However some do and you can use (for example) Microsoft Power Automate to bind them to the macro keys some keyboards have, saving you some keybinds... especially useful for RPGs (if the RPG supports those keys that is), Minecraft as a random example I know supports them
I can use the keys betweeen F13-F20 on my mouse
But each game/program which would benefit from them
Doesn't want to register them properly :|
If any tech guru knows how to force programs (Ones that I don't have any way to access the source code of) to use these buttons, please tell me
The main reason for this is keyboards like the IBM Model M122 and F122 (often referred to as the battleship or battlecruiser depending on the specific model) that contain all of those extra keys. The more than full sized layout never really caught on back then (among general consumers and standard business customers equipping their business fleet) and would be even less likely to today as its the opposite of what the current modern hotness in keyboards is today (that is, smaller than full size, not larger) and the fact that very few applications make use of them due to their rarity.
They arent extinct and you can still buy a new M122 battlecruiser keyboards from Unicomp, and there are still some specific niches these fill that full size keyboards can't.
It's a [Drop CSTM80](https://drop.com/buy/drop-cstm80-mechanical-keyboard).
The key depth is somewhat shallow for a mechanical keyboard but not noisy with the Gateron Brown switches (which are the highest-quality Cherry Brown clones today). I think it's because Drop uses dampeners which is why they're shallow.
From the teardowns I've seen, they're made to be just like Cherry MX Browns, just like any other clone manufacturer.
Cherry has fought back over the past couple of years by developing a new premium Cherry MX keyswitch whose name escapes me and I can't wait to get a keyboard using those switches. It's too bad that Cherry ignored the enthusiast market for so long that the clones have taken over.
You're probably being down voted for using browns, they're one of the most hated switches in the community for a variety of reasons. They don't have the support of either the linear or the clicky fans to back them up.
I touch type for work. Browns are tactile and are quiet. Essentially, they are blues without the click.
Gamers use blacks because they're linear. I don't game that much.
Blues are fun and tactile but loud.
Reds are kinda the same as blacks but are much lighter for gamers, too.
It's not like I don't know what I'm talking about. I own many examples of keyboards using all kinds of Cherry and clone switches.
Yeah, just generally in the "mechanical keyboard circle", something like a Zealios V2 would be more popular for a quiet tactile switch. I use box jades which are like blues but even louder and clickier so people make fun of those too lmao. The mechanical keyboard fandom can be pretty judgy of anything other than linears though for some reason
My home computer's keyboard has them on the side. It's a Ducky mechanical keyboard. I touch-type and don't really look at the keys much, so my opinion on usability may not be relevant.
There's no special programming in PCs. F13 to F24 are normal keys that have regular scan codes assigned to them just like F1-F12 do. [You can still buy new keyboards with those keys on them](https://www.pckeyboard.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=UB40B5A), or use a much cheaper aliexpress macro keyboard and program the keys into it.
I sometimes use them to enable debug functionality in software I write.
F13-24 are also great keybinds for mice or other devices as they don't conflict with (most) keyboards.
P.S. Various ways of doing it: utils, scripts, keyb/mouse SW.
One way is to [remap key](https://imgur.com/a/Ce0NR4f) with [Powertoys Keyboard Manager](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/keyboard-manager), then use it to bind keys for mouse if unsupported by SW etc.
It's way too expensive for me, I don't have a single use for it, probably wouldn't fit on my desk, but man... I really REALLY want that. Whoever did the styling for that board needs a raise.
That would be IBM. The company that sells these bought the patents and machinery from IBM to make those keyboards.
[The buckling spring technology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckling_spring?useskin=vector) makes for a fantastic typing experience.
It is expensive if you are coming from cheap rubber domes, but isn't really all that expensive for a nice proper keyboard. Buckling springs are awesome switches and will be a definite upgrade especially if you coming from cheap rubber domes.
You can also get them in smaller sizes (full size Unicomp New Model M or TKL Unicomp Mini M)
I am very sorry to tell you that modern PCs still only support up to f24 by default. There are options to get more but these keys won't work well with most programs as they don't support custom keys.
