As an example let’s take this – my Acer laptop keyboard has the Delete key located on the right corner of the first row i.e. the Function row. That requires me to reach for it. To bring the Delete key closer, I could replace the function of one of the two Shift keys, located on either side of the Home keys (the center row).
This is where a remapping utility comes in handy. I substitute the function of the Delete key to the relatively unused Shift key. Other untapped keys can be made more functional by giving them regularly used functions. Remapping utilities also can block the functioning of certain keys, if you feel that they are doing more harm than good.
So, remapping gives a nice little boost to productivity. It is also a consideration for dedicated gamers who might want to match the gaming commands with the layout.
Though remapping is often advocated for advanced computers, some remapping software makes it as simple as ABC. Here’s a look at three applications you can use to remap your keyboard.
MapKeyboard
MapKeyboard is very easy to use. Select the key you want to remap and using the Remap selected key to drop down, select the new key. Using the application, you can also map your mouse buttons. You can also disable any key you want.
Click on Save Layout and with a restart, you have your remapped keyboard. This layout is preserved until you decide to revert to the default. Also, you don’t need to launch the program to use the new layout as the changes are saved in the registry. Always remember to revert the layout to the default before removing the program.
MapKeyboard is supported on Windows XP/2003/2000/Vista.
Sharpkeys
Sharpkeys supports a larger number of mappings equal to the number of options for a standard keyboard layout (104). The Type Key feature helps the program recognize the keys with a key press.
Unlike MapKeyboard, this application does not map mouse buttons. But depending on the program support for your brand of your keyboard, it can open a few applications and also map buttons for Internet keys.
Sharpkeys is supported on Windows XP/2003/2000/Vista/7.
KeyTweak
Highlight the key on the KeyTweak interface and select the remapped key from the dropdown. You can also map it to multimedia or Internet keys if your keyboard has those features. The latest version also lets you map it to Macintosh keys. You can suppress specific keys with a click on Disable Key.
KeyTweak has two Teach Modes. The Full Mode allows a user to press two keys simultaneously and map one to the other. The Half Mode gives the options available using a dropdown. The Teach Modes offer a more intuitive way to map the keys.
KeyTweak (ver. 2.3.0) is supported on Windows NT4.0/2000/XP/2003/Vista/7. These three tools are the ones to go for if you want simplicity and portability.
Microsoft also has an application of its own which downloads as a 10MB package and is slightly more complicated to run. The main purpose of the Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator is to widen the international scope of Microsoft by letting users change the layout to languages that MS does not support. The free program lets you define an entirely new layout of keys.
Do you think that remapping keys gives you a more ergonomic experience? Do you think it will add to your productivity?
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