Skip Perl, use AutoHotKey instead. To quote their home page:

AutoHotkey is a free, open-source utility for Windows. With it, you can:

• Automate almost anything by sending keystrokes and mouse clicks. You can write a mouse or keyboard macro by hand or use the macro recorder.
• Create hotkeys for keyboard, joystick, and mouse. Virtually any key, button, or combination can become a hotkey.
• [and a lot more that isn't relevant to your needs]

The only "problem" is that it's syntax is like nothing you've ever seen. OTOH, (a) you can launch external programs, such as Perl scripts, without much effort, and (b) there's a forum that's always willing to help.