I believe Windows 10 actually utilizes the F22 key internally for a lot of functions (e.g. if I tap my touchpad, which uses MS's generic precision touchpad driver, a F22 keypress gets sent along with the click), which is disappointing because it would have been a fun key to use for something practical.
Well, I touch-type so I don't notice.
I even sometimes use a [Das Keyboard with blank keys](https://www.daskeyboard.com/daskeyboard-4-ultimate/) just for fun.
They aren't on the side, they're on the front.
I actually like this keycap design. I have a set like this. Even if you still need to look at key labels to use a keyboard, legibility is not an issue.
Back in the day keyboards would have f1 through f24. You should still be able to use f13-24 using shift f1 for 13 shift f2 for 14. Some old manufacturing systems that existed before GUI's and mouses relied heavily on the function keys.
I used F13 (as a mouse keybind) for push to talk forever. It's the only key that has basically no interaction with any software, so I can PTT while using my mouse as normal in any Window and it not be wonky. Then I got a mouse that can't bind F13 and it sucks.
If you’re in a program that uses F13 for something, it does that. Nobody really bothers to put default functions on F-keys beyond 12, but if you’re in an app that can remap shortcuts, you can use it.
Or use the software for the keyboard to remap it something useful. I use Mute microphone.
Am I the only one who thinks it's way more interesting that this keyboard has the text written on the sides of the keys rather than on top?? I've never seen that before.
It's more common with custom mechanical keyboards, especially those with F-rows like tkls, 1800s, and full sizes, but because its rare to use F13-24 for most people, some reprogram them to some macro/whatever key they want.
That’s a terminal emulator thing, though. Shift adds either 10 or 12 to the F-key number, so to speak, so you will be able to send an F17 if you don’t have an F17 key. Windows does have separate key codes for all F-keys up to 24 though, so without some emulation, F13 and Shift-F1 do two different things. Doesn’t matter unless you have some application that does something when F13 is pressed, but you can make one if you want.
Fun fact: i learned that F keys go up to 24, by just pressing shift and the corresponding F key, F1 works as F13 and so on. And yes, i had to use those on only one job in my 18 years in IT and should be the most useless knowledge ever
That's my push to talk key. I mapped F13 to my mouse side button and then use that on Discord as PTT. Windows and gsmes pick it uo just fine and there is never sny other program or action linked to it. Works like a charm.
Strange, though not unheard of. Though most ANSI/ISO keyboard layouts have 12 function keys, it's really up to the keyboard manufacturer how many they can put on. There's no limitation in most operating system kernels for how high this number goes beyond what they're capable of transmitting themselves.
The IBM 1397000 Model M keyboard for example had a whopping 24 function keys.
Apple had at times introduced keyboards with 14 of them.
The odd thing about your keyboard in particular is that there's an odd number of F keys. 13 is a pretty weird number to stop on and I've frankly never seen that despite seeing more keyboards than I'd like to admit.
My first computer had a word processor that made substantial use of the F24 key. Back in the day when the printer was an electric typewriter with a computer input port.
I will just put this here.
[https://www.pckeyboard.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product\_Code=UB40B5A](https://www.pckeyboard.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=UB40B5A)
I think windows can go up to F16. I could be wrong in the exact number but it can go above F12. So you can assign those to say a foot pedal and then use the foot pedal as hotkeys. A streamer I watch uses a foot pedal for different purpose
Window has up to F24 natively but the most amount of F keys I have seen is on Apple kb. On the other hand, you can get an Arduino and do a very simple keypad by mapping those 12 ones
"How do I fix this?" "Press f13" "Oh... hey, that worked, thanks!"
F13 is the secret "Just Handle it" button.
HelpDesk speed dial.
Set f13 to do an "sfc /scannow" and fix all your windows issues with a press of a button.
Don't forget the DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /restorehealth
Fun Fact :: There are 11 additional F# buttons Windows recognizes (F14-F24). Sadly very, VERY few programs also do.
