I recently switched to an old Macally Mac keyboard that I really like the key action on. However, it doesn't have the extended keys of newer keyboards, like volume up, volume down, mute. Is there a way to map these or are there shortcuts? (Ones for screen brightness would be cool as well.) A function key toggle would be great as well.
Mac mini
What Mac and what macOS version is it running? Might make a difference.
If you do not see the option in System Preferences/Settings > Keyboard, then you'll probably need to contact Macally. It was common for aftermarket input devices to comes with software that enabled extended features.
So to be clear...this keyboard doesn't have a sole "function" key down by the Ctrl, Option and Apple keys.
The function keys work ONLY as true function keys. They don't have the "extended" functions of newer keyboards.
Toggling the "use F keys as funciton keys" setting doesn't change anything.
I appreciate all the great input, but I am willing to live with the lack of those extended function keys for how great this keyboard feels and types.
I was curious if anyone has tips on a piece of software or extended key programming function that would allow me to map at least Volume up, Volume down, and mute to specific function keys.
Thank You,
Running Ventura on an M2 Mac Mini. When I was posting the website asked, surprised it's not displayed.
This is a decades old keyboard, but I will check in with Macally. I was hoping for info on macOS.
Thank you.
Thanks, so the F Keys do not work?
Can you press the F10 button to mute the volume, the F11 button to decrease the volume, and the F12 button to increase the volume.
To Activate: hold down FN + Esc
If no FN key, For Keyboards Without F-Lock If your keyboard doesn’t have an F-lock key feature, such as MacBooks keyboards, your best bet is to open system preferences and go to your keyboard settings. There you can choose to set your function keys as standard functions or special keys.
What does that top right key do?
I think you only need an FN Key if it has one, not the other way around.
By default, the top row of keys on your Apple keyboard control many different features on your Mac. For example, pressing the keys with speaker icons adjusts the volume.
Press and hold the Function (Fn)/Globe key while pressing a function key. For example, pressing both Fn and F12 (speaker icon) performs the action assigned to the F12 key instead of raising the volume of your speakers.1 If your keyboard doesn’t have an Fn key, try pressing and holding the Control key when pressing a function key.
Do you have a picture of the KB?
Here is a link to one on Pinterest: Macally iKey4
Excellent suggestion, reached out to Macally support and just gave me a lame answer:
"Unfortunatly not. This keyboard does not have the "Fn" key."
Such is life...
Using old, USB Mac keyboards...macally.
