Keyboard assistant. Rules for using a computer keyboard - location of keys, use of keyboard shortcuts. Controlling the Calculator program from the numeric keypad

15/01/2020

BotMek is a brand new free macro keyboard and mouse emulator. Using this software, you can automate actions in various online games and not only. The program has a convenient built-in macro editor, as well as a database of ready-made macros. A simple and intuitive interface will allow you to understand all the features of the program in the shortest possible time; the study will be accompanied by a neutral design that will suit most users. BotMek can become your indispensable assistant in games and at work and supports operating system from Windows XP to 10.

15/11/2017

KDWin is a program designed for people who need to constantly type text on different languages. It is known that on almost any keyboard only 2 languages ​​are indicated, i.e. English, as well as the language where the keyboard was purchased. The KDWin program allows you to change the keyboard layout, and also allows the user to type certain words without knowing the layout. The program automatically replaces all letters that the user types with similar characters in the language you need. For example, Russian F will be replaced with English F, or vice versa. In addition, the KDWin program has a built-in envelope...

18/10/2016

MediaKey (Mkey) is a utility created specifically to provide conventional keyboards with various multimedia functions. This means that you can now assign hotkeys to perform certain actions. For example, pressing the Ctrl and - keys simultaneously will decrease the sound, and the combination of Ctrl and + will, on the contrary, increase the volume. This will be much cheaper than purchasing an expensive keyboard in a store with buttons that control play, pause, stop songs, etc. The MediaKey utility has many useful features. With its help you can control players such as Media Player Classi...

20/07/2016

Punto Switcher convenient program to automatically switch keyboard layout. It is designed for the convenience of manual typing on the keyboard. So you can type without being distracted by the layout. IN new version added support for Windows 8 and automatic detection entering the password. The program is the best in its class and has no competitors. The program has a built-in function for remembering certain words you often use. There are hotkeys to cancel switching layouts. The big advantage of the program is that it increases productivity and convenience of working at the computer. The program is absolutely free to use.

24/11/2015

AutoHotkey is a program for creating scripts and macros. Allows you to do whatever your heart desires with a keyboard, mouse and joystick. With its help, you can change the value of hot keys and enable selected buttons, such as mice. All scripts are created using their own language and are usually saved in a text file. Also included is a compiler with which you can create exe files. The utility is mainly useful in computer games, but its functionality does not end there. Scripts allow you to manipulate windows, files, folders, system registry and many others. She can simulate any action...

18/03/2015

ReGen KeyCode is a functional utility that does the job of determining the encoding of a pressed key on any keyboard. The program shows the encoding that is assigned to the pressed key. Shows options such as ASCII and brCode (browser encoding). In addition to these parameters, the application automatically converts the entered code into hexadecimal as well as binary systems. The resulting code in any form can be copied to the clipboard and then pasted into the desired location. The application automatically checks for any available updates. Has a wide range of interface language options. Allows you to quickly, simply, conveniently receive any...

26/02/2015

Key Switcher is a convenient utility designed to automatically reassign keyboard layouts. Triggers when text is entered incorrectly. The program itself corrects typos. Corrects the case of letters. If the user accidentally put two capital letters, Key Switcher will fix that too. Any action taken by the application can be rolled back simply by clicking on the Backspace key. The utility will evaluate all user actions and remember what not to do. When correcting errors and typos, the program always focuses on the text type. Allows you to assign other keys to change and switch languages. In some moments...

Free Virtual Keyboard is a convenient utility designed primarily for owners tablet computers, as well as for laptops that have touch screen. This utility useful in cases where your keyboard is too inconvenient for you, or it is missing altogether for some reason. It is in such cases that you can use the Free Virtual Keyboard utility. The program differs in that it allows you to resize virtual keyboard, so that you can see the information you need in the window in addition to the keyboard. Also, the program allows you to easily adjust the transparency of this window. There is a symbol auto-repeat function.

Both when writing a letter and calculating digital data, you can't do without a keyboard– the main means of entering information into a computer. This section covers the basics of using the keyboard and introduces keyboard commands.

How are the keyboard keys arranged?