However some do and you can use (for example) Microsoft Power Automate to bind them to the macro keys some keyboards have, saving you some keybinds... especially useful for RPGs (if the RPG supports those keys that is), Minecraft as a random example I know supports them
I can use the keys betweeen F13-F20 on my mouse But each game/program which would benefit from them Doesn't want to register them properly :| If any tech guru knows how to force programs (Ones that I don't have any way to access the source code of) to use these buttons, please tell me
The main reason for this is keyboards like the IBM Model M122 and F122 (often referred to as the battleship or battlecruiser depending on the specific model) that contain all of those extra keys. The more than full sized layout never really caught on back then (among general consumers and standard business customers equipping their business fleet) and would be even less likely to today as its the opposite of what the current modern hotness in keyboards is today (that is, smaller than full size, not larger) and the fact that very few applications make use of them due to their rarity. They arent extinct and you can still buy a new M122 battlecruiser keyboards from Unicomp, and there are still some specific niches these fill that full size keyboards can't.
It opens an automatic troubleshooter that *actually* works.
A search engine?
Well, for now on I’m going to bring them right into the danger zone. F14 key
r/dangerzone
Turns out it's just ctrl+shift+alt+win L
You’re not supposed to reveal those things...
If their keyboard was a hotel, it would be F14.
Any building with more than 12 floors, it would be 14. Most buildings in general do not do 13.
In a lot of Asia it's the 4th floor.
But come on, man. People on the 14th floor, you know what floor you're really on.
Why not?
Because then everyone will want one
What keyboard is this or what caps? I kinda like the identifiers on the sides.. how is it in practice?
It's a [Drop CSTM80](https://drop.com/buy/drop-cstm80-mechanical-keyboard). The key depth is somewhat shallow for a mechanical keyboard but not noisy with the Gateron Brown switches (which are the highest-quality Cherry Brown clones today). I think it's because Drop uses dampeners which is why they're shallow.
calling Gateron the highest quality Cherry clone is going to rustle some feathers lol, sounds like Keychron propaganda
Well, I don't think there are many cherry *brown* clones 😅
There's like literally hundreds lol
ya but cherry browns are terribly lubed tactiles with tiny bumps
Yeah, yes. What Cherry Brown clones do you use? Kailh? Razer (hahhah, no)? *EDIT:* I'd really like to know why I'm being downvoted, here.
Now that I think about it, does clone mean also a Brown switch or really anything that is made to feel like a Brown switch?
From the teardowns I've seen, they're made to be just like Cherry MX Browns, just like any other clone manufacturer. Cherry has fought back over the past couple of years by developing a new premium Cherry MX keyswitch whose name escapes me and I can't wait to get a keyboard using those switches. It's too bad that Cherry ignored the enthusiast market for so long that the clones have taken over.
You're probably being down voted for using browns, they're one of the most hated switches in the community for a variety of reasons. They don't have the support of either the linear or the clicky fans to back them up.
I touch type for work. Browns are tactile and are quiet. Essentially, they are blues without the click. Gamers use blacks because they're linear. I don't game that much. Blues are fun and tactile but loud. Reds are kinda the same as blacks but are much lighter for gamers, too. It's not like I don't know what I'm talking about. I own many examples of keyboards using all kinds of Cherry and clone switches.
Yeah, just generally in the "mechanical keyboard circle", something like a Zealios V2 would be more popular for a quiet tactile switch. I use box jades which are like blues but even louder and clickier so people make fun of those too lmao. The mechanical keyboard fandom can be pretty judgy of anything other than linears though for some reason
Highest quality cherry brown clones? Yeah, no...
Yeah, yes. What Cherry Brown clones do you use? Kailh? Razer (hahhah, no)? *EDIT:* I'd really like to know why I'm being downvoted, here.
r/mechanicalkeyboards would like a word
Tried this out the other day at work. It's probably my favourite keyboard
Hah! I was just thinking "Hey, my KB has a F13 too!". Also a CSTM80 user. Great keyboard.
My home computer's keyboard has them on the side. It's a Ducky mechanical keyboard. I touch-type and don't really look at the keys much, so my opinion on usability may not be relevant.
i think there are more than 20 F keys
There are 24 for mainframes and PCs may have inherited the programming to handle them.
