[D] [G] Tight Terran Hot-keys for faster play.

Drive_

Canada35 Posts

July 03 2011 12:47 GMT

UPDATE 7/3/11
Someone posted showing that you can share your hotkey files, so here is the the entire hotkey setup for you to use: Download here

(Put the file in your Documents/Starcraft II/Accounts/########/Hotkeys folder)

View them here:

+ Show Spoiler +

[Settings]

[Hotkeys]
PTT=M
AlertRecall=ForwardMouseButton
CameraTurnLeft=PageUp
CameraTurnRight=PageDown
CameraZoomNext=
CameraZoomPrev=
ControlGroupAppend0=Shift+Grave
ControlGroupAppend6=Shift+T
ControlGroupAppend7=Shift+G
ControlGroupAssign0=Control+Grave
ControlGroupAssign6=Control+T
ControlGroupAssign7=Control+G
ControlGroupRecall0=Grave
ControlGroupRecall6=T
ControlGroupRecall7=G
IdleWorker=
TownCamera=Space
WarpIn=
CameraSave0=Control+F1
CameraSave1=Control+F2
CameraSave2=Control+F3
CameraSave3=Control+F4
CameraSave4=Control+F5
CameraView0=F1
CameraView1=F2
CameraView2=F3
CameraView3=F4
CameraView4=F5

[Commands]
250mmStrikeCannons/Thor=R
AssaultMode=V
AutoTurret/Raven=R
Bunker/SCV=A
CloakOff=V
EvolveGlialRegeneration/RoachWarren=
EvolveInfestorEnergyUpgrade/InfestationPit=
EvolveTunnelingClaws/RoachWarren=
FighterMode=C
Gateway/Probe=
GatherProt=
GenerateCreep/Overlord=
Ghost/Barracks=E
GhostAcademy/SCV=W
GhostHoldFire/Ghost=D
GravitonBeam/Phoenix=
GreaterSpire/Spire=
GuardianShield/Sentry=
Halt=F
HighTemplar=
HighTemplarHallucination/Sentry=
HunterSeekerMissile/Raven=W
InfestedTerrans/Infestor=
InfestedTerrans/InfestorBurrowed=
MissileTurret/SCV=Q
MorphBackToGateway/WarpGate=
Mothership/Nexus=
Move=
MovePatrol=Q
Mutalisk/Larva=
NukeArm/GhostAcademy=C
NukeCalldown/Ghost=W
PointDefenseDrone/Raven=E
ProtossGroundWeaponsLevel1/Forge=
PsiStorm/HighTemplar=
RallyEgg=
ReaperSpeed/BarracksTechLab=V
ResearchBansheeCloak/StarportTechLab=B
ResearchBattlecruiserEnergyUpgrade/FusionCore=R
ResearchBattlecruiserSpecializations/FusionCore=E
ResearchDurableMaterials/StarportTechLab=R
ResearchGhostEnergyUpgrade/GhostAcademy=R
ResearchGraviticDrive/RoboticsBay=
ResearchHiSecAutoTracking/EngineeringBay=C
ResearchHighCapacityBarrels/FactoryTechLab=E
ResearchInterceptorLaunchSpeedUpgrade/FleetBeacon=
ResearchMedivacEnergyUpgrade/StarportTechLab=E
ResearchNeosteelFrame/EngineeringBay=V
ResearchPersonalCloaking/GhostAcademy=E
ResearchPsiStorm/TemplarArchive=
ResearchPunisherGrenades/BarracksTechLab=C
ResearchRavenEnergyUpgrade/StarportTechLab=V
ResearchSeekerMissile/StarportTechLab=C
ResearchShieldWall/BarracksTechLab=E
ResearchSiegeTech/FactoryTechLab=R
ResearchWarpGate/CyberneticsCore=
SelectBuilder=
SensorTower/SCV=W
SiegeMode=C
Stim=R
Stimpack/BarracksTechLab=R
TemplarArchive/Probe=
TerranBuildAdvanced/SCV=Z
TerranInfantryArmorLevel1/EngineeringBay=R
TerranShipPlatingLevel1/Armory=V
TerranShipWeaponsLevel1/Armory=C
TerranVehiclePlatingLevel1/Armory=R
Thor/Factory=R
Transfusion/Queen=
TransportMode/WarpPrism=
Unsiege=V
UpgradeToWarpGate/Gateway=
WeaponsFree/Ghost=F
YamatoGun=R
hydraliskspeed/HydraliskDen=
zerglingmovementspeed/SpawningPool=
zergmeleeweapons1/EvolutionChamber=

Also I have added a section and image explaining my unit control hotkeys.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ctrl + 8 Slowing you down?
What about hitting M for moebius reactor or P for Ship Plating?
Are you always missing that pesky 0 key as you blindly try to reach for your upgrades control group?

