Detect Keyboards SecondKeyboardDetect and Manage Multiple Keyboards with independent Hotkeys with our AutoHotkey v2 script
Latest Version: 03/03/2025
Being able to assign unique Hotkeys to both your primary and Secondary keyboard is super-helpful!
Our AutoHotkey tools are powerful utilities that allows you to distinguish between multiple connected keyboards and assign different functions to each keyboard. This tool is perfect for power users, streamers, content creators, and anyone looking to enhance their workflow with dedicated macro keyboards.
This package contains two main components:
- Detect Keyboards.ahk: A diagnostic tool that helps you identify connected keyboards and displays their input in real-time. The left panel shows input from the primary keyboard, while the right panel displays your Secondary keyboard input. Each keystroke is displayed with its virtual key code and scan code for easy reference.
- Secondary KeyPad Trigger.ahk: A configuration utility that allows you to bind specific keys from a secondary keyboard to custom functions. This script handles raw input registration and processes keystrokes independently from your main keyboard, enabling you to create dedicated macro keypads without interfering with normal typing.
Key features:
- Works with USB keyboards or 10-key keypads
- Distinguishes between multiple input devices
- Creates custom hotkeys that only trigger from specific keyboards
- Includes a simple GUI for configuration
- Supports AutoHotkey v2.0
- Creates modular, reusable code that can be included in your existing scripts
Getting started is simple – run the Detect Keyboards tool to identify your devices, then use the Secondary KeyPad Trigger to assign functions to specific keys on your secondary keyboard. Perfect for streamers controlling OBS, content creators managing editing software, programmers running code snippets, or anyone looking to boost their productivity with dedicated macro keys.
Hotkeys for Secondary Keyboard / Keypad
Summary:
In this video, Joe and Isaias discuss a new tool they developed for programming secondary keypads using AutoHotKey. The tool allows users to differentiate between inputs from a primary keyboard and a secondary keypad, enabling more flexible and independent programming of hotkeys. They explain the functionality of the tool, its advantages over expensive keypads, and provide a walkthrough of its features and setup process.
You can get this script here: https://the-Automator.com/Hotkey2ndKeyboard
Key Points:
– [00:00:00] Introduction
– Joe and Isaias introduce themselves and the topic of the video.
– They mention the ongoing development of a new tool.
– [00:01:03] Client Request
– A client, AJ, requested a way to program a secondary keypad independently from his main keyboard.
– Joe discusses the need for the tool to differentiate between inputs from both keypads.
– [00:02:06] Tool Functionality
– The tool can isolate inputs from the primary keyboard and the secondary keypad.
– It allows users to trigger different actions based on which keypad is used.
– [00:03:09] Development Discussion
– Joe and Isaias discuss the technical challenges of leveraging the tool’s capabilities.
– They emphasize the importance of understanding how the last connected keyboard affects input detection.
– [00:04:12] Programming with AutoHotKey
– Joe explains the cost-effectiveness of using AutoHotKey for programming compared to expensive keypads.
– They highlight the limitations of programming options with high-cost keypads.
– [00:05:15] User Knowledge Requirement
– Isaias mentions that users should have some programming knowledge to create their own functions.
– The tool provides a graphical user interface to simplify function creation.
– [00:06:18] Triggering Actions
– The tool triggers actions based on the last connected keypad.
– Isaias shares his experience with confusion regarding which keypad was being detected.
– [00:07:21] Code Complexity
– Joe describes the complexity of the code involved in the tool’s functionality.
– They acknowledge that the programming is not for beginners.
– [00:08:24] Hotkey Assignment
– Isaias explains how to assign hotkeys to specific functions.
– He discusses the challenges of using external keypads with AutoHotKey.
– [00:09:27] Tool Demonstration
– Isaias demonstrates how to use the tool to assign hotkeys and functions.
– The process involves selecting the hotkey and defining the function to be called.
– [00:10:30] Adding More Functions
– They discuss the ease of adding more functions and hotkeys using the tool.
– The tool modifies the necessary files automatically.
– [00:11:33] User-Friendly Design
– The design aims to make it simple for users to manage their hotkeys without deep coding knowledge.
– Isaias emphasizes the importance of user experience in the tool’s development.
– [00:12:36] Future Enhancements
– Joe and Isaias discuss potential future features, including better hotkey management.
– They express excitement about the tool’s capabilities and future improvements.
– [00:13:39] Low-Level Access
– They explain how the tool captures keyboard input at a low level, allowing for more control.
– This capability enables the use of special keys that are typically not accessible.
– [00:14:42] Conclusion and Call to Action
– Joe encourages viewers to like the video and share feedback.
– They mention the availability of the tool for a fee and the time invested in its development.
Final Summary:
The video presents a new tool developed by Joe and Isaias for programming secondary keypads using AutoHotKey. It allows users to differentiate between inputs from multiple keypads, enhancing flexibility in hotkey assignments. The discussion covers the tool’s functionality, user requirements, and potential future enhancements, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness and user-friendly design.
