You can move the cursor with your keyboard by using it as a mouse. More quickly, the keys may do all the functions of a mouse. You can operate the computer more quickly and simply with just your keyboard if you put in a little effort and develop muscle memory.
Why Using a Keyboard to Control the Cursor Is Better
Like many other people, I used to use a mouse (or trackpad) and keyboard for the majority of my computing tasks. It’s a common and practical arrangement that you seldom ever think about. Until recently, when I purchased a new wireless keyboard, neither did I. I find myself wishing I didn’t need a mouse since it’s such a pleasure to use.
I did some research on mouse-free computer configurations and, unexpectedly, discovered that I’m not alone. For a variety of reasons, there are many people out there who would like to use their keyboard instead of a mouse to operate their computer.
For some, it’s quicker than “homing,” or alternating between the keyboard and mouse. One could argue that keyboard shortcuts are quicker and more effective than mouse pointers. You may also increase your efficiency by using keyboard shortcuts to manipulate the cursor. For those with carpal tunnel syndrome, using a keyboard is more comfortable for them due to its accessibility features.
Sending all inputs through the keyboard is said to maximise efficiency for writers, coders, and other users who must perform a lot of typing and cursor navigation. I wanted to give it a try, of course. It turns out that Windows comes with an integrated accessibility function that allows you to use the Numpad to control the mouse. I gave it a shot, but it was too slow for what I needed. However, I discovered something superior.
I used to be completely fascinated with Subway surfers with a friend. We would listen to it on our phones and PCs. While it was entertaining over the phone, playing it on the PC with the mouse quickly became tiresome. I so discovered a method for using the keyboard to play the game. Using AutoHotKey, I set up a script that let me control the surfer by converting WASD and arrow keys into cursor movements.
I discovered an immense number of scripts that could accomplish the same thing when I searched for a way to do something similar for my whole operating system. To replace my mouse, I went for one that had adequate settings, simple customisation options, and logical shortcuts.
It was a little difficult at first. Every few moments, I would find myself grabbing for the mouse out of reflex. The typing became more automatic after the first few hours. Working with the keyboard cursor and shortcuts for a few days was sufficient to help me remember them. I observed that I was completing tasks more quickly and changing context less frequently. Though I still haven’t thrown out the mouse, I’m getting there.
Related: How to Take Screenshots on Windows 10 Using Keyboard?
How to Use a Keyboard to Configure Cursor Control
Here’s everything you need to know before getting started:
- Any keyboard will work perfectly fine, even if it doesn’t have a Numpad.
- AutoHotkey
- Mouse Script
AutoHotKey is available for download and installation on the official website. It’s a potent Windows automation tool that can be used to automate a variety of tasks, including button remapping. We’ll be utilising AutoHotKey to launch a personalised script that enables keyboard-based cursor control. Many of these may be downloaded for free from the AutoHotKey and GitHub forums.
The script I’ve been using was created by Astrid Ivy and is available on GitHub. It is meant to be a superior substitute for Windows’ default Numpad cursor. To obtain the script, download the ZIP file from the GitHub source.
Together, let’s install and use it. To quickly install the AutoHotKey setup, double-click it first after downloading it.
After it’s finished, open the ZIP file that you obtained from GitHub. The “mouse-control” EXE file will be attached to it. The necessary script will launch immediately when we click the EXE file.
Checking the notification tray on the Taskbar allows you to confirm.
How to Use Cursor with Your Keyboard
You’ll use the two keys Insert and Home the most. Keyboard-based mouse control can be accessed by pressing the Home key. The keyboard returns to its standard functioning when you press the Insert key. Thus, while working, you will use the Home and Insert buttons to move between mouse and keyboard modes.
Pressing the Home key (which should be above the arrow keys) will begin cursor control. When you are in cursor mode, the word “Normal” will flash on the screen to let you know. To control the cursor’s movement, use the WASD keys.
- W stands for upward, S for downward, A for left, and D for right.
- You can scroll down a page by pressing 0 and 9. Or use square brackets [].
- Holding down a key to move the pointer might be a long process. To move the cursor swiftly, use the M key to bring it to the center.
- Hold down the Shift key and press any of the WASD keys to quickly go to the four corners of the screen.
Now that you know how to move the cursor around, let me show you how clicks work. It works the same way it does with mouse buttons.
- The “I” key is left-click.
- The “O” key is right-click.
- To double-click, you press “I” twice.
- The middle click is “P”
- You can go back and forth between pages using the “B” and “N” keys.
This script can also be used to imitate more complex mouse actions. For example, you can use the “V” button to mimic click-and-drag. Simply hit and hold the V key while using WASD to drag and drop files or change windows.
You can switch to Quick Insert mode by pressing the Caps Lock key when in Normal mode, which is the cursor control mode. It can be useful when entering a URL or logging into a website. When you hit Enter, it will return to cursor control.
Some Tips From Experts
I had a minor problem while using this script. The pointer speed wasn’t as quick as I would have preferred, I discovered. This is how you can make that happen.
Select the file “mouse-control.ahk,” then use the right-click menu to choose “Edit Script.” Select “Edit with Notepad” when prompted. Search the code for “mouse speed variables.” The Force is initially set to “1.8.” To accelerate the cursor movement, I increased it to “2.8.”.
AutoHotKey allows you to additionally design your own unique shortcuts.