Tilde key is inverting screen colors and I don't know why. Even AI can't solve this problem. Can you?

Hello.
As this forum suggests, I'm running Windows 11 Version 24H2 on a desktop PC I built.
I'm using a corsair keyboard with its corresponding ICUE software running in the background.
Keyboard: CORSAIR K70 CORE RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (corded) Model: CH-910981E-NA
ICUE version 5.30.90

I'm in an ongoing quest to gain mastery and undisputed dominance over my PC. There was a period when I installed many pieces of software to accomplish this. And now today, when I press my tilde key, the colors on my computer screen invert. Tilde meaning the key to the left of the number 1 on keyboards. Blacks become whites, but colors tend to turn darker instead of inverting. I don't want to say that all this happened because I recklessly installed a bunch of programs on my computer not knowing what they did because that wouldn't be accurate. I am very careful about the programs I install on my computer, to the point where I have a good enough idea of what all the software does to know which would set a function to the tilde key--at least I thought I did.
I went through a time when I was installing things like Python, Pytorch, Visual Studio Code, Windows Power Toys, Autohotkey 2, Flameshot, Nomacs image viewer, Voice macro, ICUE (the corsair peripheral software), etc.

At first I thought that the culprit was Windows Power Toys since that program is loaded with tweaks, but I scoured the software and found no setting that caused the tilde key to invert colors. I checked the Keyboard Manager and found no shortcuts set. I even closed the software. I don't think that installing Python or Pytorch would do anything. I also checked Windows > Settings > Accessibility > Colors to no avail. No setting was set to the tilde key.
I also tested this using remote desktop software using my Android phone. And even pressing the tilde key on a virtual keyboard causes this to happen.

Oddly enough, when I use programs such as Notepad ++, the tilde key works as normal: it does not invert colors and just types the character ``````````````````````````. Everywhere else however, the change takes place.

If anyone can help solve this problem and rid myself of that function, you will be inducted into the glorious Hall of Tech Support forever.

(Please note that the Hall of Tech Support only exists in the poster's mind and may or may not translate to any real-world glory.)

Check ICUE? You can assign keyboard macros in there.

pseymour said:

Check ICUE? You can assign keyboard macros in there.

Click to expand...

I recently checked my keyboard in ICUE. I didn't find anything set to the tilde key. As far as I know, I don't think there would be any other setting that has to do with inverting colors in ICUE.
One thing I can do is disable the tilde key using that software, but that's more of a scorched earth approach.

What is the make and model # of your Corsair Keyboard? What version # of the iCUE software are you using?
Is this a wireless keyboard? If so, Have you changed the batteries in keyboard?
Move the USB Controller to a different USB port on the computer.
If this is a desktop move it to the Back USB Port of the computer not the front.

You can uninstall the iCUE software, and the keyboard from Device Manager and remove the controller/keyboard then restart the computer,
When you get to the desktop, plug in keyboard controller and reinstall the iCUE software, see if there is a newer version on the Corsair web site. See how it goes.

Spunk said:

What is the make and model # of your Corsair Keyboard? What version # of the iCUE software are you using?
Is this a wireless keyboard? If so, Have you changed the batteries in keyboard?
Move the USB Controller to a different USB port on the computer.
If this is a desktop move it to the Back USB Port of the computer not the front.

You can uninstall the iCUE software, and the keyboard from Device Manager and remove the controller/keyboard then restart the computer,
When you get to the desktop, plug in keyboard controller and reinstall the iCUE software, see if there is a newer version on the Corsair web site. See how it goes.

Click to expand...

Keyboard: CORSAIR K70 CORE RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (corded) Model: CH-910981E-NA
ICUE version 5.30.90

I forgot to mention I also tested this using remote desktop software using my Android phone. And even pressing the tilde key on a virtual keyboard causes this to happen. I'll add this to my first message.

I'll consider uninstalling ICUE, but I'm hesitant because I don't want to setup everything again. I'll keep that as one of my last resorts.

It’s no wonder AI couldn’t help you with the limited information you provided.

You said:

nextcloudrelay said:

There was a period when I installed many pieces of software to accomplish this

Click to expand...

Any one of these mysterious softwares could be a culpret.

nextcloudrelay said:

I'll consider uninstalling ICUE, but I'm hesitant

Click to expand...

You either want to diagnose your problem or you don't. The first thing to do (logically? As it actually controls your keyboard) is either uninstall iCUE or at the least, prevent iCUE from startup and reboot. Or at the very least, a quick test:

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- Some other things to try​

• Check Contrast Theme Settings​

• Disable High Contrast Keyboard Shortcut (Windows 10/11)​

• Check Global Shortcut Assignments​

• PowerShell: See if key is remapped

Code:

Get-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout"

• Use something like Scancode Map (Free) or HotKeyList (Free) to see if it shows you if the key has been remapped:

I solved my problem. Thanks for the help for the first two replies.

As for the 3rd, that criticism was completely unnecessary. It didn't help and there is no way I was going to list every single program I have installed. I was just looking to see if someone has experienced this problem. I was shooting a question out there casually first, and if no one could solve my problem, and I grew more desperate, then I would consider listing every single program and detail. This approach is far more common than writing an encyclopedia of software one has installed.

Anyway, in case anyone else has this problem, I downloaded a program called Glassbrick because I was told that it is a magnifier tool. One thing I wasn't told was that it also gives you the option to modify colors. In the advanced section is a color tab, and in there they automatically assign the tilde key as a color inverter key. If you click on the hotkey and press backspace it will remove the hotkey. Problem solved.