I like working with hotkeys as much as possible, yet the Steam client supports almost none (or google won't tell me).

"Alt" and "Menu" hotkeys that work with most Windows programs aren't supported by it. Which makes it impossible to navigate Steam without a mouse, which really starts to annoy me because there's no reason to not have hotkeys.

Actions I want hotkeys for:

  • navigate both menu bars
  • forward/backward buttons
  • open drop-down menus (of games)
  • switch library view modes
  • open/close categories
  • navigate game sidebar/links
  • open/navigate friends list
  • open downloads window

Actions where hotkeys exist:

  • up/down in library
  • strg+F for searching library
  • typing game name/starting letter to highlight it
  • enter to start/install game
  • alt+enter for Big Picture

Speaking of Big Picture, you can navigate it mostly without a mouse, but obviously it's made to be used with controllers.

Am I stupid, or does Steam support basically no hotkeys at all? If so, why?
If you do know of more hotkeys PLEASE do tell. Thanks.

I know such topic belongs to the "steam discussions", but it hurts using the forums there.

tl;dr want to navigate steam client with hotkeys but gaben says "what are hotkeys? here you can buy skins instead"

6 years ago

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Is something wrong with your mouse?

6 years ago
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Yes, it's slow and exhausting to use.

6 years ago
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why don't you change the mouse sensivity?

6 years ago
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Tab and arrow keys can help, but dunno about the rest. xD

6 years ago
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Tab only works on some pages. Not library for instance.

6 years ago
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It works if you wanna search a game in the library. o.O

6 years ago
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Wow, this is a really good question.

6 years ago
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I'm actually suprised that nobody cares for hotkeys while millions of people use steam daily.

6 years ago
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Practically, the Steam client is an extremely clumsy and dumb web-browser. Having useful hotkeys would cause dissonance and ruin the overall experience.

6 years ago
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In browser you can shift+down.

6 years ago
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6 years ago
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I don't know about hotkeys and steam client, however you can try running it in Big Picture Mode. If you lack a controller, you can use the keyboard to move around.

6 years ago
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I do love hotkeys in general, but I think the reason most people don't care about hotkeys in steam is because it's a game-library. Games tend to - in the vast majority of cases - require a mouse or controller to play. In general hotkeys are good for productivity, and Steam just isn't something anyone needs to be "productive" at.

6 years ago
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6 years ago
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