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.
Os & Utilities Keyboard Utilities
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X Keyboard Extension (XKB) alternatives ➤

X Keyboard Extension (XKB): Configure Custom Keyboard Layoutss

X Keyboard Extension (XKB) allows users to customize keymappings, layouts, LED functions and more in X Windows System, providing a powerful tool for keyboard enthusiasts.

What is X Keyboard Extension (XKB)?

The X Keyboard Extension (XKB) is an X Window System standard for configuring and customizing keyboard layouts and options. It provides capabilities beyond what is offered by the core X protocol, allowing users to:

  • Fully customize and modify keyboard key mappings and functions
  • Switch between multiple keyboard layouts (e.g. different languages)
  • Assign functions to extra keys and hotkeys
  • Customize LED lights and indicators
  • Set advanced keyboard options and controls

XKB is widely used on Linux and UNIX desktop environments to set keyboard preferences, language/layout switching, custom hotkeys, and other advanced keyboard functionality. It typically includes a database of keyboard models and layouts that can be further tweaked as needed. GUIs like KDE, GNOME and Xfce include XKB configuration tools.

Overall, XKB provides a standardized, flexible system for going beyond basic keyboard functionality in X Windows. It is useful for multilingual users, programmers/developers needing specialized keymaps, and anyone wanting finer-grained keyboard control in their X desktop environment.

X Keyboard Extension (XKB) Features

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

Official Links

Official Website
https://www.x.org/releases/current/doc/libX11/X...

The Best X Keyboard Extension (XKB) Alternatives

Top Os & Utilities and Keyboard Utilities and other similar apps like X Keyboard Extension (XKB)

Here are some alternatives to X Keyboard Extension (XKB):

SharpKeys icon
SharpKeys
Karabiner Elements icon
Karabiner Elements
KeyTweak icon
KeyTweak
Xmodmap icon
xmodmap
Suggest an alternative ❐

SharpKeys icon

SharpKeys

SharpKeys is a small free and open source utility that allows users to easily remap their keyboard keys and assign different functions or layouts. It can be useful for those using nonstandard or laptop keyboards that they want to customize or change to be more ergonomic and efficient.Some key features...
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Karabiner Elements icon

Karabiner Elements

Karabiner Elements is a powerful and flexible keyboard customization utility for macOS. It allows you to customize and remap your keyboard keys, modify key behaviors, create complex macros and shortcuts, and more.Some of the key features of Karabiner Elements include:Key remapping - Remap any key to any other key or...
Karabiner Elements image
KeyTweak icon

KeyTweak

KeyTweak is a free, open source software application for Windows that allows users to remap and customize their keyboard keys and mouse buttons. It gives users more control over their input devices by letting them change what actions are assigned to specific keys or buttons.Some of the features of KeyTweak...
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Xmodmap icon

Xmodmap

Xmodmap is a simple utility for modifying keyboard mappings and pointer button mappings in the X Window System. It enables users to easily remap keys and buttons and assign different functions to them without having to directly edit configuration files.Some common uses of xmodmap include:Swapping Caps Lock and Escape keysRemapping...
Xmodmap image