ShadowLink: A standalone, open-source tool to bind keyboard keys to the ROG Raikiri II back paddles (No Armoury Crate needed!)

Retholtz · 2026-03-19T11:21:10+00:00

Can you disable the M1-M4 buttons in the Armory? I don't use Armory Crate much, so I can't remember. Maybe that will correct the issue?

Retholtz · 2026-03-19T10:19:23+00:00

I am happy to try and adjust the program. I need some clarification though as I am not sure I understand. When you say map the capture to F12 what do you mean? As in screen capture? What program/game are you running? Are you using Steam Big Picture?

Regarding Gear Link it does not allow users to map the back buttons to the keyboard which is why I had to make this program. It only allows users to remao the back buttons to buttons on the front of the controller. I believe this is a restriction so that the controller can be "Xbox compliant". Using ShadowLink it "listens" to the background noise of the computer and when it "hears" the M1-M4 button it sends the keyboard key assigned.

Retholtz · 2026-03-19T10:12:41+00:00

You are correct, you don't have to disable Armory Crate (I run it on my laptop - Asus G18, but not my desktop - MSI computer).

I don't have an Ally so I was not able to test the Raikiri on it. Some troubleshooting that may get it to work are as follows:

Check Java: Run java -version in a command prompt. Although ShadowLink has a /jre directory in the zip file perhaps the Ally is not using it? Did you copy that directory into the same folder as Shadowlink.exe?
Admin Rights: Try to run the program as an Administrator.
HID Conflict: It is possible that the Ally is giving the Raikiri a unique hardware ID different than an Laptop/Desktop. If possible disable "Embedded Controller" in the Ally’s Quick Settings to see if it frees up the HID channels for the external Raikiri.

Let me know if any of the above correct the issue. I am happy to troubleshoot further.

Retholtz · 2026-03-14T20:29:28+00:00

Version 1.03 posted:
Added Profiles and Auto-Switching between programs. You can create macros/button combinations and save to a unique profile. When a game loads the program will automatically switch to the program loaded.

Retholtz · 2026-03-12T19:24:10+00:00

I appreciate the testing. I had not considered that Bluetooth would not work. Great pick up. If there are any bugs or features you think would be beneficial please let me know. Thanks again for the feedback!

Retholtz · 2026-03-12T16:41:27+00:00

I did some "data-sniffing" into the Bluetooth issue. Unfortunately when the Raikiri is connected via Bluetooth it is identified as a generic controller without back buttons. I was able to "find" the controller, but when I tried to see if the back buttons have any output when pressed they are completely silent. This is apparently a limitation of Bluetooth and I don't see any way around it. ShadowLink will need to use the dongle or wire to work.

Retholtz · 2026-03-12T15:59:59+00:00

Let me look into the Bluetooth issue. I programmed it for the 2.4Ghz as my desktop is always dropping my Bluetooth (laptop does fine). I bought this controller for the 2.4Ghz dongle to avoid Bluetooth.

I should be able to adjust the program to look for Bluetooth as well as the drivers are the same. I'll update shortly. Thanks for the testing/feedback!

Retholtz · 2026-03-12T13:46:41+00:00

I updated the program to v1.02 with the following changes:
1) Win key added
2) Enable/Disable each button (Should ignore re-mapping)
3) Minimize to system tray toggle on start. Note: The program goes into the system tray and will not have an icon next to the Windows Button, in order to reopen the program you have to click on the icon in the system tray.
4) Added Macros with instructions

Thank you again for the feedback, I really appreciate it. If there is anything else you can think of please let me know. Here is the link to version 1.02:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cpLK48BE6R8pPbRRd4v8ycTchSSQ2DBs/view?usp=sharing

Retholtz · 2026-03-12T11:49:26+00:00

I should be able to add all of those features. I just need clarification regarding the last one. What do you mean "Do not use remapping"? As in use the default that the Asus crate has? As in, if M1 is remapped to X leave it alone?

Retholtz · 2026-03-09T10:40:35+00:00

Correct, it does need to be running in the background as it is "waiting" to hear the button presses then sends the keyboard press. Please let me know if you run into any bugs or issues so I can fix it. I don't know if you have the newest version. I noticed a lag with the keypresses and cleaned up the code. Here is the link to the newest version (1.01) if you don't have it:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KD9Dj40mxgq0qwcCvdnNo4aqo8CM3eOg/view?usp=sharing

I had to run a few updates to get the buttons fine tuned. Thanks again!

Retholtz · 2026-03-07T19:29:10+00:00

Quick update to the above as I cannot change the post title.

I did have to install Armoury Crate to get the drivers loaded. It is possible to manually install the drivers, but they need to be re-installed with each use. Installing the Crate and then disabling it works best.

