[G] Darkgrid Layout

FoxyMayhem

624 Posts

August 21 2011 20:52 GMT

Layout downloads and install instructions are available at the same link on the bottom of this post.

Post Updates:
- Download for HOTS Beta added at the bottom of the post, courtesy of Jo3M3tal
- I've spent hours upon hours working with JaKaTaK, and we've created a far superior layout. It has all the strengths of DarkGrid, plus many more. Meet, TheCore.

There are 2 reasons to learn DarkGrid over TheCore:
1) You don't want to have to work as hard to adjust. TheCore is completely alien, at least this is a little bit more familiar? Fair enough. I personally think if you're going to relearn all your positioning anyway, might as well go the extra mile and get the HEAPS of benefits TheCore offers. You're not lazy, switching to DarkGrid takes a lot of work too, you're probably just afraid. Allow me to reassure you with sweet lulibies detailing TheCore's excellence....

2) You play on a laptop, you keyboard doesn't permit the core due to odd key placings, or your room is too small for you to slide the keyboard far enough to the left. This is a good reason to chose DarkGrid, if there's no other way you can use TheCore.

TheCore: Fast, More Ergonomic, More Efficient, Not that scary.

+ Show Spoiler +

On December 21 2011 16:42 Amaterasu1234 wrote:
I absolutely love 1.3!

For those you wanting to switch from standard to 1.3, I'd absolutely suggest you do so, but don't ladder. You'll just lose a ton. Instead, try using the multitasker custom to force you to use camera hotkeys and/or control groups. Or you could just do a ton of customs if you have practice partners available.

It took me ~3 weeks to switch from standard to 1.3, particularly after using standard since sc2 came out. Plenty of lost games on ladder, plenty of lost customs, and plenty of failed attempts at the multitasker custom. But, in the end, I'm glad I did it, as my control is better and easier, harassing is ez pz with ridiculously easily accessible control groups (r&v&g), upgrading is easier with a hotkey dedicated to tech structures. Not to mention the fact that soooo much is on 'f'...

On December 24 2011 05:32 Vilanoil wrote:
Great job on 1.3!

I've tried it for some hours now and it feels really great. I just made up some few changes for my self like burrow and unborrow both on the same hotkey.

Well done!

On December 01 2011 07:58 ntvarify wrote:
Just got used to most of the keys, and so far its great! I have tiny, tiny hands so the less movement is just 10 times easier. Awesome layout!

On January 04 2012 05:35 Tobberoth wrote:
I have started working on getting the Pro Zerg one down now. It's very hard to get used to, but that's what I expected. Gotten past the "omfg, it's like i'm 5 years old" now and was at least able to beat a medium AI

Won't touch laddering until I can reliably beat GTAI hard.

My impression so far:
* Injection and basecams are actually wonderful. I'm forcing myself to use it (because it's the reason I wanted to try darkgrid) and I'm keeping my energy down, so it's working fine. I used to use the minimap to get between bases so this is great.
* Using shift is quite annoying since you're keeping your pinky on q. I have to move my hand quite a bit on my Razer Blackwidow to get my pinky to shift.
* Same as above, my blackwidow isn't too cool with keeping tumb on alt, you have to tilt your hand way too much. I'm keeping it on space and it's close enough to use it for the base cams, so it's still OK.
* The massive setup for army... I can't even keep my whole army on T and my lings on R, so I will need a LOT of training to get this working.
* Using mouse buttons, so hard. I like it and I will keep it, but man, so hard getting used to.
* The setup time for each new base feels long... but I realize this is because it's not in muscle memory yet, and you only do it once per base so it doesn't even matter.

Overall, I feel it has a buttload of potential and I hope I can get used to it soon. While doing my opening felt impossible when I started, I almost feel like I pull it off better now since it's easier to jump between scout and main.

UPDATE: Played some more now, easily own Very Hard AI at this point.

Gotten used to much of the things mentioned above, here's my current issues:
* (Based on an outdated Layout, new versions correct this issue)Using T for your whole army feels weird. Even with my finger on F constantly, it just feels very far. Again, probably just need more training. I especially find it hard to select new units and add to my army, shift+t feels VERY far.
* Noticed something great about the camera keys: I keep my APM up. If I have nothing else to do, I've started just jumping around checking my bases. Somehow, this makes it feel like the game is moving slower, because you're keeping up with your inject progress better.
* I can't believe I haven't used more control groups before. So easy to harass with muta when I have them all on V, and so easy to attack their front while they are hunting my mutas in the back. Won't be close to as easy against real players, but I didn't even use to do such things against AI.