Keys on the keyboard Computers can be divided into several groups according to their functions:

• Letters (letters and numbers). These are keys for letters, numbers, punctuation and symbols, just like on a regular typewriter.
• Service keys. These keys are used alone or in combination with other keys to perform specific actions. The most commonly used service keys are Ctrl, Alt, Esc and the Windows logo key.
• Function keys. Function keys are used to perform special tasks. They are designated F1, F2, F3 and so on, up to F12. Depending on the program, the functionality of these keys may vary.
• Navigation keys. These keys are used to navigate documents, web pages, and edit text. These include the arrow keys, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, Delete, and Insert.
• Numeric keypad. The numeric keypad makes it easy to quickly enter numbers. The keys are grouped into a block, just like on a regular calculator.

The picture below shows how these keys are arranged on a typical keyboard. You may have a different keyboard layout.

Keyboard input

When you need to enter something into a program, into a message Email or in a field, a vertical bar (|) flashes on the screen. This is the cursor, also called the input position. It shows where the input will begin. You can move the cursor by clicking the location you want or by using the navigation keys (see “Using the navigation keys” in this section).

In addition to letters, numbers, punctuation, and symbols, the input keys also include the tab key, Shift key, Caps Lock key, Enter key, space key, and Backspace key.

Key name	Using the key
Shift	To enter a capital letter, press that letter in combination with the Shift key. If you press the Shift key in combination with another key, you can type the character shown at the top of the key.
Caps Lock	To enter only capital letters, press Caps Lock once. Pressing the Caps Lock key again will disable this feature. There may be an indicator light on your keyboard that indicates whether Caps Lock is enabled.
	If you press the Tab key, the cursor will move forward a few spaces. You can also use the tab key to move to the next field on the form.
Enter	If you press the Enter key, the cursor will move to the beginning of the next line. Pressing the Enter key allows you to select the highlighted button.
Space	Pressing the Spacebar moves the cursor forward one space.
Backspace	By pressing the Backspace key, you can delete the character in front of the cursor or the selected text.

Using keyboard shortcuts in Windows

	Action
Windows logo key	Open Start Menu
Alt+Tab	switch between open applications or windows
Alt+F4	Close the active object or exit the active program
Ctrl+S
Ctrl+C	Copy selected object
Ctrl+X	Cut selected object
Ctrl+V	Insert selected object
Ctrl+Z	Cancel action
Ctrl+A	Select all objects in a document or window
	Open program or Windows help
Windows logo key + F1	Open help and Windows support
	Canceling the current job
Context key	Open context menu commands associated with the selected object or objects in the program. Equivalent to pressing right button mice.

Using navigation keys

Navigation keys let you move the cursor, navigate documents and web pages, and edit text. The table below contains a list of the main functions of these keys.

	To perform such an action
Left Arrow, Right Arrow, Up Arrow, or Down Arrow	Move the cursor or highlight one space or line in the direction of the arrow, or scroll a web page in the direction of the arrow
Home	Move the cursor to the beginning of a line or web page
	Move the cursor to the end of a line or web page
Ctrl + Home	Go to the beginning of the document
Ctrl+End	Go to end of document
Page Up	Move cursor or go to page one screen above
Page Down	Move cursor or go to page one screen below
Delete	Delete the character in front of the cursor or selected text; in Windows, delete the selected object and move it to the Trash
Insert	Turn insert mode on or off. When insert mode is enabled, the text you type appears at the cursor position. When insert mode is turned off, the text you enter replaces existing characters.

Using the numeric keypad

The numeric keypad contains numbers from 0 to 9, arithmetic signs + (addition), − (subtraction), * (multiplication) and / (division), and a decimal point, just like on a calculator. These symbols are duplicated on other keys, but their location on the numeric keypad allows you to quickly enter numeric data or mathematical symbols with one hand.

To use the numeric keypad to enter numbers, press Num Lock. Most keyboards have an indicator light that shows you whether Num Lock is turned on or off. When Num Lock is disabled, the numeric keypad functions as a second set of navigation keys (these functions are depicted on the number and sign keys).

Also using numeric keypad You can perform simple calculations in the Calculator program.

Controlling the Calculator program from the numeric keypad

1. Open the Calculator program.
2. Look at the keyboard indicator to see if Num Lock is turned on. If Num Lock is disabled, press the key.
3. Using the numeric keypad, enter the first count number.
4. On the numeric keypad, press + to add, − to subtract, * to multiply, or / to divide
5. Enter the next number in the count.
6. To complete the count, press the Enter key.