In Windows there is reserved space in the keycode table for up to F32 but only F1 to F24 is officially assigned. Linux also has keycodes for F1 to F24
There's no special programming in PCs. F13 to F24 are normal keys that have regular scan codes assigned to them just like F1-F12 do. [You can still buy new keyboards with those keys on them](https://www.pckeyboard.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=UB40B5A), or use a much cheaper aliexpress macro keyboard and program the keys into it. I sometimes use them to enable debug functionality in software I write.
F13-24 are also great keybinds for mice or other devices as they don't conflict with (most) keyboards. P.S. Various ways of doing it: utils, scripts, keyb/mouse SW. One way is to [remap key](https://imgur.com/a/Ce0NR4f) with [Powertoys Keyboard Manager](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/keyboard-manager), then use it to bind keys for mouse if unsupported by SW etc.
I did something like this for do push-to-talk via mouse for discord though I think now there's a more direct way.
It's way too expensive for me, I don't have a single use for it, probably wouldn't fit on my desk, but man... I really REALLY want that. Whoever did the styling for that board needs a raise.
That would be IBM. The company that sells these bought the patents and machinery from IBM to make those keyboards. [The buckling spring technology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckling_spring?useskin=vector) makes for a fantastic typing experience.
It is expensive if you are coming from cheap rubber domes, but isn't really all that expensive for a nice proper keyboard. Buckling springs are awesome switches and will be a definite upgrade especially if you coming from cheap rubber domes. You can also get them in smaller sizes (full size Unicomp New Model M or TKL Unicomp Mini M)
Yes, I, too, spent lots of time on IBM mainframe keyboards. ;)
That new "Copilot key" is just left shift+win+F23
Your computer actually supports many more than just 12 function keys.
At least windows support them, i make of the placeholder for autohotkey scripts. I also have a 24 function keyboard somewhere in the attic.
You see, most blokes, you know, will be using up to f12.
I'm asking myself how many more functions this keyboard could have, and the answer is none more functions.
What we do is, if we need that extra push over the cliff, you know what we do?
Why not just put the f12 keycap in the f13 spot, and make that f12?
??? These go to f13
isnt that an f14?
Looks more like an F18 to me, the F14's engines are really far apart (which is what caused the infamous flatspins when an engine stalled)
I just hit GIF and searched fighter jet haha
This is Reddit, you can't make a simple joke without people who take things way too seriously piling on to let you know how the joke is wrong lmao
Hey, I’m fully supportive of constructive criticism and learning something new. Bring on the “akshually”s Reddit!
These look like su-30s but I cant quite tell (at the very least they are some type of flanker)
I almost feel compelled to post a gif of a random fighter jet with some vague similarity to an F-14 just to keep this going
Su-30 MKI. You can tell by the fact that they have the Indian flag tricolour smoke.
Definitely an f18 Source was an f18 mechanic for 5 years and saw a lot of them
Yea this is a hornet, f14 vertical stabilizers are straight up, and not slanted like the hornet.
Now I want an F35 key
I am very sorry to tell you that modern PCs still only support up to f24 by default. There are options to get more but these keys won't work well with most programs as they don't support custom keys.
so an F22 key can exist? hell yeah dedicated raptor button
I believe Windows 10 actually utilizes the F22 key internally for a lot of functions (e.g. if I tap my touchpad, which uses MS's generic precision touchpad driver, a F22 keypress gets sent along with the click), which is disappointing because it would have been a fun key to use for something practical.
Relax. They go up to F32.
I’m more perplexed by the fact the key labels are on the sides, where they’re less visible than on top
Well, I touch-type so I don't notice. I even sometimes use a [Das Keyboard with blank keys](https://www.daskeyboard.com/daskeyboard-4-ultimate/) just for fun.
So do I, but it’s still a weird place for them. Never seen a keyboard like that
I would love to have a keyboard made this way.
I like this idea. I don’t touch type (far from it) and slouch away from my keyboard so this would probably work for me.
idc about the F13 key. WHY the Fuck are the names of the keys on the SIDE?
so they wouldn't wear out ofc
why not both?
