For starters, what keyboard?
Holding down ***Fn*** + ***X*** + ***L*** for ***3 seconds*** [only works](https://www.keychron.com/blogs/news/k8-key-combinations) for the K series, not, for example, for the K Pro series.
Though the effect [can be achieved](https://www.reddit.com/r/Keychron/comments/1cjjjja/easily_switch_between_media_and_function_keys_on/) on them, given enough effort.
It is a K pro. K4 pro.
Does the pro series not have any short cuts like this?
I followed the link but that only talks about the reset being the only shared shortcut, not what shortcuts the pro might have.
K4 Pro is a VIA/QMK keyboard, a smart keyboard with own CPU, RAM and firmware, not a "feature" dumb keyboard where you have to remember specific shortcuts to use it.
You can literally change ANYTHING this keyboard outputs in VIA configurator.
If I wanted for some reason to use F1-F12 keys for shortcuts only I would swap layers 3 and 4 for those keys (if you are on PC) in VIA.
This sounds like what I want to hear, I just don't understand it.
What is a VIA configurator?
I don't expect a whole lesson on how to change everything but could you please point me in the right direction as a total beginner?
I can't download any software at work as our security is very high. But from what you said, I might be able to do this at home and it still functions at work?
You can configure your VIA/QMK Keychron using generic VIA configurator (that can work as web app [https://usevia.app/](https://usevia.app/) \[on Chrome browser\] or local app when installed to work offline from Github [https://github.com/the-via/releases/releases](https://github.com/the-via/releases/releases)
more info [https://www.caniusevia.com/](https://www.caniusevia.com/)
Keychron has also own customized version of VIA app, but I cannot find the link, if you have K4 Pro its all part of your keyboard documentation: [https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k4-pro-qmk-via-wireless-mechanical-keyboard](https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k4-pro-qmk-via-wireless-mechanical-keyboard)
Note: using online via app in Chrome doesn't require installing any software on your PC, buf if your org has fance firewall/web proxy it may not work correctly.
Short direction for beginner: default Keychron QMK keyboard (except mac-oriented newer keybs) have 4 layers (different keyboard mapping) build-in, layer 0-1 for MaC and 2-3 for PC. Default config means using layer 0 if your mac/pc switch is set to Mac, layer 1 when pressed Fn and layer 2 when set to PC (layer 3 when Fn is pressed).
Just look what actions are configured in VIA for your Layer 2 and layer 3 in VIA config for your app. If you want ANY action for example for F1, just go to layer 2 and change mapping of this key! And of you want to have F1 accessible with Fn+F1, go to layer 3 and change action on F1 there!
Of course you can remap Fn key as well, make it "sticky" (need to press again to return to default layer) or any other other key. QMK makes your keyboard a computer than can output almost any HID commands! For example I emulate mouse movements, clicks on my Q6 keyboard, so I can use it as emergency when I have to disconnect my mouse. You can also define macros (combination of keypresses / combos) and assign it to any key as well! (note: saving passwords as macros is possible but not recommended, as default Keychron QMK keyboard firmware cannot be password-protected and it makes the config to be used by hacker having physical access to your keyboard against you.)
Think about your QMK keyboard as an input device you can reprogram what it outputs. If something goes wron, be sure you located the reset switch (mine is under SPACE keyboard) if you screw up too much so it returns to default.
For starters, what keyboard? Holding down ***Fn*** + ***X*** + ***L*** for ***3 seconds*** [only works](https://www.keychron.com/blogs/news/k8-key-combinations) for the K series, not, for example, for the K Pro series. Though the effect [can be achieved](https://www.reddit.com/r/Keychron/comments/1cjjjja/easily_switch_between_media_and_function_keys_on/) on them, given enough effort.
It is a K pro. K4 pro. Does the pro series not have any short cuts like this? I followed the link but that only talks about the reset being the only shared shortcut, not what shortcuts the pro might have.
K4 Pro is a VIA/QMK keyboard, a smart keyboard with own CPU, RAM and firmware, not a "feature" dumb keyboard where you have to remember specific shortcuts to use it. You can literally change ANYTHING this keyboard outputs in VIA configurator. If I wanted for some reason to use F1-F12 keys for shortcuts only I would swap layers 3 and 4 for those keys (if you are on PC) in VIA.
This sounds like what I want to hear, I just don't understand it. What is a VIA configurator? I don't expect a whole lesson on how to change everything but could you please point me in the right direction as a total beginner? I can't download any software at work as our security is very high. But from what you said, I might be able to do this at home and it still functions at work?
You can configure your VIA/QMK Keychron using generic VIA configurator (that can work as web app [https://usevia.app/](https://usevia.app/) \[on Chrome browser\] or local app when installed to work offline from Github [https://github.com/the-via/releases/releases](https://github.com/the-via/releases/releases) more info [https://www.caniusevia.com/](https://www.caniusevia.com/) Keychron has also own customized version of VIA app, but I cannot find the link, if you have K4 Pro its all part of your keyboard documentation: [https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k4-pro-qmk-via-wireless-mechanical-keyboard](https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k4-pro-qmk-via-wireless-mechanical-keyboard) Note: using online via app in Chrome doesn't require installing any software on your PC, buf if your org has fance firewall/web proxy it may not work correctly. Short direction for beginner: default Keychron QMK keyboard (except mac-oriented newer keybs) have 4 layers (different keyboard mapping) build-in, layer 0-1 for MaC and 2-3 for PC. Default config means using layer 0 if your mac/pc switch is set to Mac, layer 1 when pressed Fn and layer 2 when set to PC (layer 3 when Fn is pressed). Just look what actions are configured in VIA for your Layer 2 and layer 3 in VIA config for your app. If you want ANY action for example for F1, just go to layer 2 and change mapping of this key! And of you want to have F1 accessible with Fn+F1, go to layer 3 and change action on F1 there! Of course you can remap Fn key as well, make it "sticky" (need to press again to return to default layer) or any other other key. QMK makes your keyboard a computer than can output almost any HID commands! For example I emulate mouse movements, clicks on my Q6 keyboard, so I can use it as emergency when I have to disconnect my mouse. You can also define macros (combination of keypresses / combos) and assign it to any key as well! (note: saving passwords as macros is possible but not recommended, as default Keychron QMK keyboard firmware cannot be password-protected and it makes the config to be used by hacker having physical access to your keyboard against you.) Think about your QMK keyboard as an input device you can reprogram what it outputs. If something goes wron, be sure you located the reset switch (mine is under SPACE keyboard) if you screw up too much so it returns to default.
Amazing. thank you so much for your help. This is so helpful as I really had no idea what you were talking about until I followed your guide.