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To customize your computer keyboard, all you need is a keyboard utility or key remapper.
For example, you can remap a key to type a foreign language character, or you can change a key to perform a specific action when combined with other keys.
Unlock Endless Possibilities with Microsoft's Free Tool: Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator (MKLC)
Installing and Using Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator (MKLC) on Windows 10:
With MKLC, you can create a new keyboard layout from scratch or modify existing layouts based on English and other languages.
Download MKLC here: Get Started with Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator
Next, run the MSKLC.exe file you just downloaded to install the software and open the application via the Start Menu shortcut.
MKLC displays a typical keyboard layout, highlighting keys that can be remapped and those that cannot. Keys like Backspace, Tab, Caps, Return
Your best bet is to modify an existing keyboard layout rather than building a new one from scratch. Click File => Load Existing Keyboard and select US to load the American English layout.
On the keyboard layout, click the key you want to remap, such as the 'a' key. A text box will appear for you to input the replacement character. Click Start => Windows Accessories => Character Map.
Double-click on one of the 'a' keys with a comma symbol above it, then click the Copy button.
Back in MKLC, paste the character into the text box, then click OK. Do the same for the uppercase version of the 'A' key, which you can access in MKLC by checking the Show the Caps Lock box.
Continue customizing your computer keyboard by remapping the keyboard layout until you've finished remapping all the keys you want. The next step you need to take is to confirm the remapping of the keys. Click Project => Validate Keyboard. If all keys are remapped, MKLC will notify you of the successful remapping process. If not, the program will alert you with a log file containing warning details. Depending on the warnings you receive, you may need to modify your layout.
Now you can proceed to test the keyboard layout by typing a new key. Click Project => Test Keyboard Layout. A blank screen will appear for you to input the new keys you just created, ensuring that all keys are functional.
You can name your modified keyboard layout. Click Project => Properties. Enter any name you want in the Name box, noting a maximum of 8 characters without spaces.
Save the layout by clicking File => Save Source File. Name it and choose a location to save the .klc file. You can load this file anytime to make further changes by clicking File => Load Source File.
Once you've finished building the keyboard layout, the next step is to create the actual setup package. Click Project and select Build DLL and Setup Package.
MKLC will build a Windows Installer package, then prompt you to view the contents of the folder. This folder contains subfolders with DLL files for different Windows platforms along with .msi and setup.exe files. Double-click on the setup.exe file to install the keyboard layout.
Restart your computer. After logging back into Windows, you'll see the name of the current keyboard layout displayed on the system tray.
Click on that keyboard name and switch to the keyboard layout you created. Now you can use the custom keyboard on any application, document, or file on your Windows computer, with accessible custom keys.
Thus, with the handy tips for customizing computer keyboards provided by Mytour, you gain additional knowledge for everyday computer use and improve typing speed, making your keyboard and computer faster.
In case your keyboard malfunctions, you need to open the virtual keyboard in the system to type text or chat with friends. The method of opening the virtual keyboard on current operating systems has been detailedly introduced by us.
If your keyboard or mouse isn't recognized by your computer, refer to troubleshooting steps for fixing computer not recognizing keyboard, mouse here. Best of luck with your setup!