On December 25 2011 16:00 Memchii wrote:
Great layout! Thanks for making this.

Silver league player trying to switch to this before I get used to standard hotkeys. Still taking some getting used to, but the great thing is the layout semi-forces/teaches me to assign camera locations to things I normally don't bother looking at (XNWTs, Creep Tumors, any hatchery past 2 lol). I imagine my apm should sky rocket once I get used to this layout (apm currently around 50 with standard, will post back in a few weeks with an update).

Update: Since switching over and playing with it for a little less than a month my APM has indeed improved. Went from 50 APM to 100 APM no change in APM redundancy. My inject gap has taken a sharp decrease as well. Great thing is I've since been promoted to Gold! I'm still not utilizing the full hotkey spread of the layout though. My hands aren't fast enough yet for multiple unit control groups.

On December 21 2011 09:05 deathtrance wrote:
This looks sexy. Time to learn this hotkey layout over the winter xDDD

On January 04 2012 19:12 KuBa wrote:
I love the new layout, although I have not yet mastered it...But after all, I really like the layout, harassment is absolutely awesome with it, everything is so easily accessible and just perfectly thought out. Thanks a lot man, keep up the good work! <3

On January 04 2012 23:02 Ariion wrote:
This layout will make me use camera hotkeys, yay! I wasn't able to force myself into using F1-F5, but here it's easily accessible

Thanks!

On January 05 2012 12:38 Amaterasu1234 wrote:

Show nested quote +

I am a masters player that has used it longer than anyone else has...and I promise you...it is WAY easier than...well...everything else.

The inject method used by the Darkgrid is initially extremely weird. It takes some time to get accustomed to, but, once it's there, it feels faster than the backspace method. Unit ability control is also easier, considering it's all on 'f' and 'e'....

Is there anything specifically you'd like to ask? Or...just my general opinion?? If the latter...it's effing amazing, put simply.

On January 06 2012 10:00 Edso wrote:
Giving this a try, feels pretty natural and fluid at first, alot better then blizzard setting. Kind of frustrating to rework my muscle memory, try to hit B for build but instead get zoomed back to my main x.x. Hopefully it wont take to long to get use this setting.

You don't have to manually create the layout, you can download the hotkeys File at the end of the post. Just put it in your hotkeys folder (instructions at bottom) and it's all there for you, premade.

[image loading]

+ Show Spoiler +

Training Videos and improved documentation coming.

Terran Masters interview and layout explained

Zerg injecting and the layered camera controls:

Zerg Layout Explained

Protoss Layout Explained

My First take on the Protoss demonstration where I was feeling rather narcoleptic part Way through. (I will probably be remaking it, but it still does a decent job):

And the terran video, intended to be noob-friendly, but at this point I was more tired than I knew.

]
+ Show Spoiler +

Other Layout Version (Including Printer Friendly):
+ Show Spoiler +

Terran Tabbed Production Printer Friendly:
[image loading]

-
-
-

Mouseless

Other Layout Version (Including Printer Friendly):
+ Show Spoiler +

-
-
-

Mouseless

-
-
-

]
Other Layout Versions (Including Printer Friendly):
+ Show Spoiler +

-
-
-

Mouseless

The layout shown for each race is the best one. The others are trying to make the best of a less-than-ideal situation, such as a player not having a mouse with buttons 4 and 5, or if they just can't switch from separate production hotkeying (such as having 1=gateway, 2=robo, and 3=starport) to tabbed production. Yes, these layouts are still a million times better than standard, grid, or any lightly modified layout, but they're not quite as awesome as the main ones.

Pro Tip: The printer friendly versions are easier to read at-a-glance, even on your computer. Production control groups have blue text, harass have red, and the key for your main army is bolded. Great for when you're first learning.

[image loading]

The mouse control groups are set to O and P. I have my mouse producing O and P when I hit my fourth and fifth mouse buttons. You can do this for most mice by downloading the manufacturer's drivers.

Or, you can rebind the O and P control groups to your mouse button in SCII. This has been the more buggy method, though.

