Fn key
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- Fn key can also refer to the function keys on a computer keyboard.
Fn is a modifier key on PC keyboards used in a compact layout to combine keys which are usually kept separate. It is typically found on laptops, since a full sized keyboard would be difficult to fit in a laptop chassis. It is also found in many full-sized 'multimedia' and 'office' keyboards, named F Lock key.
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[edit] Compact layouts
Typically, in a compact layout the main area of the keyboard (containing the letter keys) is kept in much the same layout as with a full-sized keyboard, and the numeric keypad is moved to share a group of central keys. This allows typists to enter text without having to learn a new layout. The symbol that is accessed through pressing Fn is often printed on the key in a smaller font or different colour (usually blue).
This 78-key UK layout is taken from the Apple iBook. Characters in blue are accessed through the Fn key, but functions on the top row can be accessed without Fn key in Mac OS X.
[edit] Technical details
Unlike other modifier keys such as Shift or AltGr, the control processor inside the keyboard typically sends out a different keycode depending on whether the Fn key is depressed. This allows the keyboard to emulate a full sized keyboard and means that specialised keymaps do not need to be created; the operating system can use standard keymaps designed for a full sized keyboard. This also means that software-remapping of the Fn-key to another key or vice versa is impossible.
In addition to being mapped to standard keyboard keys like Scroll Lock and Num Lock, the Fn key combinations may also be mapped to control system interfaces to change the LCD brightness, VGA output, or speaker volume on most laptop computers.
In many designs, pressing F-Lock or Fn key itself does not generate a scancode.
[edit] Displacement of the Control key
The Fn key is usually placed either to the right or to the left of the left control key. In the latter case, it displaces the control key from the lower left corner of the keyboard. This is where the control key sits on keyboards without the Fn key. Many users, as well as professional laptop reviewers prefer having the control key in its traditional location [1][2][3]. One laptop brand known to notoriously place the Fn and control keys in the "wrong" order is Lenovo.
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