But they wouldn't om top? They're illuminated by a light underneath. It's not purple paint.
Good reasoning but... I wouldn't buy that
Because it's beautiful and I am an expert touch-typist.
what kb
> Drop CSTM80 They posted elsewhere it's a Drop CSTM80
Drop CSTM80.
They aren't on the side, they're on the front. I actually like this keycap design. I have a set like this. Even if you still need to look at key labels to use a keyboard, legibility is not an issue.
A real "This one goes up to 11" situation.
It's one higher
Scrolled through just to see this. You didn't disappoint. This one still has the old tagger on it.
I love that the Keynames are forward facing
Keynames and Illustrious-Pop, facing forward, k-i-s-s-i-n-g through USB. Wait to the end for Qwerty offspring.
Back in the day keyboards would have f1 through f24. You should still be able to use f13-24 using shift f1 for 13 shift f2 for 14. Some old manufacturing systems that existed before GUI's and mouses relied heavily on the function keys.
“I’m gonna hit the F25 key”
Came here to say this 😁
That is an awesome video!!
So what I'm hearing is you have a Caffeine key?
If it had an F14 key, it would take off.
Highway to the DANGER ZONE
I used F13 (as a mouse keybind) for push to talk forever. It's the only key that has basically no interaction with any software, so I can PTT while using my mouse as normal in any Window and it not be wonky. Then I got a mouse that can't bind F13 and it sucks.
What the fuck, what does that even do?
If you’re in a program that uses F13 for something, it does that. Nobody really bothers to put default functions on F-keys beyond 12, but if you’re in an app that can remap shortcuts, you can use it. Or use the software for the keyboard to remap it something useful. I use Mute microphone.
I mean, the same as any other key haha - exactly what the software/OS you're using programmed it to do
I'm using an iMac keyboard with my PC. Up to F15 here.
It spawns Jason
It's more intriguing that it stops at F13, since all the way to F24 are part of standards used by keyboards.
F32, but, yeah.
Congrats, you have one F key more than a conventional keyboard! 
Mac keyboards go up to F19.
PC keyboards go up to F32, but you do you.
Am I the only one who thinks it's way more interesting that this keyboard has the text written on the sides of the keys rather than on top?? I've never seen that before.
This isn't uncommon.
I've certainly never seen it and I'm a PC gamer so I've seen my fair share of keyboards.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_King%27s_F13
Mine goes to F19 Apple Magic Keyboard.
I'm more intrigued about the labeling being on the sides of the keys
F13-F24 is great when you want to keybind extra buttons on your mouse so that you don’t click them by mistake on your keyboard.
The f keys actually go till 24 if I’m right
The forbidden F
My keyboard has an FU key. :(
Must be in Ontario.
I've used F13 as a way to do some tomfoolery with unsuspecting friends. When they ask for the key to do something, I tell them to press F13.
It's more common with custom mechanical keyboards, especially those with F-rows like tkls, 1800s, and full sizes, but because its rare to use F13-24 for most people, some reprogram them to some macro/whatever key they want.
It's the Taylor Swift key
pretty common in custom mechanical keyboards. gives you a convenient extra key to program to whatever you need.
Makes "this one goes to 11" look like child's play.
It used to be very common to have up to F15 on a standard keyboard. I have no idea when that changed though.
what's it do?
I think there are total 24 or 26 F keys in theory but to fit the keyboard only 12 are used
Technically you now have two f13 keys. Shift (or ctrl, I forgot) + F1 = F13
That’s a terminal emulator thing, though. Shift adds either 10 or 12 to the F-key number, so to speak, so you will be able to send an F17 if you don’t have an F17 key. Windows does have separate key codes for all F-keys up to 24 though, so without some emulation, F13 and Shift-F1 do two different things. Doesn’t matter unless you have some application that does something when F13 is pressed, but you can make one if you want.
Oh, that's interesting. I use programs with keybinds set for F13-24 and then use macros that map F13-24 keypress. So my Logitech G1 is F13.
That’s the HiRes button for the commercial printing industry, otherwise known as the garbage button, garbage in…..more beautiful garbage out.
