Creating a keystroke that is not possible with the current keyboard layout language

Questions & Suggestions
1

I need to incorporate the following keystroke into a macro: cmd+[

The problem is that I am using a German keyboard layout which makes that shortcut impossible to enter.

I tried creating a macro that switched to a US layout, performs the keystroke, and switches back. But unfortunately, that didn't work reliably and requires long pauses, which make it unusable for my purpose.

Is there a more elegant solution that I am missing?

This seems like something that should have a solution. I just can't see it...

2

[ = opt+5

Then cmd+[ should be cmd+opt+5, no?

3

Unfortunately, that doesn't work.

cmd+opt+5 with the German layout does nothing.
cmd+[ with the US layout works.

4

Ok, what should cmd+[ trigger?

5

"cmd+[" and "cmd+]" trigger forward and backward navigation in Discord. As I use Discord for work all throughout the day, this would be quite a convenience for me. Unfortunately, changing the keybindings within Discord only works when you grant Discord Input Monitoring rights ("Allow the applications below to monitor input from your keyboard even wile using other applications") which I feel goes a bit too far.

1 Like
6

And this navigation can't also be activated via a menu? Or can you click somewhere?

7

Yes, unfortunately the keybind is the only way to access this navigation.

8

Mm ... that's pretty unusual ... and you can't click on an arrow to go forward and backward... something like that?

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9

Hi @diggi - Just a guess but have you tried changing the key bindings in the Discourse settings panel to something that will work better for you?

10

Unfortunately, there is nothing like that. :frowning:

11

Changing the keybindings within Discord and using the new custom keybinds only works when you grant Discord Input Monitoring rights in the macOS system settings ("Allow the applications below to monitor input from your keyboard even wile using other applications") which I feel goes a bit too far.

2 Likes
12

So you have the choice to keep your privacy or to use the shortcut. That's really cheeky.

What do the developers say when you point this out to them? User pressure can make a big difference.

1 Like
13

What happens when you type [ with "insert text by typing" while holding down cmd?

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14

I haven't tried to point it out to them myself but they list it as a known issue in their support pages. I think they blame macOS.

15

Good idea! Unfortunately it just types "[" no matter if I press the cmd key or not.

EDIT: I also tried some other variations with a similar approach but couldn't get it to work. For example:
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16

Can this be of help?

A powerful and stable keyboard customizer for macOS.
Karabiner-Elements

17

I'll have to check it out, thanks!

18

Did you try ⌘Ü and ⌘+? These two are the keys on a German keyboard which have the same scan codes as [ and ] on an ANSI keyboard.

19

I have tried that before but just did again to be sure. What I hadn't noticed before: cmd+ü does work!

But unfortunately, cmd++ does not. It zooms in instead.

So... half way there, I guess?

20

I'm afraid that there might not be any better solution than what you already came up with, i.e. "switch to US layout, perform the keystroke, switch back". Maybe you can find a way to speed this switching up somehow so it will take less time?