Forward-delete with Logitech K380 keyboard on macOS

Question

I am using a Logitech K380 keyboard with my MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020) running macOS Big Sur 11.6.

When I hold down the Function (fn) key while pressing the delete key on the built-in keyboard of the MacBook Pro, I get forward-delete action. That is, characters to the right (trailing) of the insertion point are removed.

On the K380, holding the Function (fn) key has no effect on the delete key. Characters to the left (leading) are always removed.

Why the difference is behavior? Is there a way to make get forward-delete with the K380? However, I would prefer not to install any software Logitech.

I tried this Firmware Update Tool. But it does not recognize my keyboard.

Answer 1

Fn/keypress combinations are combined in the keyboard before being sent to the computer.

Windows uses these Fn combos in a completely different way to Mac. Testing on a Logitech K830, Fn/Backspace actually sends what the Mac reads as F13.

On the upside, the keyboard has a dedicated Del key right above the Backspace key.

I suppose you could try Ukelele or even Karabiner to remap this - I have little to no experience with either.

Answer 2

I just purchased a K380 for Mac and I can confirm it does not have a Del key, only Delete. Pressing fn+Delete does not forward delete like other keyboards.

I've tried to switch keys around but Logitech Options software doesn't have the ability.

Answer 3

The answer to this is to press:
fn + ctrl + d

Answer 4

I got this working using only the Backspace key. My problem was with the Photos app. I couldn't delete a photo without the mouse. Also, you can delete a file using the Cmd+Backspace.

Answer 5

I have tried to make a rule with Karabiner as @Tetsujin mentioned as a possible solution. What I found is that it seems like no input is detected when pressing FN on the keyboard. I think it is an issue with the firmware, so hopefully, Logitech will see this post and release new firmware for the K380.

My rule for Karabiner

{
    "title": "My modifications",
    "rules": [
        {
            "description": "FN + backspace to be forward delete on Logitech K380 keyboard, MacOS",
            "manipulators": [
                {
                    "type": "basic",
                    "from": {
                        "simultaneous": [
                            {
                                "key_code": "fn"
                            },
                            {
                                "key_code": "delete_or_backspace"
                            }
                        ],
                        "modifiers": {
                            "optional": [
                                "any"
                            ]
                        }
                    },
                    "to": [
                        {
                            "key_code": "delete_forward"
                        }
                    ]
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}