Remapping your keyboard is a productivity tweak.
Remapping the keyboard involves customizing certain keys for specific functions.
That requires me to reach for it.
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.
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’ve got the option to use to remap your keyboard.
The freeware does not need an install.
The only requirement is that you should have Microsoft .Net Framework 2.0 installed on your machine.
MapKeyboard is very easy to use.
Using the software, you’re free to also map your mouse buttons.
it’s possible for you to also disable any key you want.
Click onSave Layoutand with a restart, you have your remapped keyboard.
This layout is preserved until you decide to revert to the default.
Always remember to revert the layout to the default before removing the program.
MapKeyboardis supported on Windows XP/2003/2000/Vista.
Sharpkeys
Sharpkeys gives you an interface for choosing the keys to be remapped.
After the selection, it adds a value to the registry which modifies the keyboard layout.
Also, once the change is made, you don’t need to trigger the program again.
you’re free to also turn off any selected key to suppress an accidental press.
To bring back the original layout, launch the program again and delete the key.
TheTypeKey feature helps the program recognize the keys with a key press.
Unlike MapKeyboard, this program does not map mouse buttons.
Sharpkeysis supported on Windows XP/2003/2000/Vista/7.
KeyTweak
KeyTweak is another easy to use tool for redefining the keyboard layout.
Like MapKeyboard, this 280KB freeware displays a full keyboard as a visual aid.
The virtual keyboard is numbered and mapped to the current keys on the physical keyboard.
Highlight the key on the KeyTweak interface and grab the remapped key from the dropdown.
The latest version also lets you map it to Macintosh keys.
it’s possible for you to suppress specific keys with a click onDisable Key.
KeyTweak has twoTeach Modes.
TheFull Modeallows a user to press two keys simultaneously and map one to the other.
TheHalf Modegives the options available using a dropdown.
The Teach Modes offer a more intuitive way to map the keys.
KeyTweak also can be run as a portable app with just the KeyTweak.exe file.
The one nice thing about the program is the detailed PDF help file that’s packaged with the program.
Do read the brief file to understand why some keys cannot be remapped.
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.
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?
