diff --git a/dzgui/api/servers.py b/dzgui/api/servers.py
index c31ee5b..f2a3aaf 100644
--- a/dzgui/api/servers.py
+++ b/dzgui/api/servers.py
@@ -254,7 +254,6 @@ class Record:
     qport: int
 
 
-# TODO: refactor this
 def get_prereqs(ip: str, qport: int) -> Prereqs:
     try:
         info = a2s.info((ip, qport))
diff --git a/dzgui/const/constants.py b/dzgui/const/constants.py
index 29d72d5..b47a05b 100644
--- a/dzgui/const/constants.py
+++ b/dzgui/const/constants.py
@@ -58,3 +58,4 @@ LEGACY_IPS_PATH = ".local/share/dzgui/helpers/ips.csv"
 
 DEBUG_LOG = f"{APP_NAME}_DEBUG.LOG"
 SYSTEM_LOG = f"{APP_NAME}_SYSTEM.LOG"
+CHANGELOG_PATH = "data/CHANGELOG.md"
diff --git a/dzgui/const/enum.py b/dzgui/const/enum.py
index 50b1755..490317a 100644
--- a/dzgui/const/enum.py
+++ b/dzgui/const/enum.py
@@ -110,14 +110,14 @@ class Preferences(EnumWithAttrs):
 
 
 class NotebookPage(EnumWithAttrs):
-    CHANGELOG = {"crumbs": strings.crumbs.changelog, "statusbar": False}
-    KEYS = {"crumbs": strings.crumbs.keys, "statusbar": False}
-    LOG = {"crumbs": strings.crumbs.log, "statusbar": False}
+    CHANGELOG = {"crumbs": strings.crumbs.changelog, "statusbar": True}
+    KEYS = {"crumbs": strings.crumbs.keys, "statusbar": True}
+    LOG = {"crumbs": strings.crumbs.log, "statusbar": True}
     HELP = {"crumbs": strings.crumbs._help, "statusbar": True}
     MODS = {"crumbs": strings.crumbs.mods, "statusbar": True}
     OPTIONS = {"crumbs": strings.crumbs.options, "statusbar": False}
     SERVERS = {"crumbs": strings.crumbs.servers, "statusbar": True}
-    THANKS = {"crumbs": strings.crumbs.thanks, "statusbar": False}
+    THANKS = {"crumbs": strings.crumbs.thanks, "statusbar": True}
     DEVELOPERS = {"crumbs": strings.crumbs.developers, "statusbar": False}
 
 
diff --git a/dzgui/controllers/emitter.py b/dzgui/controllers/emitter.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6bad77f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dzgui/controllers/emitter.py
@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
+from typing import Union, TYPE_CHECKING
+
+import gi
+
+gi.require_version("Gtk", "3.0")
+from gi.repository import Gdk, GObject  # noqa E402
+
+if TYPE_CHECKING:
+    from dzgui.const.enum import NotebookPage, ServerTab
+
+# TODO: rename signals to e.g. maps_keybinding_pressed
+
+class Emitter(GObject.GObject):
+    def __init__(self) -> None:
+        super().__init__()
+
+    @GObject.Signal(flags=GObject.SignalFlags.RUN_LAST, arg_types=())
+    def request_keyword_focus(self) -> None:
+        """User invoked Ctrl-f keybinding from ServerTreeView"""
+        pass
+
+    @GObject.Signal(flags=GObject.SignalFlags.RUN_LAST, arg_types=())
+    def request_maps_focus(self) -> None:
+        """User invoked Ctrl-m keybinding from ServerTreeView"""
+        pass
+
+    @GObject.Signal(flags=GObject.SignalFlags.RUN_LAST, arg_types=())
+    def request_ip_entry_focus(self) -> None:
+        """User invoked Ctrl-i keybinding from ServerTreeView"""
+        pass
+
+    @GObject.Signal(flags=GObject.SignalFlags.RUN_LAST, arg_types=())
+    def request_lan_entry_focus(self) -> None:
+        """User invoked Ctrl-p keybinding from ServerTreeView"""
+        pass
+
+    @GObject.Signal(flags=GObject.SignalFlags.RUN_LAST, arg_types=())
+    def request_button_box_focus(self) -> None:
+        """User invoked right movement keybinding from ServerTreeView"""
+        pass
+
+    @GObject.Signal(flags=GObject.SignalFlags.RUN_LAST, arg_types=(int,))
+    def check_button_pressed(self, keyval: int) -> None:
+        """User toggled filter panel check button via keyboard"""
+        pass
+
+    @GObject.Signal(flags=GObject.SignalFlags.RUN_LAST, arg_types=())
+    def distcalc_started(self) -> None:
+        pass
+
+    @GObject.Signal(
+        flags=GObject.SignalFlags.RUN_LAST,
+        arg_types=(
+            object,
+            object,
+        ),
+    )
+    def distcalc_ended(
+        self, dist: Union[str, None], context: Union["ServerTab", "NotebookPage"]
+    ) -> None:
+        pass
diff --git a/dzgui/controllers/mc.py b/dzgui/controllers/mc.py
index bfa3086..b54fd19 100644
--- a/dzgui/controllers/mc.py
+++ b/dzgui/controllers/mc.py
@@ -12,7 +12,6 @@ from typing import Any, Callable, Literal, Union, TYPE_CHECKING
 import dzgui.api.pefile as PeFile
 import dzgui.api.servers as Servers
 import dzgui.util._json as JSON  # noqa
-from dzgui.views.dialogs.generic import ExceptionDialog, WaitDialog
 
