How to convert a character to key code?

Question

How can I convert backslash key (\'\\\') to key code?

On my keyboard backslash code is 220, but the method below

(int)\'\\\\\'

ret

Answer 1

There is not a function that I know of that will map a character to a virtual key code. However, you can use the following table to start building such a mapping.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd375731(v=VS.85).aspx.

Note that you will need to know the keyboard, looking at the key you mention '\' this is the VK_OEM_5 virtual key which for US keyboards is '\' if not shifted and '|' if shifted, so your function will need to know the keyboard being used as well.

Of course if you want to map from a virtual key code to a character you can use interop to call the MapVirtualKeyEx function.

Update Based on your comment this would give you what you want.

[DllImport("user32.dll")]
static extern int MapVirtualKey(int uCode, uint uMapType);

const uint MAPVK_VK_TO_CHAR = 0x02;

private void textBox1_KeyDown(object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
{
  int key = MapVirtualKey((int)e.KeyCode, MAPVK_VK_TO_CHAR);
  if (key == (int)'\\')
  {

  }
}