So I have to use an Action Object for what is invoked in the actionMap? They seem kind of complicated. Is there any way I could use an ActionListener instead of Action? Do you get what I mean? If it sounds like I am just trying to sidestep the work, I am. But really I just want a buttons action message to be fired to its action listeners whenever a key is pressed.
You got two options.
1) Implement AbstractAction and share it between the actionMap and the button.
2) Setup your buttons with their listeners in the usual way. In the action map provide an action which in turn will programmatically click the desired button.
PS. If it is OK with your requirement, you can define the mnemonics for the buttons. Of course that would work only with the associated key like the Alt key on windows.