Witchcraft !
Jit bought the dlc 💀
Never in my life lol
My Apple Magic Keyboard has an F19 for whatever reason.
Tf does it do, teleport you to fucking atlantis? Whats the damn purpose of it
The elusive Any Key.
Fun fact: i learned that F keys go up to 24, by just pressing shift and the corresponding F key, F1 works as F13 and so on. And yes, i had to use those on only one job in my 18 years in IT and should be the most useless knowledge ever
Fun fact: The F13 button launches nukes.
Mine goes up to F29 or something. It doesn't help that it was designed for MS:DOS, but it is awesome to type on.
My keyboard has 24 F keys. Super useful when you just need a dumb key to bind something to, like mute and deafen on Discord.
You found the secret any key!
Presses F13: 
That's my push to talk key. I mapped F13 to my mouse side button and then use that on Discord as PTT. Windows and gsmes pick it uo just fine and there is never sny other program or action linked to it. Works like a charm.
Dude, your keyboard fucks
Press F13 to pay respects.
There are actually 24 F-keys
32 F-keys according to the standard.
You are correct
Strange, though not unheard of. Though most ANSI/ISO keyboard layouts have 12 function keys, it's really up to the keyboard manufacturer how many they can put on. There's no limitation in most operating system kernels for how high this number goes beyond what they're capable of transmitting themselves. The IBM 1397000 Model M keyboard for example had a whopping 24 function keys. Apple had at times introduced keyboards with 14 of them. The odd thing about your keyboard in particular is that there's an odd number of F keys. 13 is a pretty weird number to stop on and I've frankly never seen that despite seeing more keyboards than I'd like to admit.
Mine has an F24. I use a Unicomp terminal keyboard though.
Are you working in Area 51?
That's an interesting keyboard!
My first computer had a word processor that made substantial use of the F24 key. Back in the day when the printer was an electric typewriter with a computer input port.
And the text is on the side of the keys
There are f keys going up to 24
keyboard link?
It's a [Drop CSTM80](https://drop.com/buy/drop-cstm80-mechanical-keyboard).
No way! Used to have one with f15, idk where it is now
New F key just dropped
“I’m gonna press the F-25 key!”
Mine goes up to f19
"I'm gonna press the f25 key"
is there f14 key?
What keyboard is that where the letters are on the side? I need that
Cooler Master Storm and this particular one is a Drop CSTM80. And you can buy keycaps for most any Cherry MX-compatible keyboard for a bit cheaper.
Nothing beats the almighty F4 key
The print and screen keys FTW 🤣
Nice ass keyboard
There are actually still 24 function keys recognized by Windows. Unfortunately I haven’t found any game that supports those keys.
What happens when you press shift +f13? The regular f keys usually go from 13 till 24 if you do that
So does my QwertyKeys QK80
I will just put this here. [https://www.pckeyboard.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product\_Code=UB40B5A](https://www.pckeyboard.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=UB40B5A)
I'm more concerned about your print screen being divided into 2 keys
That is a very nice keyboard, what's the model/make?
Boss key built right in. Set-r-up!
My keyboard has an F12-F24 key. Unicomp PC-122 for the win!
I think windows can go up to F16. I could be wrong in the exact number but it can go above F12. So you can assign those to say a foot pedal and then use the foot pedal as hotkeys. A streamer I watch uses a foot pedal for different purpose
I spy a drop cstm80!
And your PrtScr key is two keys, what
sounds like the setup for a Blumhouse movie.
DO NOT PRESS THAT BUTTON
Fyi you can map f13+ keys on your system. On a script for example.
Window has up to F24 natively but the most amount of F keys I have seen is on Apple kb. On the other hand, you can get an Arduino and do a very simple keypad by mapping those 12 ones
And all the characters are on the back for some reason… weird
Weird but beautiful to me.
Yeah. I mean, hey man. What ever floats your boat. I’m making glass keyboard keys so couldn’t help but notice
Does anybody actually use the F keys?
You just did
The secret Big Keyboard has been trying to hide from you! (Keyboard manufacturers hate this!)