Three additional keyboard keys

We have already examined almost all the keys that can be used. But for the curious, let's look at three of the most mysterious keys on the keyboard: PrtScn, Scroll Lock and Pause/Break.

PrtScn (or Print Screen) key

Once upon a time, this key actually performed the function that its name denotes (i.e. “Print Screen”) - it sent the text of the current screen to the printer. Currently, pressing PrtScn captures an image of the entire screen (takes a “screenshot”) and copies it to the clipboard in the computer’s memory. From there, it can be pasted (by pressing the Ctrl + V keys) into Microsoft Paint or another program and, if desired, printed from that program.

On some keyboards, the SYS RQ command is also marked on the PrtScn key - it is even more mysterious. SYS RQ once stood for “system request,” but this command is not available on Windows.

additional information about the key Print Screen, see Taking a screenshot (Print Screen key).

Reference: To freeze the image of not the entire screen, but only the active window, press Alt + PrtScn.

ScrLk (or Scroll Lock) key

In most programs, pressing Scroll Lock has no effect. In some programs, pressing Scroll Lock changes the behavior of the arrow keys and the Page Up and Page Down keys: pressing these keys causes the document to scroll without changing the cursor position or selection. There may be an indicator light on your keyboard that shows you whether Scroll Lock is enabled.

Pause/Break key

This key is rarely used. In some ancient programs, pressing Pause/Break may pause the program, and pressing Ctrl + Pause/Break may terminate the program.

Other keys

On some modern keyboards There are also “hot keys” or buttons that provide quick, one-touch access to programs, files or commands. Other models have volume controls, scroll and zoom wheels, and other gadgets.

You can learn more about these features from your keyboard or computer manual, or from the manufacturer's website.

Proper use of the keyboard May prevent pain or injury to your wrist and hand, especially when using the computer for long periods of time.

Here are some tips to help prevent problems:

• Place the keyboard at elbow level. Your forearms should fall relaxed to your sides.
• Center the keyboard in front of you. If your keyboard has separate group number keys, you can consider the space bar as the center point.
• Keep your hands and wrists above the keyboard while typing, so that distant keys can be reached with the movement of the whole hand, and not by stretching the fingers.
• Do not place your palms or wrists on any surface when entering text. If your keyboard has a wrist rest area, use it only when you take breaks from typing.
• While entering text press the keys lightly, your wrists should be straight.
• If you are not entering text, relax your hands.
• Keep it short breaks from working at the computer every 15-20 minutes.

Even if your job is not directly related to typing, you still most likely have to work with the keyboard quite a lot. Write a letter, leave a message on the forum, just chat on ICQ - all this requires a keyboard. For now, unfortunately, computers cannot dictate like a secretary or transmit your thoughts to them at a distance, so the keyboard remains the main means of input. You may have repeatedly wondered how to type faster. In addition to the most obvious solution - mastering the touch typing method - there are others. They are based on automating some of the operations that need to be performed when entering text. Programs to speed up keyboard input can automatically or at the user's command switch the layout of typed text, correct typos in words, offer options for completing words when the user has just started typing, replace several entered characters with entire phrases or even sentences. It is precisely such programs that will be discussed in today’s review.

Punto Switcher 3.0

Developer: Yandex
Distribution size: 2 MB
Spreading: for free
Interface: Russian Punto Switcher is perhaps the most famous and popular program for automatically switching keyboard layouts. However, not everyone knows that in addition to switching layouts, Punto Switcher can do a lot more. For those who work a lot with text, the program can be a good helper. Firstly, it’s worth talking about compiling an autocorrect list. Autocorrect in Punto Switcher works in much the same way as in MS Word - when you enter certain characters, they are replaced with a preset word or entire phrase. But if Word's autocorrect only works within this text editor, then the list of frequently typed words and phrases saved in Punto Switcher can be used in all Windows applications, for example, in a browser or mail client. In addition, you can save this list when reinstalling the system or transfer it to another computer. The list of autocorrects is stored in the replace.dat file, which is previous versions Punto Switcher was placed in the program installation folder, and is now located at c:Documents and SettingsUserApplication DataYandexPunto Switcher3.0 (for Windows XP).

