Apple Keyboard (2011): New key placement and functionality

Summary

The aluminum Apple Keyboard (2011) has several new features. One of the most noticeable changes is the newly-labeled keys for use with OS X Lion features, such as Launchpad and Mission Control.

Products Affected

Apple WireLess Keyboard (2011), OS X Lion

These keyboards are designed for and work best with OS X Lion. The function keys are:

  • F7 - Previous track
  • F8 - Play/Pause
  • F9 - Next track
  • F10 - Mute
  • F11 - Volume down
  • F12 - Volume up

Brightness controls are F1 and F2 respectively.

For OS X Lion, the F3 key activates Mission Control. The F4 key activates Launchpad.

For Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard, access Exposé with the F3 key and Dashboard with the F4 key.

Additionally, the Mission Control key (F3) has expanded functions:

  • F3: Mission Control (all windows, Desktop Spaces, and Dashboard)
  • Ctrl+F3: Mission Control (application windows)
  • Cmd+F3: Mission Control (desktop)

To access the F keys as function keys (F1-F12), press and hold the (Fn) key while pressing a function key, F1 through F12, to use it as function key. F5 and F6 are exceptions; they are not dual-purpose keys and do not require the function key.

The Eject key is beside the F12 (volume up) key.

Additional Information

For additional information, see OS X Lion: About wired and wireless keyboards.

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