[SOLVED] How to bind the Windows (Super) key?

linux_user · 2017-01-06 18:58:51

I am trying to bind the windows key to dmenu; currently <Alt>+F3.

Main Menu > Display Keybinds > Back up and Edit rc.xml have the following configured.

<keybind key="A-F3">
      <action name="Execute">
        <startupnotify>
          <enabled>false</enabled>
          <name>dmenu-bind</name>
        </startupnotify>
        <command>~/.config/dmenu/dmenu-bind.sh</command>
      </action>
    </keybind>

What is the key I need to substitute A-F3 with for the windows key? I tried <keybind key="W"> since most entries show W for the Windows key, eg <keybind key="W-f"> for file manager. However it actually takes the W key and not the windows key.

Last edited by linux_user (2017-01-08 14:47:48)

nore · 2017-01-06 19:30:46

Since Super (Windows) key is a modifier key in Openbox, you can't bind it alone with key="W". Try

<keybind key="0x85">
...

instead.
0x85 is the left Super key, 0x86 the right, if you have one on your keyboard.

Edit: If you still use Super as a modifier key too, in combination with other keys, be prepared to side effects. Consider using combination that is still easy to type, like W-z.

Last edited by nore (2017-01-06 19:36:01)

linux_user · 2017-01-06 19:46:25

nore wrote:

Since Super (Windows) key is a modifier key in Openbox, you can't bind it alone with key="W". Try
<keybind key="0x85">
...
instead.
0x85 is the left Super key, 0x86 the right, if you have one on your keyboard.
Edit: If you still use Super as a modifier key too, in combination with other keys, be prepared to side effects. Consider using combination that is still easy to type, like W-z.

Thanks.... for now, I am trying 0x85, I will see if there are any malfunctioning with other keys and update.

Update:
Indeed it works, however as you said: side-effects. All other short cuts with Superkey doesn't work anymore. The moment Superkey is pressed, dmenu is activated and whatever key is pressed henceforth, are taken as input to the dmenu. Moving back to some easier keys!

Last edited by linux_user (2017-01-06 19:59:49)

damo · 2017-01-06 20:27:15

....
Indeed it works, however as you said: side-effects. All other short cuts with Superkey doesn't work anymore. The moment Superkey is pressed, dmenu is activated and whatever key is pressed henceforth, are taken as input to the dmenu. Moving back to some easier keys!

Join the multitudes of people who have found that out already! Remember that the Super key, like Ctrl and Alt, is a modifier, ie it should be used in conjunction with other keys. Personally I use "Alt-r" for dmenu, and "Super-r" for gmrun ("r" = "run" )

PS Have you noticed the Help menu items in the main menu? Many questions like this are answered in Menu -> Help -> Openbox.....have a look at the documentation

linux_user · 2017-01-07 06:22:48

damo wrote:

Join the multitudes of people who have found that out already! Remember that the Super key, like Ctrl and Alt, is a modifier, ie it should be used in conjunction with other keys. Personally I use "Alt-r" for dmenu, and "Super-r" for gmrun ("r" = "run" )
PS Have you noticed the Help menu items in the main menu? Many questions like this are answered in Menu -> Help -> Openbox.....have a look at the documentation

Currently the moment it is pressed, the activation initiates. If the system can change that behaviour to initiate the activation only after the SuperKey is released, perhaps we can configure the SuperKey as a key bind without affecting any of the other SuperKey+[other_key] binds. Is there any way to do that?

I have gone through most of the documentations and manuals, can't find the solution directly specific. Going forward, I shall try scrutinize them before posting.

Last edited by linux_user (2017-01-07 07:55:02)

nore · 2017-01-07 08:06:57

Do you have two Windows-labeled keys on your keyboard? Left one is the one that is used as modifier. You can bind right one to be used alone for dmenu. There may be also other useless keys, like Caps Lock.

linux_user · 2017-01-07 08:25:43

nore wrote:

Do you have two Windows-labeled keys on your keyboard? Left one is the one that is used as modifier. You can bind right one to be used alone for dmenu. There may be also other useless keys, like Caps Lock.

I have only one... Currently I have configured it to W-q.

What's the key for right <Alt>? And by the way, where do I find these codes?

Out of curiosity, I would like to know if its possible to modify the behaviour of key press; to activate only after a key is pressed and released; much like a mouse click.

Last edited by linux_user (2017-01-07 08:32:53)

damo · 2017-01-07 08:56:30

....
What's the key for right <Alt>? And by the way, where do I find these codes?

The "xev" command displays the results of key and mouse activity. Also check out "xmodmap" and "scancodes" etc.

linux_user · 2017-01-08 14:46:22

Was able to find it out with xev command. It was Alt_R

Marking thread as Solved, but would be still interested to know,

Is possible to modify the behaviour of key press; to activate only after a key is pressed and released; much like a mouse click.

Last edited by linux_user (2017-01-08 14:47:08)

ohnonot · 2017-01-08 15:01:46

according to this mouse bindings can be bound to a "release" event, but not keys (unless xev gives a different keycode for relase than for press?).

iirc openbox keybinds are bound to key release by default.

damo · 2017-01-08 15:34:25

I'm sure you can intercept x events and run an action, but it is unlikely to be a trivial process.

nore · 2017-01-08 16:04:52

ohnonot wrote:

iirc openbox keybinds are bound to key release by default.

Try holding Super+T down, and after filling your desktop with terminals, hold Super+D for a light show. So, it looks like they are bound to key press.

#1 2017-01-06 18:58:51

[SOLVED] How to bind the Windows (Super) key?

#2 2017-01-06 19:30:46

Re: [SOLVED] How to bind the Windows (Super) key?

#3 2017-01-06 19:46:25

Re: [SOLVED] How to bind the Windows (Super) key?

#4 2017-01-06 20:27:15

Re: [SOLVED] How to bind the Windows (Super) key?

#5 2017-01-07 06:22:48

Re: [SOLVED] How to bind the Windows (Super) key?

#6 2017-01-07 08:06:57

Re: [SOLVED] How to bind the Windows (Super) key?

#7 2017-01-07 08:25:43

Re: [SOLVED] How to bind the Windows (Super) key?

#8 2017-01-07 08:56:30

Re: [SOLVED] How to bind the Windows (Super) key?

#9 2017-01-08 14:46:22

Re: [SOLVED] How to bind the Windows (Super) key?

#10 2017-01-08 15:01:46

Re: [SOLVED] How to bind the Windows (Super) key?

#11 2017-01-08 15:34:25

Re: [SOLVED] How to bind the Windows (Super) key?

#12 2017-01-08 16:04:52

Re: [SOLVED] How to bind the Windows (Super) key?

Board footer