How to live without windows key?

[ianxblog]

Im planning on buying a IBM Model M. But i'm worried about the windows key.

I use it pretty much a shortcut to open apps. (Like Wkey > notepad; WKey > calc) on Windows 7
And I also use Wkey+L a lot.

Did you guys now a good replacement to it? Like an autohotkey script.

[quickcrx702]

http://pckeyboard.com/page/UKBD/UNI0P4A
http://pckeyboard.com/page/UKBD/UB40P4A

[EDI]

Bind it to caps lock key for example. This can be done with Autohotkey.

[esoomenona]

Ctrl+Esc opens the start menu, but I've yet to be able to use it with other keys for combos.

Or bind it to a key you don't use, as mentioned. On my board, Caps Lock is Ctrl, Ctrls are Alts, and Alts are Windows keys.

[wuqe]

I agree to keep it around in some fashion; I use ahk to put a lot more smarts into the win key (e.g. win+w=alt+f4) and simply couldn't make do without it. Either that, or use ahk to bind f keys to all the things you would otherwise do do with the win key.

[C5Allroad]

Ctrl+Esc+Winkey...

[IvanIvanovich]

Map something that isn't used really like scroll lock to Windows in registry / with sharpkeys. Maybe it's a bit awkward but it is an otherwise useless key for most on modern Windows. I always would use OS level remap for something like this so it always work. I played with AHK some time ago and noticed some things completely disregard it.
I also tried for awhile with Windows mapped to one of extra mouse button. If you have 6+ button mouse perhaps that would work for you. I think best option though is to have a small programmable keypad to use for all things basic winkeyless lack. Windows key, media key, some useful macro / app launch etc.
Personally I just stopped using winkeyless keyboard on modern Windows. It's too inconvenient especially on Windows 8.x. Now I just use those vintage keyboard on system that it is not as important to have windows key function, like 98 (I only use it to run old game that don't work well or at all on modern Windows or DOSBox) or linux/BSD.

[Tactile]

I agree with quickcrx702. Get a buckling spring keyboard from Unicomp. You're getting a brand new keyboard, set up just the way you want.

Buying Model M keyboards almost always involves tinkering. Maybe it's had some keycaps replaced and they don't match. Maybe it has one or two keys which are wonky. Do you want to do the screw mod?

The point I'm trying to make is that while you're tinkering with your 20 year old Model M, your Unicomp keyboard will be right there as a daily driver, working just fine, and with a Windows key, too.

[fohat.digs]

This is part of the reason that I am excited about the 2-key keyboard in the project thread.

I would love to have an outboard Delete key (for use with my other hand while mousing) and Windows key.

[Macsmasher]

I have a buddy who bought a Unicomp board about a year ago. I've not had a chance to use it, but he loves it. And this is coming from a guy who has used model Ms for years.

The Unicomp also has PBT keycaps.

Note that #KRO is something like three keys, which I assume is the same as the old model M. He uses it for coding but can't game with it.

[dorkvader]

I have a buddy who bought a Unicomp board about a year ago. I've not had a chance to use it, but he loves it. And this is coming from a guy who has used model Ms for years.

The Unicomp also has PBT keycaps.

Note that #KRO is something like three keys, which I assume is the same as the old model M. He uses it for coding but can't game with it.

Like all Ms (and almost all membrane keyboards, the unicomp features 2KRO.

Keycaps are dyesub PBT.

There are differences, but they do feel quite similar between tho unicomp and many M generations.

I recommend replacing the controller and programming the keyboard entirely yourself. map anything you want to the windows key in hardware. Profit from that and the knowledge you gained by performing the mod.

[mapple]

you don't need windows key at all why use windows/os at all?

[robertsig]

I have the opposite problem.  I wish I could find a modern keyboard without the Windows key.  Playing old school games are easier with the Alt and Ctrl keys next to each other.

[IvanIvanovich]

It's possible with GH60 using my layout:


But it's also not entirely winkeyless, it is kept on the right side where it is out of the way for gaming.

[Wildcard]

Regarding Win+L, I've always remembered this other method. When your butt leaves the seat ctrl+alt+delete. And don't forget enter or it won't be complete.

[terrpn]

be old enough that keyboards did not have winkey when you started..........

i hear its biological that way

[Wildcard]

be old enough that keyboards did not have winkey when you started..........

i hear its biological that way

Normally I'd expect Microsoft Windows to chime in here.

I'll give it a shot

"The only natural evolution was to Windows 95, everything after that was pure icing"