Bravotango's "Base J" Customized Hotkeys

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 07 2011 01:43 GMT

Bravotango's "Base J" Customized Hotkeys

This is my hotkey setup. There are (not) many like it, but this one is mine. This writeup is using Protoss, as that is the race I play most, and designed toward. However, I have made similar layouts for the other two races, based on my neophyte knowledge of what is most important. It's also worth noting, that, at least for Terran, the buildings that are similar, such as Barracks to Gateway, or Engineering Bay to Forge, use the same hotkeys, so if you play random, this layout might work for you as well. Of course, anyone can modify it to suit their needs.

Let's get started...

edit: The original text of this first section is now in this spoiler. I've revised this section, as follows, to make it more clear. Feel free to skip this spoiler as it contains exactly what follows, only not quite as clearly explained. I've gone back through to facilitate learning the system easier, I've put the equivalent ASDF position keys in parenthesis next to the actual keystrokes. So, instead of looking down at your keyboard to find the necessary key, use the parenthetical value and assume your hand is in ASDF position to hit it.

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Put your left hand on your keyboard, with your fingers on JHGF, and your thumb resting between the Spacebar and R Alt. From this position, how fast can you:

1. Press J (like typing 'F').
2. Press J.
3. Left click your mouse.
4. Hold down Spacebar and right click your mouse.

Congratulations, you've just made a pylon and returned to minerals.

Or:

1. Press Y.
2. Press U.
3. Press J.
4. Press F.

Like typing ERFA in the standard typing position.

Congratulations, you've just begun your Weapons and Armor Upgrades at your double Forge. Want to Chronoboost those upgrades ? Try:

1. Press Y.
2. Press Y.
3. Press J.
4. Hold the Spacebar down and click your Forges, which are now in the middle of your screen.

How about Chronoboost your Warpgate farm ?

1. Wheel your mouse wheel back quickly.
2. Press Y (like typing 'E').
3. Press J.
4. Hold the Spacebar down and click your Warpgates, which are now in the middle of your screen.

Ok, one more. How about the oft-discussed 'Backspace' method for Chronoboosting Nexuses or Injecting as Zerg ?

1. Press Y.
2. Press R Alt - your thumb is right there. This is the 'Backspace' functionality.
3. Press J.
4. Left click center of screen.
Repeat steps 2-4 for each base you have. It's lightning fast.

Seem easy ? It is.

Slide your keyboard about 2 inches to the left. Put your left hand on your keyboard, with your fingers on JHGF, and your thumb resting between the Spacebar and R Alt. Now, look at your screen and DO NOT look at your keyboard for the following exercise. In fact, throughout this post, it will be easier to learn the hotkeys used by imagining your hand is on ASDF. I'll provide the appropriate ASDF model keys so you don't have to look at your keyboard at all, you just type.

Without moving your hand, I'm telling you that your hand is actually on ASDF, the standard typing position. That notch under your index finger tells you it's 'F'. Don't look at the keyboard.

From this position, how fast can you:

1. Press F.
2. Press F.
3. Left click your mouse.
4. Hold down Spacebar and right click your mouse.

Congratulations, you've just made a pylon and returned to minerals.

Or:

1. Press E.
2. Press R.
3. Press F.
4. Press A.

Congratulations, you've just begun your Weapons and Armor Upgrades at your double Forge. Want to Chronoboost those upgrades ? Try:

1. Press E.
2. Press E.
3. Press F.
4. Hold the Spacebar down and click your Forges, which are now in the middle of your screen.

How about Chronoboost your Warpgate farm ?

1. Wheel your mouse wheel back quickly.
2. Press E.
3. Press F.
4. Hold the Spacebar down and click your Warpgates, which are now in the middle of your screen.

Ok, one more. How about the oft-discussed 'Backspace' method for Chronoboosting Nexuses or Injecting as Zerg ?

1. Press E.
2. Press R Alt - your thumb is right there. This is the 'Backspace' functionality.
3. Press F.
4. Left click center of screen.
Repeat steps 2-4 for each base you have. It's lightning fast.

Seem easy ? It is.

What I've come up with drastically reduces the time it takes to execute whatever you are trying to do.

I am using the Razer DeathAdder mouse and Razer Black Widow Ultimate keyboard, although any customizable mouse and keyboard will suffice.

I have completely redesigned every hotkey in my setup to take advantage of every nuance that I could think of.

What I've learned about Hotkeys and Control Groups

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1. Modifiers, such as Shift, Ctrl, and Alt can act as more than just modifiers. They can perform a function when used by themselves. You just need to be careful their "double functionality" doesn't conflict.

2. Starcraft 2 itself does not recognize the scrolling of the mouse wheel for other than the scrolling default movement. However, with a customizable mouse, you can assign arbitrary keys, such as '*' on the numeric keypad, to mouse scroll. Then in Starcraft II, you can assign '*' to something useful, such as a control group, thereby enabling additional, easy to use, functions with your mousewheel.

3. It's easier to scroll my mouse wheel than it is to reach over to 9 or 0.

4. Using a customizable keyboard, there is no reason to use the far left side of the keyboard. The Shift, Ctrl, Caps Lock, and Tab keys take up twice the real estate of the normal keys. By moving your hand position to the middle, you can hit more keys, with the same range of movement. As an added bonus, you thumb is no longer in the middle of the Space bar, it rests naturally between the Spacebar and R Alt, if the hand is moved such that the index finger rests on J.

5. Function keys suck. Given the ability to change the Mouse Back button to Alt, it's much easier to get the camera functionality by using the same keys you're already using, but with a mouse button modifier held down.

6. At least for me, the index finger and middle finger are much more dextrous than my pinky. Yet, in the default setup, the pinky is crucial to so much of what is needed.

7. It's a lot easier to hold my thumb on the Spacebar than it is to hold my pinky on Shift, especially in conjuction with placing other fingers where they need to be.

8. It's a hell of a lot easier to hold my index finger on U (assuming it rests on J) than it is to hold my pinky, or the side of my hand, or my elbow or whatever it is that people use to hit that Ctrl button, especially in conjuction with placing other fingers where they need to be.

9. It's possible (and quite easy) to hold my thumb on the Mouse Back button while typing with my left hand as opposed to accessing those Function keys.

Benefits

1. Easy access to all ten control groups.

2. Easy access to camera locations.

3. Virtually no repositioning or stretching of hand. It's about as close to typing as you can get.

4. Easy to control and execute multi-pronged attacks.

5. Facilitates good mechanics.

Problems I had with standard setup:
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1. Limited to significantly less than 10 control groups.

2. The modifier keys ( Shift, Ctrl, and Alt ) required a little more contortion than I prefer, especially in some combinations.

3. Keys for frequently used functions were spread out all over the keyboard ( P for patrol, for example ), requiring hand movement, leading to delays repositioning.

4. There was no correlation between how frequently you need to perform a key combination ( building a pylon ) and how easy it is to execute ( B E Shift + Right Click back to minerals ).

5. Certain keys, such as Tab and the modifier keys had only one purpose, requiring more keys to be used.

6. Function keys. Couldn't use them, not without completely moving my hand, at least.

Problems Solved
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The layout is designed specifically to:

1. Make more control groups not only easily accessible, but still in synergy with the key combinations likely to be used for those control groups.

2. Make modifier keys (shift, alt, and ctrl) easier to use, especially in key combinations, by repositioning (customizable keyboard required) their position on the keyboard. edit: see Required Hardware section for update

3. Make more keys easily accessible with minimum of hand movement, reducing misclicks.

4. Make the most frequently used actions (such as building supply) the easiest key combinations to execute.

For example, it's much easier to double click your index finger to make a pylon, then it is to reach over to 'B', then up to 'E', while holding shift.

5. Increase the actions performed by less keys by implementing "double functionality" when possible.

For example, the 'Tab' button in the default setup serves basically one purpose. I've changed the hotkey for that to 'Ctrl' ( Don't worry about what you're thinking, you'll understand later when you read the Keyboard Customization section). There is never a time, that I've found, where these two functionalities conflict with each other.

6. LOL at Function keys. All the camera functionality has been moved to your fingertips, where they already are.

Is this for you ?
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I can only think of three situations where this setup might not be useful for you.

1. You have been playing so long that a drastic ( and I do mean drastic ) change to your hand position and key combinations would be too much of a change.

2. You don't have a customizable mouse and keyboard, or the wherewithall to get them. Also, I'm not sure if LAN-style tournaments allow customizable equipment. If not, then this isn't for those who attend those events, either.

edit: A customizable keyboard may not be required if Millicant's fix listed under Required Hardware works for you.

3. This setup is based on use of the same keys for many different things. I could see how very high APM could result in errors in spell casting. But, perhaps not.

Required Hardware:
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A customizable keyboard

I don't mean macros. I mean one that allows you to change the 'A' key to act like 'B', for example.

edited to add:

On May 07 2011 15:48 Millicant wrote:
Okay.

I wrote out a quick AHK (AutoHotKey) script to eliminate the need for people to have a customizable mouse and keyboard. I don't know if this will cause input lag, but it does work.

Just throw the text below into a script and you're set.

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space::Shift
u::Control
U::Control
Alt::Numpad5

WheelDown::NumpadMult
WheelUp::NumpadDiv
MButton::'
XButton2::;
XButton1::Alt

#NoEnv ; Recommended for performance and compatibility with future AutoHotkey releases.
SendMode Input ; Recommended for new scripts due to its superior speed and reliability.
SetWorkingDir %A_ScriptDir% ; Ensures a consistent starting directory.

#PrintScreen::Suspend

A customizable mouse, with at least 5 buttons

You could still get some benefit from this setup with a non-customizable 5 button mouse, but you would lose the ability to use the mouse wheel how I setup.

Hand Position
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The basic 'typing' position, slid over 3 keys to the right. I originally intended my fingers to be a touch more spread out, but my fingers reverted to this 'typing' position in game, and I've found it's effective, even without the finger spread.

Thumb

Between the Space Bar and Right Alt

You will need your thumb to hit these two buttons only.

Index Finger

J - There is a notch on J, just like there is on F, so it's easy to find, not that you're going to be moving around much...

Your index finger will access J, K, U, I, ',', and M ( maybe N based on personal preference ) fairly frequently. I have some hotkeys set to L and O, but I think they might be very rarely used.

Middle Finger

H

Your middle finger will access H, Y, 6, and possibly N or B.

Ring Finger

G

Your ring finger will access G, T, and possibly B.

Pinky Finger

F

Your pinky finger will access F, R, D, and V.

Customized Keyboard Setup
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Screenshot
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The following keys have had their meanings customized in the keyboard driver.

Spacebar

Customized to Shift. Completely eliminates any difficult hand contortions.

U

Customized to Ctrl. Ctrl is then assigned to replace the Tab key as the hotkey for 'Unit Management - Next Subgroup'. Completely eliminates any difficult hand contortions and enables faster 'tabbing'.

Right Alt

Customized to Num 5 (an arbitrary key that will never otherwise be used) to enable assignment to the 'Base Camera' hotkey (originally Backspace).

Customized Mouse Setup
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Screenshot
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Middle Mouse Button

Customized to ' (an arbitrary key that will never otherwise be used). This is used for 2 camera locations, depending on whether a modifier is held down.

Mouse Scroll Forward

Customized to Num / (an arbitrary key that will never otherwise be used) to enable assignment to a control group. This will be the 'Main Army' control group.

Mouse Scroll Back

Customized to Num * (an arbitrary key that will never otherwise be used) to enable assignment to a control group. This will be the 'Production Buildings' control group.

Mouse Forward Button

Customized to ; (an arbitrary key that will never otherwise be used) to enable assignment to a control group. This will be an easily accessible control group for use in any way you want.

Mouse Back Button

Customized to Alt to enable easy access to a modifier key on the right hand. Alt is then assigned as the hotkey for 'Camera - Drag Scroll'.

Control Groups and their Usage
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Screenshot
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All control groups are created with Ctrl and appended to with Shift. Keep in mind, Ctrl is 'U' and Shift is the Spacebar. (U is R in the ASDF position)

The following configuration is pretty flexible, although I highly suggest sticking to 'Y' (E) for its intended purpose. The ancillary army groupings are many, and easily accessible. Just keep in mind, some are easier to use for immediate access and spell casting than others.

, (B in ASDF)

For: Army units requiring easy access to position, but not necessarily to cast spells, as the index finger is off the 'J' key. Also good for controlling one of the prongs in a multi-prong attack.

Good for Colossus or Void Rays, for example.

R (Q in ASDF)

For: Frequently used, but not so micro-intensive units.

A somewhat easy to access hotkey for frequent, but not immediate access, such as an observer or worker probe.

T (W in ASDF)

For: Somewhat micro-intensive army units.

An easy to access hotkey for frequent and fairly immediate access, such as stalkers for a quick blink. A good control group for micro as the index finger is resting on 'J'.

Y (E in ASDF)

For: Nexuses and Upgrade Buildings

A very easy to access hotkey and all uses of Nexus and Upgrade Buildings have been designed to flow quickly after hitting Y with the middle finger.

H (D in ASDF)

For: The most important micro-intensive units.

Easiest hotkey to access. The middle finger on its home key. Can be used for drop groups, drop defense, High Templar in the army, anything that you want immediate access to with the ability to immediately cast spells. These spells would generally be cast with HJ (DF in ASDF).

N (C in ASDF)

For: Army units requiring easy access to position, but not necesssarily to cast spells, as the index finger is off the 'J' key. Also good for controlling one of the prongs in a multi-prong attack.

Good for Colossus or Void Rays, for example.

7 (4 in ASDF)

For: Whatever - it's probably the 10th of 10 to use.

; (Mouse forward button)

For: Anything you want ready access to, such as a prong in a multi-prong attack.

Num * (Mouse scroll back)

For: Production Buildings

Very easy to 'double click' as you simply scroll back more than one notch. Quick way to return to base, then back to army, or whatever you are microing at the time. Part of 'tap' to monitor production buildings, in conjunction with 'Mouse Scroll Forward'.

Num / (Mouse scroll forward)

For: Main Army

Very easy to "double click" as you simply scroll forward more than one notch. Part of 'tap' to monitor production buildings, in conjunction with 'Mouse Scroll Back'.

Unit Movement, Abilities and Spell Casting, including Workers
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Unit Movement
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Move \ - any arbitrary key that you will never use

Stop - G (S in ASDF)

Hold Position - B (X in ASDF)

Patrol - M (V in ASDF)

Attack - F (A in ASDF)

Worker Activity
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Why reach for 'B' everytime you have to make a building ? Especially when it's followed by 'E', then holding Shift to right click back to minerals. Making supply is the most frequent building we make, so I made it the easiest to do. Simply Double click your index finger on its home key, following by holding the spacebar with your thumb. Easy Peasy.

I add buildings to control groups as soon as I warp them in. Sometimes I have to come back so as not to wait for the probe, but the mechanics of doing it are simply:

For Production Buildings:

1. Click building.
2. Hold Spacebar and mouse scroll back one click.

For Nexuses or Research Buildings

1. Click building.
2. Hold Spacebar and press Y (Spacebar + E in ASDF).

To add multiple, such as gateways, simply hold down U (R in ASDF) during step 1.

General

J (F) - Build Basic Structure
K (G) - Build Advanced Structure
D (CAPS) - Return Cargo

Basic Structures

JI - Build Nexus (like typing FT)
JF - Build Assimilator (like typing FA)
JJ - Build Pylon (like typing FF)
JK - Build Gateway (like typing FG)
JM - Build Forge (like typing FV)
JG - Build Cybernetics Core (like typing FS)
JD - Build Photon Cannon (like typing F CAPS)

Advanced Structures

KM - Build Twilight Council (like typing GV like Forge)
KG - Build Stargate (like typing GS)
KJ - Build Robotics Facility (like typing GF)
KI - Build Templar Archives (like typing GT)
KF - Build Fleet Beacon (like typing GA)
KK - Build Robotics Bay (like typing GG lol)
KD - Build Dark Shrine (like typing G CAPS)

Unit Abilities and Spell Casting
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J is the easiest button to hit, so it's the primary spell casting key. K and I are also very easy to hit, so they are next in priority.

J (F) - Zealot - Charge - (it's there if you need it lol)
J (F) - Stalker - Blink (why reach for B?)
J (F) - Sentry - Force Field (same as default F)
K (G) - Sentry - Guardian Shield (same as default G)
I (T) - Sentry - Hallucinate (same as default T)
J (F) - High Templar - Feedback
K (G) - High Templar - Psionic Storm
V (SHIFT) - High Templar - Morph into Archon - Put it where you want - I wanted it out of the way
J (F) - Warp Prism - Phase Mode
I (T) - Warp Prism - Transport Mode (same as default T)
K (G) - Warp Prism - Unload All
J (F) - Phoenix - Graviton Beam
J (F) - Carrier - Launch Interceptors (Mouse Back Button and J (F) sets it to auto-cast)
K (G) - Mothership - Mass Recall
J (F) - Mothership - Vortex

Command Card Screenshots
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Production Buildings
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Nexus
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The Nexus(es) will be the first 'group' of the control group accessed by 'Y', so I will prepend the 'Y' to each hotkey to facilitate mechanics.

