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I wanted to test some of those new "layered" Keyboards, like Neo, AdNW or KOY. I read that when using Linux it is quite easy, compared to windows or mac, so i wanted to give it a try. I tweaked "extended input sources" and voila, all fancy layouts are there.

Problem is: If i want to use Mod4, aka Layer 4 (on german-qwertz-keys "<" and "AltGr"), this is not possible. I checked with all my three different Hardwares and got three different results:

  1. IBM X220 Laptop: Both Mod4-Keys are dead, so i can only use Layer 1, 2, 3 and 5 (which is 2+3)
  2. Lenovo T490 Laptop: Both Mod4-Keys are inverted, so i can use all Layers, but have to hold down Mod4 to type on Layer 1
  3. Desktop PC: Both Mod4-Keys are permanently pressed, so i can only use Layer 4 and 6 (which is 4+2)

More Facts:

  • All PCs/Laptops are using Ubuntu 20.04
  • Tried with Neo2, AdNW and KOY, all get the same results (on same hardware...)
  • changing keyboard in language-settings-gui or change via "setxkbmap" i get same results
  • i read that CAPSLOCK should be disabled when changing layout, as CAPS aka Mod3 gets new behaviour (it is not locking...). But this has to effect on stupid Mod4

Can anyone repro this?

  • Add additional Neo keyboard via "language and region" settings (i.e. German => German (Neo 2)
  • Switch keyboards via SUPER+Space or language switcher in top bar
  • try to type some letters and use "<" or "AltGr" as you would use shift key to "shift" to Layer 4, see keyboard layout here
schwupp
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2 Answers2

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KDE Plasma desktop

To solve the issue using the KDE plasma desktop, you have to go to the advanced keyboard settings in the system settings. As you already mentioned, the first thing you need to do is to disable CapsLock, which resolves the conflict with the Mod3 button. Then you have to open the "key to choose 5th level" submenu and select the corresponding modifier keys that you want to use as your Mod4 (Also see this link). For Neo, ADNW or KOY it is the < and Alt Gr key. If i remember correctly, Alt Gr is referred to as right Alt in the menu). For me, this solved the problem in Ubuntu 20.04 and I can use the KOY layout without noticing any problems so far.

It is a little bit confusing that the modifier key got the number 4 while the option talks about level 5, but it works. However, there is a small catch. If you use another layout in parallel during the learning process, enabling the Mod4 key disables the functionality of the Alt Gr key for other layouts, since it is a global setting.

After a quick search, I read that this can be solved using a bash script, but I didn't try it yet, because enabling/disabling the key in the options is quick enough for me and I only switch during my learning periods.

GNOME

As mentioned by schwupp in the comments, the gnome settings do not provide the advanced keyboard settings menu. However, if one runs gnome-tweaks (you need to install it and/or gnome-tweak-tool), you can navigate to the "Keyboard & Mouse" submenu and hit the Additional Layout Options button. Another menu will pop up where you find the submenu item "key to choose 5th level". Select the "right Alt" and < option. You can also set the CapsLock behaviour there.

wychmaster
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Maybe your layer 4 is locked. You can try to unlock it by pressing both Mod4 buttons together or Shift+Mod3+Tab. Or try to disable Num Lock on startup.

See more here.

algus
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