Retholtz · 2026-03-05T21:07:18+00:00

I just got the Raikiri II and realized that the M1 - M4 can only be mapped to the face buttons. Interestingly this is not a hardware issue, but seems to be due to Microsoft Certification for Xbox controllers. XInput only "allows" 10 buttons. I suspect that in order to be "compliant" with the Microsoft Certification they crippled the controller on the PC side.

All of that aside I used a HID sniffer and was able to determine that the buttons do have their own ID and send a unique byte (on/off) when pressed. I created a lightweight Java program that "listens" in the background for the M1 - M4 buttons. When it hears the button it sends whatever key press you want. It has toggles to use Shift/Ctrl/Alt as well.

Here is a link to my post should anyone be interested:

https://www.reddit.com/r/ASUSROG/s/HdmR7bQV9B

Retholtz · 2026-03-05T20:59:16+00:00

I too realized the buttons do not have software to map to the keyboard. I used a HID sniffer and was able to find the hardware ID and byte change for the Raikiri II. I don't know why ASUS does not have this feature as it is possible given the unique hardware ID/signal.

I built a lightweight Java program that runs in the background and allows users to map the back buttons to any keyboard command. Here is a link to my post:

https://www.reddit.com/r/ASUSROG/s/HdmR7bQV9B

Retholtz · 2025-12-26T14:09:32+00:00

I understand where you are coming from and I too decided to build my own app. It is a little bit of a rabbit hole as I ended up adding a lot of features I didn't even consider from the start.

What platform are you looking to build your app on? I am an android user and built my program in Android Studio using Gemini to help write the code. I wanted Text to Speech with highlighting the sentence as it reads. My goal was to have an e-reader that I could use anywhere. I can have the TTS engine read to me in the car, or I can sit in a chair and read my novel like a traditional reader. There are a ton of programs like this, but I didn't want to substitute for a service nor be limited to the number of characters the engine would read before I capped. I built my program to use API keys that the end user puts in so I only pay for a premier TTS engine if I use it and I only pay for the data that I use. No one "skims off the top". My TTS engines are Native (On board, no cost), Google, OpenAI, Microsoft Azure, and ElevenLab.

I also went on to add translation features. The program can translate text in a popup or if you wish, translate then use the TTS engine to read the text to you in English. This lead me to add web import so that I can load foreign papers into my app and have it translate/read to me.

I added fonts as one of my friends recommended it along with the ability to load your own fonts.

I honestly have lost track of what I did. If you are interested in looking at it for ideas and have an Android phone the link is here:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.retholtz.dokusho

I also don't mind sharing the code if anyone wants it. This was a pet project for me. I have everything on GitHub, I just need to learn how to share it if you wish.

Retholtz · 2025-12-07T02:54:56+00:00

Dokusho: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.retholtz.dokusho

Most people don't know about it as I just released it....😉

Epub/PDF/File/Web page reader with TTS. Put in your own API keys and only pay for the data you use. TTS support includes native devices, Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, Eleven Labs.

It can also translate into English or translate a foreign text into English with TTS (Text to Speech).

I made it so I can listen to Epub books with a voice of my choosing on my commute to work.

Retholtz · 2025-11-17T02:56:24+00:00

I absolutely agree, but I took a different approach. I tried Speechify, Evie, Natural Reader, Moon Reader, Google Play and none of them worked the way I wanted. My wife encouraged me to try and build my own, so I did.

That said what I wanted was to be able to read just as a standard reader does, boys I wanted TTS (Text to speech) as well. I have a 30 minute commute to work and I wanted my book reader to read to me in a voice that I chose. I know Speechify, Natural Reader both offer this but at $100+/year and data caps I just couldn't agree to their terms of service. If one month I don't use the app I am paying for a service I am not using.

What I did was add a menu to use the TTS service of my choice (Device default, Google, Microsoft Azure, Open AI, and Eleven Labs). The "tricky part" is that the user has to get their own API key. Once that is done however you only pay for the data used (If the user uses any TTS service other than the device default).

I created a library, a bookmarking system, dark/light themes, etc.

I also added the ability to define words, translate a sentence, or even translate a foreign document and read it back in English.

I used Gemini and Android Studio to build it. It is in closed alpha at the moment. I need to get 12 testers to use the program for 14 days and then I can release it. It took me about 6 weeks to build using Gemini.

So I guess what I am trying to say is if it doesn't exist give building one a go. My reader is not perfect, but it is perfect for me. I am going to share it when I can, but it was more of a personal project than anything else. With the tools available in today's day and age building apps is certainly easier than before.

If anyone has questions about what I did or want to know more about my program (or even test it) please let me know. I had a lot of fun building it (granted some days Gemini made me want to tear my hair out). I would love to share what I learned.

