[GUIDE] Using Tasker to switch your keyboard when docked/undocked

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May not be neccessary for certain users, or devices running honeycomb 3.1 or higher.

For anyone like myself, who uses a different keyboard (I use thumb keyboard) from the default setup (which is the Asus keyboard), an app called Tasker can make it a bit easier for you to switch them on the fly. It's not a fantastic method and there's probably a better way to do it, but for now I thought I'd share what I did with you all. It might not be necessary for your device. It was for me because it wouldnt auto switch the input method or allow a quick change, I guess it depends on which language/model/SKU you have. Just do the following to get a popup allowing you to change the input method when docked/undocked:

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-In tasker create a new profile called 'Keyboard', click 'ok'. Click 'state', then 'keyboard out'. Click 'Done'.

-Create a new task. Call it 'Docked'. Click 'Ok'. Click the '+' then 'Input' category, select 'Input Method Select'. Click 'Done'. Then 'Done' on the next screen. (This will bring up a screen when you dock your tablet to let you choose the Asus option)

-Click the new task you have created called 'Docked'. Select the task option 'Add Exit Task'. Click 'new task'. Name it 'Undock'. Click 'Ok'. Press the '+', 'Input', then 'Input Method Select' again. Click 'Done'. And 'Done' once more.

-Make sure at the bottom right of the main screen it shows 'On'. and click 'Apply' at the bottom left of the screen.

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Exclude tasker from any task manager you may have installed.

*Tip* If you keep getting 'Active' popping up in the notification area, go into Tasker>Settings>Preferences>click the monitor tab, then uncheck 'run in foreground'.

Now when you plug the tablet into the dock it should get a popup with a box to let you select the Asus keyboard, so that your keypresses correspond to the letters printed on the keys. And when you undock from the keyboard, just wait about 10 seconds and you should get another popup allowing you to change the keyboard back to what it was before. If you dont get this popup then just press the tasker icon in the notifcation area and select the keyboard you want manually.

All done. Enjoy.

thanks for the heads up..Haven't used tasker yet, will give it a shot tonight.

Wait, what keys don't work when you're not using the asus default keyboard?

Thanks for the write-up. I'm a fellow tasker user and will be setting this up when I get home

Originally Posted by daoist

Wait, what keys don't work when you're not using the asus default keyboard?

Thanks for the write-up. I'm a fellow tasker user and will be setting this up when I get home

No, they DO work if you have the Asus keyboard selected. So if you're already using the Asus one you don't need to do any of this. This guide is for people who aren't using the Asus input method and have chosen to use a different input method, such as the default honeycomb one, thumb keyboard, etc. I've never been good at putting my thoughts into words, so if it's not clear, spell it out for me what you're not understanding and I'll change the post. Cheers.

Originally Posted by stuntdouble

No, they DO work if you have the Asus keyboard selected. So if you're already using the Asus one you don't need to do any of this. This guide is for people who aren't using the Asus input method and have chosen to use a different input method, such as the default honeycomb one, thumb keyboard, etc. I've never been good at putting my thoughts into words, so if it's not clear, spell it out for me what you're not understanding and I'll change the post. Cheers.

I always have either the thumb keyboard and the stock android keyboard select and haven't noticed anything not working. What exactly doesn't work?

Originally Posted by jratzo

I always have either the thumb keyboard and the stock android keyboard select and haven't noticed anything not working. What exactly doesn't work?

The numerical button 3 trying to make the £ symbol and the # key making a \ symbol, were a few I noticed. There might be others though.

Originally Posted by stuntdouble

The numerical button 3 trying to make the £ symbol and the # key making a \ symbol, were a few I noticed. There might be others though.

Ahh gotcha, I'll have to check it out. I use tasker on my phone do i could easily use it on my TF

Thanks for this, makes the hassle of switching keyboards that much more fun and cool!

Wait. I don't understand. I use Thumbkeyboard and the dock. I switch back and forth with no problems. When I undock, it goes back to thumbkeyboard. When I dock, it uses the hardware keyboard. All of my keys work.

What exactly is the problem you're trying to fix with Tasker?

Originally Posted by dmeehl

Wait. I don't understand. I use Thumbkeyboard and the dock. I switch back and forth with no problems. When I undock, it goes back to thumbkeyboard. When I dock, it uses the hardware keyboard. All of my keys work.

What exactly is the problem you're trying to fix with Tasker?

For those of us in the UK, the hardware keyboard defaults to US mode if you dont have the Asus keyboard selected in UK mode. (if that makes sense)

Using tasker gives you a quick visual reminder to switch to the right keyboard.

If you're in the US I guess this issue won't affect you?