Custom NVDA Modifier Key
Opened this issue · 8 comments
Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.
I don't have a numpad or insert key but would still like to use my right hand for the modifier key. If I use the capslock key, I then have to use mainly my left hand for key inputs.
Describe the solution you'd like
In the startup menu or input gestures, add an option that allows you to set the modifier key to an unused key on the keyboard.
Describe alternatives you've considered
If not a user-set key then possibly adding another set-in-stone option on the right side of the keyboard.
Additional context
I have a 67 key keyboard that has the tickmark/tilde key on the right, and I'd like to be able to use that as my modifier key but can't.
Hi,
I see. Indeed, there are keyboards without an insert key, or if present, emulated through other means (Mac keyboard is a good example).
I'm sure you have investigated the following, but if you haven't: there are software that can remap key codes (for example, the apostrophe key (if I'm getting the picture you are describing correctly) could be remapped to act like an Insert key). If that is possible, it could be one workaround without involving editing screen reader source code. Some keyboards do come with keyboard configuration software, while other software can be obtained from third parties.
The next possible option, while not ideal, is using a keyboard with Insert key(s). At other times, people would have recommended this option, but I would not recommend it for now due to the ideal solution: custom NVDA modifier key (this method, as you will soon learn, touches modules that are not even related to GUI as well; hint: do a grep (if able) for "insert" against NVDA source code repository (specifically, do a recursive grep on "source" folder).
I can see the potential and benefits of the proposed solution, as well as potential costs and possible confusion (this is me speaking as an NVDA contributor as I don't work for NV Access). Benefits include keyboard layout flexibility, with one downside being assuming all keyboards will have similar layout.
Hope this helps (good luck).
Thanks.
@josephsl Would it be costly to make the NVDA key emulable in input gestures dialog? We can already emulate capslock, insert, alt, shift, ctrl etc. but we cannot add the NVDA key to the emulated system keys. Could the NVDA key follow the emulated key? For example when I emulate the capslock key, and I set NVDA key to capslock, then every emulated capslock key should become NVDA key as well.
Thanks @DrSooom for the good catch, I closed that issue in favor of this, because this one contains a clear description with an use case. It seems people recommended in that old issue also that an external keyboard could be used, but it is not really a solution to use an external keyboard when the keyboard doesn't have insert or capslock keys. It must be an easier way to use NVDA right away when turning on a laptop with such a custom keyboard like some Lenovo laptops or machines with Mac keyboard.
cc: @vtsaran, @geoff, @jzaefferer, @a-singer, @rdebeasi, @CyrilleB79, @timeless, @bdorer, @mstopka, @mertdeg2, who also supported this request in the old issues.
Hi,
At first, emulated system keys method is a viable option... except it makes the situation more confusing. The "NVDA key" is listed as an option for emulated system keys in input gestures. This facility was added years ago to allow braille display users to perform system commands that are not assigned by default to their displays, including performing NVDA modifier key gestures.
Based on what I can tell, Madison may know a thing or two about software engineering but could be a complete newbie to assistive technologies. If yes, I would like to caution folks against giving her our familiar options such as braille input/output as that is a cognitive overload for the first issue. If she does know about assistive tech (or has been using NVDA for more than several months), then we could relax that a bit. This is why I intentionally suggested key mapping software first before diving into screen reader specifics in my earlier comment.
Thanks.
Hi,
At least in the English user interface, NVDA key is listed in input gestures/emulated system keys category as ""Virtually toggles the NVDA key to emulate a keyboard shortcut with braille input".
Thanks.