Well fret no more, because I have a created a layout that will enable any Terran player to never leave the left side of the keyboard again!

Yes it can be done. This is a guide on my particular hot-key setup. I created this layout because I felt that both the standard hot-key layout, as well as the grid setup, were both extremely inefficient layouts for optimal play. But when combining the best features taken from both of them, you get one hell of an optimal layout in my opinion. One major factor in finally customizing my hot-keys is that I love to have my production in separate hot-keys. Therefor I end up using almost all the control groups available (8/10).

Disclaimers: First off I'd just like to state that I am only a diamond level player, therefor do not take this as some kind of super mega gosu approach to controlling the Terran army. Although for me, it definitely is.

Also if you do not use more than 6 control groups, this may be over-kill for you to change your set-up this way, although it may give you some great ideas for your own customization.

This layout accomplishes 4 functions:

1. Enables similar abilities and functions of the starcraft interface to be grouped to specific keys on the keyboard (much like the grid layout), e.g. upgrades, spells, etc.

2. Maintains as much of the standard lay-out as possible in order to assist in player adaption of the new layout. (Less new keys to learn)

3. Contains everything (including control groups) to the left side of the keyboard by extending only as far as the "5, T, G, B" vertical row of keys. This allows for extremely fast selection, and execution of any given task by preventing unnecessary hand movement across the board, as well as any unnecessary "finger reaching"

4. Brings 8 control groups within much closer reach! (e.g. Ctrl+G is much easier than Ctrl+7, or Ctrl+~ much easier than Ctrl+0)

A picture is worth a thousand words, Therefore I will start by giving you a diagram to examine while I explain my reasoning for each set of keys.

[image loading]

*the keyboard I pulled off google image is weird, it has Z and Y and opposite locations, ignore this

First off you might ask, why T and G for control groups? The simple answer is I wanted to limit the range of motion required to the 5, T, G, B row. Any farther such as ctrl + 6 requires a bit of a stretch, which could potentially slow down your play.

The Grid layout for upgrades was made because T and G are now being used as control groups; therefor because quite a few upgrades used these letters, it made more sense to make all the upgrades a universal set of keys. Once you learn the E/R + CVB configuration, you will realize how intuitive it is to have a universal set of keys for all the upgrades. The same reasoning applies to the W/E/R group as Ghost/Raven spell caster abilities.

Here is how I have all the upgrades hotkeyed:

Tech labs:
[image loading]

Engi/Armory/Ghost Academy/Fusion Core:
[image loading]

That's all I can think of right now as far as the meat of the layout, here are the rest of the hotkeys that I changed from T and G as well as some other tricks that I use.

Buildings:
Bunker = A
Missile Turret = Q
Sensor Tower = W
Ghost Academy = W

Units:
Patrol = Q
Stimpack = R
Halt Construction = F
Build Advanced Structure = Z (Separating Advanced from Basic structure helps to avoid accidentally going in to the wrong menu and frantically trying to hit escape, Thanks to Neo.Net for this tip)

Ghosts:
Train Ghost = E
Nuke = W, EMP = E, Snipe = R

Build Thor = R

Ravens:
Seeker Missile = W, PDD = E, Auto Turret = R

Unit controls:
[image loading]

I use Q for patrol and everything else is still the same! All the standard hot-keys are within the designated reach so it helps to keep it the same for those trying to transition to this entire layout. The only exception is hold position, I personally feel that H is not far enough out of position to warrant changing it, again it means one less new key to learn.

