Why Do Some Keyboards Have Extra Keys?

Spread the love

Good morning everyone, I don’t know if you are like me but I always wondered why some keys are added to certain keyboards and others are not, like why some keyboards have certain keys and others do not.

Are they actually useful, or just a marketing gimmick? Well, as someone who is absolutely obsessed with keyboards (seriously, I spend hours testing and researching them), I’m here to break it all down for you!

The Purpose of Extra Keys on Keyboards

Extra keys on keyboards aren’t just there to make the keyboard look cooler (although, let’s be honest, they do add a futuristic vibe).

They serve real, practical purposes that can improve your gaming, work efficiency, and even your overall comfort when using a computer. Here are the main reasons why manufacturers add extra keys:

Increased Productivity – Extra keys can be programmed to perform tasks faster, reducing the need to navigate through menus.
Better Gaming Performance – Many gaming keyboards include dedicated macro keys that allow players to execute complex actions with a single press.
Multimedia Controls – Volume adjustment, play/pause buttons, and even shortcuts for launching apps make media consumption seamless.
Customization & Automation – With extra keys, users can automate repetitive tasks, making them invaluable for programmers, video editors, and designers.
Improved Ergonomics – Shortcut keys can help reduce strain by minimizing the need for excessive hand movement.

Now that we know why these keys exist, let’s break them down further!

Types of Extra Keys and Their Uses

1. Macro Keys 🎮

Macro keys are a game-changer, especially for gamers and professionals who rely on shortcuts. These keys allow you to record a sequence of actions and execute them with a single press.

Benefits of Macro Keys:

Gamers can assign complex combos for faster in-game actions.
Programmers can automate repetitive coding commands.
Video editors can map shortcuts for cutting, trimming, and rendering.
Designers can switch between tools effortlessly.

👉 Example: Imagine playing an MMORPG where you need to cast multiple spells in quick succession. With a macro key, you can program this combo and trigger it instantly instead of manually pressing multiple buttons. That’s a serious advantage!

2. Dedicated Media Controls 🎵

If you’ve ever had to adjust your volume while watching a movie or change tracks while working, you know how annoying it is to alt-tab just to tweak your sound settings. That’s where dedicated media keys come in handy.

What These Keys Can Do:

Play/Pause music and videos
Adjust volume without opening settings
Skip tracks or rewind
Mute audio instantly

Some premium keyboards even come with a volume wheel, which feels super satisfying to use. Once you try it, you won’t want to go back!

3. Function Keys (F1–F12) and Additional Layers

Most keyboards already have function keys, but some advanced keyboards have extra layers that expand their usability. With a function (Fn) key, you can turn your keyboard into a powerhouse of shortcuts.

Common Uses of Function Keys:

F1-F12 Shortcuts: Open help menus, refresh pages, and toggle settings.
Secondary Functions: Increase/decrease brightness, enable airplane mode, etc.
Custom Mappings: Some keyboards allow you to remap function keys for your own needs.

4. G-Keys (Gaming-Specific Keys)

If you’ve seen keyboards with extra keys labeled G1, G2, G3, etc., these are dedicated gaming keys. Many high-end gaming keyboards (like those from Corsair and Logitech) feature these additional buttons.

Why They Matter:

Can be assigned to launch applications instantly.
Allow quick weapon swaps in FPS games.
Provide extra control for strategy games.

Gamers, especially esports players, use these keys to gain a competitive edge. Having dedicated keys for keybinds makes gameplay much more fluid.

Do You Need a Keyboard With Extra Keys? 🤔

If you’re wondering whether you should invest in a keyboard with extra keys, consider how you use your computer. Here are some situations where extra keys make a big difference:

✅ Yes, if you:

Play competitive games and want faster keybindings.
Work in video editing, programming, or design and need quick shortcuts.
Listen to music or watch videos frequently and want dedicated media controls.
Want to enhance your productivity with macro functions.

❌ No, if you:

Only use your keyboard for basic typing and browsing.
Prefer a minimalist setup and don’t like extra clutter.
Don’t need additional shortcuts or customizations.

Best Keyboards With Extra Keys (2025 Edition)

If you’re in the market for a keyboard with extra keys, here are some of the best options available right now:

🔹 Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT – A beast of a keyboard with dedicated macro keys and an insane amount of customization. 🔹 Razer BlackWidow Elite – Great for gaming, featuring programmable macros and media controls. 🔹 Logitech G915 Lightspeed – A wireless option with G-keys and ultra-fast response time. 🔹 SteelSeries Apex Pro – Adjustable actuation keys and extra customization features.

Final Thoughts 💭

I personally love keyboards with extra keys. They might seem like overkill at first, but once you get used to them, they’re hard to live without.

I generally don’t think that one day all keyboards will be standardized, but it could become something more standard. Anyway, I think that each brand has its additions to its product. If you want to add something great, but they value the quality of the keyboard in general.

So, do you use a keyboard with extra keys? If so, how do you use them? Let me know in the comments! And if you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to share it! 😊

📌 Read more articles about keyboards on my website: Keyboards Technology

See More

FAQs ❓

▶ Are extra keys necessary for gaming? 💬 Not always, but they give gamers an advantage by providing faster keybindings and macro execution.

▶ Can I remap extra keys for custom functions? 💬 Yes! Most gaming keyboards allow full key remapping via software.

▶ Do all mechanical keyboards have extra keys? 💬 No, some are designed to be compact and minimalist, like 60% keyboards, which remove function rows and macro keys.

▶ Are extra keys useful for office work? 💬 Absolutely! Programmers, designers, and video editors benefit from the added efficiency they provide.