[image loading]

If you just start playing ladder, you're probably going to end up crying into your keyboard. Start by playing a few games in a build-order tester (since it allows you to constantly restart without reloading), or, barring that, versus AI. Make sure to set and use your camera keys, first the base cameras and then the cams on 1 and 2. Both interview videos ask the masters players what helped them in training this layout, so make sure you watch them.

Now you're familiar with the hotkeys for the early game, but you have to start learning your control groups. It is strongly recommended that you use the control groups as shown, everything is based around their positioning. To practice the control groups, play some games against your lower league friends -- not too low, but the guys you're used to going 50/50 with will crush you until you've retrained your muscle memory. This way you have a chance of winning, but you also have a chance of losing. Don't forget to laugh at yourself! I find that taking 15 minute breaks every couple of games, or even a nap, really helps me learn. After a nights sleep, you'll often just wake up and everything will flow better. Use that to your advantage.

Whenever you're idling ingame, scroll through your base cams. Increased base management and awareness for the win.

Lategame army control needs dedicated practice, or you'll stay sloppy for waaaay longer than necessary. Get in a unit tester game with a buddy and just practice engaging with maxed armies. Do this until you're comfortable and your hands are doing what you want them to.

You're ready to ladder! Expect more losses for a little while as you remove the last of your old habits which tend to pop up under pressure, and DON"T BE LAZY, make sure you're setting all your control groups and cameras properly. Always. You're going through all this work, might as well get the best of it. And believe me (and everyone who's switched), it's worth it.

Advanced Practice:
+ Show Spoiler +

Becoming a Badass with camera keys.
1v1 your buddy and make six bases. Have him drop you at your main and natural. His goal isn't to kill your workers, just land his SCVs/Probes/Drones in the mineral line. Pretend they're banelings. Use your base cams to pull your workers when you see his drop comming. Practice macroing, such as making a ton of marines and suiciding them into his base (so you can keep macroing). When you stop losing your workers to his Baneling SCVs, add your third to the possibilities of drops. Keep adding basses until you've mastered pulling from all 6 bases using the camera keys, and then add simultaneous drops.

Now, imagine how awesome your drop response will be since you've done this. Not to mention your new map awareness!

This takes a good hour or two to train, so to keep your minerals from running out so fast, only have 8 workers at each base.

Seriously, you are now badass. Have you seen pros that can do this, let alone as fast?? Didn't think so.

Darkgrid 1.3 is tournament ready. At one point, 1.3 used thirdparty software to bind the mouse keys as Ctrl and Shift, but I decided then that this had to be tournament ready. While the third party software complied with Blizzard's TOS, tournaments probably wouldn't be okay with installing third party software aside from mouse drivers. Or at least it would cause complications.

[Zerg]I'm trying to use the awesome hotkey method that you made, but I still don't understand how to inject larvae.

If it's backspace method, the space bar is used for spellcasters. In your video you were like here just select queens and hit shift + e then cycle through

I hit shift e but once i inject one base it goes back to the normal thing and i have to hit e again. I can't hold shift + e down because I have to cycle through the bases using alt + q and alt + w and so on. holding shift + e doesn't allow my alt keys to work...

so how the heck do I inject larvae? i spent almost an hour trying different things but I can't seem to figure it out.

This is how it's done: Press and hold shift, press E, press and hold alt (while still holding shift), press Q, click mouse to inject, press W, click mouse to inject, Press D, click mouse to inject, release Alt and Shift.

The hotkey file is designed to register ALT+SHIFT as a camera recall command, so it should allow your alt keys to work. If it does not, I can only think that it is an issue with your keyboard, perhaps try it on another.

Sorry it's been such a challenge, I'll make a more clear video in the future!

[Terran] Why is barracks and the factory separate from the starports?

The building layouts are designed to be flexible. For most it would be easier on one key, but for pros, having to tab twice to start producing vikings to counter Colossus or broodlords is unintuitive, and so the starport (with it's techlabs) are placed on a separate key. In the early game the, the factory and barracks can be separate as well, but it's not necessary.

Previous version documentation:

+ Show Spoiler +

Layout Benifits at-a-Glance
-Every control group and camera key are within Reach.
-Control groups and abilities keys are arranged so selecting and activating abilities has a Natural Flow.
-Minimal hand movement required to execute almost every Action.
-Workload spread across fingers (with the pinkie given somewhat Less work) to reduce strain and allow for longer gaming sessions.
-Finger alternation design increases execution Speed of almost every task in SC2.

