CrunchBang Linux

fhsm

#! Junkie

From: New Hampshire, USA

Registered: 2009-01-05

Posts: 443

Super Key / Windows Key / Keyboard Shortcuts on a Laptop

Abstract
You've got a laptop with now "Super" key and want to use the cool crunchbang keyboard shortcuts.  Help!
You've got two options for fixing the problem, read: fake a super key and use another key.

The Problem
The default Conky config includes a quick reference for all the OpenBox keyboard bindings.  This is one of Philip's many great ideas as it quickly draws attention two two of the distro's best features.  But what if you've got a laptop (like a ThinkPad) with no super key?  This is has been a very common question on the forums, in fact it was the first question I asked on the forums.

Solutions
First the simplest solution to the problem: the super key is the windows key is the funky key on the mac.  Perhaps you've got the key in question and just don't recognize it by that name.

If you really don't have the key in question you have two sorts of solutions:
Solution 1 Change the default openbox keybindings to use the keys you do have (like Alt or Ctrl).  This post has a clear explanation of how you would change the default bindings.
Solution 2 Trick a key on your keyboard into telling the operating system it is the super key.  This post explains how you can change the way a key on your keyboard identifies itself; however, you should start reading the thread from this post for context.

Comparison of Solutions
Solution 1 is easier to follow if you are new to linux; however, it may make other applications behave in an unexpected fashion.  For example if you change all the Ws to As in rc.xml as suggested in solution one then run Firefox Alt-t will get you a terminal window instead of the firefox tools menu.  In short applications expect to be able to use the alt and ctrl keys for keyboard shortcuts becuase the OS should be using the Super key / Windows key / Apple key. 

Solution 2 is not difficult, but does require a bit of *nix black magic.  In the end you get a key on your keyboard that is, from the operating system's perspective, a super key; however, that means your keyboard is now incorrectly labeled: a key that says one thing now does another.  I did not find this difficult to adjust to.  This change will only apply to your user account so other users of the computer need not be considered.  When selecting your solution consider how difficult it will be for you to adjust to having a 'mislabeled' key.  The obvious, and significant, advantage of solution two is that your applications and operating system will behave in a consistent fashion. 

Selecting new Bindings
Solution 1 only has two real options for alternative key bindings: control and alt.  Right and left are not differentiated.  The above linked tutorial selects alt.  I would strongly suggest you do the same as ctrl keyboard short cuts are much more widely used by applications (and application users) than alt shortcuts.

Solution 2 offers at least five options for your new super key: left control, right control, left alt, right alt, caps lock.  The linked tutorial uses the right alt key as a super key and leaves the left alt key as an alt key.  Again I would say using an alt key is a better than using a ctrl key; however, right and left is a matter of personal preference.  All of that said the caps lock is maybe the most useless key on the keyboard.  If you don't plan to make significant use of the W-z, W-q, and W-a pairs I would strongly consider using the caps lock as described here.

Last edited by fhsm (2009-06-13 16:17:18)

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FHSM: avoid vowels and exotic consonants and you'll get your handle every time.  identi.ca

fhsm

#! Junkie

From: New Hampshire, USA

Registered: 2009-01-05

Posts: 443

Re: Super Key / Windows Key / Keyboard Shortcuts on a Laptop

lkraemer has reposted his tip.  Please see the new thread: http://crunchbanglinux.org/forums/topic … t-or-cntl/

Last edited by fhsm (2009-06-13 15:40:47)

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FHSM: avoid vowels and exotic consonants and you'll get your handle every time.  identi.ca

jobester

#! CrunchBanger

Registered: 2008-11-29

Posts: 151

Re: Super Key / Windows Key / Keyboard Shortcuts on a Laptop

You've got two options for fixing the problem, read: fake a super key and use another key.

...

Solution 1 Change the default openbox keybindings to use the keys you do have (like Alt or Ctrl).  This post has a clear explanation of how you would change the default bindings.

Hello!

- The second link, "use another key," is dead.
- May I suggest updating the "Change the default openbox keybindings" link to http://crunchbanglinux.org/forums/topic … r-laptops/ ?
- Changing Caps Lock to Super Key seems like a potential addition for the wiki http://crunchbanglinux.org/wiki/howto/e … _shortcuts but currently isn't simple enough for me to understand and add.

All the best!

Last edited by jobester (2009-11-03 18:17:41)

OldYogi

New Member

Registered: 2011-12-24

Posts: 8

Re: Super Key / Windows Key / Keyboard Shortcuts on a Laptop

If you are going to use CapsLock, by far the simplest way to do it is the suggestion of Hardran3, here.   It is very simple:

To remap super to caps lock add the following to your /etc/default/keyboard

XKBOPTIONS="caps:super"

Works like a charm, and requires nothing else!
Otherwise, after modifying .Xmodmap you have to also modify rc.xml