In some keyboards, the Esc key functions as a toggle for the Function padlock. So, use the correct key to enable function keys and then use the F5 key to refresh your desktop or a page.

This collection of keyboard shortcuts for macOS can help users get the most from their iMacs, MacBook Pro and MacBook laptops.

If the Touch Bar is in another mode, you can hold down the fn key on the lower left of the keyboard. That will make the function keys appear on the Touch Bar, and that includes an esc key.

These function keys can be customized and used within bash, or any other shell, by binding the key sequences to a command in the shell.

To make room for that, Apple completely got rid of the function keys that’ve been at the top of Mac keyboards for years. Physical esc key? Gone. Same for the brightness buttons and volume controls.