it’s not really an “extra” key… but it is mapped differently (lsh+win+f23 or sumsuch) than one it might be ‘replacing’.
in us-ansi layout the right-side ctrl, a second winlogo or context menu key… could all be gone leaving only right alt and new copilot key between space and arrows.
I have an fn1 and fn2 key on my preonic and holding fn1 replaces qwer,asdf,zxcv with f1-4,f5-8,f9-12 and fn2 does f13-24 in the same positions. some games have been able to map things to them but the glyphs tend to not work, but mostly I use them for global shortcuts like turning on or off the mobo LEDs, multi monitor layout presets, etc
its the custom firmware that does it, the layout and layers I just made up as I needed them but its flashing the firmware every time I want to change something. There are other keyboards and keyboard firmwares that can do this, I use qmk, and its possible to mod normal keyboards to varying difficulty. The keyboard I have is a semi diy that came as a kit but there are others ready to use but still customizable in firmware. I think there was also another kb firmware that let you live edit the layouts without flashing firmware using a config software but I haven’t looked in to it.
Less fun fact: Some terminal windows will happily process and display such high F-keys as input, leaving you with a screen full of garbage when you return.
it’s not really an “extra” key… but it is mapped differently (lsh+win+f23 or sumsuch) than one it might be ‘replacing’.
in us-ansi layout the right-side ctrl, a second winlogo or context menu key… could all be gone leaving only right alt and new copilot key between space and arrows.
F keys go up to 23?? I’m missing out on so many functions!!!
I can’t even remember 1-12; if I ever need to get in the boot menu, I just spam all 12 at the same time and hope one kicks in in time.
There are 24 function keys on the IBM 122 key layout.
I have an fn1 and fn2 key on my preonic and holding fn1 replaces qwer,asdf,zxcv with f1-4,f5-8,f9-12 and fn2 does f13-24 in the same positions. some games have been able to map things to them but the glyphs tend to not work, but mostly I use them for global shortcuts like turning on or off the mobo LEDs, multi monitor layout presets, etc
Can you link this keyboard? My Sway config is about to get really complicated
its the custom firmware that does it, the layout and layers I just made up as I needed them but its flashing the firmware every time I want to change something. There are other keyboards and keyboard firmwares that can do this, I use qmk, and its possible to mod normal keyboards to varying difficulty. The keyboard I have is a semi diy that came as a kit but there are others ready to use but still customizable in firmware. I think there was also another kb firmware that let you live edit the layouts without flashing firmware using a config software but I haven’t looked in to it.
Links to the firmware+keyboard. https://docs.qmk.fm/ https://olkb.com/
Fun fact: Tools like caffeine use these higher F-keys to bypass locking your desktop due to inactivity.
Less fun fact: Some terminal windows will happily process and display such high F-keys as input, leaving you with a screen full of garbage when you return.