Keyboard Macro Keys



Macros are meant to be simple.? You can also use the functions described in Useful function and Checking modifier state for additional functionality. For example, resetkeyboard allows you to reset the keyboard as part of a macro and getmods & MODMASKSHIFT lets you check for the existence of active shift modifiers. Pressing a key will type a text for you that you need often, like greetings, signature, address, etc Now you can add a keyboard Macro recorder to any of your Windows applications with Quick Macro Record function. Pressing Play key will then play that recorded macro.

Macros are sequences of events (such as keystrokes, mouse clicks, and delays) that can be played back to help with repetitive tasks. They can also be used to replay sequences that are long or difficult to run. You can assign a macro recorded in Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center to a key or a mouse button. You can also use the Macro Repeat feature to play and repeat a macro continuously, and then stop it at any time.

Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center macros use a .mhm extension and are saved as individual files in your default DocumentsMicrosoft HardwareMacros subfolder. Macros recorded in keyboard and mouse are interchangeable. You can run them or edit them from either program.

Caution: Do not save passwords or other sensitive information in macros.

  1. Using the mouse that you want to configure, start Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center.

  2. In the list under the button that you want to reassign, select Macro.

  3. Click Create a new Macro.
    An empty macro is created and added to the macro list.

  4. In the Name box, type the name of the new macro.

  5. Click in Editor, and enter your macro.
    You can record events such as keystrokes, mouse clicks, and delays between actions. You cannot capture mouse movement or actions performed through macros assigned to reassignable keys.

  6. In the Available Macros list, make sure that the new macro is selected.

To record two or more events at the same time

  1. Enter the first event (for example: press the SHIFT key).

  2. Right-click the selected event and then select Split. The event will split into three separate events: a button press-and-hold, a time delay, and a button release.

  3. Click between the two separate events (either before or after the delay).

  4. Enter the second event (for example: Mouse Button 1).

To edit an existing macro

  1. Using the mouse that you want to configure, start Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center.

  2. In the list under the button that you want to reassign, select Macro.

  3. From the Available Macros list, select the macro you want to edit.

  4. Click in Editor and edit the macro or enter new events.

To play a macro

  • Click the button assigned to the macro.

To cancel a macro during playback

  • Click the button assigned to the macro again, or start another macro

Macro

To enable Macro Repeat (play a macro repeatedly)

  1. In the Macro Editor, select a macro from the Available Macros.

  2. Click Edit Macro icon

  3. Turn on the Repeat.

Notes: Macro Repeat does not support switching applications. For example, if you open your Web browser while a macro is repeating in a game, the macro stops repeating. Likewise, if you include a command in a macro to switch to a different application, Macro Repeat does not take effect, and the macro runs once only.

  • If you press a button assigned to start a repeating macro and then press a button assigned to a different macro, the repeating macro stops.

  • A repeating macro does not include a time delay at the end of a sequence. If you want to add a delay, you can add one in The Editor box.

To toggle a repeating macro

  • After you enable Macro Repeat for a macro, press the key assigned to the macro to start it.

Press the button again to stop the macro from repeating.
Or, to stop the repeating macro and start another macro, press the key assigned to the other macro.

When you first delve into the world of PC gaming you’re going to realize there is a wide variety of things that you can use to elevate your playing potential ranging from cheat codes to macro keys. But what are macros in gaming and what are macro keys?

There are plenty of shortcuts that are acceptable to use in offline games, such as RPGs but aren’t recommended for use in online environments such as with FPS games. Macro keys can prove to be quite useful in a wide variety of gaming situations for a couple of reasons.

What are Macros?

Macros are commands or command chains that are called up by a combination of keys (e.g. Ctrl + Alt + Del or Ctrl+S, etc.) or with programmed keys (gaming mouse, gaming keyboard)and then execute the saved command sequence.

Macros are not only used in gaming, they can be found in all software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. There the macros make extensive work easier with just one push of a button and can help save a lot of time.

What are Macros in Gaming?

So a macro is a stored command that simplifies information input. Gamers call the special keys on the Gaming mouse and gaming keyboard simply macro keys.

