Ubuntu – Map caps-lock key to middle mouse click

input-deviceskeyboardshortcut-keysxmodmapxorg

Since I rarely use caps-lock, I'd like to map the key to a middle mouse click instead. I would also like to map Alt+Caps Lock to the original function of the caps lock key, should I ever need it.

I can map any keyboard shortcut to xdotool click 2, but the Gnome Keyboard Shortcuts dialog won't let me assign a command to the caps-lock key, even with modifiers.

I know this is a bit of a strange undertaking; How would I go about doing it?

Best Answer

If you first remove the lock modifier from the Caps Lock key you should then be able to assign the key in Keyboard Shortcuts, use the command below to do that:

echo  'remove lock = Caps_Lock' | xmodmap -

install the pre-requisites:

sudo apt-get install xbindkeys xautomation

Then create the xbindkeys config file:

touch .xbindkeysrc

bind the key:

Now we need to figure out what the keysym of your caps lock button is. Run

xev | grep key

Put your mouse into the box that appears and press the caps lock button. This is what I get.

enter image description here

The important part here is

(keysym 0xffe5, Caps_Lock),

Write the keysym (0xffe5) down, you'll need it later.

Now edit the xbindkeys config file.

gedit .xbindkeysrc

And add the following to the file:

" xte 'key 0xffe5' "
b:2

(note, replace 0xffe5 with whatever number you got earlier. I bet it will be the same, but I'm not sure).

Save and close the file. Now run:

xbindkeys

You're done!

Caveat:

On my keyboard, this method didn't toggle the light on the caps lock key, (which is understandable), so you will probably lose any indicators you have that caps is enabled. Any software indicators should still work though.

Best Answer

Related Solutions

Ubuntu – Remap Caps Lock key to ‘Run Command’ (Alt+F2)

Ubuntu – How to map a key to middle click

install the pre-requisites:

bind the key:

Caveat:

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