How to Add Sleep Hotkey on Logi Options+
To customize Logitech keyboards, users can opt to use Logitech’s included software,Logi Options+, or third-party alternatives to either enhance the Options+ or completely replace it. The reason why I am writing a how-to on Logitech’s official software has little to do its capabilities; frankly, I would recommend exploring third-party alternatives for any advanced customizations capabilities. But I also experienced long term support for third-party apps can be a deal breaker for many, including myself.
If you have a full-sized Logitech keyboard, chances are it may already have a dedicated sleep or lock button to customize. But for TKL keyboards (laptop sized), at least on MX Mechanical Mini, the keyboard only has lock hotkey under Del (Forward), which doesn’t put Mac to sleep immediately and cannot be customized into sleep button.
Instructions
For obvious reasons, I am assuming you are using a Logitech branded keyboard that works with Logi Options+, installed and paired with the software.
- Open Smart Actions from top right corner.
- Press Create to create new smart action.
- For trigger, Shortcut > choose your own shortcut: (e.g.
Opt + Del (Forward)), System > select Sleep.
Afterthoughts
I avoided using Ctrl + ESC because the shortcut seems to be taken and made an alert sound. As far as I know, the shortcut is not used system-wide on macOS, so perhaps it is from Logi Options+. Opt + Del (Forward) is also not reserved by the system, and it was certainly not triggering an alert. However, do not use Cmd + Opt + ESC, as it is used to force quit an application on macOS.
My personal opinion on the third-party apps, especially on Intel Macs, is they tend to oversell its stability and interoperability on older hardwares. Some of them flat out crashed upon opening the app for the first time, and some of them didn’t support Windows — Intel Macs have Boot Camp support — and it seemed to signal the fact x86 support is not a priority. Again, they tend to offer finer controls over keyboards, I would recommend looking into it if you are on Apple Silicon systems.