Macro key

A macro key is a keyboard key that can be configured to perform custom, user-defined behavior. Many keyboards do not have a macro key, but some have one or more. Some consider a macro key to enhance productivity by allowing them to do operations via a single key press that otherwise requires slower or multiple UI actions.

Macro key on an old keyboard.

Custom behavior typically involves one or more user interface (UI) operations such as keystrokes and mouse actions.^[1] For example, a macro key might be configured to launch a program. A gamer might configure it for rapid-fire.

Some early PC keyboards had a single key located on the lowest row of keys, either to the left of the Z key or to the right of the right control key. Sometimes it was treated as a backslash, but its behavior varied. It generated a special scan code so that a program could associate unique behavior to it.

Around 2010, some mice had a macro button with a similar utility.