Assign new functions to windows key?

[redwald]

From what I understand the function key on most boards is not programmable. You get what you get. I guess thats because its defined in the firmware on the keyboard controller and those commands never get to the OS.

So what I'd like to do is remap the windows key to be like a function key. So for instance... winkey+uparrow=pageup.

Anyone know how it can be done?

[Grim Fandango]

I never tried it, but I was always under the assumption that you could change the registry to assign a new function to the windows key, meaning that something like keytweaker should do the trick. However, I could be wrong about that. I know that in some keyboards, some things can not be remapped (like Fn keys), but the windows key should not be a problem.

[IvanIvanovich]

You can't make such kind of macros in registry or any remapper that uses registry like keytweaker since all it is a user friendly front end. Only single key substitution is possible like A=B. To do something+something=key the most used solution is autohotkey. Otherwise you could make the keyboard user programmable with hardware controller replacement.

[Reomero]

Use AutoHotKey.

[redwald]

Thanks guys...

I just discovered autohotkey while doing my research. Was hoping for a program with a simple interface tho.
I'm still reading thru the documentation to figure out how to do it. However, I don't have any programming/scripting experience.

Need to try "RWin & Up::PgUp" to see if it works.

[rowdy]

There might be something in here, or you could ask there, perhaps.

[Reomero]

The script you would try is:

Code: [Select]

#Up::PgUp

[redwald]

My little script didn't work. Probably because of this from the documentation:
Although a pair of keys cannot be directly remapped to single key (e.g. it's invalid to write a & c::b), this effect can be achieved by explicitly adding the up and down hotkeys from the example higher above: simply replace *a:: with a & c::, and replace *a up:: with a & c up::.

Thanks for the link rowdy... I gots some reading to do. 

Thanks Reomero...I tried #Up::PgUp but it didn't work either. Don't know why. I think I'll eventually get it figured out after doing some more reading.

[Findecanor]

"Windows" keys? ... They are called Left GUI, Right GUI and Application... at least they do in the USB HID spec. which is OS-agnostic.

1. Amiga-like mousekeys. Any GUI + arrow would move the mouse, with acceleration. GUI-Alt are the mouse buttons, on the left and right sides respectively.

2. Make the Application key into a dual-role modifier key for Fn.
A quick tap: Application, like before.
Hold and press another key: Enable Function layer. Lots of media keys here and there.

[adhoc]

There's a program I once found on the internet that allows you to reregister your keys to anything you like. My F12 on my Cherry, for example, means "Play/Pause". You can reprogram literally ANY key to ANYTHING using that piece of software. All it takes is a reboot so it rewrites the registry.

[redwald]

"Windows" keys? ... They are called Left GUI, Right GUI and Application... at least they do in the USB HID spec. which is OS-agnostic.

Yes, its more accurate to use LGui & RGui in deference to (U)nix users. But unfortunately even the esteemed AutoHotKey uses the more common "Windows Key" nomenclature of LWin & RWin. And its sad that keyboard makers are still using the windows logo on that key.   
I'm trying to find a Vortex KBT Race with cherry browns. They include a squirrel key replacement.

There's a program I once found on the internet that allows you to reregister your keys to anything you like. My F12 on my Cherry, for example, means "Play/Pause". You can reprogram literally ANY key to ANYTHING using that piece of software. All it takes is a reboot so it rewrites the registry.

Of which program do you speak?
Are you thinking of key remapping like KeyTweak or SharpKeys. I already use KeyTweak to remap the CapsLock to Control like the HHKB. Those programs can't create combination keys tho, for example Ctl+Alt+1=Home, etc.

[adhoc]

Ah yes, SharpKeys. True, you can not assign combos. Even if you could, there's always some elevated pieces of SW that can bypass that (if done in SW).