# How do I open the console commands on my computer? {In Skyrim} **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** video-games-e-games\ **Created:** [March 13, 2023, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-the-console-commands-on-my-computer-in-skyrim/981112 "2023-03-13T16:24:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2023, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-the-console-commands-on-my-computer-in-skyrim/981112/21 "2023-03-13T21:56:03Z")
Looks like all those items of the side of the keys require the FN button to be pressed. ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2023, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-the-console-commands-on-my-computer-in-skyrim/981112/22 "2023-03-13T22:02:56Z")
Try the “accent grave” key (a.k.a. backward quote or backtick). It’s usually to the left of the 1 (one) key. Was mentioned earlier, but the formatting was a trainwreck and I don’t think you saw it. Also note that the computer console is different from the game’s console. You need to be _in_ Skyrim to do Skyrim console things. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2023, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-the-console-commands-on-my-computer-in-skyrim/981112/23 "2023-03-13T22:10:59Z")
Your advice is not going to work for the super-streamlined form-before-function miniature monstrosity @Love_Rhombus is using. There is no key to the left of the “1” key except “Escape”. In conclusion: you cannot access the tilde glyph on that keyboard, no way, no how. It’s not even available as an Function-key alternate. ---
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2023, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-the-console-commands-on-my-computer-in-skyrim/981112/24 "2023-03-13T22:12:53Z")
> [@gnoitall](#): > > In conclusion: you cannot access the tilde glyph on that keyboard, no way, no how. It’s not even available as an Function-key alternate. Look at the second picture. The function icons are underneath the keys. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2023, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-the-console-commands-on-my-computer-in-skyrim/981112/25 "2023-03-13T22:15:23Z")
> [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > I have [this thing](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/razer-huntsman-mini-60-wired-optical-linear-switch-gaming-keyboard-with-chroma-rgb-backlighting-mercury/6425356.p?skuId=6425356). Thanks, that helps immensely. Here’s [the Razer product page](https://www.razer.com/gaming-keyboards/razer-huntsman-mini), where there are pictures showing where the ~ function mapping is (on the side of the esc key), assuming this is indeed the same model It does look like you have the key but only accessible via the ‘fn’ key on the bottom row on the right side. You hold down ‘fn’ and hit ‘esc’, just as you’d use Shift for capital letters. If I’m not mistaken, you can also do arrow keys the same way with ‘fn’ + {I,J,K,L}. And likewise control/insert/etc. That said, try it out in Word or notepad or something first. It’s not guaranteed to work the same in-game, depending on your game settings. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2023, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-the-console-commands-on-my-computer-in-skyrim/981112/26 "2023-03-13T22:17:20Z")
I sit corrected. I overlooked that there is a Function key alternate for the Escape key, which appears to be the needed key. So, “fn” + “Escape”, apparently? ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2023, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-the-console-commands-on-my-computer-in-skyrim/981112/27 "2023-03-13T23:01:48Z")
…And that thing is billed as a “gaming keyboard”? Usually “gaming” accessories have way too many extra buttons. And, yeah, colored lights. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2023, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-the-console-commands-on-my-computer-in-skyrim/981112/28 "2023-03-13T23:11:28Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > …And that thing is billed as a “gaming keyboard”? Absolutely! After all, figuring out how to properly operate it is a game all in itself! ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2023, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-the-console-commands-on-my-computer-in-skyrim/981112/29 "2023-03-13T23:29:09Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > Absolutely! After all, figuring out how to properly operate it is a game all in itself! And multiplayer, apparently. 🤣 FN + Esc does seem to produce a tilde. Now to test it in-game. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-the-console-commands-on-my-computer-in-skyrim/981112/30 "2023-03-14T00:20:59Z")
And another mystery solved! High-fives all around, everyone! Me and my “super-streamlined form-before-function miniature monstrosity” thank you all very much! ---
**Author:** ![Palooka](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/palooka/32/2902_2.png) [@Palooka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palooka)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-the-console-commands-on-my-computer-in-skyrim/981112/31 "2023-03-14T00:55:25Z")
Now you can add Flame Atronachs to your home so Lydia doesn’t get lonely while you’re gone. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-the-console-commands-on-my-computer-in-skyrim/981112/32 "2023-03-14T14:05:45Z")
Eh, she’s sworn to carry my burdens. She’ll be _fine_. ---
