Remapping SHIFT + SPACE to an underscore (_)

Question

I found this question and was so excited when I found out I could remap my whole keyboard with a really simple Microsoft product called Keyboard Layout Creator.

My problem: Keyboard Layout Creator doesn't allow me to modify the space bar with any "shift state" keys (e. g., Ctrl, Ctrl + Alt, and Shift).

I want to remap Shift + Space to an underscore (_).

This would be really helpful for me, because my database names are all formatted with underscore separators (e. g., this_is_a_database_name), and I think it'd be faster with this key combination than Shift + -.

Solution 1

This is possible with AutoHotkey:

1. Download and install the latest version.

2. Create a new script called underscore.ahk with your favorite text editor.

3. Write the following in the file and save it:

   +Space::Send _
   

4. Double-click the file to run the script.

5. If you wish, copy the script (or a link to it) in the Startup folder.

Pressing Shift + Space now inserts an underscore.

Solution 2

I had been looking for a solution for this for a while, but didn't want to download AutoHotkey. I found that Microsoft publishes a Windows extension for super users called PowerToys that includes a Keyboard Manager that can facilitate the shortcut.

Example setup in Keyboard Manager:

The upside is that this program has some other cool things that you might enjoy, but make sure you take the time to go disable things you don't want.

Comments

[n611x007]

Here is the key list: autohotkey.com/docs/KeyList.htm it contains LShift and RShift, among other keys. Now press Any key. ;)

[CSharper]

I would like _ to be fired on space + shift instead of OP's request. With this solution "I_get sentences that look this, see what I_mean?" but in order to handle that, I think I will need to modify spacebar's key to fire on key up instead of the default key down.

[Dennis]

@CSharper: The space bar is not a modifier key, so while what you're going for should be possible, it won't be a one-liner. I don't have Windows anymore, so I won't be able to help. Sorry.