No, there’s no reliable way to mimic multimedia keys on a keyboard without using the actual keys.
No, there’s no reliable way to mimic multimedia keys on a keyboard without using the actual keys.
You're looking for a way to mimic multimedia controls with standard keyboard shortcuts while keeping your volume settings fixed. It seems possible to map those functions using combinations of regular keys and Windows recognition. For instance, you could assign CTRL + "/" to PLAY/Pause, CTRL + "*" to MUTE/UNMUTE, CTRL + "+"/"-" to VOL+/VOL-, and ALT + "-" or ALT + "+". This approach works within Windows 10 and doesn't require a physical keyboard redesign. If you're open to alternatives, checking out other brands like Cherry Stream or Kinesis could offer similar functionality without the unwanted engraving.
Oh my god, this is brilliant. Thanks to your example I quickly picked up the scripting language and adjusted the script to my needs. And best of all, the script can then be converted into EXE so I don't need Autohotkey app installed at all in the future. I can just throw the EXE into startup folder and it just works. It even creates a tray icon where you can pause script or suspend hotkeys (and I can even create my own icon lol! ) . I'll just save the portable EXE and I'm good. I'll save the script if I'll have to recompile it for future Windows versions, but this is exactly what I needed. Many thanks again!
You might also explore Microsoft PowerToys if they align better with your needs, or seek help with AutoHotKey scripts. Here’s the link: https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys
I’ve actually chosen to build a complete project from this and began studying AutoHotkey scripting. It’s confusing, but maybe I’m just not understanding it well—though looking at examples and testing things out, I think I’m getting close to a finished program for multimedia keyboard controls. The only thing left is making sure the keyboard has a numpad. It’ll include cool icons and other features.
And here it is—the app I developed for this project. I compiled it as a portable EXE, added a custom tray icon, stylish tray controls, and hotkeys to disable global shortcuts, along with audio cues. I avoided extra tweaks to keep it straightforward and a simple "drop-in" fix. Keys are designed to be easy to learn, with an option to mute hotkeys if needed. Personally, I favor the NumPad Edition for its cleaner layout, but I also created an Arrow Edition for users without NumPad. The main goal was to make controls reachable with one hand, emphasizing direct and accessible design. Check it out and let me know how it went. This covers two days of work with Autohotkey and its scripting language AnyKeyboard Multimedia Controls.