One trick I use is that I hot-keyed the backspace function (cycle camera between command centers) to space bar, this is very useful for say shift commanding an SCV back to the mineral line without having to scroll with the mouse. (e.g. Build, Barracks, SPACE, SHIFT, right click mineral patch)

Feel free to discuss this lay-out and point out any flaws you might find in it. Enjoy =D+ Show Spoiler +

+ Show Spoiler +

Squigly

United Kingdom629 Posts

July 03 2011 12:58 GMT

I seem to be using 1-4 as production (OC, rax, fac, port in that order)at the moment and have been told that this may cause issues when i get better army control. Ill give this a go

Eleaven

772 Posts

July 03 2011 13:17 GMT

On July 03 2011 21:58 Squigly wrote:
I seem to be using 1-4 as production (OC, rax, fac, port in that order)at the moment and have been told that this may cause issues when i get better army control. Ill give this a go

I use the same setup as you 1-4 oc/rax/fact/port and play terran very successfully at high master level after race swapping to it like a week ago.I wouldn't worry about your setup. It's just the standard version of 4567 stepped to the left a bit. (works nicely with grid too)

CodeskyE

United States777 Posts

July 03 2011 13:17 GMT

is it possible to use B as a control group in your setpu? sounds interesting.

Tortious_Tortoise

United States944 Posts

July 03 2011 13:20 GMT

*Therefore

This definitely seems useful, but I don't have a problem on the standard keyboard. I've never lost a game because my left hand was out of position-- that is, when I slid my hand to start an upgrade. I guess if it works for you, then it works.

Drive_

Canada35 Posts

July 03 2011 13:20 GMT

On July 03 2011 22:17 Codeskye wrote:
is it possible to use B as a control group in your setpu? sounds interesting.

It is possible, if you would like that as an extra control group it would work great as it flows down from T and G. Although you would have to re-bind "build" and "barracks" to something else.

benthekid

United States132 Posts

July 03 2011 13:29 GMT

I just use the Grid setup. which uses Q-T A-G and Z-B the only thing you would have to reach for is the numbers beyond 6 which I only use 3-4 control groups anyway.

SgtCoDFish

United Kingdom1520 Posts

July 03 2011 13:36 GMT

Looks solid, I might try this for when I play Terran. (which is admittedly rare, but it happens

)

On July 03 2011 21:47 Tekkin wrote:
the keyboard I pulled off google image is weird, it has Z and Y and opposite locations, ignore this

That's because it's a German keyboard, since Z is much more common in German than Y.

NoisyNinja

United States991 Posts

July 03 2011 14:20 GMT

For me, t, g, and b aren't really a huge stretch. I also use 6 for all production buildings and 5 for all CCs. I might consider giving this a try, hitting n for nuke is slowing me down.

JiSu

Korea (South)140 Posts

July 03 2011 14:28 GMT

#10

Whoa this is cool! Definitely will try it out. A lot of times I feel lazy moving my fingers to press 7-0 lol.

Also you can hotkey Q for patrol instead of P. Very very useful.

Edit: Can you post your entire layout? B/c when I switched the control+T or G or B groups I can't make a lot of buildings/units nor halt the building process.

Neo.NEt

United States785 Posts

July 03 2011 14:45 GMT

#11

Sadly my hotkey setup (aka Blizzard's horrible default set up) is hardwired into my brain and switching would take me forever.

I can't really tell from the OP but do yourself a favor and don't put build basic and build advanced right next to each other(b and v courtesy of Blizzard)... how many times have we all hit v on accident and made the wrong building or you hit v and are like "shit I need b" and then you're hitting every button on your keyboard trying to hit escape....

saaaa

Germany419 Posts

July 03 2011 16:18 GMT

#12

very interesting hotkey setup i wil definetely try it out.

But one question... what are your setup for your Units (Patrol, Attack, Hold Position, Build, Stop etc)?

Maybe you can make a screenshot of your Unit Setup as well.

best regards,

kusto

Russian Federation823 Posts

July 03 2011 16:26 GMT

#13

The OP got it right, i have almost the same configuration after trying so many and thinking for days. But i also use the 'u'-key.and some other keys which are close to this configuration.

Gfire

United States1699 Posts

July 03 2011 16:54 GMT

#14

Personally I use the right side of the keyboard, with my left hand. Something based on the standard for lefties setup. I can use my thumb for ctrl and shift this way, and easily reach everything. I use O P [ ] for production hotkeys and 7 8 9 0 - = for army. It's somewhat similar to your design. It still needs some refining, for where cancel and idle worker, and screen hotkeys are. Cancel is by default F12, but I'll probably change it to end or delete, or backspace.