 from dzgui.api.probe import test_steam_api, test_bm_api
 from dzgui.api.mods import (
@@ -35,6 +34,7 @@ from dzgui.const.constants import (
 from dzgui.config import update
 from dzgui.config.query import lookup
 from dzgui.config.userprefs import UserPrefs
+from dzgui.controllers.emitter import Emitter
 from dzgui.model.misc_model import ModelManager
 from dzgui.util import strings
 from dzgui.util.diag import write_diagnostic
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ from dzgui.util.localize import number
 from dzgui.util.open_links import open_workshop_page, open_user_workshop
 from dzgui.util.format import format_mods, format_player_count
 from dzgui.util.redact import redact_log
-
+from dzgui.views.dialogs.generic import ExceptionDialog, WaitDialog
 from dzgui.views.dialogs.filepicker import FilePicker
 
 import gi
@@ -83,43 +83,6 @@ class AppNavigation:
     logtreeview: "LogTreeView"
     filters: "FilterPanel"
 
-class Emitter(GObject.GObject):
-    def __init__(self) -> None:
-        super().__init__()
-
-    @GObject.Signal(flags=GObject.SignalFlags.RUN_LAST, arg_types=())
-    def request_keyword_focus(self) -> None:
-        """User invoked Ctrl-f keybinding from ServerTreeView"""
-        pass
-
-    @GObject.Signal(flags=GObject.SignalFlags.RUN_LAST, arg_types=())
-    def request_maps_focus(self) -> None:
-        """User invoked Ctrl-m keybinding from ServerTreeView"""
-        pass
-
-    @GObject.Signal(flags=GObject.SignalFlags.RUN_LAST, arg_types=())
-    def request_ip_entry_focus(self) -> None:
-        """User invoked Ctrl-i keybinding from ServerTreeView"""
-        pass
-
-    @GObject.Signal(flags=GObject.SignalFlags.RUN_LAST, arg_types=())
-    def request_lan_entry_focus(self) -> None:
-        """User invoked Ctrl-p keybinding from ServerTreeView"""
-        pass
-
-    @GObject.Signal(flags=GObject.SignalFlags.RUN_LAST, arg_types=())
-    def request_button_box_focus(self) -> None:
-        """User invoked right movement keybinding from ServerTreeView"""
-        pass
-
-    @GObject.Signal(flags=GObject.SignalFlags.RUN_LAST, arg_types=())
-    def distcalc_started(self) -> None:
-        pass
-
-    @GObject.Signal(flags=GObject.SignalFlags.RUN_LAST, arg_types=(object, object,))
-    def distcalc_ended(self, dist: Union[str, None], context: Union["ServerTab", NotebookPage]) -> None:
-        pass
-
 
 class Controller(GObject.GObject):
     def __init__(self) -> None:
@@ -128,11 +91,11 @@ class Controller(GObject.GObject):
         self.prefs: UserPrefs
 
         self.model_man = ModelManager()
+        self.emitter = Emitter()
 