YG - Warp in Probe (like typing ES)
YF - Chronoboost (like typing EF)
YK - Warp in Mothership (like typing EG)

Note: The location of the 'Y' (E) hotkey for the Nexus and upgrade buildings is the reason the 'Center on Selection' hotkey is 6 (3). The most frequent use of that functionality (for me, at least) is to chronoboost research. To do this:

1. Press Y (E in ASDF).
2. If you have double forge, press Y again. Otherwise, mouseclick the wireframe of the building to be chronoboosted.
3. Press 6 (3).
4. Press Y (E) again.
5. Press J (F) to cast the chronoboost (hold down for multiple).
6. Click building in center of screen.

This is the exact same mechanic to chronoboost any research, since it's all in the same control group. It only varies by which wire-frame you mouse click.

Gateway / Warpgate
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Warpgates will be the first part of the control group, therefore, mousewheel back will access them.

F - Warp in Zealot (like typing A)
J - Warp in Stalker (like typing F)
G - Warp in Sentry (like typing S)
I - Warp in High Templar (like typing T)
D - Warp in Dark Templar (like typing CAPS)

Note: All these keys are very easy to access while holding the Spacebar (for Shift).

Gateways come second in the control group precedence. To access them to convert them into warp gates, if you already have warpgates, simply press U (R), which Tabs you over to gateways, then press K (G) to convert. It's like typing R and holding G.

Stargate
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The Stargate is next in order of predence. To access it, simply mousewheel scroll back once, then tab with U (R) once or twice depending if you have more than one group ahead of it. Usually it will be one tab.

J - Warp in Phoenix (like typing F)
G - Warp in Void Ray (like typing S)
F - Warp in Carrier (like typing A)

Robotics Facility
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The Robotics Facility is the last of the production facilities in the control group.

J - Warp in Observer (like typing F)
F - Warp in Warp Prism (like typing A)
I - Warp in Immortal (like typing T)
G - Warp in Colossus (like typing S)

Assuming you have only Robotics Facilities and Warpgates, you make Colossus, simply by:

1. Mouse wheel back.
2. Press U (like typing R) to tab to Robotics Facility.
3. Press G (like typing S).

Command Card Screenshots
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Upgrade Buildings
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Anything that doesn't have a rally point goes in the control group with the Nexus(es).

Forge

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Forge is the first building after Nexus. To access it, type Y (E), then U (R) once, which acts like tab. I'm pre-pending these keys to show how easy it is to access these upgrades.

YUJ - Upgrade Ground Weapons - ERF in ASDF
YUF - Upgrade Ground Weapons - ERA in ASDF
YUI - Upgrade Shields - ERT in ASDF

For double forge, to upgrade Weapons and Armor, simply type: YUJF (ERFA) or YUFJ (ERAF). So easy.

Twilight Council
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F (A) - Upgrade Charge - the key to warp in Zealots
J (F) - Upgrade Blink - the key to warp in Stalkers

Robotics Bay
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J (F) - Research Gravatic Boosters ( Observer speed )
F (A) - Research Gravatic Drive ( Warp Prism speed )
G (S) - Research Extended Thermal Lance ( Colossus Range )

Note: The hotkeys to research these upgrades are the exact keys used to create the corresponding unit at the Robotics Facility.

Templar Archives
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J (F) - Research Psionic Storm

I've debated between what keys were the easiest to use for Storm. I like to use the same keys for the research, as I do for making units, and casting the spells, when I can. In this case, I use I to warp in HTs, K (G) to cast Storm, and J (F) for the upgrade. Customize it according to what you are best able to use in battle.

Fleet Beacon
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J (F) - Research Graviton Catapult

Cybernetics Core
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J (F) - Upgrade Air Weapons
F (A) - Upgrade Air Armor
I (T) - Research Hallucination
K (G) - Research Warp Gate (like typing G, which is default)

Note: J (F) is my "Upgrade Weapons" hotkey that I use for Air or Ground, even across races. F (A) is the "Upgrade Armor".

Command Card Screenshots

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Camera Positions
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No where in here will you see any use of those Function keys ! The trick to making these camera keys so accessible is the use of the Alt modifier, which is conveniently the Mouse Back button. It also serves the double purpose of being drag scroll, so think of your Mouse Back button as your Camera button.

In short, you access camera locations simply by using many of the same keys you use for control groups, but with that Mouse Back button held in.

Here are the keys to Recall Camera Locations:

Alt + Y (E)
Alt + H (D)
Alt + ' (middle mouse button)
Alt + T (W)
Alt + G (S)
Alt + Num * (which is actually scroll back)
Alt + Num / (which is actually scroll forward)
' (middle mouse button)

Holding down Spacebar in conjunction with the above Saves the locations.

Other Noteworthy Hotkeys
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E (Tab) - Idle Worker - accessed with pinky up and to the left - like tab

Alt + ; - Jump to last alert - it's both side mouse buttons

Num 5 - Base Camera - it's Right Alt, where your thumb is

6 (3) - Center on Current Selection - it's here because your next step is usually to access the Y (E) control group to chronoboost, and your previous step was also very likely Y (E), assuming you're boosting upgrades

Alt+6 (3) - Follow Current Selection - similar to previous, so why not just add Alt

Warpgates - No hotkey, as I have them in a control group already

The 'Base J' Configuration File
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[Settings]
AllowSetConflicts=1

[Hotkeys]
Sound=Control+O
PTT=NumPad0
ChatDefault=Enter
LeaderUnits=Y
NamePanel=Control+P
StatPanelUnitsLost=Control+Q
ToggleWorldPanel=
AlertRecall=Alt+SemiColon
CameraCenter=6
CameraFollow=Alt+6
CameraPush=Alt
ControlGroupAppend0=Shift+NumPadDivide
ControlGroupAppend1=Shift+Comma
ControlGroupAppend2=Shift+R
ControlGroupAppend3=Shift+T
ControlGroupAppend4=Shift+Y
ControlGroupAppend5=Shift+H
ControlGroupAppend6=Shift+N
ControlGroupAppend8=Shift+SemiColon
ControlGroupAppend9=Shift+NumPadMultiply
ControlGroupAssign0=Control+NumPadDivide
ControlGroupAssign1=Control+Comma
ControlGroupAssign2=Control+R
ControlGroupAssign3=Control+T
ControlGroupAssign4=Control+Y
ControlGroupAssign5=Control+H
ControlGroupAssign6=Control+N
ControlGroupAssign8=Control+SemiColon
ControlGroupAssign9=Control+NumPadMultiply
ControlGroupRecall0=NumPadDivide
ControlGroupRecall1=Comma
ControlGroupRecall2=R
ControlGroupRecall3=T
ControlGroupRecall4=Y
ControlGroupRecall5=H
ControlGroupRecall6=N
ControlGroupRecall8=SemiColon
ControlGroupRecall9=NumPadMultiply
IdleWorker=E
InventoryButtonUse0=Control+NumPad1
InventoryButtonUse1=Control+NumPad2
InventoryButtonUse2=Control+NumPad3
InventoryButtonUse3=Control+NumPad4
InventoryButtonUse4=Control+NumPad5
InventoryButtonUse5=Control+NumPad6
InventoryButtonUse6=Control+NumPad7
InventoryButtonUse7=Control+NumPad8
MinimapColors=
MinimapPing=
MinimapTerrain=
QuickSave=
ReplayRestart=T,F4
StatusAll=
StatusOwner=
SubgroupNext=Control
SubgroupPrev=
TownCamera=NumPad5
WarpIn=
CameraSave0=Shift+Alt+Y
CameraSave1=Shift+Alt+H
CameraSave2=Shift+Alt+Apostrophe
CameraSave3=Shift+Alt+T
CameraSave4=Shift+Alt+G
CameraSave5=Shift+Alt+NumPadMultiply
CameraSave6=Shift+Alt+NumPadDivide
CameraSave7=Shift+Apostrophe
CameraView0=Alt+Y
CameraView1=Alt+H
CameraView2=Alt+Apostrophe
CameraView3=Alt+T
CameraView4=Alt+G
CameraView5=Alt+NumPadMultiply
CameraView6=Alt+NumPadDivide
CameraView7=Apostrophe

[Commands]
250mmStrikeCannons/Thor=J
AWrp=V
ArchonHallucination/Sentry=A
Armory/SCV=F
AssaultMode=J
Assimilator/Probe=F
Attack=F
AutoTurret/Raven=I
Baneling/Zergling=J
Banshee/Starport=G
Barracks/SCV=K
Battlecruiser/Starport=M
Blink/Stalker=J
BroodLord/Corruptor=K
BuildCreepTumor/Queen=K
BuildCreepTumorPropagate/CreepTumorBurrowed=K
BuildTechLabFactory/FactoryFlying=I
BuildTechLabStarport/StarportFlying=I
Bunker/SCV=B
BunkerLoad=NumPad6
BunkerUnloadAll=K
BurrowDown=I
BurrowUp=I
CalldownMULE/OrbitalCommand=K
Carrier/Stargate=F
Charge/Zealot=J
CloakOff=O
CloakOnBanshee=I
Colossus/RoboticsFacility=G
ColossusHallucination/Sentry=G
CommandCenter/SCV=I
CommandCenterLoad=NumPad6
CommandCenterUnloadAll=K
Contaminate/Overseer=J
CorruptionAbility/Corruptor=J
Corruptor/Larva=K
CyberneticsCore/Probe=G
Drone/Larva=G
EMP/Ghost=K
EngineeringBay/SCV=M
EvolutionChamber/Drone=M
EvolveCentrificalHooks/BanelingNest=J
EvolveChitinousPlating/UltraliskCavern=J
EvolveGlialRegeneration/RoachWarren=J
EvolveInfestorEnergyUpgrade/InfestationPit=J
EvolveTunnelingClaws/RoachWarren=F
EvolveVentralSacks=D
Explode/Baneling=J
Extractor/Drone=F
Factory/SCV=J
Feedback/HighTemplar=J
FighterMode=K
ForceField/Sentry=J
Forge/Probe=M
FungalGrowth/Infestor=J
FusionCore/SCV=B
Gateway/Probe=K
GatherProt=NumPad9
GenerateCreep/Overlord=D
GhostAcademy/SCV=K
GhostHoldFire/Ghost=D
GravitonBeam/Phoenix=J
GreaterSpire/Spire=K
GuardianShield/Sentry=K
Hallucination/Sentry=I
Halt=I
Hatchery/Drone=I
Heal/Medivac=NumPad9
Hellion/Factory=J
HighTemplar=I
HighTemplarHallucination/Sentry=I
Hive/Lair=K
HunterSeekerMissile/Raven=K
Hydralisk/Larva=D
HydraliskDen/Drone=J
ImmortalHallucination/Sentry=D
InfestationPit/Drone=K
InfestedTerrans/Infestor=K
InfestedTerrans/InfestorBurrowed=K
Infestor/Larva=I
Interceptor/Carrier=J
Lair/Hatchery=K
Larva=J
Lower/SupplyDepot=J
Marauder/Barracks=J
Marine/Barracks=F
MassRecall/Mothership=K
MissileTurret/SCV=D
MorphBackToGateway/WarpGate=L
MorphMorphalisk/Queen=J
MorphToOverseer/Overlord=J
Mothership/Nexus=K
Move=BackSlash
MoveHoldPosition=B
MovePatrol=M
Mutalisk/Larva=M
NeuralParasite/Infestor=D
Nexus/Probe=I
NukeArm/GhostAcademy=D
NukeCalldown/Ghost=V
NydusNetwork/Drone=F
Observer/RoboticsFacility=J
OrbitalCommand/CommandCenter=J
Overlord/Larva=J
PhasingMode/WarpPrism=J
Phoenix/Stargate=J
PhoenixHallucination/Sentry=J
PhotonCannon/Probe=D
Probe/Nexus=G
ProbeHallucination/Sentry=B
ProtossAirArmorLevel1/CyberneticsCore=F
ProtossAirWeaponsLevel1/CyberneticsCore=J
ProtossBuild/Probe=J
ProtossBuildAdvanced/Probe=K
ProtossGroundArmorLevel1/Forge=F
ProtossGroundWeaponsLevel1/Forge=J
ProtossShieldsLevel1/Forge=I
PsiStorm/HighTemplar=K
Pylon/Probe=J
Queen=G
Raise/SupplyDepotLowered=J
Rally=NumPad9
RallyEgg=NumPad8
Raven/Starport=F
Reactor/Barracks=K
Reactor/BarracksFlying=K
Reactor/Factory=K
Reactor/FactoryFlying=K
Reactor/Starport=K
Reactor/StarportFlying=K
Reaper/Barracks=D
ReaperSpeed/BarracksTechLab=D
Refinery/SCV=F
Repair=Period
ResearchBansheeCloak/StarportTechLab=J
ResearchBattlecruiserEnergyUpgrade/FusionCore=G
ResearchBattlecruiserSpecializations/FusionCore=F
ResearchBurrow=I
ResearchCharge/TwilightCouncil=F
ResearchDurableMaterials/StarportTechLab=I
ResearchExtendedThermalLance/RoboticsBay=G
ResearchGhostEnergyUpgrade/GhostAcademy=K
ResearchGraviticBooster/RoboticsBay=J
ResearchGraviticDrive/RoboticsBay=F
ResearchHallucination/CyberneticsCore=I
ResearchHiSecAutoTracking/EngineeringBay=G
ResearchHighCapacityBarrels/FactoryTechLab=J
ResearchInterceptorLaunchSpeedUpgrade/FleetBeacon=J
ResearchMedivacEnergyUpgrade/StarportTechLab=F
ResearchNeosteelFrame/EngineeringBay=K
ResearchNeuralParasite/InfestationPit=F
ResearchPersonalCloaking/GhostAcademy=J
ResearchPsiStorm/TemplarArchive=J
ResearchRavenEnergyUpgrade/StarportTechLab=G
ResearchSeekerMissile/StarportTechLab=K
ResearchShieldWall/BarracksTechLab=F
ResearchSiegeTech/FactoryTechLab=G
ResearchStalkerTeleport/TwilightCouncil=J
ResearchStrikeCannons/FactoryTechLab=F
ResearchWarpGate/CyberneticsCore=K
ReturnCargo=D
Roach/Larva=F
RoachWarren/Drone=K
RoboticsBay/Probe=K
RoboticsFacility/Probe=J
SCV=G
Salvage/Bunker=B
SapStructure/Baneling=K
Scan/OrbitalCommand=J
SelectBuilder=O
SensorTower/SCV=V
Sentry=G
SetBunkerRallyPoint/Bunker=NumPad9
SiegeMode=J
SiegeTank/Factory=G
Snipe/Ghost=J
SpawnChangeling/Overseer=D
SpawningPool/Drone=V
SpineCrawler/Drone=G
SpineCrawlerRoot/SpineCrawlerUprooted=I
SpineCrawlerUproot/SpineCrawler=I
Spire/Drone=G
SporeCrawler/Drone=D
SporeCrawlerRoot/SporeCrawlerUprooted=I
SporeCrawlerUproot/SporeCrawler=I
Stalker=J
StalkerHallucination/Sentry=M
Stargate/Probe=G
Starport/SCV=G
Stim=J
Stimpack/BarracksTechLab=J
Stop=G
StopGenerateCreep/Overlord=V
SummonNydusWorm/NydusNetwork=J
SupplyDepot/SCV=J
SupplyDrop/OrbitalCommand=B
TechLabBarracks/Barracks=I
TechLabBarracks/BarracksFlying=I
TechLabFactory/Factory=I
TechLabStarport/Starport=I
TemplarArchive/Probe=I
TerranBuild/SCV=J
TerranBuildAdvanced/SCV=K
TerranInfantryArmorLevel1/EngineeringBay=F
TerranInfantryWeaponsLevel1/EngineeringBay=J
TerranShipPlatingLevel1/Armory=D
TerranShipWeaponsLevel1/Armory=G
TerranVehiclePlatingLevel1/Armory=F
TerranVehicleWeaponsLevel1/Armory=J
Thor/Factory=F
TimeWarp/Nexus=J
Transfusion/Queen=D
TransportMode/WarpPrism=I
TwilightCouncil/Probe=M
Ultralisk/Larva=B
UltraliskCavern/Drone=B
Unsiege=K
UpgradeBuildingArmorLevel1/EngineeringBay=D
UpgradeToPlanetaryFortress/CommandCenter=F
UpgradeToWarpGate/Gateway=K
VikingFighter/Starport=J
VoidRay/Stargate=G
VoidRayHallucination/Sentry=F
Vortex/Mothership=J
WarpPrism/RoboticsFacility=F
WarpPrismHallucination/Sentry=K
WeaponsFree/Ghost=L
YamatoGun=J
Zealot=F
ZealotHallucination/Sentry=V
ZergBuild/Drone=J
ZergBuildAdvanced/Drone=K
Zergling/Larva=V
hydraliskspeed/HydraliskDen=J
overlordspeed=F
zergflyerarmor1=F
zergflyerattack1=J
zerggroundarmor1/EvolutionChamber=F
zerglingattackspeed/SpawningPool=F
zerglingmovementspeed/SpawningPool=J
zergmeleeweapons1/EvolutionChamber=D
zergmissileweapons1/EvolutionChamber=J

If you've gotten this far, you've obviously taken the time to at least see what I've come up with. I realize it's a big undertaking to so completely change your hotkey setup, so many won't, but I want you to take something away from this. So, I have a few interesting finds that I want to share, that are at least interesting. They aren't related to the hotkey setup.

