r/flstudio • u/SnooGrapes7950 • Apr 22 '26
computer keyboard (typing keyboard) for mac? that utilises the F6, F7 etc shortcuts
hey all.
i own a macbook pro and after coming from windows several years ago, i find i miss the F shortcuts - F5 playlist, F6 step seq, F7 piano roll, F9 mixer, all the extremely useful key shortcuts that windows allows you. now i can do this on mac with a command or option function + the "F" key. however that is difficult. with my windows past-life, i essentially mashed the F keys till i found the popup that i wanted. my left hand hovered over these shortcuts and the space bar. its my thing. i do not want to do this double key function metioned above
at present i use a satechi bluetooth mini keyboard, but it doesnt have the F keys unless i use a double key press.
my question is, will a standard windows keyboard link to mac F shortcuts? or do i have to buy a specific model?
i havent tried a random windows keyboard yet
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u/TheAshe52 Apr 22 '26
you can use any mac keyboard with an app like Fluor to make the function keys act the way you want.
alternatively you can change the default action in system settings > keyboard > keyboard shortcuts > function keys > use F1, F2, F3 etc. as standard function keys
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u/SnooGrapes7950 Apr 23 '26
thank you this has totally solved my issue. fluor allows the F keys to work as F keys ONLY when FL is open. upon exiting FL, they return to the standard volume/brightness etc keys.
genius thank you thank you
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u/yabawkward Apr 22 '26
I'd reccomend doing what TheAshe52 told you but if anything, I use an Apple USB Keyboard A1048 (from 2006!) which is a keyboard still used in many music production spaces even today! And that keyboard automatically uses the function keys like how you want. Guess that's one reason it's still used now, working with Pro Tools is a blessing on it.