         # NOTE: suppress requests until entire UI is loaded
         self.loaded = False
 
-        self.emitter = Emitter()
 
     def get_emitter(self) -> Emitter:
         return self.emitter
@@ -169,8 +132,7 @@ class Controller(GObject.GObject):
 
     def terminate_process(self) -> None:
         # TODO: only used by server table multiprocessing queue
-        tv = self.get_active_treeview()
-        tv.terminate_process()
+        self.get_active_treeview().terminate_process()
 
     def get_prefs(self) -> UserPrefs:
         return self.prefs
@@ -626,16 +588,6 @@ class Controller(GObject.GObject):
     def unselect_all_mods(self) -> None:
         self.mediator.modtreeview.get_selection().unselect_all()
 
-    def dump_test_1(self) -> None:
-        import time
-
-        time.sleep(1)
-        data = (
-            ["BAR", "a", "a", "a", 1, 1, 1, "185.207.214.16:2302", 0, 0, "a", False],
-            ["BAR", "a", "a", "a", 1, 1, 1, "172.111.51.156:2302", 0, 0, "a", False],
-        )
-        self.push_data(data)
-
     def dump_test_2(self) -> None:
         import time
         time.sleep(1)
@@ -741,6 +693,7 @@ class Controller(GObject.GObject):
             dialog.run()
 
     @call_on_thread
+    # FIXME: entire process is behind thread, including destroy_on_idle()
     def update_api_key(self, text: str, key: Preferences) -> None:
         self.test_api_response(text, key)
 
@@ -825,26 +778,6 @@ class Controller(GObject.GObject):
     def focus_button_box(self) -> None:
         self.mediator.right_panel.focus_button_box()
 
-    def toggle_check(self, event: Gdk.EventKey) -> None | Literal[False]:
-        mappings = {
-            Gdk.KEY_1: 0,
-            Gdk.KEY_2: 1,
-            Gdk.KEY_3: 2,
-            Gdk.KEY_4: 3,
-            Gdk.KEY_5: 4,
-            Gdk.KEY_6: 5,
-            Gdk.KEY_7: 6,
-            Gdk.KEY_8: 7,
-            Gdk.KEY_9: 8,
-            Gdk.KEY_0: 9,
-            Gdk.KEY_minus: 10,
-            Gdk.KEY_backslash: 11,
-        }
-        if event.keyval not in mappings:
-            return False
-        index = mappings[event.keyval]
-        self.mediator.filters.toggle_check(index)
-
     def get_favorite(self) -> tuple[str, str] | tuple[None, None]:
         fav = str(self.query_config(Preferences.FAV_LBL))
         if len(fav) < 1:
diff --git a/dzgui/util/strings.py b/dzgui/util/strings.py
index 94529cd..b94eb7c 100644
--- a/dzgui/util/strings.py
+++ b/dzgui/util/strings.py
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 from dataclasses import dataclass
-
 from dzgui.const.constants import SYSTEM_LOG
 
 
@@ -605,3 +604,7 @@ atomic_buttons = AtomicButton(
 )
 
 steam_icon_missing="Steam icon not found in IconTheme"
+
+missing_changelog = "Error: failed to read changelog"
+esc_to_return = "Press ESC to return"
+question_to_return = "Press ? to return"
diff --git a/dzgui/views/base.py b/dzgui/views/base.py
index f842202..288407a 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/base.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/base.py
@@ -191,13 +191,13 @@ class Notebook(ScrollableMixin, Gtk.Notebook):  # type: ignore
         self.help = Help(MainController)
         self.clog = Changelog(MainController)
 
-        self.keys = Keybindings()
+        self.keys = Keybindings(MainController)
         self.settings = Options(MainController)
 
         self.servers = ServerNotebook(MainController)
         self.mods = Mods(MainController)
 
-        self.thanks = Thanks()
+        self.thanks = Thanks(MainController)
         self.log = Log(MainController)
         self.developers = Developers(MainController)
 
@@ -272,12 +272,7 @@ class Notebook(ScrollableMixin, Gtk.Notebook):  # type: ignore
         if widget is None:
             return
 