Bonus Tips
+ Show Spoiler +

Clandestine Scouting
+ Show Spoiler +

A few days ago, I came across a thread on this site, that I can't find now, but I have the link to the Youtube video that it was based on. That video is here:

That is what inspired me into my next couple of tips.

Ok, full disclosure, there is some debate whether using the following "pathing" tells is exploiting a bug or not. I don't believe it is. In either case, I think it's important to know what can be done, whether you chose to apply it in your own games or just be aware that it's possible to be used against you.

The point of the following tips, is you can tell immediately based on the initial direction of your scout, whatever you are testing. You don't need to wait for it to get across the map. Just a few seconds and the path is clear.

Early Game Scouting

This stuff is pretty much explained in the Youtube video, but I'm providing screenshots so you can compare up close how much the probe changes course.

Backwater Gulch

+ Show Spoiler +

+ Show Spoiler +

Metalopolis

+ Show Spoiler +

Map Specific Stuff:

Shattered Temple:
+ Show Spoiler +

Refer to the labeled map.

From position D, you can tell if there is a building blocking your path to the minerals of Base 1's natural expansion. The same goes for scouting position 4's natural from C. It's a little more difficult to scout from the very mid point between C and D because you could be thrown off by terrain.

Ok, that was kinda obvious, but I'm just warming up. At least I didn't try to tell you how to scout the gold from point D ...

You are cross-map from your opponent, you are 3, he is at 1. You can tell if he has broken down the rocks at B by putting a unit (worker) at point E, just outside your base, right-clicking at A (behind the rocks). If the probe heads to the left, kind of close to your cliff, the rocks are still up. If the probe heads straight toward your opponent's natural, the rocks are down.

You are close positions, you are at 4, your opponent is at 1. Has he broken down his rocks ? As the video points out, you could put a probe on patrol on either side of A. Alternatively, you could simply pick a worker that just made a pylon or something at your natural, and right click behind the rocks at A. If he heads to the middle of the map instead, the rocks are down.

You can also scout whether rocks have been broken down from the Xel'Naga tower, noting if the unit goes opposite the direction you expect, it means there is an open path.

Xel'Naga Caverns:
+ Show Spoiler +

Refer to the labeled map.

Ok, so the fastest way from Point A to Point B isn't necessarily a straight line, but it sure as hell isn't through destructible rocks...

First, let's test if the back path is blocked, as Protoss sometimes might do with a couple of pylons. By sending a unit from the upper Point A to the Point B at the destructible rocks, your unit will go one of three ways. The green path, if the back door is open. If the backdoor is closed, but the rocks are open, it will take the red path. If both paths are blocked, the probe will go south through that side expansion, through the gold, to the other side of the rocks.

In order to test if the rocks are down, when the back path is not blocked, you have to move your scout to the lower Point A, so it doesn't take the back path. If it heads straight across toward the corner of the ramp, obviously the rocks are down. If the scout goes at more of an angle to the south, it's going for the gold, since the rocks are up.

Just in case you were wondering, both of those positions are out of vision of the expansion there, as long as they don't send units toward you to scout. Just a mining base and you're fine.

Ok, so that's all I really want to do with the "Scouting by Pathing" bit. Now that we know about it, we can use it or not, but at least we know it's in the game.

I have one more tip, that you may or may not find useful, but I think it's kinda neat-o.

The Zero APM Perpetual Harass
+ Show Spoiler +

I've invented a unit. It's a really smart unit. It's stealthy, and it knows when to hold 'em and knows when to fold 'em. It scouts the map for you, attacking anything it comes across, but it's smart enough to run away before detection arrives. Then it harasses somewhere else, and again, flees before detection can arrive, constantly keeping your opponent on his heels, while you invest 0 APM whatsoever. Cool unit ?

Tip: Introducing the Dark Templar following the Patrolling Observer. Observer is set to patrol the map for expansions. A (small group of) Dark Templar is set to follow that observer. If they come across a base, the DT goes to work, while the Observer continues on its patrol route. At the point where the observer gets far enough away from the DT, the DT's priority command of following the Observer takes over and it disengages from future hostilities. It will finish off what it's attacking, but will leave the rest alone, to resume following the observer. From your opponent's perspective, he has to hustle to get detection, possibly cancel a new expansion, or he moves enough of his army to that position that it could offer you a tactical advantage. Ideally, the DT and observer will be long gone before they arrive. Then they strike again at the next base they find, and the process repeats. The observer stops for nothing, so it's a perpetual stick and move strategy, which requires ZERO APM of yours. Never let that hidden expo beat you again...

Millicant

United States78 Posts

May 07 2011 04:57 GMT

WOW

This is an intense overhaul of the hotkeys! I really like it and I'll have to set up a profile and play vs AI to see if I can actually play like that. It seems to me that you'll need to be very conscious of your keystrokes since like you said, they overlap.

You mentioned that the keyboard must be customizable. Why is that?

Great write-up! Thanks for sharing!

EDIT: Thanks for including the config! I was dreading editing all this manually....

Venomsflame

United States613 Posts

May 07 2011 05:13 GMT

Crazy. Simply breathtaking how much time and effort you put into this. With the overlap, how difficult is it to ensure you don't screw yourself over in games? And what other issues have you experienced with this kind of setup?

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 07 2011 05:16 GMT

Well, moving your hand over to the right like I suggest is why the customizable keyboard is required. You can't change the modifier keys in the hotkey configuration, i.e. you can't append to the Y control group by Spacebar + Y. You're stuck with the Ctrl, Shift, and Alt keys where they are without a customizable keyboard. Now, you can assign them to a mouse though, which is something I toyed around with before the new keyboard.

Without the customizable keyboard, you can do a similar setup, which was actually what I was using for a short while before I got the new keyboard. I had my hand in the default typing position of FDSA, which isn't as good as what I'm able to do with the special keyboard, but it's better than default.

For me, the ability to change what I use for Shift and Ctrl makes the programmable keyboard worth it alone.

Thanks for taking the time to read it. I'm sure you'll notice a huge difference in how little you have to move your hand around.

Millicant

United States78 Posts

May 07 2011 05:22 GMT

+ Show Spoiler +

On May 07 2011 14:16 Kaitlin wrote:
Well, moving your hand over to the right like I suggest is why the customizable keyboard is required. You can't change the modifier keys in the hotkey configuration, i.e. you can't append to the Y control group by Spacebar + Y. You're stuck with the Ctrl, Shift, and Alt keys where they are without a customizable keyboard. Now, you can assign them to a mouse though, which is something I toyed around with before the new keyboard.

Without the customizable keyboard, you can do a similar setup, which was actually what I was using for a short while before I got the new keyboard. I had my hand in the default typing position of FDSA, which isn't as good as what I'm able to do with the special keyboard, but it's better than default.

For me, the ability to change what I use for Shift and Ctrl makes the programmable keyboard worth it alone.

Thanks for taking the time to read it. I'm sure you'll notice a huge difference in how little you have to move your hand around.

That makes perfect sense. Though I don't believe my hardware keyboard has any customization ability, couldn't this be accomplished with AHK just as easily? Using AHK would also make it available to everyone. I'll even write the script for it and post it, if it works.

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 07 2011 05:26 GMT

On May 07 2011 14:13 Venomsflame wrote:
Crazy. Simply breathtaking how much time and effort you put into this. With the overlap, how difficult is it to ensure you don't screw yourself over in games? And what other issues have you experienced with this kind of setup?

Thanks. Actually the overlap has not been bad, I was mostly postulating that as a downfall just based on what I've read as a reason not to use the same keys for many things.

Keeping in mind, in the realm of the TL community, I'm pretty low as far as skill, so I can't really tell you the difficulties of a 200 APM player with this method.

However, it's very easy to control many more control groups than use people generally have been using. Therefore, it's not unheard of for top quality players to have their control groups so well organized that there really isn't a miscasting of spells and such.

As far as other issues, this is a very new layout for me as well, since I have been changing hotkey setups since the ability was put in the game, I wasn't so hard-coded into the default, it only took me a couple days and my APM was 30% higher than it was before, and that is just macroing, without really microing around much. As I get better, I believe this setup will make it easier for me to multitask, given the easy accessibility of so many control groups.

I can't tell you how much I love having the Spacebar as Shift and U as Ctrl. It's HUGE. You can literally add to any control group so easily with Spacebar. Also, "the tap" is simply a mouse wheel scroll.

Ok, now I'm rambling ...

CrAzEdMiKe

Canada151 Posts

May 07 2011 05:26 GMT

Dude... You have me inspired. Though I need to delve into it more deeply, you just made me realize the untapped potential of remapping the hotkeys. I've done only minor changes thus far, such as center on Nexus/Hatch/CC on me ` key (especially useful as Zerg), but I haven't given much thought to a complete revamp.

Though I quite possibly will end up using your model, this really inspires me to at least come up with my own setup (and I'm definitely going tomorrow to get a better mouse... had never considered mousewheel for hotkey scrolling... that is just BRILLIANT). Greatly appreciated and excellent writeup... Though I think this could benefit from an addition later for a hotkey index for your setup, since it would be easier to see and figure out if you showed more clearly what key does what.

Thanks a lot man! Great job and well done. I think this will honestly help smooth out my play a ton.

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 07 2011 05:28 GMT

On May 07 2011 14:22 Millicant wrote:
That makes perfect sense. Though I don't believe my hardware keyboard has any customization ability, couldn't this be accomplished with AHK just as easily? Using AHK would also make it available to everyone. I'll even write the script for it and post it, if it works.

Wait, are you telling me I just spent $130 for a keyboard I don't need ? FML... J/K, I still love the keyboard. Absolutely, if you have a way to give people the ability to move their modifier keys elsewhere, by all means, that would be awesome.

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 07 2011 05:31 GMT

On May 07 2011 14:26 CrAzEdMiKe wrote:
Dude... You have me inspired. Though I need to delve into it more deeply, you just made me realize the untapped potential of remapping the hotkeys. I've done only minor changes thus far, such as center on Nexus/Hatch/CC on me ` key (especially useful as Zerg), but I haven't given much thought to a complete revamp.

Though I quite possibly will end up using your model, this really inspires me to at least come up with my own setup (and I'm definitely going tomorrow to get a better mouse... had never considered mousewheel for hotkey scrolling... that is just BRILLIANT). Greatly appreciated and excellent writeup... Though I think this could benefit from an addition later for a hotkey index for your setup, since it would be easier to see and figure out if you showed more clearly what key does what.

Thanks a lot man! Great job and well done. I think this will honestly help smooth out my play a ton.

I've been watching some of these coaching sessions with Mr. Bitter (and others) and I start to literally pull my hair out because they aren't using control groups. And they're ZERG !!!! OMG - good control group setup helps so much.

Thanks for the compliment.

What do you mean by hotkey index, exactly ?

edit: Also, I don't play Zerg, but if I did, since the production is different, I would change the use of the mouse scroll back to a single hatch just to have the ability to check inject larva status bar. But given the framework, those who actually play the race would be best to figure out how to arrange things. Hopefully everyone reading this thread can bounce ideas around for improvement, even for all the races.

CrAzEdMiKe

Canada151 Posts

May 07 2011 06:23 GMT

#10

Like I said, I haven't studied your setup super duper closely yet, more the concept of it... But what I mean is because you have the configuration file which is basically a crude index but something a little more clear such as:

Build Archon = <Insert Key here>
Build Zealot = ...

Basically just a list that is a little easier to read as the config file is not super easy to read lol.

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 07 2011 06:37 GMT

#11

On May 07 2011 15:23 CrAzEdMiKe wrote:
Like I said, I haven't studied your setup super duper closely yet, more the concept of it... But what I mean is because you have the configuration file which is basically a crude index but something a little more clear such as:

Build Archon = <Insert Key here>
Build Zealot = ...

Basically just a list that is a little easier to read as the config file is not super easy to read lol.

K, gotcha. That info is buried in spoilers. Check out these three sections towards the end:

Unit Movement, Abilities and Spell Casting, including Workers

Production Buildings

Upgrade Buildings

Just click the sub-spoilers and you'll find the keys for everything, some explanation at time, and also at the end of each section are screen shots of all command cards with the hot keys showing. I think that's what you're looking for.

CrAzEdMiKe

Canada151 Posts

May 07 2011 06:44 GMT

#12

Oh sweet. Thanks! That makes it much easier to learn. Fortunately, I myself am a Protoss player so this setup might just end up being carbon copied. =P

Again, great post and guide. Like I said, this is definitely inspiring me to either adopt your setup or at least make something that I am very comfortable with myself... As I do find running all over the keyboard inefficiently to be an enormous waste of time if you need to be getting stuff done quickly in the midst of a battle.

I think the most important thing that I'm taking away from this though is a higher quality mouse. I have a good keyboard, but I never really considered getting an upgraded mouse as well (and again... the hotkey mousewheel is just absolute genius).

Millicant

United States78 Posts

May 07 2011 06:48 GMT

#13

Okay.

I wrote out a quick AHK (AutoHotKey) script to eliminate the need for people to have a customizable mouse and keyboard. I don't know if this will cause input lag, but it does work.

Just throw the text below into a script and you're set.

+ Show Spoiler +

CHECK PAGE 3 FOR NEW SCRIPT

EDIT: Updated to include WindowsKey+PrintScreen to toggle the script on/off.

Useful when you're going back and forth to learn this setup...

RE-EDIT: WindowsKey+F12 now to toggle. Turns out printscreen will always do just that - take a screen shot....

Unnecessary CPU usage.

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 07 2011 06:53 GMT

#14

I'm going to add this to the OP.

EDIT: Updated to include WindowsKey+PrintScreen to toggle the script on/off. Useful when you're going back and forth to learn this setup...

edit: OP updated to include updated edit... or edited update ?

Millicant

United States78 Posts

May 07 2011 07:35 GMT

#15

On May 07 2011 15:53 Kaitlin wrote:

edit: OP updated to include updated edit... or edited update ?

lol. Glad you liked it

I've been trying "Base J" out for a bit now. I like it so far. A lot. I'm still very slow as I need to re-wire my brain, but it's coming. I've been thinking for a while that I don't like moving my hand around on the keyboard - I'm not quick enough to do it. This is the ultimate solution.

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 07 2011 07:51 GMT

#16

On May 07 2011 16:35 Millicant wrote:

Show nested quote +

lol. Glad you liked it

Given your fix to the requirement of a customizable keyboard, it's nice that pretty much anybody can use it now. I've been toying around macroing against the computer and my APM is approaching twice what it was. It's getting interesting. Usually people know what they want to do and their execution slows them down. For me, it's the opposite, once I know what I want to do, execution is easy. My fingers are literally faster than my brain. I'm not sure that's a good thing lol. I could just imagine what somebody who is actually good at this game could do with it.

Does anybody know if customizable keyboards are allowed at LAN type events like MLG ?

Nairi

Finland75 Posts

May 07 2011 08:22 GMT

#17

so cool that other people are readjusting their keys! (also big props for the effort you put in the post)

my keys:
+ Show Spoiler +

groups:
1-6 are standard setup
r= starport
e= factory
w= rax
q= cc

production:
I changed it so that the the position of the portrait decided which key to use, using the asdf for every production facility.
for instance the rax:
a=marine
s=marauder
d=reaper
f=ghost

brief explaination:
+ Show Spoiler +

I am I former wow player and my hand is very used to the wasd position.
In wow I hotkeyed everything and as you might understand thats quite a lot of keys/combinations.
The second reason for rebinding keys is so that I would
a) be able to use the 0-7 groups easily
b) have to move my hand as little as possible.

Now when I first started using this setup it felt very wierd, there were quite a few games
where I had 5-6 reapers suddenly (tried to build marauders). But now that I've gotten used to
it, it feels very natural and comfortable.

angerpowered

United States56 Posts

May 07 2011 08:55 GMT

#18

Do I smell a hidden day9 reference?

Awesome work. I will try this out.