I find I have somewhat different taste in hotkeys because I have large hands, and the more compact setups are actually more difficult for me.

emc

United States3088 Posts

July 03 2011 17:33 GMT

#15

you should upload your hotkey text or copy the code and past it in a spoiler so people can copy it. I customed out all my hotkeys just as well, made everything a lot easier.

You can find your hotkeys here:

+ Show Spoiler +

X:\Documents and Settings\NAME\My Documents\StarCraft II\Accounts\XXXXXXXX\hotkeys

+ Show Spoiler +

[Settings]
[Hotkeys]
Sound=Control+Shift+F11
PTT=CapsLock
ChatDefault=Enter
ToggleWorldPanel=
CameraCenter=
CameraFollow=Control+ForwardMouseButton
ControlGroupAppend0=Shift+0,Shift+F4
ControlGroupAppend7=Shift+7,Shift+F1
ControlGroupAppend8=Shift+8,Shift+F2
ControlGroupAppend9=Shift+9,Shift+F3
ControlGroupAssign0=Control+0,Control+F4
ControlGroupAssign7=Control+7,Control+F1
ControlGroupAssign8=Control+8,Control+F2
ControlGroupAssign9=Control+9,Control+F3
ControlGroupRecall0=0,F4
ControlGroupRecall7=7,F1
ControlGroupRecall8=8,F2
ControlGroupRecall9=9,F3
IdleWorker=Grave
InventoryButtonAlt0=Alt+Q
InventoryButtonAlt1=Alt+W
InventoryButtonAlt2=Alt+E
InventoryButtonAlt3=Alt+A
InventoryButtonAlt4=Alt+S
InventoryButtonAlt5=Alt+D
InventoryButtonAlt6=Alt+Z
InventoryButtonAlt7=Alt+X
InventoryButtonUse0=Control+Q
InventoryButtonUse1=Control+W
InventoryButtonUse2=Control+E
InventoryButtonUse3=Control+F
InventoryButtonUse4=Control+S
InventoryButtonUse5=Control+D
InventoryButtonUse6=Control+Z
InventoryButtonUse7=Control+X
QuickSave=Control+Shift+F12
TownCamera=BackMouseButton
WarpIn=

