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A device I can program keyboard accessibility shortcuts to? (macOs) (self.Blind)
submitted by _bassJunkie
Hi folks,
So the other day, I downloaded Big Sur which has made my external keyboard and mouse useless.
So, before then, I used a Razer Naga - a mouse that had 12 keys on the side and is used to mainly map macros for MMO games. I instead used it as an easy way to map the accessibility shortcuts - zoom, increase/decease zoom and invert colours. It was wonderful, and was able to enable, disable and enlarged something without my hand leaving the mouse. Was extremely useful and convenient.
But, due to Big Sur, and Razer neglecting support macOS for many years, this has finally broke and I am actually quite heart broken about it.
As well, to rub the burn even more, the control, command and options keys on my external keyboard is no longer recognized as it is originally a keyboard for windows. I need those keys to work to execute the short cut.
So, after all the researching in the world, and being ignored in subreddits, I have come to the conclusion that Apple has changed how hardware interacts with it's operating system, plus Razer not wanting to support it's Apple users.
I took this opportunity to completely upgrade my set up. Everything, even the computer and monitor. Old things break, so now I got to adapt and look forward to something new.
So, why I am here today is to ask for suggestions on device that can practically replace what my mouse did. Keyboards, external keypad, maybe another brand's mouse similar, something... I am sure some of you guys have done a similar thing to me, to make life more comfortable! I also do work on my computer, and rely on these accessibility shortcuts. Performing the shortcuts just by keyboard for the hundredth time can get tedious, and that's why I wanted a dedicated button for enabling and disabling zoom, dedicated button to enable and disable invert colours, etc...
I am trying to look into the Elgato Stream Deck, used for video game streamers, but I would use it as a quick easy way to zoom in and out, especially because it has a LCD screen that i can see at night. But, my biggest worry is that the device, despite being compatible with macOS, if the control, command, and options keys are recognized (because my keyboard suddenly doesn't want to), and if it allows 4 keys to be pressed at the same time. More research, and questions to be asked to their community I guess.
Thank you!
So the other day, I downloaded Big Sur which has made my external keyboard and mouse useless.
So, before then, I used a Razer Naga - a mouse that had 12 keys on the side and is used to mainly map macros for MMO games. I instead used it as an easy way to map the accessibility shortcuts - zoom, increase/decease zoom and invert colours. It was wonderful, and was able to enable, disable and enlarged something without my hand leaving the mouse. Was extremely useful and convenient.
But, due to Big Sur, and Razer neglecting support macOS for many years, this has finally broke and I am actually quite heart broken about it.
As well, to rub the burn even more, the control, command and options keys on my external keyboard is no longer recognized as it is originally a keyboard for windows. I need those keys to work to execute the short cut.
So, after all the researching in the world, and being ignored in subreddits, I have come to the conclusion that Apple has changed how hardware interacts with it's operating system, plus Razer not wanting to support it's Apple users.
I took this opportunity to completely upgrade my set up. Everything, even the computer and monitor. Old things break, so now I got to adapt and look forward to something new.
So, why I am here today is to ask for suggestions on device that can practically replace what my mouse did. Keyboards, external keypad, maybe another brand's mouse similar, something... I am sure some of you guys have done a similar thing to me, to make life more comfortable! I also do work on my computer, and rely on these accessibility shortcuts. Performing the shortcuts just by keyboard for the hundredth time can get tedious, and that's why I wanted a dedicated button for enabling and disabling zoom, dedicated button to enable and disable invert colours, etc...
I am trying to look into the Elgato Stream Deck, used for video game streamers, but I would use it as a quick easy way to zoom in and out, especially because it has a LCD screen that i can see at night. But, my biggest worry is that the device, despite being compatible with macOS, if the control, command, and options keys are recognized (because my keyboard suddenly doesn't want to), and if it allows 4 keys to be pressed at the same time. More research, and questions to be asked to their community I guess.
Thank you!
bdevel 3 points 2y ago
I feel your pain. I get frightened every MacOS update. I’ve lost so many great configurations to compatibility issues.
Kinesis makes good keyboards. The latest one with recordable macros might be the easiest solution.
I’ve settled on the Ergodox EZ. There are several varieties. You can customize it with a web GUI or build your own source code if you know C. You can add layers to remap different keys.
Other tip, check out the MacOS Accessibility Keyboard which is really awesome. It’s not the regular on screen keyboard. The panel editor allows you to make a button do literally anything, including run AppleScript or press any combination of keys.
Kinesis makes good keyboards. The latest one with recordable macros might be the easiest solution.
I’ve settled on the Ergodox EZ. There are several varieties. You can customize it with a web GUI or build your own source code if you know C. You can add layers to remap different keys.
Other tip, check out the MacOS Accessibility Keyboard which is really awesome. It’s not the regular on screen keyboard. The panel editor allows you to make a button do literally anything, including run AppleScript or press any combination of keys.
_bassJunkie [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Thanks!
DogsSureAreSwell 3 points 2y ago
Before you give up on your favorite devices, try $1. It acts as a third-party driver for Macs and lets you map keys and mouse buttons however you want, including simulating keystrokes with modifiers. I use it to make Evoluent vertical mice play nice with Macs.
Other things I use:
$1, which can be used to create shortcuts or trigger whole applescripts. I use it to make the F plus number keys on my non-Apple keyboard control volume and mission control.
$1 have key remapping and macro recording built in, and you can save your settings as a text file.
Other things I use:
$1, which can be used to create shortcuts or trigger whole applescripts. I use it to make the F plus number keys on my non-Apple keyboard control volume and mission control.
$1 have key remapping and macro recording built in, and you can save your settings as a text file.
_bassJunkie [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Awesome! Definitely will try this. I was thinking about getting an advantage2 keyboard because I want to save my wrists :)
DogsSureAreSwell 1 points 2y ago
It definitely helps with wrists, though not much more than some less expensive ergo options. But boy howdy is it the best I've found for finger problems.
For wrists on macs I recommend either a kinesis advantage or a freestyle with the VIP kit, an Evoluent vertical mouse, and a good keyboard tray.
Oh...it looks like the freestyle pro is programmable too. I haven't gotten to play with one of those yet, only the basic one.
I used to recommend Microsoft sculpt keyboards too but I had half a dozen co-workers all have pairing problems with them on Macs after a few months.
For wrists on macs I recommend either a kinesis advantage or a freestyle with the VIP kit, an Evoluent vertical mouse, and a good keyboard tray.
Oh...it looks like the freestyle pro is programmable too. I haven't gotten to play with one of those yet, only the basic one.
I used to recommend Microsoft sculpt keyboards too but I had half a dozen co-workers all have pairing problems with them on Macs after a few months.
_bassJunkie [OP] 1 points 2y ago
I also wanted to get a vertical mouse too! That’s why I was thinking the stream deck. Sure, expensive but I would like to slap on the advantage 2. I doubt the vertical mouse as a spare button or two to program, right? But if I can get my naga to work again, that would be great as that’s quite ergo. But would love a vertical mouse.
DogsSureAreSwell 1 points 2y ago
They vary. For what it's worth, mine has an index finger button, a clickable scrollweel, a ring finger button, a pinky button and two thumb buttons. So 5 or 6 depending on how you count.
I was just reading through the usb Overdrive docs and he mentions Razer as not being fully supported, so you would have to play with it to see if it can handle your model.
I was just reading through the usb Overdrive docs and he mentions Razer as not being fully supported, so you would have to play with it to see if it can handle your model.
[deleted] 3 points 2y ago
[deleted]
_bassJunkie [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Thanks for the suggestion! Will do some research on that!
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