I play zerg and I'll perhaps try to work out a zerg setup.
I will also play protoss though. people say that I whine toss OP because im secretly jealous of toss.

Guess I'll give it a whirl xD

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 07 2011 09:07 GMT

#19

On May 07 2011 17:55 angerpowered wrote:
Do I smell a hidden day9 reference?

Awesome work. I will try this out.

I play zerg and I'll perhaps try to work out a zerg setup.
I will also play protoss though. people say that I whine toss OP because im secretly jealous of toss.

Guess I'll give it a whirl xD

The J in the name refers to the 'home' position of the index finger, but that did cross my mind. I have learned so much of what I know about this game from him, I would love to read what he thinks of this, if we might be so blessed...

There is a "rough" Zerg setup in my file, but it was mainly designed for my own off-race play. It's focused on being as similar to what I've come up with for Protoss, as in, upgrade keys being what they are for Protoss, etc. It might provide a starting point for an actual Zerg who knows what they are doing to build from, at most. I think what I have setup for Terran might actually be useful, at least moreso than the Zerg setup, but it's out here for anybody to change as they see fit.

askTeivospy

1525 Posts

May 07 2011 09:19 GMT

#20

you explained it to me in the other thread but figure i might as well post it here instead

is there a way to make it so you can only *SELECT* the mouse forward control group instead of flat out having it double click? I was messing around with MWDown/Up for controlgroups before i started just doing the mousewheel warp in thing but my only gripe was a big one where it would 99% of the time just flat out jump to it instead of just selecting it while my vision remained stationary. I agree with you the double click feature of the MW is good but at the same time my idea of microing and macroing requires me to control the units while looking at my base and I can't do that with my mouse at least since it always just jumps to the units whenever I had the MW bound with control groups

Also for customizing my mouse I don't use mouse drivers but I use this instead: http://www.highrez.co.uk/downloads/XMouseButtonControl.htm

i've been messing around with the program and you can set additional layers where the same mouse button has another function if you hold down a modifier key (ie shift ctrl or alt)

this is interesting since mouse wheel down = left click when you hold down shift, ingame that translates to shift + left click really fast when you want to remove units from a control group, ie for probe transfers / splitting up your army.

you might want to consider trying that out with your set up to see if it works well. I'm interested with how you use your upgrade centers though, usually i bind all those buildings to tab and that works out fine but putting them along with the nexus would be handy to keep track of their progress w/o pressing tab all the time

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 07 2011 09:58 GMT

#21

On May 07 2011 18:19 askTeivospy wrote:
you explained it to me in the other thread but figure i might as well post it here instead

is there a way to make it so you can only *SELECT* the mouse forward control group instead of flat out having it double click? I was messing around with MWDown/Up for controlgroups before i started just doing the mousewheel warp in thing but my only gripe was a big one where it would 99% of the time just flat out jump to it instead of just selecting it while my vision remained stationary. I agree with you the double click feature of the MW is good but at the same time my idea of microing and macroing requires me to control the units while looking at my base and I can't do that with my mouse at least since it always just jumps to the units whenever I had the MW bound with control groups

Also for customizing my mouse I don't use mouse drivers but I use this instead: http://www.highrez.co.uk/downloads/XMouseButtonControl.htm

i've been messing around with the program and you can set additional layers where the same mouse button has another function if you hold down a modifier key (ie shift ctrl or alt)

this is interesting since mouse wheel down = left click when you hold down shift, ingame that translates to shift + left click really fast when you want to remove units from a control group, ie for probe transfers / splitting up your army.

you might want to consider trying that out with your set up to see if it works well. I'm interested with how you use your upgrade centers though, usually i bind all those buildings to tab and that works out fine but putting them along with the nexus would be handy to keep track of their progress w/o pressing tab all the time

I can reply to parts of this, but I was on my way to bed when I saw the post, so I might need to add more when I get up lol.

The double-click aspect of control groups is beyond our "control". While the wheel makes it very easy to "double click", it is certainly possible to move it one notch to activate the control group, without moving the camera. Guessing here, but it might be indicative of a bit of a loose mouse wheel situation. My mouse is pretty new and I don't have much of a problem with undesired extra scrolling. I could suggest if it happens, simply scroll the wheel back the other way, which would return you right back to your army, assuming that is what you're microing. Since Blizzard is against any type of macro activity, I would never suggest anyone make a macro that did something like, activate a different control group, then immediately activating the desired control group, thereby eliminating any "double click" of any one control group. That would solve the problem, but we're not allowed to do that unless they change their rules.

For the part about the mouse buttons having different roles based on whether a modifier is pressed, I'll ponder that one in a little more depth tomorrow, but I'm thinking it won't work because we're already assigning different behavior based on modifiers being held down in the game. It also sounds pretty complicated, but I'll revisit it after getting some sleep.

For the upgrades, I used to have them in a different control group. The second I realized I could put them in with my Nexus(es), I found myself getting upgrades much more consistently because I nearly automatically check my Nexus control group, where my upgrades control group was just kinda there and I'd check it if I remembered to. When they are with your Nexus(es), they are staring you in the face and you feel the urge to Tab (U) and get those white dots pumping. I have been using chronoboost like crazy too. I highly recommend putting your upgrades with your bases for Terran and Protoss. Especially when getting upgrades is as easy as typing "ERF" (that's what it would be if your index finger is on F).

edit: for the part about assigning multiple functionality to the mouse buttons.

Using modifiers in conjunction with the mouse wheel and the side mouse buttons are already assigned as used hotkeys, so we can't assign them a different purpose.

Ok, so there are three modifiers and two buttons remaining, the right and left mouse buttons. Your suggestion can't work on 3 of them, as the functionality is already used.

Can't work with :

1. Shift and left click - already used for building multiply buildings or pylons at once. I'd say warping in units and casting spells with shift, but those can be accomplished without shift, by holding down the cast button.

2. Shift and right click - already used for queueing movements.

3. Ctrl and left click - already used to select a group of whatever you are clicking on.

That leaves the other 3 open for consideration.

1 & 2. Alt + left click and Alt + right click are possible to use in some special way, but keep in mind that while holding Alt, as it's also "Drag Scroll", the cursor disappears, and the screen moves while holding down Alt, so you can't really target anything, such as deselecting units. They "could" perhaps be used for something like Selecting Idle Workers, or even to replace a camera location.

3. Ctrl + right click - Off the top of my head, I can't think of anything in game where this combination is used, so perhaps you could use this to deselect units or something else creative. Just keep in mind, that as long as you're holding down Ctrl, the 'Tab' behavior will be in effect.

zende

Sweden234 Posts

May 07 2011 10:06 GMT

#22

wow the time you put in... i'm going to try it when i get home today just to see how it works out!

Kukaracha

France1954 Posts

May 07 2011 10:15 GMT

#23

In which league do you play?

Because in the end I managed to get to high Diamond with a highly inefficient set of hotkeys (upgrading mech armour would be 9V, making a Starport clickVS); I feel that hotkeys don't make that much of a difference compared to actual game sense and smart multitasking.

It also bugs me when you say that this isn't useful to a player who already played a lot... because in the lower leagues, players should forget about such subtleties and just try to get their builds and their macro straight. I think that this kind of deep re-thinking of hotkeys is actualy pretty fit to a player from Diamond to Masters who is not improving significantly and who would probably benefit from a slightly better efficiency in the long run. A committed player WILL make the change successfully just like people do manage to switch races and eventually get to the level they had with their previous race.

Also, about control groups, I feel that having more than 3 for the army would be bad for any player who wasn't proactive in BW, and that it gives little benefit as it adds to the risk of letting your macro slip. This does not apply to Masters as their APM might allow them to have many control groups for their army.

But in the end, I like how you really sat down to think about this, I will try it out if I have the time.

United States1177 Posts

May 07 2011 10:47 GMT

#24

I am too old fashioned to use anything but default, but I love reading concepts such as these and would recommend new players to use their own hotkey setup.

The one I think is most efficient (also for protoss) is where instead of horizontal control groups like 1234567 they have vertical control groups. 1qaz for buildings. Nexus, Warpgates, Robo, Stargate, everything that's needed for protoss. And then the production hotkeys branch out sideways... So gateway units would be qwerty, robo units asdfg, stargate units zxcvb. This results in a very intuitive, efficient hotkey setup.

I imagine 456 onwards would be your unit hotkeys, and attack/hold/spells would be close by

Aldehyde

Sweden939 Posts

May 07 2011 14:24 GMT

#25

On May 07 2011 19:15 Kukaracha wrote:
In which league do you play?

Because in the end I managed to get to high Diamond with a highly inefficient set of hotkeys (upgrading mech armour would be 9V, making a Starport clickVS); I feel that hotkeys don't make that much of a difference compared to actual game sense and smart multitasking.

It also bugs me when you say that this isn't useful to a player who already played a lot... because in the lower leagues, players should forget about such subtleties and just try to get their builds and their macro straight. I think that this kind of deep re-thinking of hotkeys is actualy pretty fit to a player from Diamond to Masters who is not improving significantly and who would probably benefit from a slightly better efficiency in the long run. A committed player WILL make the change successfully just like people do manage to switch races and eventually get to the level they had with their previous race.

Also, about control groups, I feel that having more than 3 for the army would be bad for any player who wasn't proactive in BW, and that it gives little benefit as it adds to the risk of letting your macro slip. This does not apply to Masters as their APM might allow them to have many control groups for their army.

But in the end, I like how you really sat down to think about this, I will try it out if I have the time.

Doesn't matter which league you play in. If you're serious about getting good at the game, playing with the most optimal settings from start will only help you.

Sure, the hill which you must climb might be steeper and perhaps a bit higher but the slope on the other side will also be much steeper and longer. Meaning you will be able to just roll down that hill, giggling, while winning.

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 07 2011 14:58 GMT

#26

Imagine where you'd be with a highly efficient set of hotkeys.

It also bugs me when you say that this isn't useful to a player who already played a lot... because in the lower leagues, players should forget about such subtleties and just try to get their builds and their macro straight. I think that this kind of deep re-thinking of hotkeys is actualy pretty fit to a player from Diamond to Masters who is not improving significantly and who would probably benefit from a slightly better efficiency in the long run. A committed player WILL make the change successfully just like people do manage to switch races and eventually get to the level they had with their previous race.

My point about someone who has played alot is just the difficulty in switching over to something completely different. I'm not saying someone who has played since the Beta of Starcraft I couldn't do this, just that it would be, I assume, a more difficult transition. I'm not trying to target market a product, just putting it out there for people to use or not use, as they choose. I think it would help anyone who is able to make the transition.

Also, about control groups, I feel that having more than 3 for the army would be bad for any player who wasn't proactive in BW, and that it gives little benefit as it adds to the risk of letting your macro slip. This does not apply to Masters as their APM might allow them to have many control groups for their army.

But in the end, I like how you really sat down to think about this, I will try it out if I have the time.

Thanks for the compliment. As for the control groups, I'm not so much dictating how to use the extra control groups, but simply making them more accessible and explaining that some are better for micro / spell casting than others, based on their location.

On May 07 2011 19:47 W2 wrote:
I am too old fashioned to use anything but default, but I love reading concepts such as these and would recommend new players to use their own hotkey setup.

The one I think is most efficient (also for protoss) is where instead of horizontal control groups like 1234567 they have vertical control groups. 1qaz for buildings. Nexus, Warpgates, Robo, Stargate, everything that's needed for protoss. And then the production hotkeys branch out sideways... So gateway units would be qwerty, robo units asdfg, stargate units zxcvb. This results in a very intuitive, efficient hotkey setup.

I imagine 456 onwards would be your unit hotkeys, and attack/hold/spells would be close by

Thanks for taking the time. In this layout you speak of, are the Ctrl and Shift modifiers in the same location ?

angerpowered

United States56 Posts

May 07 2011 17:36 GMT

#27

On May 07 2011 18:07 Kaitlin wrote:

Show nested quote +

I know, I know I just couldnt help making a day j reference xD

I think that as zerg, shift is used less (even though it is used fairly a lot) because worker queueing is almost non-existant in the process of building. I'm really not sure what to think of this setup now.

I'm really well acquainted with my typical left hand keyboard shenanigans, that switching to this new style would hurt my gameplay (and I wouldn't want to do that

I went 2-8 last night in high plat FML).

It's pretty different from what I'm used to, especially with the control groups being all over the place. I don't really like moving my mouse fingers to scroll, seeing as both left click and right click are used so often.

Also, I'm zerg, so I spam a ton. there's some problems that arise from having everything bound to similar keys. other than that, I think it's awesome and I can definitely see the benefits of this once you get acquainted with the setup and it becomes second nature. I fear that most people won't try this cool little setup out, because our left hand has always been on the asdf and qwert keys since we started to type. it'll take a ton of getting used to, but I can definitely see the benefits.

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 07 2011 18:00 GMT

#28

On May 08 2011 02:36 angerpowered wrote:
Also, I'm zerg, so I spam a ton. there's some problems that arise from having everything bound to similar keys. other than that, I think it's awesome and I can definitely see the benefits of this once you get acquainted with the setup and it becomes second nature. I fear that most people won't try this cool little setup out, because our left hand has always been on the asdf and qwert keys since we started to type. it'll take a ton of getting used to, but I can definitely see the benefits.

FWIW, this actually started with my fingers on ASDF, then I had the idea of eliminating the contortion of the shift and ctrl keys. That's when it moved over. In game, I often think still in terms of ASDF, which is ok, because many of the strokes are as they were on ASDF.

G - for "Stop" is just like S in ASDF position.
F - for "Attack" is just A in ASDF position.

That's a big reason throughout the post, I wrote "like typing ..." to make the point that the actual finger "typing" is quite familiar, even if the letters actually pressed are quite odd. When I chronoboost, I'm thinking in my head "EF", when actually, it's "YJ", but those are the keystrokes I need to hit - EF.

If people don't try it, that's totally fine by me. I was really debating whether I wanted to put this out there at all, since I figured this gave me an advantage over people that were otherwise at my level. In the end, I decided this community has helped me become better, so this a way for me to help others improve, even if I can't provide strategic advice.

I think later today, I'm going to add just a couple non-keybind-related "tips", that I haven't posted in the 1000 tips thread, at the end of the OP just as a little bonus for those that actually take the time to read the post. So, keep an eye out for those

. They won't be as drastic as this setup, but they'll definitely be interesting.

angerpowered

United States56 Posts

May 07 2011 18:26 GMT

#29

Sounds good.

But what I mean is that the "feel" of having your pinky pon shift, wasd, and having the number keys is reassuring. it's like, you know it's the edge of the keyboard or something idk but it's just a psychological thing. when I put my fingers on fghj I feel like there's too many buttons around to be comfortable idk xD

Thanks though

I will work on it later.

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 07 2011 18:56 GMT

#30

This might help.

The J key has the same 'notch' as the 'F' key, and when properly positioned, your pinky will rest on the notch on the 'F' key, and your thumb will rest between the Right Alt key and Spacebar. The thumb and the notches are my trigger. Also, as you learn to use it, if you choose, you'll quickly notice your hand isn't moving, so your won't be worrying about how to return to your "base" hand position.

Here's one point to make about little hand movement is actually required. The control group accessed by the number 7 in my layout, is equivalent to the standard #4 control group, since my hand position is simply moved 3 keys to the right. Do you know anyone who doesn't use #4 ? It's one of the easiest to access control groups. In my priority, it's dead last in priority, because I've found 9 buttons that are easier to access.

For anyone having difficulty in translating the new keys used because of the "Base J", think about the key presses in terms of ASDF position. It will make it much easier to learn. For example, to make a probe, don't think 'Y' 'G' because it's too many steps to think of what to do. Just think 'E' 'S'. Your hand doesn't realize it's not hitting ES, when it hits YG. To make a Robotics Bay, don't think "How the hell do I hit KK?", think instead Robotics Bay means Colossus, and therefore it's "GG". Type GG and your hand will press "KK", without thought. Learn it using the ASDF and see if it's easier that way.

edit: As it turns out, this entire post is nearly a duplicate of what I wrote two posts above lol. Oh well. Nothing like repetition to encourage learning, I guess.

edit2: Don't worry, I didn't read any criticism into it. I was just kinda typing as my thoughts flowed. I have to go back a little later and see if I made it clear in the OP about thinking "as if" your hand is on ASDF. I think it can be pretty daunting to have to look down wondering where each key is, but it's much easier letting your brain think your hand is actually on ASDF and work from there. Thanks for the feedback.

angerpowered

United States56 Posts

May 07 2011 19:18 GMT

#31

I'm not criticizing you

I think your setup is awesome and most likely superior to the standard in almost every way.

It's just very foreign for now :\ thanks for the tips! Will work on it.

EDIT: A tip I would suggest for getting adjusted is moving the keyboard over to the left so that where your hand normally rests on wasd will now rest on fghj just like intended. Feels better than getting used to a new arm position on fghj

XDJuicebox

United States593 Posts

May 07 2011 21:08 GMT

#32

Now I can play protoss!

yomi

United States773 Posts

May 07 2011 22:25 GMT

#33

Is this type of setup tournament legal? Are you allowed to use the customized keyboards in this way?

