[yokohummer7]

Well, my experience is the opposite: while using the new MacBook I realized how infrequent I was using the function keys. The only times that I noticed the "missing" function keys were when I tried to open up the web developer console (F12), or rename a file (F2). I did see Apple's rationale here: ordinary users won't miss them, given I, being a developer, didn't miss them either.

But unlike you and the OP, pressing the Esc key did affect me. I couldn't completely get used to the soft key even after using it for more than one month (currently). Every time I try to press Esc, I'm a bit hesitant. The inertia was higher than I expected. So I can't agree with the phrasing that "there is no justification for the apparent panic." The annoyance exists and I'm the living proof.

[8draco8]

But on mac to open Developer Tools you are using Cmd + Opt + I or Cmd + Shift + C and to rename a file Enter key is used. There is almost no use for F-keys on macOS other than volume and brightness controls. I don't have newest MBP but on daily basis I am using 60% keyboard without F-keys row and very rarely have to go to F-keys layer even on Ubuntu and Windows.

[tqkxzugoaupvwqr]

General macOS users don’t have a need for F-keys, true. But the people that use F-keys, typically use them frequently. In my IDE, some shortcuts use F-keys. I use them regularly.

[theodorton]

You can re-map the Escape key to Caps Lock. I bought the new MBP and got used to this. Although I returned it later and went back to my previous machine, I still use Caps Lock as Escape.

I'm using Karabiner Elements on Sierra.

    brew cask install karabiner-elements

Edit: I also believe it causes less strain on my fingers.

[rectang]

I've already got `caps lock` mapped to `control`, mainly because of where Apple put the `fn` button.

As a heavy Vim user, I'm not looking forward to the `esc` trouble when I get my next Apple laptop.

[WildUtah]

    :inoremap kj <Esc>

You'll love it.

[yokohummer7]

Oh wow. I can't believe I didn't think of it earlier! As a Vim user I've always been told it is good to swap Caps Lock and Esc, yet I haven't actually tried it due to my laziness. Probably now is the time.

[WildUtah]

Caps lock should be control, like it was when vi was invented. You can remap it under system preferences| keyboard| modifier

As for <esc>,

    :inoremap kj <Esc>

You'll love it.

[henrikgs]

It should be both

http://stevelosh.com/blog/2012/10/a-modern-space-cadet/#cont...

[akvadrako]

You don't need third party software for this. Just look under Keyboard in System Prefs.

[ascagnel_]

If a keyboard doesn't identify itself as such (I have a bluetooth keyboard that does this), you need third-party software to do it. The built-in Apple functionality only works on keyboards that say they're keyboards.