Logitech makes a whole bunch of great keyboards, like these despite their cheap price not only appreciated by me K380, the excellent MX Keys or the brand new mechanical wireless keyboards MX Mechanical. Practically all current Logitech keyboards have in common that the F-keys are assigned system functions such as media control or brightness control by default. But of course you can also use them as classic F-keys - for example in games or development environments. We'll show you how it works.
Enable F-keys via Logitech Options or Logitech Options+
With its Options software, Logitech offers a program that you can use to customize the functions of your keyboard. Depending on the model, you either have to use the "old" Options version or the newer version Logitech options+ to install. The latter comes, for example, from Logitech MX Keys or the ones I just tested Logitech MX Mechanical for use.
In their detailed settings, both programs offer the option of permanently switching the F-keys on the connected Logitech keyboards. Simply open the keyboard configuration and switch to the Settings. Here you will find the point Use keys F1, F2, etc. as standard function keys. If you activate the option, the media keys become very old-fashioned F-Keys.
By the way: You can also use the Logitech software to customize the key mapping for some, if not all, of the keys, including the F keys. To do this, switch to the menu grope and click on the button you want to reprogram. In addition to another system function, you can also assign key combinations. If required, you can also use the plus symbol to create individual application profiles that only apply to a specific program or game. Find the right program from the list and make the settings. As soon as you start the program or game, Logitech Options automatically activates the selected settings. If that's not enough for you, take a look here: Instructions: Program any keyboard
Practical: Logitech Options offers the possibility to make individual adjustments for programs or games.
Toggle F-keys manually
If you only need the F-keys on your Logitech keyboard temporarily, you don't have to change the entire functionality right away. Instead, you can use the combination with the FN key switch from the media to the F function at any time. For example, leads FN + F5 in a browser to refresh the opened page.
The Logitech MX mechanical keyboards also offer the option of changing the F functions using key combinations. Just press it FN+ESC. So you can switch between the two settings at any time - for example in the middle of the game - without having to go through Logitech Options. By the way: How to use Logitech Options to create individual key assignments for your programs we show you here.
Want more hardware tips and tricks? Do we -> This direction, please. Mirco has a lot more about mechanical keyboards in particular made here for you.