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 07 2011 23:08 GMT

#34

Ok, based on some of the feedback and my thoughts are far as roadblocks to reviewing / learning this system, I've gone back through the guide and inserted the equivalent keys so you can type "as if" your hand is in the ASDF position.

For example, when I say type YJ to chronoboost, I put the values EF in parenthesis, so you can think "as if" your hand is actually on ASDF, type EF (in your mind) and you've just hit YJ without having to look where these entirely foreign keys are under your fingers. Hopefully this helps.

Dakewlguy

United States3 Posts

May 07 2011 23:28 GMT

#35

The 'Base J' Configuration File
+ Show Spoiler +

I read through your entire post(which is awesome I really want to do this) but I'm confused as what to do with this config file, I didn't see anywhere in-game to import it, nor did i find anything obvious within my sc2 folders or sub folders with which to replace this with. Is there a third party thing I'm missing out on here? Or is this just a list and I have to manually input each one? Which is fine but I don't want to if there is a simpler solution that won't involve me fucking up every other input, lol.

Anyway thank you very much for your post! I look forward to trying it out =D

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 07 2011 23:44 GMT

#36

On May 08 2011 08:28 Dakewlguy wrote:

I read through your entire post(which is awesome I really want to do this) but I'm confused as what to do with this config file, I didn't see anywhere in-game to import it, nor did i find anything obvious within my sc2 folders or sub folders with which to replace this with. Is there a third party thing I'm missing out on here? Or is this just a list and I have to manually input each one? Which is fine but I don't want to if there is a simpler solution that won't involve me fucking up every other input, lol.

Anyway thank you very much for your post! I look forward to trying it out =D

You're quite welcome. I am using Windows XP and mine is located at:

C:\Documents and Settings\Kaitlin\My Documents\StarCraft II\Accounts\99999999\Hotkeys

ShamTao

United States419 Posts

May 07 2011 23:45 GMT

#37

I'm trying this hotkey setup ASAP

edit: when putting in your config file manually, how can you save it as an SC2Hotkeys file?

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 08 2011 00:26 GMT

#38

I guess I would just create a copy of your existing Hotkey file that's already in that directory, and name it Base J, then copy / paste the contents of the text file in the OP.

Alternatively, in game, you can create a new profile, and save it, then copy and paste the contents from the OP to the newly created file.

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 08 2011 01:50 GMT

#39

Ok, I've added a "Bonus Tips" section at the end of the OP so, if you've previously read the OP, go back and check it out. There's some neat stuff in there. I promise it's only a couple minutes lol.

FairDestroyer

United States50 Posts

May 08 2011 02:02 GMT

#40

Wow, thanks for the effort and detailed explanations.

I'll give this a shot as I just recently have been moving up leagues; bronze to plat since season 2 and I not comfortable with my current hotkeys.

Dakewlguy

United States3 Posts

May 08 2011 04:51 GMT

#41

You're quite welcome. I am using Windows XP and mine is located at:

C:\Documents and Settings\Kaitlin\My Documents\StarCraft II\Accounts\99999999\Hotkeys

Thank you so much :D shoulda thought of that.

Xylarthen

United States137 Posts

May 08 2011 05:14 GMT

#42

Quite original, but shouldn't it be taken into consideration that the ASDF "natural" or even the JKL: "lefty" setup are designed with the purpose of already adhering to the natural hand placement a person is used to with a keyboard?

Sure, I could use a Dvorak simplified keyboard to type rather than a traditional qwerty, but is the learning curve worth the outcome? Will using "Base J" influence anything else I do with my keyboard such as typing or playing another game?

My point is, while it is a good idea, sound in principal, and might work for you, there seems to be far too much involved for the outcome. Although, this is a great contribution to the TL community, so thank you for your effort.

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 08 2011 05:37 GMT

#43

On May 08 2011 14:14 Xylarthen wrote:
Quite original, but shouldn't it be taken into consideration that the ASDF "natural" or even the JKL: "lefty" setup are designed with the purpose of already adhering to the natural hand placement a person is used to with a keyboard?

Sure, I could use a Dvorak simplified keyboard to type rather than a traditional qwerty, but is the learning curve worth the outcome? Will using "Base J" influence anything else I do with my keyboard such as typing or playing another game?

My point is, while it is a good idea, sound in principal, and might work for you, there seems to be far too much involved for the outcome. Although, this is a great contribution to the TL community, so thank you for your effort.

Even though your fingers are on FGHJ, you can "believe" they are really on ASDF and do this system. I went back and put in parenthesis the ASDF keys for every unit, building, and spell. Let me pull an example from the opening of the OP:

1. Press E.
2. Press R.
3. Press F.
4. Press A.

Congratulations, you've just begun your Weapons and Armor Upgrades at your double Forge. Want to Chronoboost those upgrades ? Try:

1. Press E.
2. Press E.
3. Press F.
4. Hold the Spacebar down and click your Forges, which are now in the middle of your screen.

Even though your fingers are actually located on FGHJ, you believe they are on ASDF. So, when you type 'ERFA', you are actually typing 'YUJF', but that's ok. You're not looking at your keyboard trying to figure out where the YUJF keys are with your hand in this awkward location, you're simply typing 'ERFA', which you have been able to do for years. That's how I suggest going through this. Use the letters in parentheses to tell you what finger needs to hit which key.

For the second part up there, to type 'EEF', your middle finger clicks the key that is above it twice, then your index finger hits its home key. That is the finger motion required to execute the chronoboost. Never mind that since your hand is adjusted, you're actually hitting 'YYJ'. Starcraft II processes a chronoboost. As far as you know, or care, you've only typed EEF.

I doesn't have to be any more complicated than that. It's not going to affect how you type or anything else, certainly not any more than the craptastic hand positions the default layout forces us to use.

Now, granted, it might make it difficult to write love letters to your opponent in any comprehensible way during a game, but that's not what we're here for.

Welmu

Finland3295 Posts

May 08 2011 05:54 GMT

#44

wow! That Clandestine Scouting seems pretty broken method... I bet we'll start seeing much more proxies in future >_>

btw, is this way of changing hotkeys allowed in online/lan tournaments. Considering changing hotkeys kinda like this way^^

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 08 2011 06:22 GMT

#45

On May 08 2011 14:54 Welmu wrote:
wow! That Clandestine Scouting seems pretty broken method... I bet we'll start seeing much more proxies in future >_>

btw, is this way of changing hotkeys allowed in online/lan tournaments. Considering changing hotkeys kinda like this way^^

I'm hoping to get a definitive answer on that as well. I know I'm not worried about it for myself, but it would be a deal breaker for anyone who had any aspirations in that direction. Well, the hotkey changes I'm sure would be allowed, the question is the "customization" of the keyboard and mouse inputs.

CookieMaker

Canada880 Posts

May 08 2011 06:38 GMT

#46

Very, Very intelligent use of the new hotkey abilities. I thought mine was great when I remapped all my Zerg stuff to be intuitive, but the only thing lacking (which your setup is BALLIN OUUTTA CONTROL) is extra control groups. This makes reaching 4-0 SO simple. Definitely going to try a variation of this.

Shurafa

United States79 Posts

May 08 2011 15:56 GMT

#47

This is a fantastic guide! I am happy to see that more people are experimenting with radical hotkey layouts! I wrote a guide which I call the Cartesian Hotkey setup. It is optimized for all three races (I play Random) and uses 1,Q,A,Z, Capslock, Mouse 4/5 and ~ as they control group hotkeys and Spacebar to attack with S and D as Hold position and Patrol.3

This is copied from my original guide here :http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=209178
+ Show Spoiler +

I really like the “Cartesian” hotkey setup (the Control Groups are both horizontal and vertical like the X,Y planes on a graph.) I started experimenting with this during the PTR when Blizzard enabled custom hotkeys.

I took a few months off soon afterwards however so I did not get to develop the layout much since then. I have been playing again and tweaked my hotkeys. They are still under development and thus are not set in stone. Though I must say I am very happy with them right now as I can already see a big improvement in my play.

Why this setup is so strong?:
With this type of hotkey setup you never have to move your finger more than few inches to reach any hotkey (the majority of the time it is less than one inch). At high levels of play this is crucial as it means you will be that much more efficient and save precious milliseconds during the course of a game. I could definitely see this type of hotkey setup becoming a standard at high levels of play.

My Hotkeys: (I play Random)

General Control Group Hotkeys:
+ Show Spoiler +

` for scouting (next to the 1 key). Later on becomes Control group 4.
Mouse button 4,5 = Control groups 1 and 2
Caps Lock = Control group 3

Protoss Hotkeys:
+ Show Spoiler +

Macro: 1,Q,A,Z (Nexus, Gatway, Stargate, Robo)
Unit Production: 2, Worker
Gateway: W,E,R, 2, 3 Zealot,Senty,Stalker, HT, DT
Stargate: W,E,R Phoenix, Void Ray, Carrier
Robo: W,E,R,2 Observer, Warp Prism, Immortal, Colossus
Unit Control Groups: Mouse 4, Mouse 5, Caps Lock, `, F, G
Unit Control: Attack = Space Bar, Hold Position = S, Patrol = D
Idle Workers: Alt+Space Bar
Camera Positions F1-F5
Spells/Abilities: Typically W,E,R
Load/Unload: X,C

Terran Hotkeys:
+ Show Spoiler +

Macro: 1,Q,A,Z (Command Center, Rax, Starport, Factory)
Unit Production 2, Worker
Barracks: W,E,R, 2, Marine, Marauder, Reaper, Ghost
Starport: W,E,R,2,3 Banshee, Viking, Raven, Medivac, Battlecruiser
Factory: W,E,R Hellion, Tank, Thor
Unit Control Groups: Mouse 4, Mouse 5, Caps Lock, `, F, G
Unit Control: Attack = Space Bar, Hold Position = S, Patrol = D
Idle Workers: Alt+Space Bar
Camera Positions F1-F5
Spells/Abilities: Typically W,E,R
Load/Unload: X,C
Repair: X
Liftoff: V

Zerg Hotkeys:
+ Show Spoiler +

Macro: 1,Q,A,Z (Hatcheries, Queen1, Queens2, Queen3)
Select Larvae 2
Unit Production 2, Worker
3,4,W,E,R,X,C,V Overload, Zergling, Roach, Hydra, Infestor, Muta, Corrupter, Ultralisk
Unit Control Groups: Mouse 4, Mouse 5, Caps Lock, `, F, G
Unit Control: Attack = Space Bar, Hold Position = S, Patrol = D
Idle Workers: Alt+Space Bar
Camera Positions F1-F5
Spread Creep X
Spells/Abilities: Typically W,E,R
Load/Unload: X,C
Burrow/Unburrow: R

Sample Macro Hotkey Usage:
+ Show Spoiler +

Protoss:
1,2 builds Probe (selects Nexus, builds Probe)
Q,W builds Zealot
A,W builds Phoenix
Z,W builds Observer

Terran
1,2 Builds Probe (selects Command Center, Builds SCV)
Q,W Builds Zealot
A,W Builds Phoenix
Z,W Builds Observer

Zerg:
1,2,2 Builds Drone (selects hatchery, selects larvae, builds Drone)
1,2,3 Builds Overlord
1,2,4 Builds Lings

A few key things to note. Using the spacebar to attack means that you can use your thumb to attack while manipulating your control groups with your fingers. This seems to flow really well and allows you to do more than one thing at once with your hand. Also centralizing most spells on a single hotkey (in my case W) is incredibly efficient. (For example banshee research and produce banshee both use the letter W).

Blizzard has not implemented a method of changing the functionality of the Control and Shift keys. Therefore you MUST use these keys as the control group assignment modifiers. This is one of the main reasons I choose the layout I did as it allows for the closest proximity to the Control and Shift keys. Had this not been the case I may have taken a much different approach.

I have also recently started using Mouse 4/5 (Forward and back button) as control groups 2/3 with great success! I find that it has great synergy with using your thumb to attack with spacebar and your finders to macro.

A word of cation to people wanting to give this a try. This is not for the feint of heart. Learning a new set of hotkeys (especially one that is so drastically different than the norm) can take quite some time. However in the long run I believe it is well worth it. Think Tiger Woods changing his swing (He did this when he was already widely considered the greatest golfer in the sport) his consistency suffered in the short term however in the long term it made him a better player. The same is true in Starcraft.

I would love to hear from others who have revamped their Hotkeys to non standard control groups. How has this worked out for you in the long run? Do you feel as though it has made you more efficient?

My Hotkey File as of 041111:
If you want to use it as a template.
1. Copy and paste the spoiler text into notepad/textedit.
2. Save it as Hotkeyname.SC2Hotkeys.
3. Place it in your Hotkeys directory of Starcraft. (Search your documents folder for this)
+ Show Spoiler +

[Settings]
AllowSetConflicts=1

[Hotkeys]
Sound=Control+Shift+Alt+M
PTT=Control+Shift+Alt+Grave
ChatDefault=Enter
MenuAchievements=Alt+F9
StatPanelArmySupply=Control+Alt+I
AlertRecall=O
CameraCenter=Control+Equals
CameraFollow=Control+Shift+Alt+BracketOpen
ControlGroupAppend0=Shift+Z
ControlGroupAppend1=Shift+Grave
ControlGroupAppend2=Shift+BackMouseButton
ControlGroupAppend3=Shift+ForwardMouseButton
ControlGroupAppend4=Shift+CapsLock
ControlGroupAppend5=Shift+ForwardMouseButton
ControlGroupAppend6=Shift+BackMouseButton
ControlGroupAppend7=Shift+1
ControlGroupAppend8=Shift+Q
ControlGroupAppend9=Shift+A
ControlGroupAssign0=Control+Z
ControlGroupAssign1=Control+Grave
ControlGroupAssign2=Control+BackMouseButton
ControlGroupAssign3=Control+ForwardMouseButton
ControlGroupAssign4=Control+CapsLock
ControlGroupAssign5=Control+F
ControlGroupAssign6=Control+G
ControlGroupAssign7=Control+1
ControlGroupAssign8=Control+Q
ControlGroupAssign9=Control+A
ControlGroupRecall0=Z
ControlGroupRecall1=Grave
ControlGroupRecall2=BackMouseButton
ControlGroupRecall3=ForwardMouseButton
ControlGroupRecall4=CapsLock
ControlGroupRecall5=F
ControlGroupRecall6=G
ControlGroupRecall7=1
ControlGroupRecall8=Q
ControlGroupRecall9=A
IdleWorker=Alt+Space
QuickSave=Control+Shift+Alt+Q
StatusAll=Control+BackSlash
StatusOwner=BracketClose
StatusEnemy=Alt+SemiColon
TeamResources=Alt+W
TownCamera=Alt+Grave
WarpIn=Alt+1,Alt+Q
CameraSave0=Control+F1
CameraSave1=Control+F2
CameraSave2=Control+F3
CameraSave3=Control+F4
CameraSave4=Control+F5
CameraSave5=Control+F6
CameraSave6=Control+F7
CameraSave7=Control+F8
CameraView0=F1
CameraView1=F2
CameraView2=F3
CameraView3=F4
CameraView4=F5
CameraView5=F6
CameraView6=F7
CameraView7=F8

