Modify Your Keyboard Layout

Obviously, there are probably very few times when you would want to modify the way your computer views your keyboard, but there are times when it might be useful.  I remember when a friend messaged me on Facebook and said "Hello im".  At first, I thought she just mistyped my name, but eventually, I realized that she was writing every word containing a "j" without it.  I finally asked if she was having trouble with a key, and she said yes.  Those who play online games might also want to modify keyboard layout to allow for quicker access to important keys and key combinations.

Windows does not have the native ability to modify your keyboard, but there is a solution available directly from Microsoft.  The Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator will allow you to remap a broken key to something you rarely use, like the left bracket.  However, the layout is somewhat limited because Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Caps Lock, Tab, Return, and Backspace keys cannot be modified.

If you want something more flexible, KeyTweak is an easy-to-use option that gives you more options for remapping.  Also, if you think there may be an issue with your keyboard, you can use Switch Hitter to diagnose the problem.