-        if widget is self.servers:
-            MainController.grab_active_treeview()
-            return
-
-        w = widget.get_children()[0]
-        w.grab_focus()
+        widget.grab_content_area()
 
     def get_page(self) -> Gtk.Widget | None:
         ind = self.get_current_page()
diff --git a/dzgui/views/components/buttonbox.py b/dzgui/views/components/buttonbox.py
index 6b2f99a..e5b2d6f 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/components/buttonbox.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/components/buttonbox.py
@@ -4,11 +4,13 @@ from dzgui.const.enum import ButtonType
 from dzgui.const.constants import NO_EXPAND, NO_FILL, NO_PADDING
 
 import gi
+
 gi.require_version("Gtk", "3.0")
 from gi.repository import Gtk, Gdk  # noqa E402
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
+
 class ContextualButton(Gtk.Button):
     def __init__(self, label, opens, tooltip, context):
         super().__init__(
@@ -20,6 +22,7 @@ class ContextualButton(Gtk.Button):
         self.context = context
         self.opens = opens
 
+
 class ButtonBox(Gtk.Box):
     def __init__(self, controller) -> None:
         super().__init__(
@@ -41,7 +44,7 @@ class ButtonBox(Gtk.Box):
                 opens=side_button.dict["opens"],
                 tooltip=side_button.dict["tooltip"],
                 context=side_button,
-                )
+            )
 
             # FIXME: if debug log fails to load, still opens table
             size = (10, 10) if prefs.is_steam_deck else (50, 50)
@@ -52,7 +55,6 @@ class ButtonBox(Gtk.Box):
             button.connect("clicked", self._on_selection_button_clicked)
             self.pack_start(button, NO_EXPAND, NO_FILL, NO_PADDING)
 
-
     def _on_selection_button_clicked(self, button: Gtk.Button) -> None:
         self.controller.open_page_by_button(button)
 
diff --git a/dzgui/views/components/filter_panel.py b/dzgui/views/components/filter_panel.py
index c8c8e15..189db15 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/components/filter_panel.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/components/filter_panel.py
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:
     from dzgui.controllers.mc import Controller
+    from dzgui.controllers.emitter import Emitter
 
 
 class FilterPanel(Gtk.Box):
@@ -94,6 +95,7 @@ class FilterPanel(Gtk.Box):
         self.emitter.connect(
             "request_maps_focus", lambda _: self.maps_entry.grab_focus()
         )
+        self.emitter.connect("check_button_pressed", self.toggle_check_by_key)
 
         completion = Gtk.EntryCompletion(inline_completion=True)
         completion.set_text_column(0)
@@ -251,6 +253,26 @@ class FilterPanel(Gtk.Box):
     def set_active_combo(self, row: int) -> None:
         self.maps_combo.set_active(row)
 
+    def toggle_check_by_key(self, emitter: "Emitter", keyval: int) -> None | Literal[False]:
+        mappings = {
+            Gdk.KEY_1: 0,
+            Gdk.KEY_2: 1,
+            Gdk.KEY_3: 2,
+            Gdk.KEY_4: 3,
+            Gdk.KEY_5: 4,
+            Gdk.KEY_6: 5,
+            Gdk.KEY_7: 6,
+            Gdk.KEY_8: 7,
+            Gdk.KEY_9: 8,
+            Gdk.KEY_0: 9,
+            Gdk.KEY_minus: 10,
+            Gdk.KEY_backslash: 11,
+        }
+        if keyval not in mappings:
+            return False
+        index = mappings[keyval]
+        self.toggle_check(index)
+
     def toggle_check(self, digit: int) -> None:
         check = self.checks[digit]
         state = check.get_active()
diff --git a/dzgui/views/components/right_panel.py b/dzgui/views/components/right_panel.py
index 9381a8f..9e44dba 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/components/right_panel.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/components/right_panel.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
+from typing import Optional, TYPE_CHECKING
 
 from dzgui.views.components.buttonbox import ButtonBox
 from dzgui.views.components.filter_panel import FilterPanel
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ from gi.repository import Gtk, GLib  # noqa E402
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:
     from dzgui.controllers.mc import Controller
+    from dzgui.controllers.emitter import Emitter
 
 
 class RightPanel(Gtk.Box):
@@ -78,5 +79,5 @@ class RightPanel(Gtk.Box):
     #    thread = threading.Thread(target=_update_pings, args=())
     #    thread.start()
 
