Alt + Numpad keybindings insert characters into editor

[raffaeler]

• VSCode Version: Code 1.10.2 (8076a19, 2017-03-08T14:02:52.799Z)
• OS Version: Windows_NT ia32 10.0.14393
• Extensions:

Extension	Author	Version
plantuml	jebbs	1.2.5
cpptools	ms-vscode	0.10.2
debugger-for-chrome	msjsdiag	2.6.0
language-vscode-javascript-angular2	nwallace	0.0.11
language-plantuml	qhoekman	0.0.3
nativescript	Telerik	0.6.1

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Old schoold people like me, still want the numlock key disabled. This means that "ALT + arrows" (and using the arrows on the numpad of a desktop keyboard) results in inserting an ascii code instead in addition to the keyboard shortcut defined in VSCode.

Steps to Reproduce:

1. Open the editor with some text separated by newlines
2. ALT + Up arrow and ALT + Down arrow move the lines up and down
3. Now turn off the numlock on the keyboard
4. repeat the step at point (2):
   ALT + Up Arrow (on the numpad) lead to inserting the character ◘
   ALT + Down Arrow (on the numpad) lead to inserting the character ☻

I expect the behavior is consistent with Visual Studio where ascii characted are never injected on these keyboard combinations.

Thanks

[BartmanAbyss]

+1

[chienhsingwu]

Not just up and down. left at least will insert a character.

[GreenSliper]

really irritating

[alexdima]

Minimal repro steps:

{
    "key": "alt+numpad4",
    "command": "actions.find",
    "when": "editorTextFocus"
}

Presing the key combination results in the find widget opening, but then the text ♦ is typed into the find widget.

[DannyVarod]

It's been 6 years, any solution?

[tmsasaki]

I use a workaround for this issue (Windows only solution):

• Install the MICROSOFT POWER TOYS (https://learn.microsoft.com/pt-br/windows/powertoys/).

• Use the KEYBOARD MANAGER to remap each ARROW NUMPAD KEY to the ARROW KEY:

Now ALT + NUMPAD ARROW is not inserting a character anymore.

[patfinder]

I think this is Windows keyboard behavior (Mac, Linux do have similar techniques). So it cannot/should not be "fixed" by VSCode.

This is call Alt-code input. This is purposely used to input special characters using it code.

For those who reach here by searching the way to input Unicode characters, use Word or Wordpad, type [Alt+Character number] to input the character, then you can copy it to VSCode or other editors that support Unicode. I have a more detailed guide here if you want.

[raffaeler]

I think this is Windows keyboard behavior (Mac, Linux do have similar techniques). So it cannot/should not be "fixed" by VSCode.

This is true only if you have the numlock active. If you turn the numlock off, the behavior of VSCode is wrong.
In fact, if you repeat the same sequence on VS, it works as expected.

[raffaeler]

BTW, I am now on Ubuntu 24.04. So please consider adopting a x-plat solution.

[DumbCounselor]

BTW, I am now on Ubuntu 24.04. So please consider adopting a x-plat solution.

Guess the problem will never be fixed by editor.
On Windows i just remapped keys in OS with PowerToys. No problems since then.
May be for linux there are some alternatives.

[raffaeler]

Guess the problem will never be fixed by editor. On Windows i just remapped keys in OS with PowerToys. No problems since then. May be for linux there are some alternatives.

I can't understand the reason why it should not be fixed in the editor.
After all, the meaining of those keys is indeed semantically different depending on the numlock being on or off. Semantics do matter.