The autocorrect list has two main purposes. First, you can use it to automatically correct typos for the words you miss most often. Secondly, you can include in this list some words or phrases that you often need to type. You can even use paragraphs when creating AutoCorrect elements, so you can store, for example, email response templates in this list. Depending on your preferences, you can ask the program to replace entered characters after you press the spacebar, Enter, or Tab. In addition, Punto Switcher can take into account characters typed in a different layout. In most cases, this feature is very convenient, as it allows you not to think about what layout you are typing in. For example, if you need to insert a template for replying to a letter for which the “letter” characters are specified in the program settings, you can enter “dueuk”, after which Punto Switcher will automatically switch the layout and auto-correct. Some users don't work with the AutoCorrect list because they have trouble remembering which characters they need to enter for the program to replace them. “I’d rather take the time to type the entire phrase than remember what abbreviation I came up with for autocorrect,” they say. For such users, Punto Switcher provides a display of the autocorrect list on top of all windows. This window can be translucent and located anywhere on the screen. Working with it is very simple: you place the cursor in the place where you want to insert the text and click on the desired phrase in the autocorrect list box. However, it should be noted that this method of working with the autocorrect list will be convenient only if there are not very many elements in it, otherwise you will have to spend a lot of time searching for the desired phrase, scrolling through the list.

The second convenient feature of the program, which will help save a lot of nerves while working, is a diary. The program can record everything you type on your computer in a diary. By the way, because of this function, some programs for detecting spyware perceive Punto Switcher as a malicious utility, because in fact it works as a keylogger program. However, unlike real keyloggers, it does not send the contents of your diary anywhere. Moreover, you can set a password to view it. The diary can save all the phrases you typed, containing at least a certain amount words (this number must be at least two and is set in the program settings). In addition, the contents of the clipboard can be saved in the diary.

What's it like practical use this function? It is guaranteed to save your work in the event of a software or system failure. Closing your text editor or browser unexpectedly, freezing your computer, or performing a hot reboot can all cause the text you typed to be lost. original program will not be saved. Over many years of working with Punto Switcher, we have not had a single case where in such a situation we could not “pull out” something missing from the diary. The only thing worth remembering when working with a diary is the need to clean it from time to time, since active work this file can grow to a considerable size. However, the cleaning function is provided in Punto Switcher. Despite the fact that Punto Switcher cannot check spelling on the fly and automatically correct typos, the program can still help you point out errors. If a typo was made while typing, the program changes the color of its icon in the system tray. In addition, if the sound is turned on on the computer, it will also notify you of the error with a special signal. Punto Switcher also has some clipboard capabilities that you may find useful in your daily work. Firstly, the program can translate a piece of text that is on the clipboard to another layout. Secondly, using Punto Switcher you can transliterate text from the clipboard. After Punto Switcher was acquired by Yandex, some other features were added to the program. For example, for a word placed on the clipboard, you can quickly find a definition in Yandex online dictionaries, get its translation into another language, look at an article about it in the Russian or English encyclopedia Wikipedia, and also perform a search in Yandex. All these features are available from the context menu, which is called up by clicking on the Punto Switcher icon in the system tray.

Finally, it’s worth saying a few words about the main purpose of the program - automatically switching layouts from Russian to English and back. The program has many settings that help adapt it to the needs of a specific user. For example, if the Punto Switcher dictionary doesn't have a particular word that you type often, you can add it there manually. For example, the program does not automatically switch the words “wooser” and “mukeuch” to the English layout when typing, despite the fact that in Russian they sound like abracadabra, and in English they sound like “depth” and “vertex”. It also happens the other way around - switching to another layout occurs when it is not needed. When you add a word to a custom dictionary, you can specify whether it should be translated to another layout, and whether it should be case-sensitive. In some programs, Punto Switcher may not help, but hinder. An example would be working in AutoCAD, where you often need to work with command line, entering commands that do not resemble ordinary words and therefore may be interpreted incorrectly by the program. For such cases, Punto Switcher has the ability to specify applications in which the program will automatically turn off. In addition, the program can be disabled manually by unchecking the box next to the "Auto switch" command in the context menu of the tray icon. If, in addition to Russian and English languages you work with others, then be sure to pay attention to the checkbox "Consider input only in Russian and English layouts" in the program settings. If you install it, Punto Switcher will not appear when another layout is active. Perhaps one of the main inconveniences that Punto Switcher users complain about is that the program does not accept characters that were typed earlier. That is, if you typed part of a word earlier, and then added the missing characters, Punto Switcher will process only the letters you just typed in. This often causes errors when automatically switching layouts, because the part of the word you typed, for example, may begin with “ь”, and because Punto Switcher will instantly change the layout to English. To edit words typed earlier, the easiest way is to use the left and right arrows on the keyboard. When you do not need the program to switch the layout, you simply press these keys before entering characters, and then without problems You can enter any characters.In the program settings, you can specify other keys, after pressing which Punto Switcher should not switch the layout - Delete, BackSpace, manual change of layout.