-    def focus_button_box(self) -> None:
+    def focus_button_box(self, emitter: Optional["Emitter"] = None) -> None:
         self.button_vbox.buttons[0].grab_focus()
diff --git a/dzgui/views/components/statusbar.py b/dzgui/views/components/statusbar.py
index a4e59ec..95f7130 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/components/statusbar.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/components/statusbar.py
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 from typing import Self, Union, TYPE_CHECKING
 
 from dzgui.const.enum import NotebookPage, ServerTab
+from dzgui.util.strings import esc_to_return, question_to_return
 
 import gi
 
@@ -46,8 +47,8 @@ class Statusbar(Gtk.Grid):
         controller.mediator.notebook.connect_after(
             "switch-page", self._on_notebook_page_changed
         )
-        self.emitter.connect("distcalc_started", self._on_distcalc_started)
         # TODO:
+        self.emitter.connect("distcalc_started", lambda _: self.spinner.start())
         self.connect("distcalc_ended", self._on_distcalc_ended)
 
         self.connect("server_page_changed", self._on_server_page_changed)
@@ -77,10 +78,19 @@ class Statusbar(Gtk.Grid):
 
         enum = notebook.get_page_by_enum()
         show_statusbar = enum.dict["statusbar"]
+
         if show_statusbar is False:
             self.set_by_context(enum, "")
             return
 
+        if enum in (
+            NotebookPage.THANKS,
+            NotebookPage.CHANGELOG,
+            NotebookPage.LOG,
+        ):
+            self.set_by_context(enum, esc_to_return)
+            return
+
         match enum:
             case NotebookPage.MODS:
                 bar = self.controller.format_mod_statusbar()
@@ -89,6 +99,8 @@ class Statusbar(Gtk.Grid):
             case NotebookPage.SERVERS:
                 self.emit("server_page_changed", ServerTab.BROWSER)
                 return
+            case NotebookPage.KEYS:
+                bar = question_to_return
 
         self.set_by_context(enum, bar)
 
@@ -122,7 +134,7 @@ class Statusbar(Gtk.Grid):
 
         self.set_by_context(context, count)
         tree = self.controller.get_active_treeview()
-        # TODO: emit page change signal on emitter, treeview catches signal and calls distcalc
+        # TODO: emit page change signal on emitter, treeview catches signal and calls distcalc directly
         tree.emit("distcalc_started")
 
     def pop(self, context: Union["ServerTab", "NotebookPage"]) -> None:
diff --git a/dzgui/views/mixins/cursor_mixin.py b/dzgui/views/mixins/cursor_mixin.py
index ea61d62..dd7d2ac 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/mixins/cursor_mixin.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/mixins/cursor_mixin.py
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ from dzgui.const.enum import CursorPosition
 from dzgui.const.constants import SEPARATOR
 
 import gi
+
 gi.require_version("Gtk", "3.0")
 from gi.repository import Gtk, GLib, Gdk, GObject, Pango  # noqa E402
 
@@ -20,7 +21,7 @@ class CursorMixin:
             case Gdk.KEY_l | Gdk.KEY_Right:
                 if event.state is Gdk.ModifierType.CONTROL_MASK:
                     return
-                self.controller.mediator.right_panel.focus_button_box()
+                self.emitter.emit("request_button_box_focus")
             case _:
                 return False
 
diff --git a/dzgui/views/mixins/help_menu_mixin.py b/dzgui/views/mixins/help_menu_mixin.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c55ca03
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dzgui/views/mixins/help_menu_mixin.py
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+from typing import Literal
+
+from dzgui.const.enum import NotebookPage
+
+import gi
+gi.require_version("Gtk", "3.0")
+from gi.repository import Gtk, Gdk  # noqa
+
+class HelpMenuMixin:
+    def _on_esc_keypress(self, widget: Gtk.Widget, event: Gdk.EventKey) -> Literal[True]:
+        if event.keyval == Gdk.KEY_Escape:
+            self.controller.open_page(NotebookPage.HELP)
+            return True
diff --git a/dzgui/views/mixins/scrollable_mixin.py b/dzgui/views/mixins/scrollable_mixin.py
index 4d9e406..775a522 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/mixins/scrollable_mixin.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/mixins/scrollable_mixin.py
@@ -2,9 +2,11 @@ from dzgui.const.enum import VAdjustment
 from dzgui.const.constants import SCROLL_INCREMENT
 
 import gi
+
 gi.require_version("Gtk", "3.0")
 from gi.repository import Gtk, Gdk  # noqa
 
