Ubuntu – How to set up a keyboard shortcut so that Ctrl+Backspace = Del

keyboardkubuntushortcut-keys

As an old mac user, I am used to hitting Ctrl+Backspace, and the effect is the same as if I pressed Del. I have recently purchased an Asus N53SV laptop which has replaced my MacBook, but unfortunately this laptop has a very annoying keyboard layout, where the Del key is in a non standard position, and moreover it is TINY.

Is it possible to get the Ctrl+Backspace combination to issue a Del and how would I do this?

Using Kubuntu, but I believe this is to be done at X level, not at desktop, am I right?
Thanks!

Best Answer

In Kubuntu Ctrl+Backspace by default is assigned to the action "Delete Word Backwards" which is used by some applications. You can overwrite this, though.

One solution was to install xautomation Install xautomation and then create a shortcut for Ctrl+Backspace which runs xte 'key Delete':

  • Open a terminal (i.e. Konsole) and run sudo apt-get install xautomation.

  • Open Custom Shortcuts via the search menu.

  • Click Edit → New → Global Shortcut → Command/URL. Name the new shortcut.

  • Go to the Trigger tab, click the input button (None) and press Ctrl+Backspace. Then click onto Reassign.

    enter image description here

  • Go to the Action tab and enter xte 'key Delete'.

  • Click Apply. Ready.

    enter image description here

(More about xte which is part of xautomation.)

To assign a new shortcut to "Delete Word Backwards" add a custom combination to that action within Standard Keyboard Shortcuts.

enter image description here

Related Question