Orfo Switcher 1.22

Developer: Oleg Dubrov
Distribution size: 1 MB
Spreading: shareware
Interface: Russian The main purpose of Orfo Switcher is to check the spelling of the typed text during the input process. The program works in all Windows applications, including chat windows of IM clients, browsers, etc. As soon as you make a mistake in a word, Orfo Switcher displays a menu next to it, which offers several options for correcting it. In addition, it is possible to immediately add a word to the dictionary. You can select the desired option from the menu either using the keyboard arrows or using the mouse. If you don't want to do either one or the other, you simply continue typing and the error correction options window will automatically disappear from the screen. The program works with both Russian and English languages.

The second function of Orfo Switcher is to switch the keyboard layout. Like Punto Switcher, the program can monitor the text you type and automatically switch layouts. Switching can be done both while typing a word, and after pressing the "Space" key. The program provides lists of exceptions - words for which you do not need to change the layout, and words for which you must change it when entering. These lists are presented in the form text files and can be easily edited in Notepad.

It should be noted that, unlike Punto Switcher, which works in both Windows XP and Windows Vista, this program allows you to automatically switch the keyboard only in Windows XP. In Windows Vista, to switch typed text to another layout, you need to select it and use a predefined keyboard shortcut. Using the context menu that appears when you click on the program's tray icon, you can disable Orfo Switcher or temporarily disable it for 10 minutes. These commands can also be executed using hotkeys. Orfo Switcher also has the ability to create a list of applications in which the program will not work. Orfo Switcher also implements some capabilities for working with the clipboard. The program saves the last 40 elements that were entered into the buffer, and makes it possible to quickly paste them into the place where the cursor is positioned. To open a window with a list of text fragments, you must press and hold the middle mouse button. After this, just select the desired fragment using the cursor or arrows on the keyboard. Using this menu, you can also transliterate characters stored on the clipboard, or convert them to another layout.

The program also has a function similar to the autocorrect list in Punto Switcher. Using the "Presets" tab in the program settings, you can make a list of frequently used words and phrases. You can insert such blanks using the same menu, which is called up by pressing the middle mouse button. Interestingly, using this menu you can quickly create new templates, and by default the text that is on the clipboard will be inserted into them.

Comfort Typing 3.2

Developer: Comfort Software Group
Distribution size: 2 MB
Spreading: shareware
Interface: Russian The Comfort Typing program, unlike other utilities discussed in this review, is not an automatic keyboard layout switcher. As its developers say, it was created for those who do not trust automatic switches to change the input language. Switching layouts can only be performed by user command. Comfort Typing can switch the input language of the text you just entered, as well as the characters that have been highlighted. To change the layout, use the Win+Shift key combination. In addition to changing the input language, Comfort Typing helps you quickly perform operations with selected text such as changing the case of characters (you can convert all characters to upper or lower case, invert the case of characters, set the case as in sentences, or make all words begin with capital letter). To perform these operations, keyboard shortcuts are used, which can be assigned in the program settings.

Comfort Typing offers several tools to speed up typing. Firstly, the program has an auto-prompt function when typing. As soon as you start typing a word, it displays a small menu that offers one or more options for completing the word. You select the appropriate one using the arrows on the keyboard and proceed to enter the next word. You can also use numbers to select the desired word, which is very convenient if there are several completion options in the list. All words that Comfort Typing suggests for replacement are numbered. It is enough to enter the number that corresponds to the desired option, and the word will be automatically typed. If you enable the corresponding option in the program settings, a space will also appear after it. Comfort Typing automatically replenishes its vocabulary with the words you type, so the more you use the autosuggest function, the more likely it is that the desired word will be found in the program's dictionary for substitution. The auto-suggest function will be especially convenient for those users who cannot boast high speed set. If you don’t see any hints while typing, simply reduce the delay time for their appearance. By default it is quite large, so you may be typing faster than Comfort Typing can display the hint. If you reduce the delay time to the minimum value, then prompts will appear.

