Comments on: SharpKeys: Easily and quickly remap your keyboard keys (change what each key does when pressed)

By: Ande

Ande — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:05:12 +0000

A better [IMHO] program is Hotkeyz, by Magnus Kruger at http://www.skynergy.com/ This software can replace a key, or key sequence with any number of keystrokes, a permanent paste, windows commands, run programs, etc,etc. The max working set size is about 24MB, and is extremely fast. And, oh yes, it’s free.

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:12:15 +0000

A common problem is the accidental turning on of Capslock. There are those that will ‘pluck out the eye that offends thee’ by either turning it off, or remapping it. However I believe the key has a purpose, and should be kept as is.
I believe that the correct description of that problem is – ‘How do I know that it is stll on’
Has anyone come across a proper solution to that problem ?
For example a program that –
- Turns the Taskbar red whilst Capslock is on
- Or, replaces the Start button (image) with some Red alternative image
- Or floats a red message 1/2 inch above the Sys Tray

I am currently using Shock LED
http://www.docs.kr/entry/Products-Shock-LED-en
But it is a bit flaky, and the message gets obscured behind the taskbar
I cannot see it on the author’s web site -
http://www.docs.kr/
So perhaps he realizes it is flaky ?

By: Harlan

Harlan — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:43:00 +0000

Neither SharpKeys nor KeyTweak is being actively developed. SharpKeys was turned over to CodePlex in December 2008 and the only activity since has been a single unanswered request in the comments area. KeyTweak appears to be very similar in functionality (even the FAQs are nearly the same), and has had no apparent activity since January 2009. I am a little nervous about using software that has been “dead-ended,” but, unlike hardware, software never wears out! Anyway, KeyTweak works well for me using a normal keyboard and also works well without any setup changes with my laptop keyboard.

By: Harlan

Harlan — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:53:14 +0000

I also use KeyTweak, and it works well under WinXP. I remap my CapsLock to Tab, my NumLock to =, and my ScrollLock to ,. I’ve used it so long I forgot it was there until I read this.

Let me join everyone else in thanking you for all of your work. Like a lot of people, I check here before looking at GAOTD, and I put great value on your (and your helpers’) opinions on software and other computer-related matters.

Merry Christmas.

By: Ashraf

Ashraf — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 03:30:56 +0000

@Rob: I never heard of it. Thanks for letting me know.

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 03:18:38 +0000

Hi Ashraf,
You didn’t mention other free alternatives, such as KeyTweak -
http://webpages.charter.net/krumsick/
My oldish HP laptop started ‘machine gunning’ the Insert key
The internal(infernal) keyboard can’t be switched off.
I pried the key off, but the remaining gap still ‘machine gunned’
I ended up using KeyTweak to map it to something less painful.