How to Change the Directional Keys on a Computer Keyboard
Computer-makers don't tweak the sequence of letters on the QWERTY keyboards that PCs have inherited from typewriters (Dvorak keyboards feature an alternative layout of keys). The traditional layout is not so fixed for Ctrl, Alt, and directional keys like PgUp, PgDn and arrow keys. So these keys tend to get shuffled more often---especially in small laptops where space is at a premium. You can often change the locations of inconveniently placed keys with software to remap keys and a small screwdriver to switch keyboard covers.
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Instructions
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KeyTweak
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Download a free keyboard remapper like KeyTweak or SharpKeys (both for Windows; see Resources section).
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For KeyTweak, run the downloaded file "KeyTweak_install.exe" and assign a directory for installation.
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Run the program. Note the layout of the KeyTweak screen: an "Informational Area" at the top that notes the functions of remapped keys, a "Key Selection Area" that depicts a keyboard, and a "Keyboard Controls Area."
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Select the key or keys you wish to remap from the "Key Selection Area." If the keys on the 104-key KeyTweak keyboard do not emulate perfectly the locations of keys on your own keyboard, you may need to move your mouse over several keys before finding the key you wish to change. A pop-up box will state the current function of the key over which your mouse is hovering.
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In the "Keyboard Controls Area," select a new value from the drop-down box for the mapping of each key you have selected in the "Key Selection Area." Click the "Remap Key" for each key to send the remapped function you have chosen to "Pending Changes." You can also "Restore Default Behavior" of a selected key or "Enable/Disable" it in this section.
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Click the "Apply" button to activate Pending Changes.
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Restart your computer to enable the remapping to take effect.
SharpKeys
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For SharpKeys, open the downloaded program to view a black screen with green text.
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Click on "Add."
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Select a key to remap by clicking on "Type Key" under "Map this key (From key)." Click on "OK."
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To remap the key, click on "Type Key" under "To this key (To key)."
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Click on "OK," "Write to registry" and "Close." Restart your computer to enable the remapping to take effect.
Switch Key Covers
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If you are simply switching the functions of keys with the same-size key covers, use a small flat-blade screwdriver to switch covers.
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Gently insert the screwdriver under one side of the key, and pry open the cover slightly. Insert the screwdriver under the opposite side of the same key, and again slightly pry open the cover from that side.
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Continue gently using the screwdriver as a lever to pry open the key cover from one side or the other until the cover pops and you can remove it manually.
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To place the cover on a new key, push and jiggle the covers on the spindle of the remapped key until the cover pops back on. Now the label on the key cover will match the new function of the key.
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Tips & Warnings
Due to technical differences in how certain keys work, remapping software may not be able to remap the functions of Fn, Pause/Break or a few other keys. Review software instructions to learn about the limitations of a remapping utility.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit computer keyboard image by forca from Fotolia.com
