I like using just the laptop screen. However, I find OS X's animations between screens distracting. I wish there was a way to instantly switch between screens

I like using just the laptop screen. However, I find OS X's animations between screens distracting. I wish there was a way to instantly switch between screens, without the animation. Early Linux had these F1 F2 macros that would allow you to jump between terminals. That's what I want on my Mac. Also I want 16GB on my MB Air, but that is another story.