Macro keys are different keystrokes that you can press repeatedly to repeat the same action over and over. For example, you can set a specific pattern of keystrokes to create a specific sequence that you can use to attack a big boss or search for materials.

They are essentially an easier way of doing regular tasks without having to press the same keys repeatedly. They can also come in handy for offline fighting games, as you can do combinations without having to try to remember what all of the hotkeys are.

Keyboard

The Downfall of Using Macro Keys

As mentioned, there are plenty of games where you can benefit from the use of macro keys and in all honesty, once you learn how to use them for gaming, you can have an advantage in every game that you play. However, there are times when using them is appropriate and times when using them aren’t; in fact, there have been numerous players who have attempted to use macro keys in online games only to get banned from the servers.

Is using Macro keys cheating?

How, you might ask? The answer is simple. If you’re able to input a sequence of movements into a macro key, then instead of having to push multiple keys when you come in contact with another person in a PvP situation, you’re going to have a leg up in the match and as a result, beat them to the punch every time. This in itself is referred to as “automation” and can lead to a direct ban on game servers because it’s seen as cheating.

With all of that being said, there’s absolutely no reason as to why you can’t benefit from using macro keys in an offline environment, especially in a game that has an exploitative glitch to help you get more materials to better your offline characters. Even if you find that you’re going around fighting NPCs (Non-Playable Characters) on a regular basis, you can program a macro to do the fighting for you with the help of a single button.

How to Safely Use Macro Keys in an Online Game

It’s always recommended that you avoid using macro keys as often as possible when it comes to online gaming, especially PvP games because you never know what could be classified as an offense that could get you banned. However, there may be “loopholes” in the game’s terms of service that you can use to your advantage if you want to learn how to use macro keys for gaming.

The vast majority of online games allow users to program a single action to a single macro key, as this is no different than using the traditional keys on the keyboard. For example, you could program your shooting button to “G2” and your dodging button to “G3”, but you wouldn’t be allowed to program a dodge-shoot-dodge function to “G2” alone.

Although this doesn’t mean that you’re going to be able to completely rule the leaderboards, it can make it slightly easier for you to learn how to use macro keys and to get the hang of computer gaming if you’re relatively new to it. Instead of having to focus on pressing several keys on opposite ends of the keyboard, you can have all of the most important keys in one section.

How to Find a Gaming Keyboard with Macro Keys

Not all gaming keyboards come equipped with macro keys, though the vast majorities do. The easiest way to find one is to take a quick browse around the internet and carefully read through product descriptions as they will typically tell you whether the keyboard comes with macros or programmable keys.

If all else fails, you can also look at the design of the keyboard. In most cases, macros are placed on either the far left or far right of the keyboard in a series of one to 18, similar to the numeric keypad. These keys will be separate from the rest of the keyboard and easy to spot.

How Do You Set Macro Keys?

This may differ depending on the type of gaming keyboard that you have, but most gaming keyboards offer a set of macros keys and macro software for gaming.

Best Keyboard With Macro Keys

Depending on which device it is and which manufacturer the product comes from, the type of programming can differ. Often certain macro keys are already assigned commands.

It is the easiest to program the keys using the macro software for gaming supplied by the manufacturer or the driver app that comes with the keyboard.

