xmodmap vs Karabiner Elements

Struggling to choose between xmodmap and Karabiner Elements? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

xmodmap is a Os & Utilities solution with tags like keyboard, key-mapping, xorg, utility.

It boasts features such as Remaps keys and mouse buttons, Does not require editing configuration files directly, Applies changes temporarily for current X session, Supports keyboard layout switching, Can assign macros to keys and pros including Simple and easy to use, Does not require restarting X server, Allows customizing keyboard and mouse without permanent changes, Helpful for non-US keyboards and accessibility.

On the other hand, Karabiner Elements is a Os & Utilities product tagged with keyboard, customization, remapping, macros, shortcuts.

Its standout features include Remap keys and buttons, Create complex custom keyboard shortcuts, Change key behaviors like key repeat rate, Simple rules editor to create modifications, Supports common keyboards and pointing devices, and it shines with pros like Powerful customization options, Intuitive interface, Active development and updates, Free and open source.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

xmodmap

xmodmap

xmodmap is a utility for modifying keyboard mappings and pointer button mappings in Xorg. It allows users to remap keys and buttons and assign different functions without having to edit configuration files directly.

Categories:
keyboard key-mapping xorg utility

Xmodmap Features

  1. Remaps keys and mouse buttons
  2. Does not require editing configuration files directly
  3. Applies changes temporarily for current X session
  4. Supports keyboard layout switching
  5. Can assign macros to keys

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Simple and easy to use

Does not require restarting X server

Allows customizing keyboard and mouse without permanent changes

Helpful for non-US keyboards and accessibility

Cons

Mappings do not persist across sessions

Limited to Xorg only, not compatible with Wayland

Can conflict with other mapping tools

Requires manually running on each login


Karabiner Elements

Karabiner Elements

Karabiner Elements is a powerful keyboard customization tool for macOS that allows you to customize and remap keys, modify key behaviors, and create complex macros and shortcuts.

Categories:
keyboard customization remapping macros shortcuts

Karabiner Elements Features

  1. Remap keys and buttons
  2. Create complex custom keyboard shortcuts
  3. Change key behaviors like key repeat rate
  4. Simple rules editor to create modifications
  5. Supports common keyboards and pointing devices

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Powerful customization options

Intuitive interface

Active development and updates

Free and open source

Cons

Steep learning curve

Manual editing of JSON files required for advanced features

Limited to macOS platform only