The second tool for speeding up typing is text templates, which are something similar to the autocorrect list in Punto Switcher. Text templates work like this: you type the sequence of characters that was specified for the template and press the NumLock key, after which the program replaces the entered characters with the corresponding piece of text. If you don't remember the sequence of characters, you can simply press NumLock. In this case, a window will appear on the screen with a list of all templates. You can select the one you need and insert it.

Working with templates in Comfort Typing has a number of advantages compared to similar programs. First, templates can use macros, such as the current date and time. Secondly, templates can be saved in RTF format, that is, when creating them, you can use a variety of formatting tools that are not available for regular text: lists, alignment, superscript and subscript, different styles, typefaces and font sizes. All templates created in the program can be protected with a password. It is also possible to use common templates within local network, where several users work with the program.

Conclusion

It was noted that keyboard simulators help speed up text entry and, accordingly, significantly save time. One more aspect needs to be taken into account: “communication” with the computer is possible thanks to hot keys, which, in fact, are designed to increase performance.

However, not every sequence of commands is executed with one click, and not every command has hot keys. This guide includes programs that, in general, can be described as hotkey managers, although their capabilities are much broader. Software in this category helps automate repetitive actions, different ways unify the presses of keyboard buttons or other input devices. In addition, separate programs will help solve problems that arise when changing layouts and correct typical typos.

During the review, special attention was paid to the following main functions:

• Setting up hot keys and expanding standard system keyboard capabilities
• Automatic correction of input errors, including when changing layouts
• Recording macros and scripts
• Pasting text from the Clipboard, working with templates, supported text formats

AutoHotkey

The AutoHotkey utility is designed for writing scripts that solve problems such as:

• Creating and reassigning hotkeys for input devices (mouse, keyboard or joystick)
• Creating abbreviations (abbreviations) for subsequent autocompletion
• Building input forms, menus, user interfaces

Scripts are compiled manually, tools for recording them in graphic mode is not provided, although the program contains a utility for determining mouse coordinates, the position of the active window (Window Spy) and a script converter to an EXE file (Ahk2Exe).

Information for learning the scripting language is contained in, there is also an unofficial Russian translation of expressions, functions, commands, etc. The section contains all the necessary information that will help at the initial stage of getting to know AutoHotkey.

The simplest example of an AutoHotkey script is to launch an application using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + C: ^!c::Run calc.exe

Where "!" - this is Alt, "^" is Control, "c" is the C key. The script can be created on the Desktop (“Create → AutoHotkey Script” in the context menu) and edited in any editor. The script takes effect after running the file.

Thanks to AutoHotkey scripts, you can not only launch programs or open documents, but also transfer them to active window keystrokes and clicks, manage windows, manipulate data (for example, create and delete files, Registry entries), software shells, dialogs, buttons that require user participation. Theoretically, any error, intentional or accidental, can lead to unpredictable consequences, including data loss. However, such functionality will only be of interest to a fairly experienced user.

Supported in scripts environment variables, using these tools you can use the clipboard. As proof - ready-made scripts and programs posted on the forum. Other examples are published in the section.

Summary. A powerful tool for automation, applicable both for implementing simple tasks (reassigning hotkeys, working with text, templates) and quite complex ones (automation, creating shells). But in the context of the review, the important thing is that AutoHotkey really expands the capabilities of the keyboard and other devices.

[+] Ample opportunities for writing scripts
[+] Documentation, examples available
[+] Support various devices for input
[−] Requires learning syntax to create scripts

Punto Switcher

Punto Switcher analyzes and corrects errors that are made “automatically” and regularly take up time to correct: accidentally holding Caps Lock, incorrect layout, two capital letters at the beginning of a word, and similar cases.

Two layout languages ​​are supported - Russian and English. Punto Switcher “randomly recognizes” other languages, but we cannot talk about full-fledged work with alternative layouts. According to the developers, they have such plans.