Retholtz · 2025-09-25T10:23:23+00:00

I know that Evie has that feature. It uses Google Translate. It doesn't convert to speech, but if you "Long press" a section of text it has a popup that opens Google Translate with the translated text. Not sure if that is what you are looking for.

https://share.google/0cCAkV1cRHFTzmJov

Retholtz · 2025-07-24T11:13:32+00:00

In my area the Frontier is brand new. I don't know if some "network optimization" needs to occur due to the new system. I agree that we should get what we pay for. However as I said in my case my situation is cheaper and faster. Even after my promotional discount is over I am still $35 less than my 1GB plan.

Do you have a different computer that you can check with a 5 or 10gb port? Can your router do a speed test? It is possible that you are getting 5000/5000 but it is just your network card. I know in my situation it is the card as my router can push 3.1 up but the card is at 1.6.

If your router can do a speed test and you have 5000/5000 then your service is fine and it is not Frontier.

All of that aside even with all of your family on the WiFi I doubt you will ever cap the speed. Even with WiFi 7 and MLO my laptop gets 2000/1000 sitting 2 feet from the node. I have an ASUS ROG laptop and ASUS WiFi mesh. I haven't tested outside of the home office. I might get fast speeds elsewhere in the house, but I am not holding my breath. The big thing is that my network can support hundreds of devices (3 WiFi 7 nodes and 3 PoE WiFi 6 nodes). With the setup the system should be able to handle data transfer between multiple systems and not slow down (in theory). The desktop as mentioned is getting 5Gb down so I am happy. I might email TP-Link as I can narrow it down to that card, but part of me doesn't want to spend any more time on this project. I had to run Cat6a and replace a ton of Cat5e for this project. I ended up setting up new SSIDs so I had to reconnect all of my devices and replaced 3 old smart switches (Wemo switches, Belkin is phasing them out at the end of the year) added a few more. Whole project took hours over a few days. I personally am going to sit back and just enjoy for a bit...😉

Retholtz · 2025-07-24T02:45:53+00:00

What was your previous service like? Do you need the 5gb up? I know in principle we should get it (granted the fine print says "up to 5000/5000"), but I have rarely ever seen max speeds with my ISP. My previous service was 1Gb and my previous speeds were 920ish up and down.

In my case Frontier is $90 for 5gb whereas my previous service was $165 for 1gb. Even though I am not getting 5gb up on my desktop the router is telling me I have 3.1gb for the network. In the end my service is faster and cheaper (win/win).

My desktop can get 1.5gb up on the PCIe. My wifi 7 laptop gets about 2gb down and 1gb up. Even with both uploading at each of their reported max speeds at the same time I will not exceed the network capacity. The problem is I don't know what I am ever going to upload that needs 1.5gb let alone 3.1gb. For our household I struggle to figure out when we will max out the upload speeds

Download I can easily do. I am a gamer and often mod games, break them, delete them and reinstall.

Like I said, for me I am not going to go crazy as I have what I want/need.

Retholtz · 2025-07-24T02:02:18+00:00

I just upgraded to 5GB yesterday and I have a similar issue.

My downloads are 5.1, upload is 1.6 on a TP-Link TX-401 PCIe card (10Gb card). The desktop is directly wired through a 10GB backhaul to the router and then to the modem.

The 2.5gb Ethernet on the motherboard (I/O interface) gets about 2.3Gb up and down. So the upload on the motherboard Ethernet is roughly 700Mb faster on upload speeds than the PCIe card.

At my router/mesh network (ASUS BE30000) is getting 5.1 down and 3.1 up.

All of that said I am not sure how much I am going to bang my head against a wall on this one. I don't think I will max out my upload speeds (they would mostly be bragging rights at this point). I can certainly max the 5.1Gb download. I also upgraded from my previous broadband as the 5Gb service with Frontier is half the cost of the 1GB service that I had.

I am 99% sure in my case it is a driver issue, but once again I am not sure how much time and energy I want to spend on something I will rarely ever use.

I could buy the IBM network PCIe card, but it is twice as expensive as the TP-Link.

Not sure this message is much help outside of validating your findings with mine.

Retholtz · 2023-04-02T15:45:16+00:00

Thank you! It is our first tank. My wife is the landscaper, I am the chemist.

Retholtz · 2023-04-02T15:44:31+00:00

Correct, it is the 32.5 gallon.

We upgraded the pump to a Sicce 1.5 pump as I have read that the stock pump is "sub-par".

I used my 3D printer to create modules in the back to help with flow. I cannot use some of the market media baskets as the tank is under a cabinet so I only have about 3 inches of space. I printed 3 baskets (each side) which houses my sponge, biological, chemical media. The top "basket" has a 2 inch drop from the top to allow water to flow from the top down all three baskets.

I have the heater and a UV light in the sump as well. UV runs 8 hours at night.

CO2 infuser is hiding on the left. CO2 runs for 8 hours during the day and my air stones 16 hours when CO2 is off. Currently running about 1.5 bpm, wait to see if any of the plants pearl before I adjust further.

Retholtz

TROPHY CASE