[Commands]
250mmStrikeCannons/Thor=W
AWrp=R
ArchonHallucination/Sentry=E
Armory/SCV=X
AssaultMode=E
Assimilator/Probe=4
Attack=Space
AutoTurret/Raven=W
Baneling/Zergling=W
BanelingNest/Drone=C
Banshee/Starport=W
Barracks/SCV=W
Battlecruiser/Starport=3
Blink/Stalker=W
BroodLord/Corruptor=E
BuildCreepTumor/Queen=X
BuildCreepTumorPropagate/CreepTumorBurrowed=X
BuildPointDefenseDrone/Raven=
Bunker/SCV=E
BunkerLoad=X
BunkerUnloadAll=C
CalldownMULE/CommandCenter=
CalldownMULE/OrbitalCommand=W
Carrier/Stargate=R
Charge/Zealot=W
CloakOff=E
CloakOnBanshee=W
Colossus/RoboticsFacility=2
CommandCenter/SCV=2
CommandCenterLoad=X
CommandCenterUnloadAll=C
CorruptionAbility/Corruptor=W
CyberneticsCore/Probe=X
D8Charge/Reaper=
DarkShrine/Probe=4
DarkTemplar=3
DefensiveMatrix=
Domination/Nova=L
Drone/Larva=2
EMP/Ghost=C
EngineeringBay/BarracksTechLab=
EngineeringBay/SCV=X
EvolutionChamber/Drone=E
EvolveAnabolicSynthesis2/UltraliskCavern=
EvolveCentrificalHooks/BanelingNest=W
EvolveChitinousPlating/UltraliskCavern=W
EvolveGlialRegeneration/RoachWarren=W
EvolveInfestorEnergyUpgrade/InfestationPit=W
EvolveOrganicCarapace/RoachWarren=
EvolveTunnelingClaws/RoachWarren=E
EvolveVentralSacks=C
ExperimentalPlasmaGun/Raynor=Comma
Explode/Baneling=W
Explode/BanelingBurrowed=C
Extractor/Drone=4
Factory/SCV=W
Feedback/HighTemplar=W
FighterMode=W
FleetBeacon/Probe=X
ForceField/Sentry=W
Forge/Probe=C
FungalGrowth/Infestor=E
Gateway/Probe=W
GatherProt=C
GenerateCreep/Overlord=E
Ghost/Barracks=R
GhostAcademy/SCV=2
GhostHoldFire/Ghost=T
Goliath/Factory=
GravitonBeam/Phoenix=W
GravitonBeam/Urun=Comma
GreaterSpire/Spire=R
GuardianShield/Sentry=E
Hallucination/Sentry=R
Halt=V
Hatchery/Drone=2
Heal/Medivac=R
Hellion/Factory=W
HighTemplar=2
HighTemplarHallucination/Sentry=W
HireDevilDogs/MercCompound=L
HireHelsAngels/MercCompound=BackSlash
HireSiegeBreakers/MercCompound=Comma
Hive/Lair=E
Hydralisk/Larva=E
HydraliskDen/Drone=2
Immortal/RoboticsFacility=R
ImmortalHallucination/Sentry=5
InfestationPit/Drone=3
InfestedTerrans/Infestor=W
InfestedTerrans/InfestorBurrowed=C
Infestor/Larva=R
Interceptor/Carrier=W
Lair/Hatchery=E
Land=V
Larva=2
Lift=V
Lower/SupplyDepot=X
Marauder/Barracks=E
Marine/Barracks=W
MassRecall/Mothership=W
Medic/Barracks=
Medivac/Starport=2
MissileTurret/SCV=R
MorphBackToGateway/WarpGate=C
MorphMorphalisk/Queen=W
MorphToOverseer/Overlord=W
Mothership/Nexus=3
Move=BackSlash
MoveHoldPosition=S
MovePatrol=D
Mutalisk/Larva=X
NeuralParasite/Infestor=C
Nexus/Probe=2
NukeArm/GhostAcademy=X
NukeCalldown/Ghost=R
NydusNetwork/Drone=E
Observer/RoboticsFacility=W
OrbitalCommand/CommandCenter=W
Overlord/Larva=3
PhasingMode/WarpPrism=W
Phoenix/Stargate=W
PhoenixHallucination/Sentry=T
PhotonCannon/Probe=E
PlantC4Charge/Raynor=L
PointDefenseDrone/Raven=E
Probe/Nexus=2
ProbeHallucination/Sentry=2
ProtossAirArmorLevel1/CyberneticsCore=E
ProtossAirWeaponsLevel1/CyberneticsCore=W
ProtossBuild/Probe=W
ProtossBuildAdvanced/Probe=E
ProtossGroundArmorLevel1/Forge=E
ProtossGroundWeaponsLevel1/Forge=W
ProtossShieldsLevel1/Forge=R
PsiStorm/HighTemplar=E
Pylon/Probe=3
Queen=W
Raise/SupplyDepotLowered=C
Rally=8
RallyEgg=H
Reaper/Barracks=2
ReaperSpeed/BarracksTechLab=T
Refinery/SCV=4
Repair=X
ResearchBansheeCloak/StarportTechLab=W
ResearchBattlecruiserEnergyUpgrade/FusionCore=E
ResearchBattlecruiserSpecializations/FusionCore=W
ResearchCharge/TwilightCouncil=W
ResearchDurableMaterials/StarportTechLab=3
ResearchExtendedThermalLance/RoboticsBay=R
ResearchGhostEnergyUpgrade/GhostAcademy=E
ResearchGraviticBooster/RoboticsBay=W
ResearchGraviticDrive/RoboticsBay=E
ResearchHallucination/CyberneticsCore=3
ResearchHiSecAutoTracking/EngineeringBay=X
ResearchHighCapacityBarrels/FactoryTechLab=W
ResearchHighTemplarEnergyUpgrade/TemplarArchive=E
ResearchInterceptorLaunchSpeedUpgrade/FleetBeacon=E
ResearchMedivacEnergyUpgrade/StarportTechLab=2
ResearchNeosteelFrame/EngineeringBay=C
ResearchPersonalCloaking/GhostAcademy=W
ResearchPsiStorm/TemplarArchive=W
ResearchPunisherGrenades/BarracksTechLab=R
ResearchRavenEnergyUpgrade/StarportTechLab=5
ResearchSeekerMissile/StarportTechLab=4
ResearchShieldWall/BarracksTechLab=W
ResearchSiegeTech/FactoryTechLab=E
ResearchStalkerTeleport/TwilightCouncil=E
ResearchStrikeCannons/FactoryTechLab=R
ResearchVoidRaySpeedUpgrade/FleetBeacon=W
ResearchWarpGate/CyberneticsCore=2
ReturnCargo=T
Roach/Larva=W
RoachWarren/Drone=X
RoboticsBay/Probe=C
RoboticsFacility/Probe=W
SCV=2
Salvage/Bunker=E
SapStructure/Baneling=E
Scan/OrbitalCommand=E
Scourge/Larva=
SelectBuilder=5
SensorTower/SCV=C
SiegeMode=W
SiegeTank/Factory=E
Snipe/Ghost=X
SpawnChangeling/Overseer=W
SpawningPool/Drone=W
SpectreHoldFire/Spectre=Comma
SpectreWeaponsFree/Spectre=L
SpineCrawler/Drone=V
SpineCrawlerRoot/SpineCrawlerUprooted=E
SpineCrawlerUproot/SpineCrawler=W
Spire/Drone=W
SporeCrawler/Drone=R
SporeCrawlerRoot/SporeCrawlerUprooted=C
SporeCrawlerUproot/SporeCrawler=X
Stalker=R
StalkerHallucination/Sentry=4
Stargate/Probe=E
Starport/SCV=E
Stim=W
Stimpack/BarracksTechLab=E
Stop=H
StopGenerateCreep/Overlord=R
SummonNydusWorm/NydusNetwork=W
SupplyDepot/SCV=3
SupplyDrop/OrbitalCommand=R
TemplarArchive/Probe=3
TerranBuild/SCV=W
TerranBuildAdvanced/SCV=E
TerranInfantryArmorLevel1/EngineeringBay=E
TerranInfantryWeaponsLevel1/EngineeringBay=W
TerranShipPlatingLevel1/Armory=C
TerranShipWeaponsLevel1/Armory=X
TerranVehiclePlatingLevel1/Armory=E
TerranVehicleWeaponsLevel1/Armory=W
Thor/Factory=R
TimeWarp/Nexus=W
Transfusion/Queen=E
TransportMode/WarpPrism=E
TwilightCouncil/Probe=2
Ultralisk/Larva=V
UltraliskCavern/Drone=X
Unsiege=E
UpgradeBuildingArmorLevel1/EngineeringBay=2
UpgradeToPlanetaryFortress/CommandCenter=E
UpgradeToWarpGate/Gateway=X
VikingFighter/Starport=E
VoidRay/Stargate=E
VoidRayHallucination/Sentry=R
VoodooShield/Tosh=Comma
Vortex/Mothership=E
WarpInScout/Stargate=
WarpPrism/RoboticsFacility=E
WarpPrismHallucination/Sentry=X
WeaponsFree/Ghost=Y
Wraith/Starport=
YamatoGun=W
Zealot=W
ZealotHallucination/Sentry=3
ZergBuild/Drone=W
ZergBuildAdvanced/Drone=E
Zergling/Larva=4
hydraliskspeed/HydraliskDen=W
overlordspeed=X
zergflyerarmor1=E
zergflyerattack1=W
zerggroundarmor1/EvolutionChamber=R
zerglingattackspeed/SpawningPool=E
zerglingmovementspeed/SpawningPool=W
zergmeleeweapons1/EvolutionChamber=W
zergmissileweapons1/EvolutionChamber=E

Point of note that any sort of program that changes your hotkeys outside of battlenet is NOT ALLOWED in LAN tournaments. So if you play in LAN you want to keep this in mind as only Blizzard hotkey sets are allowed.

If you do not play in a LAN then using the mouse scroll, mouse 4/5 buttons and spacebar for Shift, Control, Alt, Attack and Control groups is incredibly strong! They also sell keyboards that have Macros built into them that allow you to do multiple commands with one hotkey. For example you can have a hotkey to select all hatcheries they select all larvae then spend all your money on a specific unit. I have a friend who plays zerg and his favorite style is Muta/Ling so he has three macros for Drones/Lings/Mutas. When he presses the macro it selects all hatcheries then all larvae and spends all his money on lings. This allows him to reinforce instantly!

As for the J hotkey setup. It seems that one of the main objectives of this setup is to allow access to as many hotkeys as possible. Why do you need so many hotkeys? In general the game does not have that many options so extra hotkeys is not really an issue. The main issue I have is accessiblity to hotkeys. This is why I like using Spacebar, Mouse 4/5 and Capslock for hotkeys as they are very easy to use.

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 08 2011 16:21 GMT

#48

On May 09 2011 00:56 Shurafa wrote:
Point of note that any sort of program that changes your hotkeys outside of battlenet is NOT ALLOWED in LAN tournaments. So if you play in LAN you want to keep this in mind as only Blizzard hotkey sets are allowed.

Assuming this is the case, and I have no reason to believe it's not, then this answers one of my unknowns, and anyone with desires to play in such tournaments would not want to adopt my configuration. However, if you just want to roflstomp from the comfort of your own home... Of course, I'm not sure this conclusively answers whether it's ok in tournaments such as NASL, although the caliber of players in NASL likely fall into the category of being too hard-coded into what they have been using for so long already.

On May 09 2011 00:56 Shurafa wrote:
If you do not play in a LAN then using the mouse scroll, mouse 4/5 buttons and spacebar for Shift, Control, Alt, Attack and Control groups is incredibly strong! They also sell keyboards that have Macros built into them that allow you to do multiple commands with one hotkey. For example you can have a hotkey to select all hatcheries they select all larvae then spend all your money on a specific unit. I have a friend who plays zerg and his favorite style is Muta/Ling so he has three macros for Drones/Lings/Mutas. When he presses the macro it selects all hatcheries then all larvae and spends all his money on lings. This allows him to reinforce instantly!

Unfortunately your friend's macros are against Blizzard's "One click = One action" policy and could result in account action. The keyboard I have also has these "macro" capabilities, but I don't use them because I don't want to risk the ban hammer.

As for the J hotkey setup. It seems that one of the main objectives of this setup is to allow access to as many hotkeys as possible. Why do you need so many hotkeys? In general the game does not have that many options so extra hotkeys is not really an issue. The main issue I have is accessiblity to hotkeys. This is why I like using Spacebar, Mouse 4/5 and Capslock for hotkeys as they are very easy to use.

Yeah, that is one of the objectives, but there are others, such as much less contortion of the hand for Ctrl, and Shift, and also making frequently used abilities like making pylons as easy as typing "FF" instead of "BE" all, while holding Shift with a non-dextrous finger, as opposed to holding Spacebar with the thumb.

I think most people would prefer easy access to more hotkeys rather than less. It allows them better army control, better options in how they arrange their control groups, better spell casting, etc. I'm not suggesting people use all 10 control groups, just providing easy access, so they can make those decisions based on their gameplay style. It does make it easier to attack on different fronts, which will exploit an opponent who has less control groups in use.

Millicant

United States78 Posts

May 09 2011 07:10 GMT

#49

So I've been playing with this setup for a bit and here's some thoughts on it:

Pros:
Easy Access to everything. No moving your hand around - just as advertised
Generally smooth access to more than the first couple control groups. This makes it easy to access Nexus, production, and upgrade buildings, and then have easy access to 5 or so army control groups.
Shift as spacebar. I love this. So convenient, falls under the first pro I guess.

Cons:
I don't like having all my production facilities on one group. I prefer that the warpgates and robo's are separate. This is partially because it now takes 3 clicks to produce from a robo or stargate where it used to take 2. Seems inconsequential, but it still throws me off a little.
No typing. I can't communicate with my opponent, even if I want to. "glhf" and "gg" still work, but that's it. No spacebar, etc, makes typing impossible. This includes searching for custom games. I have to de-activate the script in order to make it possible to search for "+Macro +Die" for instance. This includes alt-tabbing out of SC2, as I frequently do, to change music, deal with skype, etc.
This setup relies on the pinky to do some maneuvering for the "odd" stuff, like DT's or cannons (both on D and out of the way). I'd almost prefer that my index finger had that stretch, but it works okay.

I tried to go back and play with my more or less "Standard" hotkeys and was surprised at how ungainly they felt. Despite the things that annoy me about this setup - I think I will be adopting it for more testing and personalization.

The only other downside is that I feel it's quite race specific. I played random until a few weeks ago and still do for all team games. I'm going to have trouble with that.

Overall - an excellent setup. I applaud you for the work and thought it took to create this, and thank you for sharing it with us.

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 09 2011 08:43 GMT

#50

On May 09 2011 16:10 Millicant wrote:
So I've been playing with this setup for a bit and here's some thoughts on it:

Pros:
Easy Access to everything. No moving your hand around - just as advertised
Generally smooth access to more than the first couple control groups. This makes it easy to access Nexus, production, and upgrade buildings, and then have easy access to 5 or so army control groups.
Shift as spacebar. I love this. So convenient, falls under the first pro I guess.

Cons:
I don't like having all my production facilities on one group. I prefer that the warpgates and robo's are separate. This is partially because it now takes 3 clicks to produce from a robo or stargate where it used to take 2. Seems inconsequential, but it still throws me off a little.
No typing. I can't communicate with my opponent, even if I want to. "glhf" and "gg" still work, but that's it. No spacebar, etc, makes typing impossible. This includes searching for custom games. I have to de-activate the script in order to make it possible to search for "+Macro +Die" for instance. This includes alt-tabbing out of SC2, as I frequently do, to change music, deal with skype, etc.
This setup relies on the pinky to do some maneuvering for the "odd" stuff, like DT's or cannons (both on D and out of the way). I'd almost prefer that my index finger had that stretch, but it works okay.

I tried to go back and play with my more or less "Standard" hotkeys and was surprised at how ungainly they felt. Despite the things that annoy me about this setup - I think I will be adopting it for more testing and personalization.

The only other downside is that I feel it's quite race specific. I played random until a few weeks ago and still do for all team games. I'm going to have trouble with that.

Overall - an excellent setup. I applaud you for the work and thought it took to create this, and thank you for sharing it with us.

Great feedback, thanks for the info. A lot of what you mention, I have gone back and forth on, but fortunately, they are easy modifications to make. I can probably offer a couple tips to point you in the right direction in making them work better for you.

I have also experienced the lack of a spacebar when trying to type. However, since all I have to do with my (customizable) keyboard is hit Fn + 1 to the standard layout, it's not a problem. Using your script, I can see how it's a bit more cumbersome. I'm a little surprised you have trouble with Alt + Tab, as nothing in the setup really changes that, unless the nature of the script is such that if you change the right alt button, it also affects the left alt button. If that's the case, I guess I'd suggest making the Caps Lock key the Alt key, so at least you could Alt + Tab with Caps Lock + Tab. But you're a lot more familiar with that scripting than I am, I'm just throwing ideas out there.

I think the decision of what to put on which control group is best left to each individual to decide, I just wanted to offer my thoughts and suggestions as far as why I put certain control groups where and why some I felt were better suited for spellcasting while others, not so much. I have found putting all my production facilities on one control group to work for me because it reduces the number of keys I "tap", but that's definitely personal preference. There is only the Nexus control group that I "really" emphasize should be on "Y", (E in ASDF), as the frequent actions of building probes and chronoboosting follow with fluidity from that position. I've even considered making my production facilities on "T" (W in ASDF) instead of mouse wheel back, and putting an army segment on the Mouse Wheel Back, just because I like to spam WEWEWEWEWE, which is of course TY in Base J position.

About using the pinky for some of the "out of the way stuff", I completely agree. I made a judgment call that moving the pinky one slot to the left was preferable to other options, such as index finger moving 2 to the right, for 'L'. I think 'B' is also open, since it's in a build menu, it won't conflict with 'Hold Position". But those are very easy to adjust. Part of the reason for me using 'D', i think was because it was "D"ark Templar and a Photon Cannon, which is "D"etection. It was my memory device for learning them when I first set them up. Changing the actual control groups or the Move, Patrol, Stop, etc. commands would be more difficult, but which key activates a Photon Cannon or Dark Templar risks little conflict.

