Most people will be shocked when they buy their first Chromebook. They will experience their first shock after experiencing looking at the keyboard of their Chromebook. If they have a Pixel book, they will not find the Caps Lock key in its normal place. They will discover that the Caps Lock key is provided between the Ctrl and Alt keys. The key in the top line looks like a square with 2 straight rows next to it.
Moreover, Google has now changed the keyboards of its Chromebooks in new ways. It highlights how Chrome OS is different from Apple macOS and Microsoft Windows. The more confusing element is that the keyboard layout can differ depending on the Chromebook model. You will find a couple of extra keys if you are a Pixel book user.
New Changes in the Top Row
Moreover, people earlier experience a key with a Search symbol in most Chromebooks. But it is now a round Status symbol in a Pixel book. This article will provide a quick overview to explain those changes offered in the new version. However, your Chromebook could show a slight difference. It would support providing a reference until you find a new keyboard with alterations.
Google has now altered a row of many dedicated keys, rather than normal numbered function keys including F1, F2, etc. It is important that these keys can vary more likely depending on the model and version of your Chromebook.
However, you will supposedly not find all the keys we mentioned here. The following is a list of keys you will probably find on the top row of your Chromebook. These keys are listed in the left to right order with their appearance including a short description for special keys.
The Altered Keys in Pixel book (Chromebook 101)
Esc Key: The normal key used to get out of trouble.
Back Key: The key used to go back one page.
Next Key: This key is used to go forward one page.
Refresh Key: The key has a circle with an arrow and is used to refresh your page.
Full Page Key: This key has a square with small out-facing arrows. It is used to bring the current page and present the full screen.
Windows Key: It has a square with 2 lines on the right side. This key can show all the open windows on the screen. They are visible on top of the screen if users have multiple virtual desktops.
Brightness-Down Key: This key is used to decrease the brightness level.
Brightness-Up Key: It is used to increase the screen brightness.
Play / Pause Key: The key is used to Play or Pause multimedia.
Mute Key: This key is also specific for multimedia purposes.
Lower Volume Key: Use this key to decrease the volume level.
High Volume Key: This key can increase your volume level.
Lock Screen Key: It provides an efficient way to go back to your lock screen.
Users will have the Search key or Launcher key depending on their system. You can find it between the Shift and Tab keys on the left side of the keyboard (a normal place for the Caps Lock key). This key was formerly used to launch the Chrome OS app drawer and then offers a search box. Meanwhile, Pixel book users will find the Assistant key between the Alt and Ctrl keys at the bottom of the keyboard. This key is dedicated to showing up the Google Assistant.