4 ms·

Well, my experience is the opposite: while using the new MacBook I realized how infrequent I was using the function keys. The only times that I noticed the "mis

Well, my experience is the opposite: while using the new MacBook I realized how infrequent I was using the function keys. The only times that I noticed the "missing" function keys were when I tried to open up the web developer console (F12), or rename a file (F2). I did see Apple's rationale here: ordinary users won't miss them, given I, being a developer, didn't miss them either. But unlike you and the OP, pressing the Esc key did affect me. I couldn't completely get used to the soft key even after using it for more than one month (currently). Every time I try to press Esc, I'm a bit hesitant. The inertia was higher than I expected. So I can't agree with the phrasing that "there is no justification for the apparent panic." The annoyance exists and I'm the living proof.

8draco8 10y ago
But on mac to open Developer Tools you are using Cmd + Opt + I or Cmd + Shift + C and to rename a file Enter key is used. There is almost no use for F-keys on macOS other than volume and brightness controls. I don't have newest MBP but on daily basis I am using 60% keyboard without F-keys row and very rarely have to go to F-keys layer even on Ubuntu and Windows.
- tqkxzugoaupvwqr 10y ago
  General macOS users don’t have a need for F-keys, true. But the people that use F-keys, typically use them frequently. In my IDE, some shortcuts use F-keys. I use them regularly.
theodorton 10y ago
You can re-map the Escape key to Caps Lock. I bought the new MBP and got used to this. Although I returned it later and went back to my previous machine, I still use Caps Lock as Escape. I'm using Karabiner Elements on Sierra. brew cask install karabiner-elements Edit: I also believe it causes less strain on my fingers.
- yokohummer7 10y ago
  Oh wow. I can't believe I didn't think of it earlier! As a Vim user I've always been told it is good to swap Caps Lock and Esc, yet I haven't actually tried it due to my laziness. Probably now is the time.
  - WildUtah 10y ago
    Caps lock should be control, like it was when vi was invented. You can remap it under system preferences| keyboard| modifier As for <esc>, :inoremap kj <Esc> You'll love it.
    - henrikgs 10y ago
      It should be both http://stevelosh.com/blog/2012/10/a-modern-space-cadet/#control-escape http://stevelosh.com/blog/2012/10/a-modern-space-cadet/#cont...
- rectang 10y ago
  I've already got `caps lock` mapped to `control`, mainly because of where Apple put the `fn` button. As a heavy Vim user, I'm not looking forward to the `esc` trouble when I get my next Apple laptop.
  - WildUtah 10y ago
    :inoremap kj <Esc> You'll love it.
- akvadrako 10y ago
  You don't need third party software for this. Just look under Keyboard in System Prefs.
  - ascagnel_ 10y ago
    If a keyboard doesn't identify itself as such (I have a bluetooth keyboard that does this), you need third-party software to do it. The built-in Apple functionality only works on keyboards that say they're keyboards.

8draco8 10y ago

But on mac to open Developer Tools you are using Cmd + Opt + I or Cmd + Shift + C and to rename a file Enter key is used. There is almost no use for F-keys on macOS other than volume and brightness controls. I don't have newest MBP but on daily basis I am using 60% keyboard without F-keys row and very rarely have to go to F-keys layer even on Ubuntu and Windows.

tqkxzugoaupvwqr 10y ago
General macOS users don’t have a need for F-keys, true. But the people that use F-keys, typically use them frequently. In my IDE, some shortcuts use F-keys. I use them regularly.

theodorton 10y ago

You can re-map the Escape key to Caps Lock. I bought the new MBP and got used to this. Although I returned it later and went back to my previous machine, I still use Caps Lock as Escape. I'm using Karabiner Elements on Sierra. brew cask install karabiner-elements Edit: I also believe it causes less strain on my fingers.

yokohummer7 10y ago
Oh wow. I can't believe I didn't think of it earlier! As a Vim user I've always been told it is good to swap Caps Lock and Esc, yet I haven't actually tried it due to my laziness. Probably now is the time.
- WildUtah 10y ago
  Caps lock should be control, like it was when vi was invented. You can remap it under system preferences| keyboard| modifier As for <esc>, :inoremap kj <Esc> You'll love it.
  - henrikgs 10y ago
    It should be both http://stevelosh.com/blog/2012/10/a-modern-space-cadet/#control-escape http://stevelosh.com/blog/2012/10/a-modern-space-cadet/#cont...
rectang 10y ago
I've already got `caps lock` mapped to `control`, mainly because of where Apple put the `fn` button. As a heavy Vim user, I'm not looking forward to the `esc` trouble when I get my next Apple laptop.
- WildUtah 10y ago
  :inoremap kj <Esc> You'll love it.
akvadrako 10y ago
You don't need third party software for this. Just look under Keyboard in System Prefs.
- ascagnel_ 10y ago
  If a keyboard doesn't identify itself as such (I have a bluetooth keyboard that does this), you need third-party software to do it. The built-in Apple functionality only works on keyboards that say they're keyboards.