There is no doubt in my mind that this layout is far superior to Standard, Grid, or any lightly modified layout.

Layout:
+ Show Spoiler +

Red = control Group
Purple = Hotkey
Green = Camera Key
Grey = Function Key

Finger resting positions are Q, W, E, and F, thumb rests on spacebar/aLt.
Hand sits angled inward.
Save images for reference.

[image loading]

----------

[image loading]

---Version 1.1
+ Show Spoiler +

----------

[image loading]

Tips:
+ Show Spoiler +

ALL RACES
-Use your thumb on the aLt key, instead of using the Ctrl key, to set most control groups. It's a much easier Reach with little hand movement.

-The keys with thick Black boarders in the diagrams are where you rest your fingers. Tip your hand in an an angle, just a little bit (making sure you can still Reach shift with your pinkie easily), and place your figners on AWEF.

-It's very easy to toggle back and forth between the R and V control groups and still IsSuE commands. Ideal for two-pronged aTtacK.

-All the production building are place on ONE key because of a "production cycle" system I use. Every time you go to create any unit, you don't just make that unit, you execute a production cycle. For terran, if you think "I need more tanks", you don't hit the factory hotkey and and make tanks. I find this makes me tend to forget about the other units. Instead, you hit the production hotkey. It brings up the baracks First, Which makes me ask: "What Bio should I build?". Order Bio and tab. "What Mech?" Order and tab. "What air?" Order and done.

In this Way, every time you think to produce a unit, ONE is reminded to use all the production facilities. It turns a narrow thought ("I need tanks") Into a larger thought, considering everything you need. Of course, "none" can be an Answer for any ONE of those, but the fact that I was reminded to consider it and chose not to is critical, rather than just missing it because of poor multitask. In this Way, it Actually reduces EffOrt.

-If you place your main army across 4, T, and G as it is recommended, you can tap 4TG and spam move-click to easily move the army across the map. This simulates having ONE control group, but, once you're in battle or nearing it, you have three independent groups to micro much more effectively.

-Alt can be used to set every camera key, making it Less of a stretch. Ctrl still works, though.

-When setting up mouse hotkeys, I've found it slower to assign control groups that require mouse Action once assigned. That's why I've put Production and Tech as the groups to be assigned to the mouse; they require use of the keyboard after selection, not of the mouse, and you don't need to double click them either (something I've also found slower on a mouse). That's the same ReasoN why camera keys aren't on there.

ADJUSTING TO A New LAYOUT
-When switching to a New layout, make sure you have"Menu>Options>Gameplay>Command Hotkey Text" enabled. It makes Life a lot easier.

-The camera keys Really are helpful. At the Start of the game while you're making workers and picking your nose, set the camera keys up over the Xel'Naga towers various Mineral lines. Make sure your setups are consistent though. This can shave Precious moments off your ReSpOnSe time to dodge baneling bombs on your worker Line, etc.

-Play in a build order TesteR until you get a feel for the basics of the New layout. Practice army movement and ability use. Since almost everything is on QWEF for buildings, it doesn't take long to get used to it. Generally speaking, the most used or first-needed upgrades are placed on F. When in doubt, smash that key XD.

-Speaking of build order testers, Practice your camera use while in there. Imagine you see an Enemy drop at your 3rd. Use the camera key see your workers and run them away. Do this enough times and it will become second nature. Like greased lightening.

-And most of all, keep the End sight in mind! It's a Pain to switch, but, let me be Frank: you hardly move your hand when macroing. There's NO travel time. Even micro has minimal hand movement: the keys are just right under your fingers. Good luck, go tear 'em up!

-If you're pinkie is extra SMall (like doesn't Reach the last knuckle), you may WanT to move the commands on Q to A, as Zombie Denden did below.

TERRAN
-When playing as terran and doing a Bio, tank, medivac PuSh, you can place your tanks and medivacs on ONE key. Make sure to tab (space bar now) so the tanks have selection priority, and then press ctrl T. Next time you SeleCT, the tanks will be First selected, reay, to SieGe. Once sieged and pushing the Enemy base, you can simply right click your T group to order your medivacs over your Bio. Since the tanks are sieged, they won't move. Since your Bio and medivacs are on separate control groups, you can heal while you stutter step. And when it's time to move out, you Only have to tap between two hotkeys to order them about.

