Is it possible to run the Colemak install without switching the Backspace key and the Caps Lock key?  What would happen if I opened up the "Caps to Backspace.reg" file and deleted all the contents before running the install package?

The reason why I'm asking is because I use a Kinesis keyboard, and the Backspace key is located in such a beautiful and comfortable position that it would be foolish to switch the Backspace key and the Caps Lock key.  I understand the value of doing the switch for someone using a regular keyboard, but it doesn't make any sense in my case.

While the benefits of the alpha layout are undeniable, for those of us who are not techies and spend significant amounts of time typing (I'm an editor), the caps lock key is sorely missed.

Since I need to switch back and forth between Colemak and QWERTY, it is not a reality for me to do the registry mapping.

Is there a particular reason that the caps lock was not remapped to the backspace key? Along the same vein, will there be a version in the near future which addresses this issue?

I agree. I think there should be an option to replace Scroll Lock with Caps Lock. Even better would be if Scroll Lock was still accessible via Shift+Scroll Lock or with some other modifier key.

I found that my right-hand Windows key was never in use, so I put the CapsLock functionality there. Not sure who put me onto that idea; probably Qwertie/David.

Mac users may have a similar take on the right-hand Option key?

I tried using Scroll Lock for a soft remapping once but the light would still go on and off which was annoying. But KeyMapper and similar methods probably do a better job of it.

Another consideration: Since the ScrollLock is pretty much "up for grabs" and has a pretty light to toy with to boot, I've taken to be using it a lot when programming! It can be very nice as a "state key" that turns on and off some program functionality while displaying the state with its light.

So if the ScrollLock is taken by Colemak I at least wouldn't be happy about it. I don't know if other programmers do similar things and have similar sentiments. But of course, I'd just use the rest of the layout and skip that key - similar to what I already do (using the right Win key as CapsLock).

Sorenk, can you set that up to work with a MS layout definition (.klc) by mapping the CapsLock to a state modifier key (using a hook, registry mapping or other), or do you have to hook all the keys on your keyboard with a script?

Ah... is it about the special SGCAP key (on Swiss and Hebrew keyboards - any other?)? If so, I'd love to hear some more about it!

And btw, typing English with Kyrillic characters is no more Russian than, say, τυπινγ Eνγλις ωιφ Γρηκ λεττερσ is!  ;)  (That's how most of my AltGr positions were spent...)

You don't need to reboot to have registry remapping changes applied. Logging out and logging in again is enough.

Oh goodness, I think I have solved my problem, and I didn't even have to use the terminal!

System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layouts -> Layout Options -> CapsLock key behaviour:

(x) CapsLock toggles normal capitalisation of alphabetic characters

[Close]

[Apply System-Wide]

(password)

[Authenticate]

[Close]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOT!  It worked!!!! =)

Man, I was so close to giving up and learning Dvorak!  Glad I don't have to do that!  I just need my caps lock so that I can type numerous long product keys without holding down the shift key xD

--

Sorry, in case anybody else needs this, the above GUI-ONLY procedure was performed on Ubuntu 9.04 (Gnome).

=D

If you use PKL, then Shift-Capslock does UPPERCASE ALL YOU TYPE.