Meta key The Meta key was a special key on old MIT computer keyboards , such as the Space-cadet keyboard . Sun keyboards continue to include a Meta key , marked as a solid diamond . The key may be considered equivalent to the Macintosh 's command key , which has the same location and similar function . On modern keyboards , it is usually emulated with Alt key or with the Windows key . As an alternative in some programs , Meta key is emulated by pressing and releasing the Esc key ( see Emacs ) . The Compose key is sometimes known as a `` meta key '' . See also Modifier key  This computer hardware -related article is a stub . You can help Wikipedia by expanding it . US English computer keyboard keys Modifier keys : Control | Shift | Alt / Option ( Macintosh ) | AltGr | Command / Meta ( MIT computer keyboards ) | Windows | Fn ( compact keyboard layout ) Dead keys : Compose Lock keys : Scroll lock | Num lock | Caps lock Navigation keys : Arrow keys | Page scroll keys ( Page up / Page down ) | Home / End Edit keys : Return / Enter | Backspace | Insert | Delete | Tab Uncategorized : SysRq / Print screen | Break / Pause | Escape | Menu | Space bar | Numpad | Function keys | Power management keys ( Power , Sleep , Wake ) This box :   view • talk • edit Categories : Computer keys | Computer hardware stubs 