-Terran-Only players may WanT to put "lift-off" on Y where Warpgate currently is, instead of 7. Put's it just a little closer in Reach.

Protoss
-As Protoss, make sure to set the camera key 6 over your proxy pylon. Then, you can just tap 6Y with your middle and pointer fingers. That centers you over the pylon and selects your warpgates in ONE super-fast motion.

ZERG
-Zerg players, make sure to use ONE of the keys designated "harass" as a mid-game defence force. Don't get caught looking like an idiot sending your army to defend ONE corner of the map, just as he's planning a drop on the opposite Side *cringe*.

-I'M placing my Queens on 3. To fast-inject, press Shift (pinkie), 3 (middle), E (pointer), Space Bar (thumb). Then just spacebar-click through your hatches.

Stuff to heLp you Remember the New layout:
+ Show Spoiler +

Zerg

Unit Production: W is to SeleCT Larva. Think of it like this "WanT X". Like "W-ant W-orker (WW)" produces a drone.
-W-ant F-ighter (WF) for zerglings.
-W-ant A-nti air for Hydralisks
-W-ant E-normous Fatty! (WE for overlords. I mean, come on, those guys are pretty hefty... ;p)
-W-ant S-pire unit for Mutalisk
-W-ant C-orruptor

Infestor and Ultra are a bit different. Infestors are Extreme, so you WanT an Extreme unit? Okay, "W-ant X-treme", ha ha ha. Ultras are usually a game ender, like Z is the End of the alphabet (work with me Here). So you WanT the game ender, WZ.

Roaches are on Q. Yeah... I got nothing. At least they're easy to Reach without moving your hand!

Building
F is for basic buildings. So, think "Form", like "F-orm S-pawning pool", FS for a spawning pool.
-F-orm D-evelopment for an evolution chamber (you're developing your units)
-F-orm spin-E (FE, think spiny, that E Sound at the End) for spinecrawler.
-F-orm A-nti air for Spore Crawler
-F-orm C-rash Nest for a baneling nest (lol, they do crash Into marines)

Again we have a few that are different. Roach warren is FF, just like BarrackS, just like Gateway. Don't know if that helps. Extractors are on W, and hatches are on Q. They are placed there for how often they're used -- after all, you Only get 1-2 spawning pools in a game, but you might get 10 gasses, so they're in easy Reach. Those you just have to memorize through use, but it doesn't take long.

Advanced Building
D is for advanced buildings. Think of it as "Develop", cus this is some pretty advanced crap we're throwin' down! (That ONE thanks to Zombie Denden).
D-evelop S-pire
D-evelop A-nus (for Nydus Worm. You'll Never see that structure the same.)

Hydras are DF like Roaches are FF. I see those units as related, so that helps me. Ultras are DD (uh... they're "huge"?), infestation Pit is on Q. Yeah, got nothing there either.

Research
Pretty much everything is on F, E, or D. Make sure you have the hotkey command text enable, and then just glance to it. You can think mElee, since E is for that, and Firing for range, since F is that. W is for armor... think Wall. It's their skin wall.

Same thing for your air ups, F for Fire and W for wall, but E E-volves the Spire too a Greater Spire.

Abilities
Queen: F for transFuse, D for Dookie (like poop for laying creep tumors, second grade humor ftw), E for injEct (a Super convenient location for the ability).
Overseer: C for C-hangeling, D for D-isgusting contaminateion.
Infestor: F for Fungal, D for infesteD terran (or Drones, like a mindless slave, not like the worker drone), and E for nEural parasite.
Corruptors: D for morph to brooD (lorD), E for Ew (corruption), cus its also gross. I <3 zerg.
Baneling: E for Explode, D for Destroy building.

C is for burrow, Z is for unborrow, (C is for Cloak, Z is for "End cloak"). You just have to memorize that ONE. It is the zerg cloak, so that should heLp ^_^. Go get 'em, Tiger!

Protoss
Unit Production
Units are placed based on their average frequency of use, the more frequent ones in more convenient positions.

Gateway:
-Stalker: F
-Zealot: W
-Sentry: E (same as Standard)
-High Templar: Q
- Dark Templar: D

As you can see, every gateway unit rest right under the fingers, or on the easiest button to Reach.

