What Do G Key On Keyboards Do?

I was amazed when I discovered a group of keys labeled “G” on my Logitech G510s Keyboard because I’d never seen them before.

After searching on Google, I learned that these keys can be customized or programmed to do different things quickly.

If your keyboard has similar keys, you can set them up to do lots of tasks, making your work easier.

But don’t get confused if you see “M-keys” instead of “G-keys” on some keyboards because they’re actually the same thing.

What Purpose Does G key Serve On Keyboard?

The G-Keys on keyboards are super useful because they let you do many things at once with just one press.

Basically, G-keys help speed up your work by doing lots of tasks when you press them once.

These keys, like G1, G2, G3, and so on, are all lined up vertically on the left side of your keyboard.

Originally, they were made to do a bunch of actions in one go, like pressing several keys or clicking the mouse.

Macro = A single instruction that expands automatically into a set of instructions for a particular task.

Today, its usage has grown in number and is used to perform complicated commands in gaming and other regular tasks.

Macro keys are very beneficial for someone who indulges in a lot of gaming, photo/video editing, streaming, and content development.

You can customize lots of different tasks for each G-key on your keyboard. Here are some examples:

1. Key sequences: You can set up a series of keystrokes to happen one after the other when you press a G-key.
2. Keyboard events or Hotkeys: G-keys can open or close programs with a single press, just like pressing a combination of keys.
3. Launching frequently used applications: You can make it so pressing a G-key opens your favorite programs instantly.
4. Mouse scrolling and specific movements: G-keys can control your mouse, like scrolling or moving it to a particular spot.
5. Adding delays between presses: You can make the G-key wait for a bit before doing its next action.
6. Shortcut commands for text: G-keys can insert ready-made text or apply styles with a single press.
7. Simulate missing features: They can make up for features your keyboard might not have by mimicking them.
8. Running commands while gaming: G-keys can help in games, like switching weapons or opening the chat, with just one press.

Some manufacturers chose to name it M instead of G, but it does the same thing.

How To Program G-Keys On Keyboard?

Programming the Macro keys will depend on the Keyboard manufacturer and supporting software because not all manufacturers share the same control panel.

For example, programming the keys in the Logitech Keyboard would differ from Corsair as they both offer custom consoles.

Here is a step-by-step guide to programming macro keys on different devices.

1. Corsair Keyboard

Corsair is a top brand for making useful for regular and gaming keyboard.

When you get a Corsair keyboard with G-keys, you’ll also receive special software called iCUE and a console that starts working when you plug in your keyboard to your computer.

Here’s how you can record Macros using iCUE version 4 or newer:

1. Open iCUE software on your PC.
2.  Select K70 RGB MK.2 and click Key Assignments, which will open a feature to customize the keypad.
3. Press on Plus sign “+” and select Macro.
4. Assign the macro to the Keyboard.
5. Select the key you want to assign the macro on the virtual Keyboard. For example, G1, G2, and so on.
6. Press the Record button marked with red and begin recording.
7. Perform Keyboard actions such as Ctrl+A, Shift+Alt+W, or gaming cheat codes ZTY+**90.
8. Press the record button to stop recording.
9. Apply any advanced settings or start settings to your macro.
10. Test the progress by pressing G-keys to ensure they are working.

For iCUE version 3 or older;

1. Open the iCUE app and pick the K70 RGB mK.2 keyboard from the devices list.
2. Click on “Actions” on the left side of the menu and hit the plus (+) key.
3. Choose the key where you want to set up the macro on the virtual keyboard, like G1, G2, etc.
4. Hit the red Record button to start recording.
5. Do the keyboard actions you want to record.
6. Press the record button again to stop recording.
7. You can apply any advanced settings or start settings to your macro if needed.
8. Test if your macro works by pressing the G-keys to see if they do what you recorded.

2. Logitech Keyboard

Logitech is also a popular keyboard maker that offers macros in their keyboards. But don’t get puzzled if you see “M” instead of “G” keys. They’re essentially the same thing!

To set up macros, you need to use the Logitech G Hub software with your keyboard.

The process may be slightly longer.

Here is how you can record Macros using G Hub software.

1. Open the Logitech G Hub software. You’ll see all the devices supported by G Hub on the dashboard.
2. Choose the keyboard or mouse you want to assign a macro to.
3. Click on “Assignments” from the menu on the left side.
4. Select “Macros” from the left panel, then click “Create New Macro.”
5. Give your macro a name and choose the type of macro you want: No repeat, Repeat, Toggle Sequence, etc.

6. Click on the plus icon next to “Start Now” to create your macro script.
7. Tap on “Record Keystrokes” to record new actions or commands, like pressing multiple keys.
8. Once you’ve done the actions, press the red button to finish recording.
9. You can set a delay between events by choosing “Use Standard Delay” or adjusting the delay time in the software.
10. Press “Save” to complete setting up the macro.

Watch the video to learn how to use G-keys on Logitech Keyboards in detail;

3. SteelSeries Keyboard

SteelSeries is another well-known brand for keyboards and mice with macro features. Here’s how to set up macros using the SteelSeries Engine software:

1. Begin by downloading and installing the SteelSeries Engine. You can find the installation file for both Windows and Mac.
2. Open the application and locate the Macro editor on the left-hand side menu under the settings tab.
3. Click the launch button to open a macro editor window.
4. In the window, you’ll see two sections—the left side for creating new recordings and the bottom right to trigger a macro recording session.
5. Press the red button to start recording. Choose the button where you want to assign the macro and input your custom commands, including key or mouse presses.
6. Press the red button again to stop the recording. You’ll see the workflow on the right-hand side, including the action, time delay, and chronology.
7. Click “Save” to store your macro settings.

Best Macro Keyboards With G Keys

A few Keyboard recommendations with G-Keys or macro keys.