[Commands]
250mmStrikeCannons/Thor=E
AWrp=R
ArchonHallucination/Sentry=A
Barracks/SCV=A
Blink/Stalker=E
BroodLord/Corruptor=R,B
BuildAcademy/SCV=V
BuildPhysicsLab/ScienceFacility=S
BuildTechLabFactory/FactoryFlying=T
BuildTechLabStarport/StarportFlying=T
BuildValkyrie/Starport=V
Bunker/SCV=W
BunkerUnloadAll=D
BurrowDown=R
BurrowLurker/Lurker=R
BurrowUp=R
Cancel=Q
CloakOnBanshee=E
CommandCenterLoad=E
Contaminate/Overseer=C
CyberneticsCore/Probe=W
Domination/Nova=
EMP/Ghost=W
EvolveAnabolicSynthesis2/UltraliskCavern=E
EvolveCentrificalHooks/BanelingNest=E,C
EvolveGlialRegeneration/RoachWarren=E
EvolveInfestorEnergyUpgrade/InfestationPit=W,G
EvolveSpawnBroodling/InfestationPit=R
EvolveTunnelingClaws/RoachWarren=R
EvolveVentralSacks=V
Explode/Baneling=D
GenerateCreep/Overlord=E
Goliath/Factory=A
GravitonBeam/Phoenix=E,G
GreaterSpire/Spire=R,G
Hallucination/Sentry=E
HallucinationHighTemplar/HighTemplar=H
Halt=T
Hatchery/Drone=W
Hive/Lair=A
Hydralisk/Larva=E,H
HydraliskDen/Drone=D
Immortal/RoboticsFacility=R,I
ImmortalHallucination/Sentry=R
Infest/Queen=F
InfestationPit/Drone=F,I
InfestedTerrans/Infestor=W
InfestedTerrans/InfestorBurrowed=W
Infestor/Larva=F,I
Interceptor/Carrier=E,C
Lair/Hatchery=A,L
Land=W
Lift=W
LurkerDen/HydraliskDen=R
LurkerFromHydraliskBurrowed/Hydralisk=E
Marine/Barracks=A
MassRecall/Mothership=W,R
Medic/Barracks=E
MissileTurret/SCV=D
MorphBackToGateway/WarpGate=G,M
MorphMorphalisk/Queen=W,V
Mothership/Nexus=W,M
MoveHoldPosition=X
MovePatrol=Z,P
MuscularAugments/HydraliskDen=E
Mutalisk/Larva=T
Nexus/Probe=S,N
NydusNetwork/Drone=W
Observer/RoboticsFacility=E
OrbitalCommand/CommandCenter=C
Overlord/Larva=V
Parasite/Queen=W
PhasingMode/WarpPrism=W
Phoenix/Stargate=E,X
ProtossAirArmorLevel1/CyberneticsCore=C
ProtossAirWeaponsLevel1/CyberneticsCore=A
ProtossBuild/Probe=W
ProtossBuildAdvanced/Probe=E
ProtossGroundArmorLevel1/Forge=C
ProtossGroundWeaponsLevel1/Forge=A
Queen=E
ReaperSpeed/BarracksTechLab=R
ReleaseMinion/Nova=
ResearchApialSensors/FleetBeacon=S
ResearchBansheeCloak/StarportTechLab=E
ResearchBattlecruiserEnergyUpgrade/FusionCore=R
ResearchBattlecruiserSpecializations/FusionCore=E
ResearchBurrow=R,B
ResearchExtendedThermalLance/RoboticsBay=C
ResearchGhostEnergyUpgrade/GhostAcademy=R
ResearchGraviticBooster/RoboticsBay=E
ResearchGraviticDrive/RoboticsBay=W
ResearchGraviticThrusters/FleetBeacon=W
ResearchHallucination/CyberneticsCore=E
ResearchHighCapacityBarrels/FactoryTechLab=F,I
ResearchHighTemplarEnergyUpgrade/TemplarArchive=E
ResearchInterceptorLaunchSpeedUpgrade/FleetBeacon=E,G
ResearchIonThrusters/MachineShop=E
ResearchIrradiate/ScienceFacility=R
ResearchMaelstrom/TemplarArchive=W
ResearchMetasynapticNode/DefilerMound=W
ResearchNeosteelFrame/EngineeringBay=F
ResearchOpticalFlare/Academy=W
ResearchPersonalCloaking/GhostAcademy=E
ResearchPunisherGrenades/BarracksTechLab=D
ResearchRavenEnergyUpgrade/StarportTechLab=R
ResearchSeekerMissile/StarportTechLab=S
ResearchStalkerTeleport/TwilightCouncil=E
ResearchWarpGate/CyberneticsCore=W,G
Scan/ComsatStation2=S,C
SelectBuilder=NumPad0
SensorTower/SCV=T
SiegeTank/Factory=S
SpawnBroodling/Queen=R
SpawnChangeling/Overseer=E
Stim=E
Stimpack/BarracksTechLab=E,T
StopPlanetaryFortress/PlanetaryFortress=T,P
SummonNydusWorm/NydusNetwork=W
TechLabBarracks/Barracks=T
TechLabBarracks/BarracksFlying=T
TechLabFactory/Factory=T
TechLabStarport/Starport=T
TerranBuild/SCV=W
TerranBuildAdvanced/SCV=E
TerranInfantryArmorLevel1/EngineeringBay=C
TerranInfantryWeaponsLevel1/EngineeringBay=A
TerranShipPlatingLevel1/Armory=D
TerranVehiclePlatingLevel1/Armory=C
TerranVehicleWeaponsLevel1/Armory=A
Thor/Factory=A
Transfusion/Queen=E,T
TransportMode/WarpPrism=E
Ultralisk/Larva=A,U
UltraliskCavern/Drone=A
UpgradeBuildingArmorLevel1/EngineeringBay=D
UpgradeToPlanetaryFortress/CommandCenter=F
UpgradeToWarpGate/Gateway=W,G
VoidRay/Stargate=D,V
Vortex/Mothership=E,V
WarpPrism/RoboticsFacility=W
WarpPrismHallucination/Sentry=W
WarpinObservatory/Probe=X
Wraith/Starport=R
YamatoGun=E
ZergBuild/Drone=W
ZergBuildAdvanced/Drone=E
hydraliskspeed/HydraliskDen=S,G
overlordspeed=C
zerglingmovementspeed/SpawningPool=E
zergmeleeweapons1/EvolutionChamber=Z,M
zergmissileweapons1/EvolutionChamber=A,X

lorkac

United States2297 Posts

July 03 2011 17:42 GMT

#16

Before I learn hotkey setup I need to learn to use th camera hotkeys...

