Macro keys vs function keys

[Joshsinclair16]

What is the difference between macro and fn keys?

Can't you program both for shortcuts like copy, paste, open web browser, etc. (I won't be doing any programming, just want shortcuts)

I'm looking at buying a new keyboard like the redragon k555, Corsair k55 or the Logitech G213. But do I need the macro keys or can I just reprogram the function keys?

[Moonzy]

F1-F12 keys are sometimes used by softwares, so if you set them as macro, you might lose those hotkey abilities.

[Joshsinclair16]

7 minutes ago, Moonzy said:

F1-F12 keys are sometimes used by softwares, so if you set them as macro, you might lose those hotkey abilities.

I won't be doing any programming so that should be fine

[Moonzy]

2 minutes ago, Joshsinclair16 said:

I won't be doing any programming so that should be fine

ie, chrome (and most web browsers) use F5 as refresh, so if you set it to a macro you wont be able to use it

 

unless you mean fn+F5, then that's slighly different but u still lose features that would be available on those buttons.

but it's fine if you never use them anyways (like scroll lock/pause break key)

[Joshsinclair16]

26 minutes ago, Moonzy said:

ie, chrome (and most web browsers) use F5 as refresh, so if you set it to a macro you wont be able to use it

 

unless you mean fn+F5, then that's slighly different but u still lose features that would be available on those buttons.

but it's fine if you never use them anyways (like scroll lock/pause break key)

Thank you, I'm just learning all this stuff. So I can get away without macro keys if I'm happy to overwrite function keys, but to use them I'd have to press fn +F1 for example

[Moonzy]

Just now, Joshsinclair16 said:

So I can get away without macro keys if I'm happy to overwrite function keys, but to use them I'd have to press fn +F1 for example

some keyboard does not allow combined key macro (ie, fn+F5 to run the macro)

and only allow single key macro (ie, F5 to run the macro)

you'll have to see what's available for your particular model's included software.

[WkdPaul]

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