Keyboard mapping software, what are you using if any and why.

[ideus]

Could you share your experience with keyboard mapping software? It would help others with this common mod. I have found some specific apps, mapkeyboard, shapkeys and keytweak. Of course there is the powerful Autohotkey that I have used for task automation, however I see it as too overdone for just keyboard mapping.

[SmallFry]

Most Windows users here I think use AutoHotKey, though I don't remap myself.

[mushupork]

I have started dabbling and I use Sharp Keys.  http://www.randyrants.com/sharpkeys/

Looks like Autohotkey might be more complicated.  I'd be curious to know if anyone can compare the two myself.

[fohat.digs]

I used to use Key Tweak, but now that I use Soarer's Converter (Teensy) system almost exclusively, I remap by programming the Teensy itself using wcass's method.

Auto Hot Key was way too complicated for me to figure out. All I wanted to do was a little lightweight swapping.

[davkol]

HID Macros on MS Windows, Pystromo on GNU/Linux.

[daerid]

I use SharpKeys to remap capslock <-> control, and AHK to map a bunch of Win+Alt shortcuts. That's about it.

[1839cc]

I use AHK. Seriously, it's not hard at all. Is there still a thread for scripts?

[Neal]

AHK, by far the best.

[Skull_Angel]

Running Win 7 and I've just started remapping keys. I like to do things thoroughly so I did some research into how to edit the registry to do so; luckily I stumbled upon a quick run-through of how to set up "automated" registry tweaks through notepad which has made things pretty simple.

Currently debating whether I should remap ctrl > esc > caps lock > ctrl, I already have ctrl <> caps remapped.

[mashby]

Any Mac users remapping through software?

[IvanIvanovich]

I make custom keymap in MSKLC, then it is also portable file that can usually be used on any other windows machine even without admin rights. Some of the keys like modifiers and other 'special' key require manual edits in a text file to the layout outside of the gui before creating the file.
I use it for custom layout for alternate charachter since it is essentially impossible to use Alt codes on 60% and US Intl is a pain without Alt Gr.
A long time ago I had one that changed the layout to Russian from US when engage Caps Lock.

[ideus]

There is an interesting article comparing some of SW for keyboard mapping:

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/remap-keyboard-free-tools-windows/

I have not used any of them, but I am a Autohotkey user. My main concern is that the AHK script should be loaded and it stays in RAM to be available, meaning that it is not working during the OS start up, when should be required to enter some passwords, do you know how the SW mentioned in the article works different?

[IvanIvanovich]

If you create a keymap you can apply policy to allow alternate language slection at logon. I use that since my password is not in all Latin charachter.
I think the only other way is to apply registry change to keymap at system level not user level to be available pre logon

[mushupork]

I think Sharp Keys is a Gui in front of registry edits so I assume that would mean the changes would only take effect after the OS loads. 

[IvanIvanovich]

Right it only applies it to the current user account HKCU, not system wide. But you could copy it to the corresponding HKLM key I suppose.

[ideus]

The advantage could be that the registry keys are already in RAM so there is no need for other SW to be loaded in RAM like AHK.

I think Sharp Keys is a Gui in front of registry edits so I assume that would mean the changes would only take effect after the OS loads.

[IvanIvanovich]

Correct, registry edits or keymaps won't waste any system resource.

[mr_a500]

Any Mac users remapping through software?

I'm using a combination of KeyRemap4MacBook (custom build) and Quicksilver to use an IBM AT Model F on PowerMac G5. I'm very pleased with my custom layout.

[Skull_Angel]

I make custom keymap in MSKLC, then it is also portable file that can usually be used on any other windows machine even without admin rights. Some of the keys like modifiers and other 'special' key require manual edits in a text file to the layout outside of the gui before creating the file.
I use it for custom layout for alternate charachter since it is essentially impossible to use Alt codes on 60% and US Intl is a pain without Alt Gr.
A long time ago I had one that changed the layout to Russian from US when engage Caps Lock.

That's a neat program, why they "locked" remapping of modifiers and special keys is beyond me though; at least it's not hard to edit.

[ideus]

This is very interesting, thank you for the heads up. I will give MSKLC a try.

I make custom keymap in MSKLC, then it is also portable file that can usually be used on any other windows machine even without admin rights. Some of the keys like modifiers and other 'special' key require manual edits in a text file to the layout outside of the gui before creating the file.
I use it for custom layout for alternate charachter since it is essentially impossible to use Alt codes on 60% and US Intl is a pain without Alt Gr.
A long time ago I had one that changed the layout to Russian from US when engage Caps Lock.

That's a neat program, why they "locked" remapping of modifiers and special keys is beyond me though; at least it's not hard to edit.

[IvanIvanovich]

Yes I agree locking out change certain keys in the gui quite annoying, but I guess they do things like this to stop idiots from making things that are non functional. Though that kind of user idiot proofing is not really needed on such advanced tools really. Typical inexplicable Microsoft decisions.

[Skull_Angel]

Yes I agree locking out change certain keys in the gui quite annoying, but I guess they do things like this to stop idiots from making things that are non functional. Though that kind of user idiot proofing is not really needed on such advanced tools really. Typical inexplicable Microsoft decisions.

I agree, most of the people looking for these type of tools have a good idea of what they're trying to do in most cases, but I guess "idiot proofing" has been made a standard in most everything these days because of american companies trying to avoid lawsuits 

edit: (because a lot of people are underhanded enough to do stupid things, point fingers and start lawsuits)