What function does the K key perform during playback?

The K key performs the pause function during playback, which is critical for temporarily halting the video or audio without stopping the entire playback session. This allows users to pause and resume their viewing or listening experience smoothly. By pressing the K key, users can take a break or analyze a segment of the media before continuing, making it a valuable tool for those who need to digest information more thoroughly, such as during study sessions or when taking notes.

Other playback functions, like fast forward or rewind, serve different purposes and require separate keys or commands. The ability to pause and resume is an essential feature in any media playback system, making the K key an important element for user control.