Overload capslock keyboard key in windows
We all have this centrally keyboard key that is seldom used. I am thinking of caps lock.
I wanted to use it as an alternative key, not as ctrl or anything; but as something totally different that does not invade existing short cuts.
Rewiring the capslock is harder than it looks at first glance.
I didn’t find a Good solution but at least one that works; for now.
Autohotkey
Autohotkey aka AHK is for writing macros for keyboard, mouse(?) and joystick. The language is awful but don’t let that scare you away.
I have mapped CapsLock to be used with j, k, l and ; to navigate.
Capslock by itself is Esc.
Source code
Regular header stuff in the file:
1 2 3 4 | #NoEnv ; Recommended for performance and compatibility with future AutoHotkey releases. ; #Warn ; Enable warnings to assist with detecting common errors. SendMode Input ; Recommended for new scripts due to its superior speed and reliability. SetWorkingDir %A_ScriptDir% ; Ensures a consistent starting directory. |
Make Capslock not work as capslock but also make it work as Esc:
(I believe some magic is involved.)
1 2 3 | SetCapsLockState AlwaysOff !CapsLock::CapsLock CapsLock::Send {Esc} |
Map the personal stuff. In my case navigation:
1 2 3 4 | CapsLock & j::Send {Left} CapsLock & k::Send {Right} CapsLock & SC027::Send {Down} ; or CapsLock & `;::Send {Down} CapsLock & l::Send {Up} |
Unfortunately I don’t remember the sources I puzzled together my solution form.
Tags: autohotkey, capslock