xmodmap vs xcape

Struggling to choose between xmodmap and xcape? 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, xcape is a Os & Utilities product tagged with keyboard, shortcuts, modifier-keys.

Its standout features include Assign keyboard shortcuts to keys when modifier keys are held down, Enable extra functionality from keys when using keyboard shortcuts, Customizable key combinations, Support for multiple modifier keys (Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Super/Windows), Ability to disable default keyboard shortcuts, and it shines with pros like Enhances keyboard productivity and efficiency, Provides a way to create custom keyboard shortcuts, Allows for more intuitive and personalized workflow, Lightweight and easy to use.

Feature	xmodmap	xcape
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.

xcape

Description: xcape is a Linux utility that allows you to assign keyboard shortcuts to keys when modifier keys are held down. It enables extra functionality from keys when using keyboard shortcuts.

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

xcape Features

• Assign keyboard shortcuts to keys when modifier keys are held down
• Enable extra functionality from keys when using keyboard shortcuts
• Customizable key combinations
• Support for multiple modifier keys (Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Super/Windows)
• Ability to disable default keyboard shortcuts

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

xcape

Pros

• Enhances keyboard productivity and efficiency
• Provides a way to create custom keyboard shortcuts
• Allows for more intuitive and personalized workflow
• Lightweight and easy to use

Cons

• May require some initial setup and configuration
• Limited to Linux operating systems
• May not be compatible with all applications or use cases

Pricing Comparison

xmodmap

• Free
• Open Source

xcape

• Open Source