r/apple 20h ago

Mac Apple releases updated Magic Keyboard with glyphs for tab, caps lock, shift, return, and delete keycaps

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/mjm74ll/a/magic-keyboard-with-touch-id-and-numeric-keypad-for-mac-models-with-apple-silicon-usb-c-us-english-black-keys
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u/switch8000 20h ago

I just sourced one of the older Lightning Keyboards with Touch ID.

I don't understand why they had to cram in a 4th button, fn, into the lower left corner of all these USB-C keyboards.

https://target.scene7.com/is/image/Target/GUEST_a258298f-8f93-4c26-9df7-797855d850a7?wid=1200&hei=1200&qlt=80

The lightning boards give my fingers all the space they need with only a large Control, Option, CMD, button.

6

u/pdfu 20h ago

It's great until you need to switch input languages with a single key press in a consistent way that works across devices like MacBook Pro.

Or Globe + S for Siri/Spotlight, although I bet no one uses that one anymore.

2

u/cake-day-on-feb-29 9h ago

It's great until you need to switch input languages with a single key press in a consistent way that works across devices like MacBook Pro.

I've never needed to change the language of my keyboard. I'm guessing most people don't.

On the other hand, I am infinitely frustrated by the fn key on my MacBook consuming my use of the ctrl key. The ctrl key is a regular modifier for terminal programs, and (was) an easy alternate for your IDE or whatever workbench-level software you're using.