xmodmap vs X Keyboard Extension (XKB)

Struggling to choose between xmodmap and X Keyboard Extension (XKB)? 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, X Keyboard Extension (XKB) is a Os & Utilities product tagged with keyboard, layout, customization, x11, x-windows-system.

Its standout features include Allows customization of keyboard layouts and options, Supports remapping keys and modifying keyboard behavior, Controls keyboard LED functions, Provides options for keyboard accessibility, Integrates with X Windows System, and it shines with pros like Highly customizable keyboard settings, Can improve keyboard usability and accessibility, Open source system with community support, Works across different keyboards and languages.

Feature	xmodmap	X Keyboard Extension (XKB)
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Os & Utilities	Os & Utilities

Product Overview

xmodmap

Description: 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.

X Keyboard Extension (XKB)

Description: X Keyboard Extension (XKB) is a system for configuring and customizing keyboard layouts and options in X Windows System. It allows users to customize keymappings, layouts, LED functions and more.

Key Features Comparison

xmodmap Features

• 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

X Keyboard Extension (XKB) Features

• Allows customization of keyboard layouts and options
• Supports remapping keys and modifying keyboard behavior
• Controls keyboard LED functions
• Provides options for keyboard accessibility
• Integrates with X Windows System

Pros & Cons Analysis

xmodmap

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

X Keyboard Extension (XKB)

Pros

• Highly customizable keyboard settings
• Can improve keyboard usability and accessibility
• Open source system with community support
• Works across different keyboards and languages

Cons

• Fairly technical, not for casual users
• Configuration can be complex
• Limited to X Windows System
• Requires learning new syntax and concepts

Pricing Comparison

xmodmap

• Free
• Open Source

X Keyboard Extension (XKB)

• Open Source
• Free