep your wrists in total comfort and a natural typing posture with ergonomically-designed tilt legs of 0, -4 and -7 degrees
- Ergonomist Approved: The ERGO K860 wireless ergonomic keyboard is certified by United States Ergonomics to improve posture and lower muscle strain
Why Logitech keyboard shortcuts differ by model
Logitech does not use one Fn-row mapping or one switching method across all keyboards. Some models prioritize media or productivity actions, while others offer standard F1–F12 as the default. Layout options and customization support also differ. Treat the following as model-specific examples, not instructions that apply to every Logitech keyboard.
MK540
The MK540 guide says to hold Fn and press the desired F-key to access enhanced functions. Its listed actions include browser back and forward, opening a tab, closing a window, Windows Search, zoom, Show Desktop, Save, Print, Windows Settings, standby, and a contextual menu. Separate hotkeys include media and volume controls, Calculator, battery check, PC lock, and browser launch. The guide says some shortcuts can be reprogrammed with Logitech Options and Fn mode can be inverted in software. See the MK540 guide.
Rank #4
- Media-Friendly: The K400 Plus wireless touch TV keyboard gives you integrated, comfortable control of your PC-to-TV entertainment, eliminating the clutter of a separate keyboard and mouse
- Plug-and-Play: Simply plug the Unifying receiver into a USB port and the wireless touchpad keyboard is ready to go; adjust controls using the Logitech Options Software to save preferred settings
- Power-Packed: Built with laid-back control in mind, this wireless TV keyboard has a reliable and long battery life of up to 18 months (2), including an on/off button to help it go even longer
- Wireless Freedom: Designed for seamless comfort and control, this HTPC keyboard boasts a range of up to 33 ft (1) wireless connectivity, with quiet keys and a large touchpad for easy navigation
- Broad Compatibility: Designed for use with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and later, Android 7 or later, and Chrome OS
Wave Keys
The Wave Keys guide lists F4 for Task view, F5 for Dictation, F6 for Emoji, F7 for Screen Capture, F8 for microphone mute, F9 for Play/Pause, F10 for sound mute, and F11/F12 for volume down/up. It also documents Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down. Fn+Esc switches media keys back to normal function keys, and Logi Options+ can customize keys. Some features require the app on particular systems; check the guide’s OS-specific notes before relying on them. See the Wave Keys guide.
Keys-To-Go 2
The Keys-To-Go 2 guide describes automatic OS detection for iPadOS, iOS, macOS, Windows, and ChromeOS, as well as a manual Android layout option. Fn+Esc switches from default functions to standard F1–F12. The guide also identifies layout shortcuts and says the keyboard can pair with up to three devices. See the Keys-To-Go 2 guide.
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- Personalize 5 customizable lighting zones with over 16.8M colors to match your setup or game and synchronize backlit lighting effects with other Logitech G devices using Logitech G Hub
- G213 Prodigy is a full-sized keyboard designed for gaming and productivity, with a slim body built for gamers of all levels and durable construction to repel liquids, crumbs, and dirt for easy cleanup
- Each key is tuned to enhance the tactile experience, delivering ultra-quick, responsive feedback while the anti-ghosting gaming matrix is tuned for optimal gaming performance, keeping you in control
- G213 gaming keyboard features dedicated media controls that can play, pause, and mute music and videos instantly; easily adjust the volume or skip to the next song with the touch of a button
- Customize lighting, game mode, and macro programming with Logitech G HUB software and stay comfortable during long gaming sessions thanks to an integrated palm rest and adjustable keyboard feet
POP Icon Keys
The POP Icon Keys guide gives examples of F-row actions that differ across Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Android, and Chrome OS. It says Fn+Esc can switch between hotkeys/media keys and F-keys, and Logi Options+ can customize supported keys. See the POP Icon Keys guide.
K980
The K980 guide documents three ways to access function keys instead of shortcuts: use Fn with an F-key, use Fn Lock, or adjust the setting in Options+. Check the guide for the model’s exact steps. See the K980 guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to use F1–F12 instead of media keys on a Logitech keyboard
Start with the keyboard’s own instructions. Fn+Esc switches modes on several models listed above, but it is not a universal Logitech shortcut. Other models may require Fn Lock, a software setting, or Fn held while pressing an F-key.
- Identify the exact model. Find its name or model number on the keyboard or its packaging, then open that model’s Logitech support guide.
- Check the selected operating-system layout. Some keys carry labels for more than one system. Confirm which side or set of labels applies to your connected device and that the keyboard is using the intended layout.
- Use the documented function-key switch. Follow the guide’s instructions for Fn+Esc, Fn Lock, or the Fn-plus-F-key combination, as applicable. Test an F-key afterward to confirm whether it now produces the standard function action or the printed shortcut.
- Check supported customization software if needed. The model guide may identify Logitech Options or Logi Options+ and list supported systems and features. Software availability does not mean every key can be changed on every operating system.
If a key still behaves unexpectedly, return to the model’s support page and check its OS-specific notes rather than applying a shortcut from a different Logitech keyboard.
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Logitech Support says: “Logitech keyboards do not send the Fn/Globe key keycode in a manner that is compatible with Apple’s specific shortcuts.” Logitech therefore notes that some Apple functions relying on that key are unsupported on its keyboards. This qualification concerns those Fn/Globe-dependent Apple shortcuts; it does not establish that all Apple keyboard functions are unsupported. See Logitech’s compatibility note.
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