Corrections are made automatically or manually using hotkeys. Combinations are not as widely represented as in other keyboard managers. They relate to the correction of the above errors, general settings programs. For example, you can enable or disable options for automatically correcting abbreviations, capital letters, random clicks. Punto Switcher monitors the Clipboard, allowing you to convert, transliterate or spell check text. That is, it is clear that there is no way to assign a combination for launching applications or system commands.

The program does not cause conflicts with other applications, but in practice it can slow down input in text fields, etc. In this case, you can create a list of exception applications, add switching rules, and deactivate auto-switching layouts. One of the manager's recent innovations is automatic recognition password entry fields (previously you had to temporarily limit the action of Punto Switcher). On this moment Compatibility with Windows 8 and higher is not guaranteed (beta status); for full operation the program must be run as an administrator.

An additional feature of Punto Switcher is keeping a diary. It would seem that an irretrievably lost record can be easily restored, just play it safe by activating the appropriate option and adjusting the length of the words recorded in the journal.

Summary. To give a brief definition, Punto Switcher is a keyboard manager, not a hotkey manager. Therefore, the program has a wider application, with less functionality than other participants. It is indispensable when conducting correspondence and editing texts - especially multilingual ones. Ideally, Punto Switcher requires expanded support for hotkeys, autocompletion and custom dictionaries, recognition of languages ​​other than Russian or English.

[+] Correction of input errors
[+] Journaling
[+] User friendliness
[−] Relatively low functionality
[−] Supports only two keyboard languages

Key Switcher

The Key Switcher program is the “successor” of Keyboard Ninja, a well-known alternative to Punto Switcher in its time. Key Switcher also analyzes text input and corrects errors that may occur while typing. Mainly, the “third generation switch,” as the author calls the program, attracts attention with its support for 24 switching languages.

The program operates in one of 4 modes: full, safe, manual and inactive mode. Depending on this, Key Switcher reacts to text input in different ways. If autocorrection needs to be canceled, smart cancellation of switching using backspace helps out; in any case, switching layouts is easy to deactivate.

It is possible to train Key Switcher; you can independently determine the list of exceptions, but, alas, you cannot create a list of exception programs. Autocorrection rules are supplemented manually, plus it is worth noting autocorrection, which allows you to create abbreviations for entering words.

A special storage facility is provided for entering passwords, where they are stored in encrypted form. There is no journal for storing text in the program. In general, there are not so many options in Key Switcher (there were many more in Keyboard Ninja), especially the weak support for hot keys.

Summary. Compared to Punto Switcher, Key Switcher has such advantages as a wide range of supported languages ​​and the presence of several operating modes. In Punto Switcher, however, more flexible system exceptions, setting up hot keys, more settings in general. Although, in general, both programs are interchangeable.

[+] Support 24 languages
[+] Operating modes to choose from
[+] Autocorrect and autocorrection
[−] It is impossible to create a list of exception programs
[−] Weak support for hotkeys

Key Manager

Key Manager is a wrapper program for assigning actions to mouse buttons, wheel scrolling, keyboard shortcuts, creating pop-up menus and other call methods.

The Key Manager interface is extremely simple, and creating actions is not particularly complicated. Instead of writing scripts - visual settings, categories and profiles are used to organize actions, available for selection in the main program window. Action names are assigned automatically and have a completely readable format.

When adding a new action, the input action is indicated in the settings window: these can be all sorts of variations of presses, clicks of different press durations. You can also create custom modifiers and pop-up menus displaying commands. The actions performed can be described as simple: sending an email, opening a website, inserting text, launching a program, calling system command, power management, sound management, etc. Key Manager supports inserting plain or RTF text using variables and templates, as well as typing.

Working with data (copying, deleting files) in Key Manager is not possible - but for a keyboard manager, by definition, these are already freelance functions. Macros are needed here, rather, to record a sequence of button and key presses. The recording is made in the “Sequence of clicks” section using the action editor.

The program allows you to fine-tune exceptions that will not be affected by hotkeys from programs and windows.

Summary. Thanks to convenient settings, Russian-language interface and, the program is intuitive for the user. Key Manager lives up to its name as a hotkey manager, and the most remarkable thing here is the use of all kinds of keyboard (and other) combinations to execute commands.

