Keep key pressed permanently?

Hi there,

I've been playing around with sticky keys, but here's what I really need.

I need the Apple (command) button to remain pressed even after I've pressed another button/clicked the mouse.

I'm selecting several files (but not all of them) and using the apple button to help me select them. But, I also need my left hand for other things while I'm doing this.

Is it possible to keep the command button permanently pressed? Right now I'm holding it down with a hair clip...

Dual 2.0 Powermac, Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Apr 1, 2007 9:05 AM

Reply
5 replies

Apr 6, 2007 3:58 PM in response to Aminabot

Yes, definitely!

With sticky keys activated, if you press a modifier key once, then it will be used once.

What you haven't discovered is what happens when you press that key again. If you press a modifier key twice (or a second time), then it will stay. Pressing it a third time will unstick the modifier key. ๐Ÿ™‚

You can see this happen by selecting "Display pressed keys on screen" in the Universal Access preferences' "Keyboard" tab. The key will appear slightly dim to show it won't stay, and it will become solid to show it will stay, and disappear when unstuck. You can stick more than one key, and unstick each one individually using this method.

There are also aural cues, too.

May 23, 2007 9:31 AM in response to Community User

Yes, definitely!

With sticky keys activated, if you press a modifier
key once, then it will be used once.

What you haven't discovered is what happens when you
press that key again. If you press a modifier key
twice (or a second time), then it will stay. Pressing
it a third time will unstick the modifier key. ๐Ÿ™‚

You can see this happen by selecting "Display pressed
keys on screen" in the Universal Access preferences'
"Keyboard" tab. The key will appear slightly dim to
show it won't stay, and it will become solid to show
it will stay, and disappear when unstuck. You can
stick more than one key, and unstick each one
individually using this method.

There are also aural cues, too.


Azqi,

I'm planning on getting a Macbook the latter part of June (my first mac after many years of using a pc). Being a quadriplegic I'll need to use stick keys and mouse keys. Is the Fn key also considered a modifier key and does the steps above also work with the Fn key?

Dell Inspiron 8500 Windows XP

May 23, 2007 9:47 AM in response to Wheelie4

Looking for a second opinion, Wheelie?

Yes, the fn key does act as a sticky key and does lock when pressed twice.

I tried it out before answering your previous question!

What's stopping you rolling out and getting your MacBook so you can try things out for yourself? ๐Ÿ˜‰

Archie



PowerBook G4 17" 1.67 GHz, PowerBook G4 12" 1.5 GHz, G4 Sawtooth 400 MHz Mac OS X (10.4.8)

May 23, 2007 10:15 AM in response to Archie Robertson

Looking for a second opinion, Wheelie?

Yes, the fn key does act as a sticky key and does
lock when pressed twice.

I tried it out before answering your previous
question!

What's stopping you rolling out and getting your
MacBook so you can try things out for yourself? ๐Ÿ˜‰

Archie



PowerBook G4 17" 1.67
GHz, PowerBook G4 12" 1.5 GHz, G4 Sawtooth 400 MHz
Mac OS X (10.4.8)


LOL, I'm sorry Archie. I had forgotten I asked about the Fn key in my earlier communication with you. I had to just now go back and look to see. ๐Ÿ™‚ At age 46 my short term memory is beginning to get a little fuzzy these days so you'll have to excuse me (burnt up to many brain cells in my youth I guess). My reason for the delayed purchase is not having enough saved up for it until late June. ๐Ÿ™‚

May 23, 2007 10:57 AM in response to Wheelie4

At age 46 my short term memory is beginning to get a
little fuzzy these days so you'll have to excuse me
(burnt up to many brain cells in my youth I guess).


You're five years my junior! Age is no excuse!

My reason for the delayed purchase is not having
enough saved up for it until late June. ๐Ÿ™‚

That, on the other hand, is a valid excuse!

You won't regret anything about buying your MacBook except maybe waiting too long for it!

All the best,

Archie

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Keep key pressed permanently?

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