Why Programable Keyboards Are Better Than Software Key Remap

By Xah Lee. Date: 2021-02-21. Last updated: 2021-06-01.

Here's why using programable keyboard is better than using software (such as AutoHotkey, Karabiner, xmodmap) to remap keys:

Advantages of Programable Keyboard Firmware

100% Reliable. Your custom key or macro will work in any operating system, any machine.
Program once, plug in to any machine running any Operating System, and all your remap and macro works. (example: bring to work, home, travel.)
Driverless programable ones lets you program the key by just pressing keys, without starting a software.

In Linux, most key remap such as xmodmap or xbindkeys won't work in Virtual Console or single user mode or boot screen.
On Windows, AutoHotkey does not work when the app need privilege, such as when you run Registry Editor.
On Windows, certain keys can't be remmaped, such as ❖ Window+L.
On Windows, many games ignore Operating System level key remaps to prevent cheating.
On MacOS, it remaps your numpad keys, so it's nearly impossible to make number pad keys do anyting else while not changing your number row keys.
On MacOS, depending on the software, it's difficult remove some default keys, such as ⌘ command+c.