+
 class ScrollableMixin:
     def _on_keypress(self, widget: Gtk.Widget, event: Gdk.EventKey) -> None:
         match event.keyval:
@@ -16,6 +18,8 @@ class ScrollableMixin:
                 self._set_adjustment(VAdjustment.TOP)
             case Gdk.KEY_G:
                 self._set_adjustment(VAdjustment.BOTTOM)
+            case Gdk.KEY_l | Gdk.KEY_Right:
+                self.controller.get_emitter().emit("request_button_box_focus")
 
     def _set_adjustment(self, adjustment: VAdjustment) -> None:
         vadj = self.get_vadjustment()
@@ -29,4 +33,3 @@ class ScrollableMixin:
             case VAdjustment.DOWN:
                 adj = vadj.get_value() + SCROLL_INCREMENT
         vadj.set_value(adj)
-
diff --git a/dzgui/views/pages/changelog.py b/dzgui/views/pages/changelog.py
index 4ba2437..d429ad8 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/pages/changelog.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/pages/changelog.py
@@ -3,31 +3,35 @@ import logging
 from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
 from importlib import resources
 
-from dzgui.const.constants import APP_NAME_LOWER
+from dzgui.const.constants import APP_NAME_LOWER, CHANGELOG_PATH
+from dzgui.util.strings import missing_changelog
 from dzgui.util.format import format_pango
+from dzgui.views.mixins.help_menu_mixin import HelpMenuMixin
 from dzgui.views.mixins.scrollable_mixin import ScrollableMixin
 
 import gi
+
 gi.require_version("Gtk", "3.0")
 from gi.repository import Gtk  # noqa E402
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
-
 if TYPE_CHECKING:
     from dzgui.controllers.mc import Controller
 
-class Changelog(ScrollableMixin, Gtk.ScrolledWindow):  # type: ignore
+
+class Changelog(HelpMenuMixin, ScrollableMixin, Gtk.ScrolledWindow):  # type: ignore
     def __init__(self, controller: "Controller"):
         super().__init__(propagate_natural_width=False)
 
         try:
-            changelog = resources.read_text(APP_NAME_LOWER, "data/CHANGELOG.md")
+            changelog = resources.read_text(APP_NAME_LOWER, CHANGELOG_PATH)
         except OSError as e:
             logger.critical(e)
-            changelog = "Error: Failed to read changelog"
+            changelog = missing_changelog
 
         # TODO: should long text be wrapped?
+        self.controller = controller
         formatted = format_pango(changelog)
         self.changelog_label = Gtk.Label(valign=Gtk.Align.START, margin=15)
         self.changelog_label.set_markup(formatted)
@@ -36,3 +40,7 @@ class Changelog(ScrollableMixin, Gtk.ScrolledWindow):  # type: ignore
         self.add(self.box)
 
         self.connect("key-press-event", self._on_keypress)
+        self.connect("key-press-event", self._on_esc_keypress)
+
+    def grab_content_area(self) -> None:
+        self.grab_focus()
diff --git a/dzgui/views/pages/help.py b/dzgui/views/pages/help.py
index 5e4d8a5..531dcc9 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/pages/help.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/pages/help.py
@@ -18,7 +18,11 @@ class Help(Gtk.ScrolledWindow):
 
         self.controller = controller
 
-        self.treeview.focus_first_row()
+        # FIXME: remember focused row
+        #self.treeview.focus_first_row()
 
     def get_treeview(self) -> MenuTreeView:
         return self.treeview
+
+    def grab_content_area(self) -> None:
+        self.treeview.grab_focus()
diff --git a/dzgui/views/pages/keys.py b/dzgui/views/pages/keys.py
index 9fa357b..46ef945 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/pages/keys.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/pages/keys.py
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
+
 from dzgui.views.mixins.scrollable_mixin import ScrollableMixin
 from dzgui.util.strings import navigation, servers, vim, key_header, key_contexts
 from dzgui.util.css import add_class
@@ -6,15 +8,18 @@ import gi
 gi.require_version("Gtk", "3.0")
 from gi.repository import Gtk, Gdk # noqa E402
 
