• You are not logged in.

    How to remap the Fn key in Linux?

    • Started by corrodedCrustacean
    • 1 Replies:
    • Reputation: 0
    • Registered: 11-Mar-2020
    • Posts: 4

    Hello, I am trying to install this version of Colemak, but I'd like to tweak it so that the Extend key is on Fn instead of Caps Lock (I'm using it as Escape).
    I tried to determine its keycode with xev but when I press it nothing happens; does that mean it can't be modified with xkb? Is there another way to remap it?
    Thanks for your answers!

    Offline
    • 0
    • Reputation: 214
    • From: Viken, Norway
    • Registered: 13-Dec-2006
    • Posts: 5,361

    If you're talking about the usual kind of Fn key, it sends no scan code so it cannot be remapped. Instead, it tells the keyboard controller chip to switch to an alternate set of scan codes for a subset of other keys. This cannot be intercepted short of rewiring your keyboard. So no luck there, I'm afraid – unless you're feeling very handy and adventurous...  ╭(๑•﹏•)╮

    Keep in mind though, that there are two Esc options on the standard Extend layer and you're free to make others. I find the Caps+Q so easy now that it's like hitting a single key. I use the pinky for Caps and ring finger for Q in this combo, of course. There's also Ext+[ (as some vimmers have Esc on LBr) but I don't use that myself.

    Last edited by DreymaR (31-Mar-2020 08:23:48)

    *** Learn Colemak in 2–5 steps with Tarmak! ***
    *** Check out my Big Bag of Keyboard Tricks for Win/Linux/TMK... ***

    Offline
    • 0