[+] User-friendly interface and easy setup of actions
[+] Working with text templates
[+] Creating custom modifiers

Comfort Keys

Comfort Keys is a set of applications consisting of an automation utility, on-screen keyboard, clipboard manager, template manager and alternative layout switcher.

A wizard is used to determine the basic parameters of the program initial setup. In it, in particular, you can activate hotkeys for common actions: working with the manager, sound control, monitor control, keyboard options, system actions.

More fine tuning carried out in the “Settings” section shortcut keys» main parameters of Comfort Keys. Here you can select a key combination and type of action from the list: launching a program, opening a file, managing devices, and much more that is not in the wizard. It seems convenient to create sets of hot keys; you can distribute them at your discretion and switch between profiles as needed.

You can record a keystroke macro and assign a combination to it. Drawing parallels with Key Manager, it is worth noting that you cannot use the mouse when calling, and in general the scripting capabilities are very limited.

Automatic error correction functions are not implemented in Comfort Keys, but many operations are available using hot keys, such as: changing the input language of the last typed characters, switching the input language, converting selected characters to upper or lower case, inverting text and others. A useful feature that allows you to significantly save time is auto-completion of words from the drop-down list. Moreover, it is possible to connect one from a list of Russian-language dictionaries or about two dozen foreign-language ones.

When listing other program modules available in the notification panel and through the context menu, we need to mention the clipboard manager (see on the topic) and the text template editor. Templates are another way to unify the entry of repeated words or phrases, for example, in correspondence. The template editor allows you to connect macros, and there is a choice of text formats. Templates located on network resource, convenient to use in workgroups - and files can be encrypted.

Using the entire Comfort Keys toolkit at the same time is not very convenient, since the program, along with its add-ons, takes up a considerable part of the screen. But you can disable the additional toolbar in the main settings.

Summary. Comfort Keys, if we talk about the Pro edition, is a very functional solution for speeding up typing and computer work. The program will be useful when working with templates, editing, and in everyday work. There are functions common to Punto Switcher and Key Switcher that allow you to quickly correct text. Flexible reassignment of hotkeys and a wide range of actions.

[+] Excellent functionality
[+] Wide range of actions for hotkeys
[+] Working with templates
[−] Inconvenient interface

Hot Keyboard

Hot Keyboard is a program for creating macros, assigning hotkeys to them, as well as the conditions under which they will be executed. In this case, a macro is an action that can be easily configured using options.

The main window of the program is a list into which you can add the desired set of actions. There are similarities to the Key Manager interface, although Hot Keyboard doesn't allow you to group actions into manually created categories or select profiles.

Macros are divided into 3 categories. The general category includes actions such as opening pages, creating menus, applications, files, search functions, and recording button presses. Separately, it is necessary to note the insertion of text - as expected, with a choice of format and support for special content: dates, times, variables and even files. Using macros, you can configure text auto-replacement.

The settings for each macro are available in a separate window. To perform an action, you can set a condition or set it to run on a schedule. Hot Keyboard has a fairly powerful scripting system. Variables, functions, operators are described in. In AutoHotkey, writing scripts was practically the only way to implement capabilities, but here “all means are good”, and scripts can be used in addition to actions. Actually, the third category of macros affects specific scripting functions: setting the execution delay, working with expressions, running another macro.

Summary. The Hot Keyboard utility is located at the user's disposal through setup dialogs with options. Learning the syntax language is not at all necessary. However, if you need more flexibility and functionality, scripts will provide significant help.

[+] Creating scripts
[+] Flexible setup actions
[+] Defining conditions for running macros

Pivot table

Program	AutoHotkey	Punto Switcher	Key Switcher	Key Manager	Comfort Keys	Hot Keyboard
Developer	Chris Mallet and others	Yandex	InteLife Solutions	Atnsoft	Comfort Software Group	Imposant
License	Free	Free	Free/corporate	Paid (from 920 rub.)	Paid (from 390 rub.)	Free (non-commercial) / paid (business, from $29.95)
Russian-language localization	−	+	+	+	+	+
Writing scripts (macros)	+	−	−	+	+	+
AutoCorrect	+	+	+	−	−	+
Clipboard support	+	+	−	+	+	+
Hotkey assignments	+	+	+	+	+	+
Automatic layout switching	−	+	+	−	−	+ (macro)
Automatic error correction	−	+	+	−	−	−