added a document listener on the max field and a mouse exit listener on the min field to see which we like best in the color palette tool.  This works instead of having to hit enter.  Each has their own unique annoyance but either is better than hitting enter.  The mouse listener updates whenever the mouse happens to pass by the text area, the document listener listens as the text is being typed.  I  probably like the document listener better but we'll pick one and go with it.