Need help remapping my <> keys

[XukeLho]

Hi guys, 

I recently aquirerd a TCL as my first mechanical keyboard, just to test the watters.

When I started assembling and testing my keys, I noticed that I was missing my <> keys, which usually sit between LShit and Z on a standard keyboard (querty PT-PT layout)

I tried remaping the keys and creating macros using VIA but none of that worked. I thought about trying QMK, but since they use the same keycodes, it would probably not work as well.

For the life of my, I cannot figure out how to type those characters.

These keys are something I really need because Im a programmer and I need to type -> alot for lambda functions (yes, I also tried creating a macro for this and didnt work).

This cannot be solved by installing remapping software on the computer as I do not have that kind of permissions on my work computer, this needs to be solved by remapping the keys on the keyboard. Another reason is that I use the same keyboard on my work computer and personal computer.

 

I have to keep a separate keyboard nearby just to be able to type this specific key, which is very annoying...

At this moment I'm thinking I've wasted money and not thinking about trying a smaller layout like a 60% until I've sorted this, as I would encounter this issue with a different format.

 

This is what a PT-PT keyboard layout looks like

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/QWERTY-Portugal-Keyboard-layout-18-Dead-keys-appear-in-red-color-characters-obtained_fig4_349268869

 

[GarlicDeliverySystem]

I don't know which keyboard you have bought, but most likely it is ANSI and not ISO. In that case, the key simply does not exist. What you can do, though, is to swap to US ANSI, in which case the <> are on shift+ the two keys right of "m".

 

Pretty sure if it is compatible in VIA you can remap it, just be aware of how ANSI and ISO work together.

[XukeLho]

1 hour ago, GarlicDeliverySystem said:

I don't know which keyboard you have bought, but most likely it is ANSI and not ISO. In that case, the key simply does not exist. What you can do, though, is to swap to US ANSI, in which case the <> are on shift+ the two keys right of "m".

 

Pretty sure if it is compatible in VIA you can remap it, just be aware of how ANSI and ISO work together.

First of all, thanks for the swift reply.

I bought a gmk87 (i understand its a chinese knock-off, but for the price, it was what i thought would be best to start out)

how would I change the keyboard do ISO?

 

[GarlicDeliverySystem]

1 hour ago, XukeLho said:

how would I change the keyboard do ISO?

You can't, it would need a different PCB and plate to fit.

[Doobeedoo]

So ANSI layout, same one I have. Would prefer ISO as you have bigger enter and that <> key with small shift. Sadly that layout is not as popular in terms of options always. But you should have those symbols on , . Keys near spacebar with modifier.

[XukeLho]

On 3/22/2025 at 10:22 AM, Doobeedoo said:

So ANSI layout, same one I have. Would prefer ISO as you have bigger enter and that <> key with small shift. Sadly that layout is not as popular in terms of options always. But you should have those symbols on , . Keys near spacebar with modifier.

I do, but I have to keep my windows with my input language as EN, instead of my native PT.

On the days that I go to the office, if someone uses my PC for peer programing or w/e, the layout will mess them up. Not to mention the training I'd have to undergood, just because of a single key.

 

But lesson has been learned. I may give this kb away to a friend or something, and get myself a new one, since there is no good solution for my problem

[Doobeedoo]

1 minute ago, XukeLho said:

I do, but I have to keep my windows with my input language as EN, instead of my native PT.

On the days that I go to the office, if someone uses my PC for peer programing or w/e, the layout will mess them up. Not to mention the training I'd have to undergood, just because of a single key.

 

But lesson has been learned. I may give this kb away to a friend or something, and get myself a new one, since there is no good solution for my problem

Wouldn't the EN language still use Alt Gr + , / . for <,> though. I mean I have the ANSI US keyboard and that's how it's on it, same for my language even.

I'd just have two languages to switch quickly as option on Windows maybe, you can do so quickly with Alt+Shift that changes the keyboard layout if you want.

Otherwise go ISO layout keyboard, I know I will now that there are more options finally.

[Monkey Dust]

ISO keyboards have one more key than ANSI, and I believe the key to the right of the left shift (< > \ key on a PT board) is the extra one. 

 

If you need to keep your work PC set to English, a UK ISO keyboard would probably be your best option. 

[GarlicDeliverySystem]

14 hours ago, Doobeedoo said:

Wouldn't the EN language still use Alt Gr + , / . for <,> though. I mean I have the ANSI US keyboard and that's how it's on it, same for my language even.

If you set your OS to ANSI US, it will be shift+, and shift+. for <>. When I set my OS language to german (ISO-DE), which shares the positon of the <> with ISO-PT I believe, I simply can't make the symbols because I am missing the key. The keyboard simply isn't wired to send the scancode that is unique to ISO, so there is no easy way around this unless you bind that scancode to some other key in VIA.

[Doobeedoo]

33 minutes ago, GarlicDeliverySystem said:

If you set your OS to ANSI US, it will be shift+, and shift+. for <>. When I set my OS language to german (ISO-DE), which shares the positon of the <> with ISO-PT I believe, I simply can't make the symbols because I am missing the key. The keyboard simply isn't wired to send the scancode that is unique to ISO, so there is no easy way around this unless you bind that scancode to some other key in VIA.

I see, yeah then getting an ISO board is best bet.

[XukeLho]

Thanks everyone for theyr input on the matter