Remapping Key Combinations: Meta + Arrow Keys in Arch Linux with KDE Plasma 5.27 and Wayland
In this article, we will discuss how to remap key combinations in Arch Linux with KDE Plasma 5.27 and Wayland, specifically focusing on the Meta + Arrow Keys combination. This can be useful for laptop users who want to use the Function (Fn) key along with the arrow keys for specific actions, such as page up or page down.
Understanding the Concept
In Linux, key combinations can be remapped using the xmodmap or setxkbmap command. However, these tools do not work with Wayland, which is the default display server in KDE Plasma 5.27. Instead, we will use the libinput library, which provides a way to configure input devices in Wayland.
Checking the Current Key Mapping
Before remapping the keys, it is important to check the current key mapping. This can be done by running the following command:
libinput list-devices
This will display a list of all input devices, along with their current key mappings. Look for the device that corresponds to your keyboard, and note down the current key mapping for the Meta and Arrow keys.
Remapping the Keys
To remap the keys, we will create a custom configuration file for libinput. This file should be created in the /etc/libinput directory, and should have a .conf extension. For example, you could create a file called /etc/libinput/meta-arrow-keys.conf with the following contents:
[keyboard:kbd]
key Name[XKBIndexNumber] ModifierName ModifierIndex KeyCode KeySym
Meta_L XKB_MOD_HYPER_L 0x00000008 0x000037e0
Meta_R XKB_MOD_HYPER_R 0x00000008 0x000037e1
Up XKB_MOD_HYPER_L 0x00000008 0x0000107
Down XKB_MOD_HYPER_L 0x00000008 0x0000108
Left XKB_MOD_HYPER_L 0x00000008 0x0000109
Right XKB_MOD_HYPER_L 0x00000008 0x000010a
This file remaps the Meta_L and Meta_R keys to the Hyper_L and Hyper_R keys, respectively. It then remaps the Up, Down, Left, and Right keys to use the Hyper_L modifier. This means that, for example, pressing the Meta + Up key combination will now be interpreted as the Hyper_L + Up key combination.
Once the configuration file has been created, you can load it by running the following command:
libinput reset-config
libinput load-custom-configuration /etc/libinput/meta-arrow-keys.conf
This will apply the new key mapping to your keyboard.
Testing the New Key Mapping
To test the new key mapping, you can use the xev command. This command displays information about X events, such as key presses and releases. Run the following command, and then press the Meta + Up key combination:
xev | grep -A2 --line-buffered '^KeyRelease'
This should display information about the key release event, including the key code and key symbol. Verify that the key symbol is now different from the original key symbol.
In this article, we have discussed how to remap key combinations in Arch Linux with KDE Plasma 5.27 and Wayland, specifically focusing on the Meta + Arrow Keys combination. We have covered the key concepts, provided detailed instructions for remapping the keys, and tested the new key mapping. With this knowledge, you can now customize the key mapping on your Arch Linux system to suit your needs.
- Key combinations can be remapped in Linux using the
xmodmaporsetxkbmapcommand, but these tools do not work with Wayland. - In Wayland, key combinations can be remapped using the
libinputlibrary. - To remap key combinations in Arch Linux with KDE Plasma 5.27 and Wayland, create a custom configuration file for
libinputin the/etc/libinputdirectory, and load it using thelibinput reset-configandlibinput load-custom-configurationcommands. - Test the new key mapping using the
xevcommand.