EPTThis 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.
+ Show Spoiler +
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
+ Show Spoiler +
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:
+ Show Spoiler +
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
+ Show Spoiler +
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 ?
+ Show Spoiler +
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:
+ Show Spoiler +
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.
+ Show Spoiler +
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 +
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
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
+ Show Spoiler +
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/RH4Mn.jpg)
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
+ Show Spoiler +
Screenshot
+ Show Spoiler +
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/rV4jp.jpg)
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
+ Show Spoiler +
Screenshot
+ Show Spoiler +
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/aAQDw.jpg)
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
+ Show Spoiler +
Screenshot
+ Show Spoiler +
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/DJpLV.jpg)
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
+ Show Spoiler +
Unit Movement
+ Show Spoiler +
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
+ Show Spoiler +
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
+ Show Spoiler +
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
+ Show Spoiler +
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/NTpMk.jpg)
Production Buildings
+ Show Spoiler +
Nexus
+ Show Spoiler +
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
+ Show Spoiler +
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
+ Show Spoiler +
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
+ Show Spoiler +
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
+ Show Spoiler +
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/w8Ivm.jpg)
Upgrade Buildings
+ Show Spoiler +
Anything that doesn't have a rally point goes in the control group with the Nexus(es).
Forge
+ Show Spoiler +
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
+ Show Spoiler +
F (A) - Upgrade Charge - the key to warp in Zealots
J (F) - Upgrade Blink - the key to warp in Stalkers
Robotics Bay
+ Show Spoiler +
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
+ Show Spoiler +
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
+ Show Spoiler +
J (F) - Research Graviton Catapult
Cybernetics Core
+ Show Spoiler +
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
+ Show Spoiler +
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/JPCLX.jpg)
Camera Positions
+ Show Spoiler +
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
+ Show Spoiler +
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
+ Show Spoiler +
[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 +
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/Ummpo.jpg)
+ Show Spoiler +
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/yYfVh.jpg)
+ Show Spoiler +
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/E7cRT.jpg)
+ Show Spoiler +
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/Avc1z.jpg)
+ Show Spoiler +
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/dNpO5.jpg)
Metalopolis
+ Show Spoiler +
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/WKjRh.jpg)
Map Specific Stuff:
Shattered Temple:
+ Show Spoiler +
Refer to the labeled map.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/jEJ3e.jpg)
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.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/eA0K5.jpg)
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...
Useful when you're going back and forth to learn this setup...
Unnecessary CPU usage. 