The actual keys used to build and research things, such as J, F, and G are "fairly" arbitrary and can be easily re-arranged, amongst themselves. If making Stalkers is more intuitive for you with your ring finger (S) than your index finger (F), then that's perfectly ok. In my own personal play style, I seem to make Stalkers most, at least for now, so I put it on J (F in ASDF).

I actually continued writing quite the book, but I'm going to cut it off here for now. I went into a bunch of detail of the evolution of the system, but I've had a couple drinks, and I'm tired, so I think I'll hold off before I put that out there.

I may write up a little "tips" post to aid people in coming up with their own hotkey system, as I think I've learned quite a bit about what conflicts and what doesn't. There are some things you can do that are bit surprising, and there are some things you can't do, that seem to be pretty silly conflicts. I think it would be helpful for people to know. So, perhaps tomorrow.

Again, thanks for taking the time and actually embracing the drastic changes. I feel like my execution has become much better since changing, and I hope it does for you too. Ideally, we can either improve the design or get high level input on the best way to control the army, given the additional control groups we have access to.

Millicant

United States78 Posts

May 10 2011 08:06 GMT

#51

Awesome response thank you.

It's very clear that you put a lot of thought into this! That's good and bad for me. I get to benefit from it, but I'm having trouble coming up with any way to improve it as you've thought of most everything already.

I'm going to try switching the production facilities to "T" so I can do the "ytyt" tapping - I think that would be much easier for me. I've been putting my armies on "h" and "n" and haven't even been using the mouse scroll - I'm also going to try that more regularly.

One thing I wondered about - why did you put move on "m" and not use that for another control group? I was parsing through the original post and the config again but couldn't figure it out.

I thought of one other thing I wanted to get your input on: "U" as ctrl instead of "alt" as ctrl. Seems like using your thumb for the control functionality (My most common use is to select all of one kind of unit/building) would be more intuitive. What was the rational on that and how would swapping those affect this system?

SCRIPT SECTION - new and improved!
As far as the alt-tabbing, I fixed that. My script assigned the generic "alt" to be swapped whereas I re-assigned only the right alt. I fixed that now - good idea on using only the left alt. Furthermore - I've edited it even more to make it only active when SC2 is running, which will be nice. As for the typing problem - the script now allows for they key combo "ctrl & enter" to pull up the chat, suspend the script, and allow you to type normally in-game, with no modifications whatsoever to your keys. Then once you hit "enter" to send the message, it resumes the script and your hotkeys return. Furthermore, for typing in the menus and chat while NOT in game, I added another suspend: "Ctrl & Right arrow" which allows totally normal keyboard function until you hit CtrlRight again. Just tap it before/as the game starts and you're set. Tap it again afterwards to chat at the home screen. All of this is explained somewhat in the comments in the script. It's also disabled by default for login until you activate it for game.
Note: I do not support Macro's in any way. They are banned by blizzard and for good reason. This script does not break the one keypress one action rule and merely allows a varied hotkey setup to be used.
That being said I've done this with AutoHotkey, found at it's namesake .com. I've also compiled it to a standalone .exe for anybody who wants to try this setup out and doesn't have a customizable keyboard or mouse. I'll post it if there's any interest.

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 10 2011 09:27 GMT

#52

On May 10 2011 17:06 Millicant wrote:
Awesome response thank you.

It's very clear that you put a lot of thought into this! That's good and bad for me. I get to benefit from it, but I'm having trouble coming up with any way to improve it as you've thought of most everything already.

Thanks. I've actually been sitting here playing around with a new version that's even more consolidated, but possibly more complicated. I was debating posting it here as the thread seems to have fallen by the wayside, which kinda surprises me, honestly. I can understand people who aspire to play in tournaments that don't allow customizations like this, but I think people don't realize what they're missing here lol. Anyways, I've been toying with doubling up on Y, T, and H by adding the ALT modifier, so, from those three keys, I have six control groups. Adding in the two for the mouse scroll, in each direction, then the Mouse Forward button on the side, then one more, which I've tentatively put on R for my observer, but I'm still tweaking it. It seems promising for making nice concaves and having several groups on the map in different areas. I'm just not sure if it's too "tight" I guess, as far as TYH being 3 control groups and adding Alt to each one making 3 more control groups lol. It sure does cut down on the number of keys you have to reach for though. I've eliminated even having to reach up for 7, and down for N and , with this new setup. My opponents watching our replays are gonna wonder how the hell I have all 10 control groups, 8 of them being army lol. Still working on it though.

I'm going to try switching the production facilities to "T" so I can do the "ytyt" tapping - I think that would be much easier for me. I've been putting my armies on "h" and "n" and haven't even been using the mouse scroll - I'm also going to try that more regularly.

One thing I wondered about - why did you put move on "m" and not use that for another control group? I was parsing through the original post and the config again but couldn't figure it out.

Hmm. Move isn't on M. Patrol is M. Move is some key that we'll never use. I think it's \ . And the only reason it's bound at all is so everything in the control group setup screen isn't red lol.

As for logic of why it's Patrol, and not a control group, it was just a preference, really. In my gameplay that I was taking into account when I set it up, I used patrol a lot. I tend to try to put my worker probe on patrol around my opponent's base for early scouting, until I get better. So, I wanted it to be an easy to access button. Also, I realized that some control groups needed not only immediate access ability, but the ability to cast important spells after (HTs). Some only needed to be accessed quickly to move them around ( thinking Colossus ), and others just needed "fairly easy" access, but nothing micro intensive, such as Observer. Spreading the "quality" of the real estate made it flow better, allowing good keys for non-control group stuff as well.

I thought of one other thing I wanted to get your input on: "U" as ctrl instead of "alt" as ctrl. Seems like using your thumb for the control functionality (My most common use is to select all of one kind of unit/building) would be more intuitive. What was the rational on that and how would swapping those affect this system?

My rationale was twofold. First, before I moved to the Base J position, I had been using the Spacebar for the "Backspace Functionality", and I had grown accustomed to using it to return to my base for whatever needs, and also to chrono probes from all my nexuses rapidly. When I slid my hand over and changed the Spacebar to Shift, I wanted to keep the same "mechanic" intact.

The second comes, I guess, just because I've been trying to think of better layouts incessantly. I've tried control on my mouse, the middle mouse button, the side mouse button, and I tried it down where you suggest, because on the surface, it seems natural. The thumb is your modifier that you can basically hold down and your fingers do the rest. My right thumb is my Alt modifier, the left thumb is on spacebar, why not use that button for control.

I see two drawbacks, one minor, the other not so much. The minor one is just that it's slightly more difficult to execute Ctrl + Shift when you are using your thumb for both. It's possible, and not very hard in fact, but not as simple and comfortable as Spacebar + R. I say R because that's how I think of it, I don't have to translate all the time for these weird finger positions. In ASDF, it's Spacebar + R, which is easy.

The bigger drawback is this. Your thumb rests between the two keys, obviously, so it can hit either. What if you accidentally register a Ctrl, when you tried to Shift ? Like when you're Shift appending to your army as you warp in reinforcements during battle ? You're going to be frantically trying to macro as quickly as possible so you can return to your army and adding new units to the control group could turn into replacing your control group with the new units. If you accidentally mistype you just lost control of your army. As soon as I thought of that, I thought it was too likely a scenario to risk, even for it to happen once in a rare while.

My own personal experience with Ctrl on 'U' has been surprisingly easy to adjust to, though. Don't forget, Ctrl is also set as the "Tab" functionality, so you'd be tabbing with your thumb, instead.

If you swap, don't forget to find another place for the "Backspace" functionality, that is, if you use it. Keep in mind though, a frequent use of it will be for chronoboosting probes, which will be the sequence "YJ" + whatever you chose.

SCRIPT SECTION - new and improved!
As far as the alt-tabbing, I fixed that. My script assigned the generic "alt" to be swapped whereas I re-assigned only the right alt. I fixed that now - good idea on using only the left alt. Furthermore - I've edited it even more to make it only active when SC2 is running, which will be nice. As for the typing problem - the script now allows for they key combo "ctrl & enter" to pull up the chat, suspend the script, and allow you to type normally in-game, with no modifications whatsoever to your keys. Then once you hit "enter" to send the message, it resumes the script and your hotkeys return. Furthermore, for typing in the menus and chat while NOT in game, I added another suspend: "Ctrl & Right arrow" which allows totally normal keyboard function until you hit CtrlRight again. Just tap it before/as the game starts and you're set. Tap it again afterwards to chat at the home screen. All of this is explained somewhat in the comments in the script. It's also disabled by default for login until you activate it for game.

Wow. Impressive. I settled for just typing GLHF (no space of course lol) and if they talk more during the game, I'd just msg them after explaining why I couldn't respond.

Note: I do not support Macro's in any way. They are banned by blizzard and for good reason. This script does not break the one keypress one action rule and merely allows a varied hotkey setup to be used.

I don't see anyway for Blizzard to have a problem with it. It's a very nice solution to a problem, indeed.

That being said I've done this with AutoHotkey, found at it's namesake .com. I've also compiled it to a standalone .exe for anybody who wants to try this setup out and doesn't have a customizable keyboard or mouse. I'll post it if there's any interest.

If you post it, I'll put it in the OP.

CrAzEdMiKe

Canada151 Posts

May 12 2011 22:01 GMT

#53

Question: I'm trying to get the spacebar to switch over and all the info that is given in previous posts that I can find is "run it in a script".

Errr... Well, ummm... How? With what? I'm ready to copy and paste, but I don't know what to paste it into. =P

Millicant

United States78 Posts

May 22 2011 19:03 GMT

#54

Hey Mike,

I wrote a little AutoHotKey script do switch around the keyboard keys.

AutoHotKey (AHK) is basically a scripting program that allows you to edit inputs and outputs. It's quite powerful but I've used it in a very simple capacity in order to NOT break Blizzard's "1 key 1 action" rule. You can find out more about AHK by going to it's namesake + .com. It has a lot of non-SC2 related applications. Very cool program.

So instead of requiring you to install AHK and copy/paste the script, I compiled it into an .exe that runs independently. Here's the list of Functions:

Keybinds:
+ Show Spoiler +

Space -> Shift
u -> Control
Right Alt -> Numpad 5
Wheel Down ->Numpad Mult
Wheel Up -> Numpad Div
Middle Mouse Button -> '
Mouse Side Button2 -> ;
Mouse Side Button1 -> Alt

These work with the posted hotkey setup by default

Enabling/Disabling
+ Show Spoiler +

Once you start the .exe, the script is DISABLED.
Once SC2 is running, script is running, however hotkeys are still DISABLED. You can type in menus and chats with no problem.

When you hit "Control + Right Arrow" the hotkeys are ENABLED. Begin gaming!
When you hit "Control + Right Arrow" the hotkeys are DISABLED. It's a toggle, see?

In-Game, when you hit "Control + Enter" the hokeys are DISABLED so you can type to your opponent. Then once you hit "Enter" to send the message the hotkeys are ENABLED.

So whenever you want to type to your opponent in game, just hit "Control + Enter" instead of just "Enter." Hit "Enter" to send your message and go back to the game.

If that doesn't make sense either reply or read the above messages too. I'll try to clear it up

Download
+ Show Spoiler +

http://www.mediafire.com/file/05batbqv2e4d7yu/Base J Hotkeys.exe

If anybody out there has AHK - you can decompile it to see the script and edit it as desired.

Once again - thanks to OP for awesome hotkey setup. Still working out my own take on them.

Gladiator6

Sweden7024 Posts

May 22 2011 20:02 GMT

#55

On May 23 2011 04:03 Millicant wrote:
Hey Mike,

I wrote a little AutoHotKey script do switch around the keyboard keys.

AutoHotKey (AHK) is basically a scripting program that allows you to edit inputs and outputs. It's quite powerful but I've used it in a very simple capacity in order to NOT break Blizzard's "1 key 1 action" rule. You can find out more about AHK by going to it's namesake + .com. It has a lot of non-SC2 related applications. Very cool program.

So instead of requiring you to install AHK and copy/paste the script, I compiled it into an .exe that runs independently. Here's the list of Functions:

Keybinds:
+ Show Spoiler +

Enabling/Disabling
+ Show Spoiler +

Download
+ Show Spoiler +

http://www.mediafire.com/file/05batbqv2e4d7yu/Base%20%20J%20Hotkeys.exe

If anybody out there has AHK - you can decompile it to see the script and edit it as desired.

Once again - thanks to OP for awesome hotkey setup. Still working out my own take on them.

Wow I don't know why but my antivirus system just freaked out when I downloaded your file and removed it immedietly, lol. Anyway good job for making it possible for the rest of us!

Millicant

United States78 Posts

May 22 2011 21:10 GMT

#56

On May 23 2011 05:02 eYeball wrote:

Wow I don't know why but my antivirus system just freaked out when I downloaded your file and removed it immedietly, lol. Anyway good job for making it possible for the rest of us!

Really!? Damn, I wonder why. Well here's the script text, not compiled. Use AHK and it will work that way.

I promise you there's not a virus in the file. AV programs might not like it because it logs and alters in/outs. Not sure though - my AV (kaspersky) doesn't say anything about it. EDIT: I even tried re-downloading it to see if it would throw up any flags but I got nothing. If you're worried about viruses - download AHK, put the script below in a notepad file, and "Open with..." AHK. Exact same thing. Plus that way you can read exactly what it does.

+ Show Spoiler +

Suspend, On ; Script is not running by default, to allow you to login and use menus normally until you're ready to play.

#IfWinActive ahk_class StarCraft II ; None of this document matters unless you're playing SC2

;-----------------------------------------------------------------
;This section is just the remappings to allow "Base J" style hotkeys

space::Shift
u::Control
U::Control
RAlt::Numpad5

WheelDown::NumpadMult
WheelUp::NumpadDiv
MButton::'
XButton2::;
XButton1::Alt

;-----------------------------------------------------------------
;This section allows for typing while in game by hitting Control + Enter.
;It will pull up the chat window and allow you to type normally; as if the above remappings don't exist

^Enter::
Suspend, On
Send {Enter}
Return

;-----------------------------------------------------------------
;This part will send your message in game and resume the "Base J" remappings above automatically

Enter::
Suspend, Permit
If s
Suspend, Off
Send {Enter}
Return

;-----------------------------------------------------------------
;Once you are back in the Menu you hit Control + RightArrow. This disables all hotkeys and the keyboard functions normally
;This is intended for in the SC2 Menu and chat with friends/channels or searching for customs.
;Once you are set to play again hit Control + RightArrow and the keys are ready for play.

^Right::
Suspend
If s
S = 0
Else
S = 1
Return

;-----------------------------------------------------------------

#IfWinActive
#NoEnv ; Recommended for performance and compatibility with future AutoHotkey releases.
SendMode Input ; Recommended for new scripts due to its superior speed and reliability.
SetWorkingDir %A_ScriptDir% ; Ensures a consistent starting directory.

Techno

1900 Posts

May 22 2011 21:13 GMT

#57

Brutal explanation.

Blitztoad

United States8 Posts

May 24 2011 23:50 GMT

#58

Is there a way to rebind this to your keyboard faster? also, apart from the shift, and control can you change the hotkeys in the starcraft program? or do you have to do that with the custom keyboard too?

TheAmpersand

United States12 Posts

May 25 2011 02:30 GMT

#59

Do you have a config file for the ASDF setup?

I'm curious as to whether utilizing more mouse buttons might make the learning curve less steep for myself. Do you feel like changing your layout has made it easier for your muscle memory to develop? During tense fights do you find yourself still trying to hunt for the right keys to press?

The OP make me think of creating a hotkey setup where all necessary macro actions performed by the mouse buttons. Mouse hand would me by macro hand, and my keyboard hand would be my micro hand. I just got a Razer Naga, and I'm still trying to figure out how it would be best to take advantage of the extra mouse buttons.

From searching through these forums it seems like its 'common knowledge' that it's better to stick with the standard layout and use the keyboard. Using mouse buttons are a 'gimmick'. I have my doubts until I try for myself. The whole idea of using the mouse wheel for tapping is brilliant IMHO.

Loophole

United States867 Posts

May 25 2011 02:40 GMT

#60

To create a new hotkey file (SC2Hotkeys) just open a new notepad window and paste in the text from the OPs post. Save it as "BaseJ.SC2Hotkeys" including the quotes, which tell notepad to save it exactly as you typed it, without adding the .txt extension. The hotkey file is just a text file with a different extension. When you open up SC2, under hotkeys you'll have a new entry called BaseJ in the dropdown, and it will let you know that it has copied it to your online profile when you select it.

Changing hotkeys doesn't take as long as people think. I played BW for 10 years, and when I wanted to change my hotkeys for SC2, it only took a few games of playing against the computer and building everything I could think of to get my brain used to it. Mabye 10 - 20 ladder games later it was completely set it.

I just played 1 game vs a comp and many of the more used key combinations are already set in my head, because they are pretty intuitive.