aclockworkballer

United States15 Posts

July 03 2011 17:47 GMT

#17

@NeoNet I do the same thing at least 5 times a game. So annoying. Why would default build advanced building be closer to WASD than basic? I'm going to rebind it tonight. Everything is coming up roses.

Sharwaro

Norway6 Posts

July 03 2011 18:14 GMT

#18

If you want even better hotkeys, try to use A - Hold position, S - Stop, D - attack move, F = move. T - patrol. This will make it possible to have all the hotkeys on the left side of the keyboard.

Also, select idle worker on the "|" key (that way you can use F1 for camera hotkey.

Also, change the building hotkeys for SCV. Instead of pressing B -> S for supply depot, I use Q -> E. Barracks are Q -> R.

It is adviseable to use some time to design a very tight and highly optimized keyboard layout for everyone. It takes time to make one, it takes time to learn all the new hotkeys, but in the end, you will be a much better and faster player.

Yoshi Kirishima

United States10317 Posts

July 03 2011 18:22 GMT

#19

Didn't know you could map control groups out of the numbers... haha

Thanks a lot for this, I need to change my hotkeys now =O

kNightLite

United States408 Posts

July 03 2011 20:01 GMT

#20

What hotkeys do you use for unit production?

Personally I used esdfg for mine. So my left hand resrts on esdf kinda like the fps standard wasd, just shifted to the right one key. The main reason I do this is so my pinky can comfortably rest of the left shift key.

I also have all my tech&spells mapped onto esdf. Some buildings/spells have extra need more spots, so I use qw to fill the extras.

I have tech lab mapped to w and reactor mapped to q. Mostly because its really close to my home keys esdf.

I don't use the tab key because its awkward to reach Ctrl, Shift, and Tab all at the same time. I have a 5-button mouse, so I mapped the tab function to a mouse button. I keep the scroll button press at move camera so I don't need to screen scroll. Left and right click are standard, and the fifth button is for voice communication.

Heres my 11 control groups:
1: Orbitals, always my first 2 CC
2: Supply Depot wall at ramp, because I wall off in all 3 matchups. I have burrow/unburrow mapped to qw so 2w is my "panic button"
3: Ebays and Armories
4: All production buildings, because its the easiest key to reach from esdf. I don't split up my buildings because its easier to track 1 rally point. Its also easier to tell when I have idle production. I use tab (remapped to a mouse button) to shift between buildings.
5: Army#1: MMM, but if I'm playing mech it will be Hellions instead. Really easy to reach from my home keys.
R: Army#2: Siege Tanks, so I can accurately resiege.
T: Army#3: Vikings, to easily snipe Collosi, Broodlords, and BCs
A: Army#4: Spellcasters, usually I go Ghosts lategame in every matchup, but this will be Ravens in early/midgame. I put it on A because its easy to reach from my home keys, but it uses a different finger so I wont accidently select my main army instead.
6: Harass#1: Hellions/Banshees/Drops
7: Harass#2: Hellions/Banshees/Drops
8: Scouting unit, usually an SCV in early game but I'll use a Hellion in mid/late

F-keys:
F1: Production area of my main base. I use ~ for idle worker, so I can hit ~F1 to go to screenspace where I can place supply depots and turrets.
F2: Natural expansion, centered on my natural CC. By hitting 11 I can easily check my main mining base, but I have to use F2 to get to my natural because I dont have enough hotkeys to seperate my CCs. If my F1 space fills up with depots/production I'll shift to building stuff here
F3: Same as F2, except my third
F4: Same as F2, except my fourth
F5-12: Not used. Its pretty rare that I have a game go for 5+ bases and if it does I probably dont need the extra building space, so I'd just remap new bases onto F1-F4.

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