The Frustration of Keyboard 'Fn' Keys

The 'Fn' key on keyboards has been a source of frustration for many users, who prefer the traditional function keys. A recent post on Hacker News highlighted the issue, with the author expressing their dislike for the 'Fn' key and the problems it causes. The 'Fn' key can be particularly annoying when it overrides the traditional function of the F1-F12 keys, making it difficult to use them without pressing the 'Fn' key.

## What happened The author of the post on Hacker News discussed their experience with a wireless keyboard that had a dozen extra functions, which were accessed by pressing the 'Fn' key. However, the author found that the 'Fn' key often got in the way, and they had to press it every time they wanted to use the F1-F12 keys for their traditional functions. The author also mentioned that some keyboards, such as the WASD Code and the Keychron K10, got it right by making the 'Fn' key optional or by having a lock feature that allowed the user to switch between the traditional function keys and the special functions. ## Why it matters The 'Fn' key can be a major source of frustration for keyboard users, particularly those who use the F1-F12 keys frequently. The problem is that the 'Fn' key can override the traditional function of these keys, making it difficult to use them without pressing the 'Fn' key. This can be especially annoying when the user is trying to perform a task that requires the use of multiple function keys. ## How to think about it When using a keyboard with an 'Fn' key, it's essential to consider the pros and cons of using the 'Fn' key. Users who need to access special functions frequently may find the 'Fn' key useful, while users who prefer the traditional function keys may find it annoying. To use function keys without the 'Fn' key, users can try using the Fn Lock feature, which is available on some keyboards. Alternatively, users can enter the system BIOS or UEFI and change the behavior of the function keys. ## FAQ