Backtick and Tilde Key Functions | Generated by AI
Question: What key is near number 1 on a typical macOS keyboard — two keys up from Tab, and below Esc?
Answer:
That’s the backtick/tilde key — ` / ~.
Layout context:
[ Esc ] [ 1 ][ 2 ][ 3 ]...
[ `~ ] [ Q ][ W ][ E ]...
[ Tab ] [ A ][ S ][ D ]...
So ` sits:
- Left of
1 - Above
Tab - Below
Esc
The two characters on this key
| Key combo | Character | Name |
|---|---|---|
| (plain) | ` |
backtick / grave accent |
Shift + ` |
~ |
tilde |
Why this key matters (especially for you)
1. Shell — cd home shortcut
cd ~ # ~ expands to $HOME
cd ~/projects/lzwjava.github.io
2. Backtick in Markdown — inline code and fences
`inline code`
```python
# fenced code block
```
3. Python/JS template literals (JS)
const msg = `Hello ${name}, tokens used: ${count}`;
4. Vim — jump to last cursor position
`` # jump back to exact position
`^ # jump to last insert position
`. # jump to last change
5. tmux / terminal — backtick as prefix key
Some tmux configs use ` as the prefix instead of Ctrl-b:
set -g prefix `
6. Bash — command substitution (legacy style)
# Old style (backtick) — avoid in new scripts
result=`ls -la`
# Modern preferred style
result=$(ls -la)
7. macOS — switch input source shortcut
Ctrl + `` is sometimes bound to cycle IME input sources (relevant if you switch between English/Chinese input).
The key you’re thinking of is ` — one of the most overloaded keys on the keyboard for a developer.