Setting method to reduce the stress of switching Japanese input on Windows 10

Lifehacker [Japan version] Reprinted from an article published on July 9, 2021

Unbeknownst to me, the Windows 10 input environment was reborn.

It's a bit of an exaggeration, but for those who find ``installing an app and changing key assignments'' to be a hassle, the customization settings that I want you to try are actually introduced from the OS update in May 2020. It seems that it was done.

If you apply the settings, you will not feel stress when switching to Japanese input, so please try it. I will explain below.

By the way, are you using the "non-convert" and "convert" keys to the left and right of the spacebar?

In conclusion, the TIPS introduced this time is to assign the "non-conversion" key and the "conversion" key to turn off and on Japanese input. Even if you don't install an app, you can do it with Windows option settings.

Therefore, if you are currently using these two keys frequently, you need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of changing the settings.

On the other hand, for those who rarely use it, there are advantages but no disadvantages, so let's change the settings immediately, thinking that you have been deceived.

Switching between Japanese input with the "non-conversion" and "conversion" keys

Of course, when switching between Japanese input in Windows, use the half-width/ You use the full-width key.

However, there are two problems with this key operation.

・The key is far from the home position

・Since Japanese input is turned on and off with one key, it is necessary to check the on/off state on the screen.

First of all, the fact that the keys are far from the home position is not only difficult to press, but it's also easy to accidentally press the "Tab" key directly below.

Since the actual home position is where the index fingers are "F" and "J", the illustration of the hand in the above image is a little inaccurate, but the "half-width / full-width" key is in an unfriendly position. There is no need to reiterate that there is.

On this point, if you use the "no conversion" key and the "conversion" key, you will be able to switch between Japanese input while in the home position.

You don't have to check whether it is on or off on the screen

Since the on/off of Japanese input is tied to each app, I switched apps and started typing, but Japanese input turned off. And to erase half-typed letters of the alphabet... It's a daily occurrence, isn't it?

This problem can also be solved by assigning on/off to separate keys.

Even if the Japanese input of each application is turned on or off, pressing the "no conversion" key turns it off and pressing the "conversion" key turns it on, so there is no need to check whether it is on or off on the screen. Shin.

In other words, when you want to enter Japanese, just press the "convert" key, and when you want to enter directly, press the "non-convert" key before you start typing.

By the way, when I'm thinking about what to type in Japanese, I have a habit of tapping the "Convert" key twice in rapid succession even though I haven't started typing yet.

Even if you don't consciously try to make a habit, most people will acquire such a habit by themselves if you use it with this setting.

Actually, this is a habit I used to have when I was a Mac user.

Microsoft decided to include this optional function in Windows, probably because of consideration for those who switched from Mac to Windows, or those who use both at the same time.

But even if you never use a Mac, it would be a shame to pass up this useful option.

It doesn't mean that you can't switch on and off with the "half-width / full-width" key, so you don't have to force yourself to correct your habits.

How to set

Right-click on the input mode display of Microsoft IME on the taskbar (the part where the display switches between "A" and "A") and select "Settings". .

If you click "Customize Keys and Touches" on the Settings screen, the following screen will appear.

Turn on "Assign your favorite function to each key" in the "Key assignment" item, and set "Non-conversion key" and "Conversion key" to Japanese input off and on respectively to complete the setting is.

There is no need to install a keymap change application or modify the registry, so you can use it without hesitation.

I think it will be especially useful when you need to use both half-width and full-width numbers in a sentence, or when you frequently switch between number input and Japanese input in Excel.

Once you get used to it, it's really comfortable. Please try it.

Source: Wikipedia