**Author:** ![Hoopy\_Frood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hoopy_frood/32/8452_2.png) [@Hoopy\_Frood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hoopy_Frood)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2023, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-the-console-commands-on-my-computer-in-skyrim/981112/33 "2023-03-15T03:33:12Z")
If you paid $99 for that keyboard you paid way too much. And it’s even worse if you pay the full $130 for it. For $10 over that sale price you can have this on Newegg: > **[Patriot Viper V770 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Full RGB/Dedicated Media...](https://www.newegg.com/black-patriot-viper-v770-kailh-red/p/N82E16823951004)** > > Buy Patriot Viper V770 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Full RGB/Dedicated Media Controls/Macro Enabled with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg! Or for $20 less than that sale price of yours you can get this keyboard on Amazon: > **[Patriot Viper V770 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Full RGB/Dedicated Media...](https://www.amazon.com/Patriot-Mechanical-Keyboard-Dedicated-PV770MRUMXGM/dp/B072JX9KRQ)** > > Buy Patriot Viper V770 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Full RGB/Dedicated Media Controls/Macro Enabled at Amazon. Customer reviews and photos may be available to help you make the right purchase decision! It’s not the latest and greatest, but it still regularly gets considered as one of the best gaming keyboards available, especially for the price. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2023, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-the-console-commands-on-my-computer-in-skyrim/981112/34 "2023-03-15T03:56:50Z")
I’m not personally down for criticizing a person’s choice in gaming hardware, except for when aesthetics defeat functionality. Sometimes it’s more a work of art than a peripheral. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2023, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-the-console-commands-on-my-computer-in-skyrim/981112/35 "2023-03-15T05:07:11Z")
> [@Hoopy\_Frood](#): > > For $10 over that sale price you can have this on Newegg: I love mechanical keyboards, I have one now and will probably always use them. They feel so much better to type on. ---
**Author:** ![Hoopy\_Frood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hoopy_frood/32/8452_2.png) [@Hoopy\_Frood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hoopy_Frood)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2023, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-the-console-commands-on-my-computer-in-skyrim/981112/36 "2023-03-16T03:31:31Z")
> [@gnoitall](#): > > I’m not personally down for criticizing a person’s choice in gaming hardware, except for when aesthetics defeat functionality. Sometimes it’s more a work of art than a peripheral. I would argue the functionality of that keyboard is awful, though. Having to hold down function to get commonly used functional keys (including the “Functional” keys themselves) seems like a ergonomic nightmare. I’m not trying to come across as condescending, but I don’t know any other way to describe that keyboard other than it’s just awful and that’s before you add the price. I don’t think I’ve ever used a laptop keyboard that’s as bad, and laptop keyboards sacrifice a lot of functionality for space-saving. I don’t understand why a peripheral keyboard would be designed like that. ---
**Author:** ![Palooka](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/palooka/32/2902_2.png) [@Palooka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palooka)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2023, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-the-console-commands-on-my-computer-in-skyrim/981112/37 "2023-03-16T05:09:57Z")
65% keyboards are trendy lately. They offer a lot more room for your mouse, especially if you mouse from your elbow with low sensitivity. Otherwise you have the keyboard at a weird angle and it’s poking you in the chest or you have a really wide position. Not being able to easily access some keys is basically a feature since you don’t want to hit those by accident in the heat of the moment. $100 is pretty tame by quality keyboard standards. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2023, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-the-console-commands-on-my-computer-in-skyrim/981112/38 "2023-03-16T05:14:21Z")
I’m a no-frills guy all the way. You can take my k120 when you pry it from my cold, dead hands. Logitech K120 Wired Keyboard for Windows, Plug and Play, Full-Size, Spill-Resistant, Curved Space Bar, Compatible with PC, Laptop - Black [Amazon.com](https://a.co/d/85hICOm) I also use the equivalent mouse, except wireless. For some reason the wireless mouse works flawlessly, but the wireless keyboard drops keystrokes constantly. So I grabbed a wired one and I’m so much happier. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2023, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-the-console-commands-on-my-computer-in-skyrim/981112/39 "2023-03-16T06:16:58Z")
> [@Palooka](#): > > 65% keyboards are trendy lately. They offer a lot more room for your mouse, especially if you mouse from your elbow with low sensitivity. They are a good compromise for some keyboard trays too. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-the-console-commands-on-my-computer-in-skyrim/981112.md?page=1)