I have one question about the setup, Kaitlin. The escape key isn't remapped. Sometimes I need it to cancel a structure. Can you think of anywhere it would work in this setup?

Loophole

United States867 Posts

May 25 2011 02:49 GMT

#61

Also, I would love to point out that the only reason this isn't possible without a customizable keyboard, or using the AutoHotKey program, is that Blizzard didn't give us the ability to map the Alt, Shift, Ctrl, Tab, and mouse wheel keys. If they simply added that capability, which would be ridiculously easy for them, everyone could use setups like this in tournaments too.

rust.oxide

United States94 Posts

May 25 2011 04:14 GMT

#62

I personally use Grid and map Backspace to one of my left mouse buttons. and F1-F4 as control groups 7 through 0.

Really awesome idea, but I'm comfortable with Grid and your benefits are ones I have with Grid as it is.

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 25 2011 04:26 GMT

#63

On May 25 2011 08:50 Blitztoad wrote:
Is there a way to rebind this to your keyboard faster? also, apart from the shift, and control can you change the hotkeys in the starcraft program? or do you have to do that with the custom keyboard too?

Not sure what you mean by the first question. If you mean, a better way than making the changes manually, yeah, you can copy the hotkey file I included in the OP into your Hotkeys directory and load it within the game.

For the second question, they are all changed within Starcraft. The only changes outside the game are:

1. Spacebar changed to Shift.
2. 'U' changed to Control.
3. Right Alt changed to 'Num 5', but I've since changed it to Backspace, since it seemed a little silly to remap it to something else, then change it from backspace ingame to that other thing. I cut out the middle step after I wrote this post.
4. Mouse scroll forward changed to arbitrary value.
5. Mouse scroll back changed to arbitrary value.

Other than those, everything is changed inside Starcraft.

Yoshi Kirishima

United States10300 Posts

May 25 2011 04:43 GMT

#64

Wow this seems very optimized, good work would never have thought about repositioning it to the right where your thumb can more easily hit two low keys (space and the right alt key)

Edit:

Oh so you need a custom keyboard. Would this be "allowed" in tournaments?

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 25 2011 04:48 GMT

#65

On May 25 2011 11:30 TheAmpersand wrote:
Do you have a config file for the ASDF setup?

I don't have a config file for the ASDF setup.

I'm curious as to whether utilizing more mouse buttons might make the learning curve less steep for myself. Do you feel like changing your layout has made it easier for your muscle memory to develop? During tense fights do you find yourself still trying to hunt for the right keys to press?

The OP make me think of creating a hotkey setup where all necessary macro actions performed by the mouse buttons. Mouse hand would me by macro hand, and my keyboard hand would be my micro hand. I just got a Razer Naga, and I'm still trying to figure out how it would be best to take advantage of the extra mouse buttons.

I was looking at the Naga before deciding to buy the Death Adder mouse. I thought real hard about how I could take advantage of having so many buttons on the mouse. In the end, I concluded SC2 wasn't the best implementation for that kind of mouse. Some additional functionality on the mouse is good, but in the end, we need to be moving the mouse rapidly and accurately, and with 16 buttons or however many it has, I just saw a lot of potential for misclicking. Between the ability to use the scroll wheel and the two buttons on the side, one as a modifier provides a good balance, combined with the consolidated number of keys on the keyboard being used. I don't know a good way to overcome the incredible number of buttons on the side of the Naga being accurately and rapidly used, while also needing to move the mouse around.

I definitely feel changing my layout has made it easier for my muscle memory. I think of many of the things I do in game, as typing. The default setup was using hand positions and key combinations I've never used before, but with this, I am familiar. Not to mention, it's more accurate because you don't have to reach anywhere. I have no trouble hunting for the right keys to use in battle.

My biggest challenges since developing this system has been trying to figure out how to best utilize all the extra control groups I have access to lol. I literally have 3 control groups specifically assigned to harassment.

From searching through these forums it seems like its 'common knowledge' that it's better to stick with the standard layout and use the keyboard. Using mouse buttons are a 'gimmick'. I have my doubts until I try for myself. The whole idea of using the mouse wheel for tapping is brilliant IMHO.

I think that "common knowledge" depends on the context. I think it's better to use the keyboard than the mouse for most uses, however using a couple buttons on the mouse as toggles and modifiers is good. This is different than trying to hit the correct button on the Naga. As for the default layout, I think most people think the standard layout sucks ass, but since they've been using it for so long, it's difficult to change to something new, especially when you are constantly competing in various things. Not to mention, each tournament has its own rules as far as to what degree you can customize your setup.

Loophole

United States867 Posts

May 25 2011 04:48 GMT

#66

On May 25 2011 13:43 Yoshi Kirishima wrote:
Wow this seems very optimized, good work would never have thought about repositioning it to the right where your thumb can more easily hit two low keys (space and the right alt key)

Edit:

Oh so you need a custom keyboard. Would this be "allowed" in tournaments?

No, not unless blizzard added the ability to map the shift, ctrl, alt, and mouse buttons. You don't need a custom keyboard, you can use AutoHotKey to make the changes, which is what I'm doing.

Yoshi Kirishima

United States10300 Posts

May 25 2011 04:57 GMT

#67

@Loophole

Ok, thanks

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 25 2011 05:00 GMT

#68

On May 25 2011 11:40 Loophole wrote:
To create a new hotkey file (SC2Hotkeys) just open a new notepad window and paste in the text from the OPs post. Save it as "BaseJ.SC2Hotkeys" including the quotes, which tell notepad to save it exactly as you typed it, without adding the .txt extension. The hotkey file is just a text file with a different extension. When you open up SC2, under hotkeys you'll have a new entry called BaseJ in the dropdown, and it will let you know that it has copied it to your online profile when you select it.

Changing hotkeys doesn't take as long as people think. I played BW for 10 years, and when I wanted to change my hotkeys for SC2, it only took a few games of playing against the computer and building everything I could think of to get my brain used to it. Mabye 10 - 20 ladder games later it was completely set it.

I just played 1 game vs a comp and many of the more used key combinations are already set in my head, because they are pretty intuitive.

I have one question about the setup, Kaitlin. The escape key isn't remapped. Sometimes I need it to cancel a structure. Can you think of anywhere it would work in this setup?

Yeah, this is one of the "open areas". At one point, I had changed like F1-F8 all to ESC so I could just reach up and smack "somewhere" for escape, which is pretty much what I did in the default setup, but I've also setup particular keys like 'C', something a little out of the way as ESC. In my current setup, I've been either right-clicking the ground which works in certain cases, and other times, I have been just selecting a different control group and re-selecting.

Even since writing this system, I've been tweaking it. Some things I feel are better, and other roads I've gone down haven't panned out. For example, I no longer use 'N' and '7' as control groups. I have created new control groups by duplicating others, but while holdling down Alt, to "double up". I actually have 4 control groups on my mousewheel now, scrolling forward and back, with or without the side "Alt" button being held down. Also, the 'T' control group is doubled up with an Alt modifier. When I initially thought of that "doubling up", I went a little crazy, and literally used only like 3 keys and the mouse scroll, but it was a little confusing to keep track of. So, I reduced the doubling up just a little, but I still use it.

IzieBoy

United States865 Posts

May 25 2011 05:06 GMT

#69

lol the DT+obs patrol XD

problem is if the guy burrows banelings with unburrow on autocast

usually the opponent can peel off a force to send through a nydus to protect his new base...

Blitztoad

United States8 Posts

May 25 2011 21:22 GMT

#70

Kaitlin you mentioned something about the Hotkey Directory in the game? where is this?

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

May 25 2011 21:39 GMT

#71

On May 26 2011 06:22 Blitztoad wrote:
Kaitlin you mentioned something about the Hotkey Directory in the game? where is this?

Mine (Windows XP) is here:

C:\Documents and Settings\Kaitlin\My Documents\StarCraft II\Accounts\9999999\Hotkeys

cristo1122

Australia505 Posts

May 25 2011 22:11 GMT

#72

onee thing that probly needs metionin g in the OP is that the black widow keyboard has the function keys moved to the right more than on other keyboards other than that I think this is an interesting setup.

Millicant

United States78 Posts

May 25 2011 22:36 GMT

#73

So I've been loving this setup for a while now and I'm definitely keeping it as my default hotkeys.

However, I made a few changes to make this easier for me:

T = Warp-in now (W from standard)
U = Control Group (used for robo and stargates)
Right Alt = Control
Side Mouse button = base camera

This makes "tapping" REALLY easy - just roll your fingers tyu tyu tyu

I don't like using the mouse for control groups tbh - I just have a hard time with it. I'm going to keep trying for my armies but it's a struggle for me.

I also didn't like having all the production facilities on one key - I much prefer them separated by type. The Warp-In key comes in handy here.

As for Control - I found I struggled when it was "U" just because I ended up shift-adding stuff to control groups quite often. Alt makes for sense to me.

And since I don't use mouse control groups much anyways, I reassigned the base cam from alt to a side mouse button.

I also assigned 5 to cancel - easy access, out of the way, and sort of the same direction as ESC would be normally.

All of that took some editing of the script. If you're familiar at all with AHK it's very easy. I can show people if they want - just post and ask

dpurple

Turkmenistan592 Posts

May 25 2011 23:04 GMT

#74

Seems pretty cool. Though I didnt understand it all. I guess you have to try it out in the game to see how it all works.

I have my own custom hotkey setup that in happy with but I think I will try this keyboard script someone posted and move the ctrl and shift key. Always have pain in my pinky finger after I have played a lot.

Sachem

United States116 Posts

May 25 2011 23:10 GMT

#75

I'm interested in creating a setup with similar goals, that would be viable for tournaments. Obviously, this is a gargantuan restraint, as not remapping ctrl, shift, etc is terrible in comparision to the options a j-base gives. I've just recently started playing SCII, but I've played MMOs at a competitive level, where the need for key real estate/condensing is even greater.

Initial thoughts:

try to squeeze all unit/building into the 3x4 of qwer-asdf-zxcv, hopefully smaller with mod keys.
this should allow more space to map other functions while making it easier to reach commonly spammed ones. use of a modifier key to access less commonly reached keys(think single buildings/techs) might allow even 2 rows to be possible.

Switch funtions of ctrl and alt, or maybe shift. this allows for greater reach, as switching control and alt allows for a whole new range of keys to be used.
hopefully this will allow use of tgb-yhn depending on handsize/comfort. in linking with the point above, getting rid of ctrl for unit grouping would allow for use of ctrl as a modifier reserved for less used buildings/techs/etc.

Use freed up space for more easily accessible control groups and camera locations,without losing ease of access on actions like building or teching. Ideally having all of 12345zxcvtgbyhn (15 keys, or all control groups and a couple camera ones.

Thoughts/further improvements?

Chemist391

United States365 Posts

May 26 2011 00:04 GMT

#76

Wow, the system in the OP is pretty inspired. I'm going to need to see if I can apply anything to my setup.

I currently use a custom setup loosely based on LiquidTyler's.

New Ctrl Groups
+ Show Spoiler +

` - nexus
q - robotics
a - stargate

New Screensave
+ Show Spoiler +

tab - warpin location screensave

Attack is now R (1r2r3r4r feels nice). This is also convenient because nearly all protoss battle-commands are T, F, and G.

Build Assimilator: changed from A to S
Research Armor: changed from A to R

Millicant

United States78 Posts

May 26 2011 02:08 GMT

#77

Chemist I also adopted a small part of that - I use a "warp in location" saved position too. I never did until hearing Tyler talk about it.

I use the "forward" mouse button to do that and the "back" for my base cam. Those are assignable in SC2 Hotkey editor btw. Just found that out today

XDJuicebox

United States593 Posts

June 02 2011 05:45 GMT

#78

By the way, if anyone wants to do this, but goes to LANs, you can just do the same thing, but change it around a little bit and leave it at ASDF. It's still a HUGE speed boost.

CrAzEdMiKe

Canada151 Posts

June 03 2011 01:19 GMT

#79

I recently got the Razer Nostromo and I'm going to be using a lot of elements from this hotkey setup in order to get everything running. Though obviously a case of apples and oranges and my setup will be different, a lot of the principles are identical (and inspired from) this hotkey setup.

I have a mouse with a total of 4 buttons + wheel that are customizable, and I personally love using these buttons for my control groups. I've actually almost completely stopped using my keyboard for control groups (since mousewheel up/down, thumb buttons and top left buttons are all control groups). It's SO much faster and easier to access hotkeys it's ridonkulous.

Thank you Kaitlin for inspiring me. I may not be utilizing your exact setup, but what I am developing at the moment is being purely based off of your creation and hard work, and for that I am incredibly thankful. Just the idea of getting hotkeys on my mouse has literally bumped my apm by about 10 per minute. May not sound like much, but when your apm was about 70 before, that's almost a 15% increase in apm.

On a side note in regards to thumb button base cams... What I have set up with my mouse is that it normally hits just hotkeys, but if I hold alt then it goes into cameras, and to set up a view location i just hit control + alt + mouse button, and to view it just alt + mouse button. It's really simple and allows for dual functionality on the mouse (In case you didn't notice, I love using my mouse).

Xanczor

United States254 Posts

June 03 2011 01:24 GMT

#80

too bad if you play on a macbook, first of all the touchpad in the middle with move your mouse when you don't want it to and second of all their is a "command" button between spacebar and right alt

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

June 03 2011 01:46 GMT

#81

On June 03 2011 10:19 CrAzEdMiKe wrote:
I recently got the Razer Nostromo and I'm going to be using a lot of elements from this hotkey setup in order to get everything running. Though obviously a case of apples and oranges and my setup will be different, a lot of the principles are identical (and inspired from) this hotkey setup.

I have a mouse with a total of 4 buttons + wheel that are customizable, and I personally love using these buttons for my control groups. I've actually almost completely stopped using my keyboard for control groups (since mousewheel up/down, thumb buttons and top left buttons are all control groups). It's SO much faster and easier to access hotkeys it's ridonkulous.

Thank you Kaitlin for inspiring me. I may not be utilizing your exact setup, but what I am developing at the moment is being purely based off of your creation and hard work, and for that I am incredibly thankful. Just the idea of getting hotkeys on my mouse has literally bumped my apm by about 10 per minute. May not sound like much, but when your apm was about 70 before, that's almost a 15% increase in apm.

On a side note in regards to thumb button base cams... What I have set up with my mouse is that it normally hits just hotkeys, but if I hold alt then it goes into cameras, and to set up a view location i just hit control + alt + mouse button, and to view it just alt + mouse button. It's really simple and allows for dual functionality on the mouse (In case you didn't notice, I love using my mouse).

You're quite welcome. I didn't expect people to use it exactly as is, in fact I've even been making small tweaks here and there to try to improve upon things, but I wanted to put the model out there so people could improve their gameplay over the "default" or slightly-modified default setup.

closey

Hong Kong272 Posts

June 03 2011 05:03 GMT

#82

I used to use autohotkey to remap my hotkeys in BW to the left side, but I never went all the length of OP to make this much improvement. Where can I buy 10 internets? I want to give it to OP.

Kaitlin

United States2958 Posts

June 03 2011 05:22 GMT

#83

Thanks. I just wish tournaments allowed the customizations. They allow custom keyboards, I don't see why they wouldn't as they already need the drivers to be there. Maybe they do, at least some, and I just don't know. MLG seemed to say something along the lines of your setup had to be supervised by an MLG official, but that didn't really answer the question. It would be nice if tournaments allowed this stuff because I think the skill level would increase drastically if pros made some of these changes to their setups.

CrAzEdMiKe

Canada151 Posts

June 03 2011 06:04 GMT

#84

I can understand why they wouldn't allow actual macros for tournaments, but I agree... I don't see why you couldn't use a customized mouse/keyboard setup simply for the purpose of changing hotkeys/control usage. Yeah I can program macros into my keyboard/mouse if I wanted to, but all I'm using my equipment for is simply for a different setup which I think is more efficient. If the arguement is to try and "keep it fair"... Well, should that mean that marathon runners shouldn't be allowed to buy the best and latest shoe that provides more comfort when they do the race? No, they should run barefoot... That would be the "fairest" way of looking at it.

I've been practicing a very close permutation to this setup (very few differences, just a bit of key reordering) and it certainly is something that you need to get used to... But once I get comfortable with it I strongly suspect it'll help my overall efficiency during play.

Oldfool

Australia394 Posts

June 03 2011 15:37 GMT

#85

Definitely going to give this a try; it sounds amazing! I'm a sucker for asdf due to MMO (WoW) gaming for years, but fghj looks too good.

Sierra1

Lithuania4 Posts

October 29 2011 11:50 GMT

#86

AHK script download link does not work anymore!

P.S. I've been using this setup for quite some time now and it really helps me concentrate on things happening in game more since i don't need to find those far away hotkeys or accidentaly wrong-click something and mess everything up. Thumbs up for this configuration ^^.

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