Keyboards with Macro Keys

Corsair K55 RGB Gaming Keyboard – IP42 Dust and Water Resistance – 6 Programmable Macro Keys – Dedicated Media Keys - Detachable Palm Rest Included (CH-9206015-NA) , Black
  • Dynamic RGB backlighting across three zones, with full customization of colors and lighting effects
  • Dust and spill resistant design rated up to IP42 protection guards against accidents so your gameplay never has to stop
  • Six programmable macro keys give you the in-game advantage of powerful macros or key remaps
  • Detachable, soft rubber palm rest reduces stress on your wrists so you can play longer in comfort
  • Dedicated volume and media controls give you direct control over your audio without having to interrupt your game
$49.88Buy on AmazonLast update on 2021-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising APIRazer Cynosa V2 Gaming Keyboard: Customizable Chroma RGB Lighting - Individually Backlit Keys - Spill-Resistant Design - Programmable Macro Functionality - Dedicated Media Keys
  • The #1 Best-Selling Gaming Peripherals Manufacturer in the US: Source - The NPD Group, Inc. U.S. Retail Tracking Service, Keyboards, Mice, PC Headset/Pc Microphone, Gaming Designed, based on dollar sales, 2017-2021
  • All-Around Gaming Performance: Able to execute up to ten commands at the same time with built-in key rollover anti-ghosting
  • Ultimate Personalization & Gaming Immersion with Razer Chroma: Fully syncs with popular games, Razer hardware, Philips Hue, and gear from 30+ partners; supports 16.8 million colors on individually backlit keys
  • Spill-Resistant Design: Built to withstand most accidental liquid splashes
  • Fully Programmable Macros: Razer Hypershift allows for all keys and keypress combinations to be remapped to execute complex commands
$59.99Buy on AmazonLast update on 2021-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising APISaleRazer Ornata Chroma Gaming Keyboard: Hybrid Mechanical Key Switches - Customizable Chroma RGB Lighting - Individually Backlit Keys - Detachable Plush Wrist Rest - Programmable Macro Functionality
  • The #1 Best-Selling Gaming Peripherals Manufacturer in the US: Source - The NPD Group, Inc. U.S. Retail Tracking Service, Keyboards, Mice, PC Headset/Pc Microphone, Gaming Designed, based on dollar sales, 2017-2021
  • High-Performance Mecha-Membrane Switches Provides the tactile feedback of mechanical key press on a comfortable soft-cushioned membrane rubber dome switch suitable for gaming
  • Ultimate Personalization & Gaming Immersion with Razer Chroma Fully syncs with popular games Razer hardware Philips Hue and gear from 30+ partners supports 16 8 million colors on individually backlit keys
  • Fully Programmable Macro Support Razer Hypershift allows for all keys and keypress combinations to be remapped to execute complex commands
  • Ergonomic Magnetic Wrist Rest Made of soft-touch leatherette to maximize comfort over extended gaming sessions with built-in magnets for convenient alignment
$68.24Buy on AmazonLast update on 2021-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising APISaleCorsair K95 RGB Platinum Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 6x Programmable Macro Keys - USB Passthrough & Media Controls - Tactile & Quiet - Cherry MX Brown – RGB LED Backlit
  • Aircraft grade anodized brushed aluminum frame: Built to withstand a lifetime of gaming. Lightweight and rugged durability, necessary for a keyboard that's going to see a lot of action
  • 8MB profile storage with hardware macro and lighting playback: Allow access up to three stored profiles on the go, independent of external software
  • Dynamic multicolor per key backlighting with Light Edge: Adjust each key's color and illumination level in addition to 19 zones on the top edge light bar for sophisticated and dramatic animations
  • 100percentage CHERRY MX Brown RGB mechanical key switches: Light tactile feedback for fast performance and precise timing with less distraction
  • 6 programmable G keys keys for in game macros: Assign single keystrokes or complex multi key combos to any of the 6 dedicated macro keys
$177.61Buy on AmazonLast update on 2021-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Razer Keyboard Macro Keys

Lets Recap What Are Macros In Gaming

So what are macros in gaming? Macros are recorded commands or command chains that can be programmed into the input devices. These type of command shortcuts allows you to work faster or react faster to certain situations occurring in games were reacting as quickly as possible is critical.

Once you have found the right gaming keyboard and have programmed the macro keys according to your preferences, you’ll be able to sit relaxed in your gaming chair, and play away and complete trickier actions in less time as you’ll only have to press one button instead of three or more.

Although they should never be used in an online game, learning how to use macro keys for gaming can be quite useful for offline play and everyday work-related tasks.

Share on TwitterShare on PinterestShare on Facebook

Alienware Keyboard Macro Keys

Related Posts:

  • PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X
  • The Best Games in the PlayStation Plus Collection
  • What's So Great About Pokemon Snap?