Alternate software for Microsoft keyboards?

[Foolius]

Does anyone know of any alternate software for Microsoft keyboards that would allow a user to use keys like back/forward, webhome, search and mail for recording keystroke macros? Using the IntelliType software that comes with the keyboard, currently you can only choose from a list of commands (new, close, etc.), open a program/file/webpage, or disable it entirely.

The idea is to use these pretty much useless keys to program screen switches in Synergy. Unfortunately, "disabling" the button will make the keystroke not show up at all if you try to use it for a hotkey in Synergy.

[Gallo]

this would be excellent... let me know if you find anything

[Foolius]

Ok, solved it.

I found a program called Hot Keyboard ($29.95 for single license, 14 day free trial) that will let you do a lot of the same stuff as IntelliType, but also record and play keystroke macros.

First, I went into IntelliType and disabled Web/Home, Search and Mail keys.

Next, went into Synergy and programmed hotkeys for screen switches. CTRL-SHIFT-F1 for screen1, CTRL-SHIFT-y for screen2, CTRL-SHIFT-z for screen3 (I had wanted to do CTRL-SHIFT-F2 and F3 for the second and third screens, but for some reason when pressing those, Synergy registerd y and z - if anyone has an answer for that, it would be much appreciated).

Next went into Hot Keyboard. Chose "New Macro", named it, then pressed the key I wanted to use for firing the macro. First chose Web/Home, then for action type, chose "Record/Play Keystrokes". Set Play speed to Max (slider full right), then clicked on Record. Did the keystrokes, then clicked on the flashing icon in systray to stop recording. Repeated with the other two buttons.

Seems to be pretty much an instant switch - have yet to see how it works in game, though.

[Foolius]

Huh, now it doesn't work with Multibox.

As soon as I start up the Multibox server on the main computer, pressing the newly mapped Web/Home, Search and Mail keys has no effect. I have Multibox server set to broadcast keyboard, but not mouse. I still also have an issue when using Multibox and Synergy together, where the mouse will get stuck on one screen or the other.

Anyone else having trouble using the two of them together?