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How To Use The Multimedia and Function Keys On Dell External Multimedia Keyboards

Summary: This article describes the differences between Dell external multimedia keyboards and how to use the multimedia and function keys on each type.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Instructions

Dell offers two types of external multimedia keyboards which typically combine the [F1]..[F12] with a multimedia function such as mute, increase volume, lower volume, and so on.
  • Type 1: Dell Multimedia Keyboard with media functions as "primary" and [F1]..[F12] as "secondary".
    • Wireless keyboards: KB500, KB700, KB740, KM5221W, KM7120W, KM7321W.

    Dell Multi-Media Keyboard with media functions as “primary” and [F1]..[F12] as “secondary”

    Figure 1: Dell Multimedia Keyboard Part Number KM5221W.

  • Type 2: Dell Multimedia Keyboard with [F1]..[F12] as "primary" and media functions as "secondary"
    • Wired keyboard: KB216.
    • Wireless keyboards: KM117, KM3322W.

    Dell Multi-Media Keyboard with [F1]..[F12] as “primary” and media functions as “secondary”

    Figure 2: Dell Multimedia Keyboard Part Number KB216.


Type 1 Keyboard Usage:

Function Keys:
  • Primary:
    • Pressing [F1]..[F12] activates the multimedia function (i.e. KM5221W: Pressing [F1] enables Mute).
  • Secondary:
    • Pressing [FN]+[F1]..[F12] keys activates the traditional F# function (i.e. KM5221W: Pressing [FN]+[F1] activates Help).
  • Exception:
    • Any F# keys without media icons (i.e. KM5221W: [F4] key) behaves as traditional function keys regardless of the primary or secondary mode.
To Swap:
  • To swap the Primary and Secondary functions, press [FN]+[Esc].
  • To swap it back, press [FN]+[Esc] once again.

For Dell Computers That Need To Enter BIOS Mode:

Note: Applicable for keyboards using the RF mode only. Bluetooth is not supported during the initial bootup.
  • Default Method:
    • When the Dell logo appears, press-and-hold [FN]+[F2] until the BIOS screen appears.
  • Optional Method:
    • At the operating system ready screen, press [FN]+[Esc], reboot, and press-and-hold [F2] when the Dell logo appears.

Alt Functions For Windows:
 
Note: We use "Close the Application" for this example.
  • Default: Press [FN]+[Alt]+[F4].
  • Optional method: Press [FN+[Esc] to switch between primary and secondary, then press [Alt]+[F4].

Type 2 Keyboard Usage:

Function Keys:
  • Primary:
    • Pressing [F1]..[F12] activates the traditional F# function (KB216: Pressing [F1] activates Help).
  • Secondary:
    • Pressing [Alt]+[F1]..[F12] activates the multimedia function (KB216: Pressing [Alt]+[F1] activates Sleep mode).
  • Exception:
    • Any F# keys with no media icons (i.e. KB216 [F2] key) behave as traditional function keys regardless of the primary or secondary mode.

To swap:
  • To swap Primary and Secondary functions, press [FN]+[Esc].
  • To swap it back, press [FN]+[Esc] again.
  • Exception:
    • On KB216, when pressing [FN]+[Esc] multimedia keys (i.e. [F1] for sleep) both primary and secondary modes are enabled.

For Dell Computers That Need To Enter BIOS Mode:
  • Default method:
    • Press and hold [F2].

Alt Functions For Windows:
  • Default:
    • Press [Alt]+[F4].

Affected Products

Dell Compact Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard - KB740, Dell Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard - KB700, Dell Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo KM7120W, Dell Premier Multi Device Wireless Keyboard and Mouse KM7321W , Dell Pro Wireless Keyboard and Mouse KM5221W, Dell Wireless Keyboard and Mouse - KM117, Dell Wireless Keyboard & Mouse KM3322W, Dell Wireless Keyboard KB500 ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000205137
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 02 Feb 2024
Version:  2
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