+if TYPE_CHECKING:
+    from dzgui.controllers.mc import Controller
 
 class Keybindings(ScrollableMixin, Gtk.ScrolledWindow):
     """
     Notebook page holding a prearranged grid
     of keybindings and their descriptions
     """
-    def __init__(self) -> None:
+    def __init__(self, controller: "Controller") -> None:
         super().__init__()
 
+        self.controller = controller
         self.box = Gtk.Box(orientation=Gtk.Orientation.VERTICAL)
 
         label = Gtk.Label(label=key_header)
@@ -101,3 +106,6 @@ class Keybindings(ScrollableMixin, Gtk.ScrolledWindow):
         grid.attach_next_to(separator, sidebar, Gtk.PositionType.RIGHT, w, h)
         grid.attach_next_to(keys_box, separator, Gtk.PositionType.RIGHT, w, h)
         return grid
+    
+    def grab_content_area(self) -> None:
+        self.box.grab_focus()
diff --git a/dzgui/views/pages/log.py b/dzgui/views/pages/log.py
index 057ab23..b9a4343 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/pages/log.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/pages/log.py
@@ -1,14 +1,19 @@
 from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
+from dzgui.views.mixins.cursor_mixin import CursorMixin
+from dzgui.views.mixins.help_menu_mixin import HelpMenuMixin
 from dzgui.views.trees.tree_log import LogTreeView
 
+
 import gi
+
 gi.require_version("Gtk", "3.0")
 from gi.repository import Gtk  # noqa E402
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:
     from dzgui.controllers.mc import Controller
 
-class Log(Gtk.ScrolledWindow):
+
+class Log(CursorMixin, HelpMenuMixin, Gtk.ScrolledWindow):
     def __init__(self, controller: "Controller") -> None:
         super().__init__()
         self.treeview = LogTreeView(controller)
@@ -17,5 +22,10 @@ class Log(Gtk.ScrolledWindow):
         self.controller = controller
         self.controller.register_widget("logtreeview", self.treeview)
 
+        self.connect("key-press-event", self._on_esc_keypress)
+
     def get_treeview(self) -> LogTreeView:
         return self.treeview
+    
+    def grab_content_area(self) -> None:
+        self.treeview.grab_focus()
diff --git a/dzgui/views/pages/mods.py b/dzgui/views/pages/mods.py
index 7947a6d..9ac5767 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/pages/mods.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/pages/mods.py
@@ -28,3 +28,6 @@ class Mods(Gtk.ScrolledWindow):
 
     def _on_map(self, widget: Self) -> None:
         self.controller.toggle_mod_panel(True)
+
+    def grab_content_area(self) -> None:
+        self.tree.grab_focus()
diff --git a/dzgui/views/pages/options.py b/dzgui/views/pages/options.py
index 2183cab..7342e0e 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/pages/options.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/pages/options.py
@@ -524,3 +524,6 @@ class Options(Gtk.Box):
             icon, state = VIEW_CONCEAL, True
         widget.set_icon_from_icon_name(Gtk.EntryIconPosition.SECONDARY, icon)
         widget.set_visibility(state)
+
+    def grab_content_area(self) -> None:
+        return
diff --git a/dzgui/views/pages/servers.py b/dzgui/views/pages/servers.py
index 55589e9..23c739a 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/pages/servers.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/pages/servers.py
@@ -71,6 +71,9 @@ class ServerNotebook(Gtk.ScrolledWindow):
                 self.notebook.prev_page()
             case _:
                 return
+        self.grab_content_area()
+
+    def grab_content_area(self) -> None:
         self.get_active_treeview().grab_focus()
 
     def get_current_tab_text(self) -> None:
diff --git a/dzgui/views/pages/thanks.py b/dzgui/views/pages/thanks.py
index e59b807..4adc39c 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/pages/thanks.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/pages/thanks.py
@@ -1,26 +1,37 @@
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
+
 from dzgui.util.format import format_pango
 from dzgui.util.strings import thanks
+from dzgui.views.mixins.help_menu_mixin import HelpMenuMixin
 from dzgui.views.mixins.scrollable_mixin import ScrollableMixin
 
 import gi
+
 gi.require_version("Gtk", "3.0")
 from gi.repository import Gtk  # noqa E402
 