Robotics:
-Immortal: F (It's like a stalker, so that can heLp you Remember since they share the same key)
-Colossus: C (same as Standard)
-Observer: W
-Warp Prism: E

An alternate layout you can use if you WanT maximum effeciency by moving Colossus off of C and putting it right under the fingers:
-Immortal: F
-Colossus: E
-Observer: W
-Warp Prism: Q

Stargate:
-Phoenix: F (Think "Fighter" or Foenix phonetically)
-Void Ray: W (Think of its warping aTtacK)
-Carrier: E (Think "Enormous Ship")

Nexus:
-Probe: W (think Worker)
-Mothership: E (Think "Enormous Ship")
-Chronoboost: F (thinks "Faster!" Like you're shouting it at the building you're boosting. Imagining whipping your buildings optional.)

Building
F is for basic buildings. So, think "Form", like "F-orm C-annon", FC.
-F-orm D-evelopment for a Forge
-F-orm C-annon)
-F-orm A-dvanced tech for Cybercore (Allows you to get advanced buildings, see?)

Advanced Building
D is for advanced buildings. Think of it as "Develop", cus this is some pretty advanced crap we're throwin' down! (That ONE thanks to Zombie Denden).

Research
F is for Fire, aka weapons. W is armor, think "wall". E is for Shield.

For a Cybercore, E is for gatE (Warpgate Reasearch), Q is for hallucination (Less used abilities are often placed on Q).

For other research, it's all either of F or E.

Abilities
Most frequently used abilities are on F, everything else is on D or E.

Other races coming soon

1.3 Layout Downloads
Place the files in Documents>Starcraft 2>Accounts>123456>Hotkeys. They should become available in the hotkey menus ingame.

Mac users:

The hotkey file does work for mac.
To find it, make a custom hotkey thing first and save it, and that will show the hotkey file close to your replay file thing.
eg user - app support - blizzard - sc2 - numbers ect.

Basically after you create your own custom hotkey the folder will show up and you can drag the file into there, then select it in sc2

Skydrive: https://skydrive.Live.com/?cid=e733250a727fc728&sC=documents&uc=3&id=E733250A727FC728!146

HOTS version 1.3c - courtesy of Jo3M3tal
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/14807167/Darkgrid HotS.SC2Hotkeys

hipsterdontlie

United States42 Posts

August 21 2011 21:33 GMT

This looks good, but unfortunately I use standard hotkeys

And when I try to hit ZQ fast I use my ring finger to hit Z, as it is the standard way of hitting it when typing anyway, and use my pinky to hit Q. What I also like to do is tilt my keyboard 15 or so degrees counter-clockwise to more naturally reach some of the keys further down the keyboard, such as the 6 button.

I see how this would help random players, but I didn't know about grid when I played random so I just ended up memorizing three times the hotkeys as everyone else -_______-

But in general good guide, very useful for players who don't spend lots of time memorizing hotkeys.

FoxyMayhem

624 Posts

August 21 2011 21:44 GMT

Thanks for the reply, hipster! *Giggle*, my first major contribution thread, I'm enjoying the silly appreciation of a reply ^_^

ANYWAY... I don't know if its the fact that I have fat hands (their span isn't that long, but they are fatties) or what, but even that ZQ stroke method is reaaaly awkward, I feel like I'm going to miss a key or something if I do it fast. Still, might be better than thumb-ring stroke that I currently use.

I'd like to make a sick layout for Standard players, but that would require making 3 >.<. I might make a layout that's like grid, but compressed (s, d, f, and a couple others are not used very often) that allows even shorter reaches, places all the powers in a more natural position, and allows more letter-bound control groups. Not sure though, this layout does everything I currently need with less work to switch. The optimization would probably only be noticable at the Grandmaster level, which I am not!

vgallows

United States4 Posts

August 21 2011 21:52 GMT

This seems really effective, although I'm a little confused about what you do about quickly injecting your hatches when you get up to a large amount if bases.

FoxyMayhem

624 Posts

August 21 2011 21:59 GMT

I'm sorry, I forgot to mention that this uses the backspace inject method, with the base-cam rebound to the space bar. Edit made.

If you're not familiar with the method and play zerg, bro, you gotta check it out. Makes life WAAAAY easier once you get used to it.

iChau

United States1210 Posts

August 21 2011 22:15 GMT

Trying this out, it seems pretty awesome. :D Will report results.

troynt

United States22 Posts

August 21 2011 22:23 GMT

Please upload your *.SC2Hotkeys file from your

Path should look something like.
C:\Users\YourUser\Documents\StarCraft II\Accounts\1234\Hotkeys

Existor

Russian Federation4295 Posts

August 21 2011 22:49 GMT

Not that comfort for fast injections. Also not that good for creep tumors, and after remapping Z <-> T it confuses more.

I prefer for standart Grid with remapped main hotkeys to F-keys and Tilde with space, plus using ALT is a main button for many new hotkeys.

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=251065

And I dont understand camera locking. Unneded, IMO, more hotkeys, that can waste your APM. Is it that hard to move cross the map using scroll-wheel holding? Or finally use clicks on the minimap? Im from C&C and here was always scroll-wheel or right-click holding camera moving.

FoxyMayhem

624 Posts

August 21 2011 23:58 GMT

Thanks for the help, troy. Layout file link is now available near the bottom of the post.

Hope it works awesome, iChau!

That's a pretty cool image you have there, Existor. Looks like a good improvement over grid, too. Unfortunately, I have to hold a [fn] key in order to press my F keys. Still, it looks like (for keyboards with F keys so close to the standard keys) moving up is a significant improvement.

Anyone who has those keyboards might consider rearraing the Darkgrid layout in a sort of hybrid setup, I believe it would be superior. For those where the function keys are further away, or those in a situation like mine, I feel Darkgrid still offers some enhancements beyond existor's setupt (more control groups within reach, camera hotkeys, taking the load off the pinkie [or, depending on your keystroke method, using more fingers simultaneously]). In any case, both are much better than standard Grid.

Also, I find injects to be pretty comfortable: shift(pinkie) X(middle finger) space(thumb) almost mimics the motion one makes when thrumming their hands on the table. It does require the most hand rotation of any action in this setup (about 15 degrees) to execute, though. (Still so little compared to many of standard Grid's actions).

As for camera keys, they are very helpful. Not as significant as a control group, but they allow faster responses to activity at the watch towers, your ramp, or mineral lines. They are not necessary -- even control groups aren't, after all, TLO played pro for a long time with no more than 2 control groups -- but they do make you more efficient and are a good habit to get into. I've found it takes specific training, though, such as having a friend move enemies into vision and I practice using the camera hotkey to perform a worker pull (across 3 different bases).

When you say "more hotkeys that can waste your APM", are you refering to the camera hotkeys or unit control groups?

Intricate1

169 Posts

August 22 2011 02:02 GMT

#10

Something you may like Fox,

Rebind Scroll-Wheel Down on your mouse to a certain key and make that key an alternative hotkey for your main army control group.

To me it feels really natural to switch over to my main army with a quick flick down on the scroll wheel.

Also, To me clicking on the Mini-Map is mechanically similar to using "0" as a control group on the keyboard in terms of what it does to the flow of my mechanics (as opposed to Camera recall hotkeys), Plus Existor I'm interested to know the process you go through when returning a building to your main line after building at your ramp etc?

FoxyMayhem

624 Posts

August 22 2011 22:08 GMT

#11

Put more work into the Optimus layout, and recorded an explanation (my poor wrists couldn't take another write-up >.<).

Would a mod please change the title of this to "[G] Optimus Advanced Keyboard Layout"?

<3s. Check the first post for the updated info and layout walkthrough.

Intricate1

169 Posts

August 22 2011 22:13 GMT

#12

Been looking over your Optimus setup since you posted it,

Is your Pinky essentially anchored on A?

FoxyMayhem

624 Posts

August 22 2011 22:31 GMT

#13

Yes it is, occasionally reaching for Z, Q, Caps, or Shift/Ctrl. Added tips section, and added that to it.

Existor

Russian Federation4295 Posts

August 23 2011 00:03 GMT

#14

When you say "more hotkeys that can waste your APM", are you refering to the camera hotkeys or unit control groups?

Hotkeys with camera position lock. I think, it's not that need. Scroll-wheel move and clicks on minimap is enought for me. Last Alert helps sometimes too.

Plus Existor I'm interested to know the process you go through when returning a building to your main line after building at your ramp etc?

I don't play terrans/protosses. Zerg is my only and favourite race. Also, I've always jumping throught my base with scroll-wheel, and injections to multiple hatcheries lasts for me 1-2 seconds. all other time is enought to look at other battlefield locations.

And I like default Grid more, than any new or old hotkey scheme. Because I've played a lot in C&C games, where we had always hotkeys for every button on UI, but not special hotkey for separate units. So Grid is C&C style, that I like more, than hokeys for every unit/ability/building/etc, and it's very comfort to press. Dawn of War 2 got Grid hotkey scheme too, very comfort to control army too.

Techno

1900 Posts

August 23 2011 02:48 GMT

#15

Woah that looks brutal. How am I supposed to find 4, T and G to control my army before shit hits the fan?

Check this out:
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=224722

Intricate1

169 Posts

August 23 2011 03:15 GMT

#16

On August 23 2011 11:48 Techno wrote:
Woah that looks brutal. How am I supposed to find 4, T and G to control my army before shit hits the fan?

Check this out:
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=224722

Put your pinky on "A" and angle your hand so the base of your pinky starts to cover "Ctrl"

Q,A or Q,Tab is slower the 4,T everytime,

What finger(s) are you using for the keystroke aswell? Assuming your home-row is around "W,E,R" right?

FoxyMayhem

624 Posts

August 23 2011 04:04 GMT

#17

Intricate1 is right, this is designed for an angled hand on the keyboard with the blade of the palm resting right below the ctrl key, pinkie resting on a. All you do is somewhat straighten your fingers and they naturally land on 4,T,G.

EDIT: v1.1 changes the finger rest position. Details in the "Tips" section.

ZombieDenden

Germany15 Posts

August 25 2011 21:03 GMT

#18

Foxy. Firstly thank you for putting together something like this. I tried it out and found that it was much easier to adapt to than the change from basic to grid. Of course i'm still having teething problems but i've only played a handful of games with it.

I did make a few changes to suit my style better. Specifically i changed morph building menus' hotkeys (yes double plural) to put the buildings i use most on the easiest to reach keys, eg. infestation pit is on the sacred 'f' key. I also think i changed the spine crawler to f and the spore crawler to c so that they are easily accessible as they are my most build buildings. I think i also changed the build another creep tumor from this creep tumor to f. Well ... i actually put as much as possible on f it seems, but i guess this was part of the point of this hotkey build.

I was intending on making my own setup from your setup but i found that almost all the keys you ad chosen (excluding the above) we exactly where i wanted to put them so at that point i realised that this setup was for me (and that i wasnt making my own setup but rather tweaking yours for myself.

one last thought though. I found that the q key it no good for me . I have rather short pinkies and so i shuffled a couple of things from Q to A. Especially roaches which i tend to build a lot of.

All in all this is a great setup as far as i'm concerned and thank you for the great work.

FoxyMayhem

624 Posts

August 25 2011 21:20 GMT

#19

Very nice! I'm always looking for ways to make it easier. With Zerg buildings I tried to make the transition from standard to Optimus easier by retaining the original build keys because, generally speaking, you're only going to build one or two of them the entire game. I think moving spine and spore to A and C a good call.

Where did you place the baneling nest? Did you move transfuse to D and tumor on F?

To be honest, I placed some of the lower frequency tasks not on F (though only a few) in order to spread out the wear and tear. I mean, I'm gunna be smashing that thing thousands of times in a game, ha ha. That's partly why tumor was on D (still an easy key to reach) and transfuse on F. But maybe I should abandon that "spread the wear" idea out entirely ^^.

I'm going to be writing a set of mnemonics to help people transition, so I'd like to get all these minor changes hammered down. Ideally I can get 3 masters players to switch, one from each race, put them in a skype call, and record them playing 3v3s. I think it would be hilarious and help people swith, since I'll and they will be calling out all the memnonics (like "W-ant W-orker" for building a drone and "W-ant F-ighters" for building lings).

EDIT: Since you're pinkie is not resting on Q, you'll want to change the attack from Q to A.

ZombieDenden

Germany15 Posts

August 25 2011 22:01 GMT

#20

Hahhaa i love WANT WORKER!

I put the baneling nest on X but i didnt move transfuse and spawn tumor on the queen, I decided that transfuse is a heat of the moment key and so should be on Fantastic Mr 'F' and that i usually spam tumors when i plant them from queen so d, shift+spam is fine for me. It works that same as my larva inject

i did put the queens and the hatcheries on my extra mouse buttons and im undecided about the result. I have noticed some really terrible inject work so this may not be the best solution for me regarding that

1 2 3 4 5 29 30 31 Next All

Please or register to reply.

[G] Darkgrid Layout

Completed

Ongoing

Upcoming