KeyMapper

Some keyboards come equipped with macro keys. They are supposed to act either as placeholders — so you can reach a certain key easier — or as buttons capable of triggering multiple functions. There's also the case where, if a key stops working, you can remap one of the macros to occupy its place.

Unfortunately, not every keyboard has them. So if one needs some additional functionality, they can use software that changes its behavior. And so it is, that KeyMapper is the tool for such a job: enhance and personalize your typing experience by remapping any key to whatever you see fit.

When one accesses KeyMapper, they will most likely notice the simple, pared-down interface, easy to comprehend and pick up. A tutorial is shown when you open the app, instructing you about how it operates. The large, wide keyboard that acts as the interface can be operated like so: double-clicking a button brings up a prompt, whereby you can change how it functions.

The remapping options are quite generous, and the mapping choices are nicely organized into several groups, so they're easy to access. Under the "Commonly Used" key group, users can trigger a button to open the e-mail, browser, bring up Windows Search, or manipulate the volume.

You can also have a key perform the function of another: for instance, you can set the key "1" to act as the Caps Lock, Space, or as a symbol of your choice. You can even trigger your machine to open My Computer or even shut down that way.

The mappings won't take effect right after you input them into the app. If you have a machine with Windows 7 or later, remapping will only work if set to the "Boot Mappings" option, findable via the "Mappings menu. After assigning new functions for your buttons, they'll take effect after a system restart.

KeyMapper does what it says it does. It's especially useful if you have a few keys you know you don't use much, so remapping might just breathe more life into them.