 # TODO: wrap and center long values
+if TYPE_CHECKING:
+    from dzgui.controllers.mc import Controller
 
-class Thanks(ScrollableMixin, Gtk.ScrolledWindow):  # type: ignore
+
+class Thanks(HelpMenuMixin, ScrollableMixin, Gtk.ScrolledWindow):  # type: ignore
     """
     Special thanks page recognizing contributors to the project in alpha-order
     """
-    def __init__(self) -> None:
+
+    def __init__(self, controller: "Controller") -> None:
         super().__init__()
 
+        self.controller = controller
         self.box = Gtk.Box(orientation=Gtk.Orientation.VERTICAL, spacing=10)
         label = format_pango(thanks.header)
         header = Gtk.Label()
         header.set_markup(label)
 
-        description = Gtk.Label(label=thanks.description, justify=Gtk.Justification.CENTER)
+        description = Gtk.Label(
+            label=thanks.description, justify=Gtk.Justification.CENTER
+        )
 
         users = [f"- {user}" for user in sorted(thanks.users, key=str.lower)]
         pretty_users = "\n".join(users)
@@ -32,3 +43,7 @@ class Thanks(ScrollableMixin, Gtk.ScrolledWindow):  # type: ignore
         self.add(self.box)
 
         self.connect("key-press-event", self._on_keypress)
+        self.connect("key-press-event", self._on_esc_keypress)
+    
+    def grab_content_area(self) -> None:
+        self.grab_focus()
diff --git a/dzgui/views/trees/tree_base.py b/dzgui/views/trees/tree_base.py
index a39dd91..3663157 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/trees/tree_base.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/trees/tree_base.py
@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@ class TreeView(CursorMixin, Gtk.TreeView):  # type: ignore
         self.controller = controller
         self.sel_blocked = False
         self.set_row_separator_func(self._separate)
+        self.emitter = self.controller.get_emitter()
 
         self.selected_row = self.get_selection()
         self.selected_row.set_mode(Gtk.SelectionMode.SINGLE)
diff --git a/dzgui/views/trees/tree_servers.py b/dzgui/views/trees/tree_servers.py
index 8543b71..b62e8a8 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/trees/tree_servers.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/trees/tree_servers.py
@@ -203,14 +203,11 @@ class ServerTreeView(TreeView):
             self.current_proc.terminate()
 
     def _on_distcalc_started(self, treeview: Self):
-        # bar = self.controller.get_statusbar()
-
         record = self.get_record()
         if record is None:
             return
 
         self.emitter.emit("distcalc_started")
-        # bar.emit("server_row_changed")
         cache = self.controller.get_dist_cache()
 
         if record.ip in cache:
@@ -242,8 +239,6 @@ class ServerTreeView(TreeView):
     def _on_server_keypress(
         self, treeview: Gtk.TreeView, event: Gdk.EventKey
     ) -> bool | None:
-        # TODO: use mixins
-        # CONTROL_MASK + KEY_l
         if event.state is Gdk.ModifierType.CONTROL_MASK:
             match event.keyval:
                 case Gdk.KEY_l:
@@ -266,7 +261,7 @@ class ServerTreeView(TreeView):
                 case Gdk.KEY_l | Gdk.KEY_Right:
                     self.emitter.emit("request_button_box_focus")
                 case _:
-                    self.controller.toggle_check(event)
+                    self.emitter.emit("check_button_pressed", event.keyval)
 
     def set_context_menu(self, items: ContextMenuGroup) -> None:
         # TODO: if debug is on, add raw command copy to context menu
@@ -286,7 +281,6 @@ class ServerTreeView(TreeView):
         # TODO: use ContextMixin
         if event.type is Gdk.EventType.BUTTON_RELEASE and event.button != 3:
             return
-
         try:
             pathinfo = self.get_path_at_pos(int(event.x), int(event.y))
             if pathinfo is None: