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.

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


X Keyboard Extension (XKB)

X Keyboard Extension (XKB)

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.

Categories:
keyboard layout customization x11 x-windows-system

X Keyboard Extension (XKB) Features

  1. Allows customization of keyboard layouts and options
  2. Supports remapping keys and modifying keyboard behavior
  3. Controls keyboard LED functions
  4. Provides options for keyboard accessibility
  5. Integrates with X Windows System

Pricing

  • Open Source
  • Free

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