Xfce Forum

bkaz4283

Member

Registered: 2023-02-17

Posts: 1

How to preserve "CTRL" function in XFCE with MacBook + ext keyboard?

Hello,

I am running XFCE on a MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2021) running macOS Monterey Version 12.4.

I'm using an external keyboard connected to the laptop via USB.

I've configured the "Modifier Keys..." in Keyboard Settings so that the "Control (^) Key" triggers the Mac "Command" function, and "Command Key" triggers the "^ Control" function.  This is because the external keyboard doesn't have a Mac "Command" key and I want to use Ctrl in the standard way (Ctrl-C for copy, Ctrl-V for paste, etc.).

The problem is, in the XFCE environment I need to press the Windows key to get the same function as Ctrl.  Is there a way to re-map the Ctrl and Windows keys so that Ctrl functions in the expected way when I am working in the XFCE environment?

Thanks in advance for help!
-Brian

mint4all

Member

From: off the map

Registered: 2018-08-21

Posts: 276

Re: How to preserve "CTRL" function in XFCE with MacBook + ext keyboard?

Welcome to the forum!

Several years ago, a friend gave me a re"tired" iMac (model 11,3, ca 2011) along with its short magic (BT) keyboard and (BT) mouse. I could never get either working properly with Mint 19-XFCE, or any other distro for that matter, no matter what I tried over an entire week. But before giving up on the iMac, I tried out Logitec's wireless keyboard/mouse combo (using its own unified USB-button) -- quel surprise! it worked like a charm. So I scrubbed MacOS and installed Mint-XFCE.

Of course, I had to tweak the keyboard settings a bit, but it all worked out without a hitch (now 2 1/2 years and running).

Suggestion: first, try to map your USB-keyboard model properly (make & model), then change/setup the key/function mapping to suit your preferences. After all, since you are bypassing the MacBook's built-in keyboard altogether, that ought to work ok. Alas, I have no idea how to emulate MacBook-unique keys (ie brightness)...

Cheers, m4a.

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Linux Mint 21.3 -- xfce 4.18 ... Apple iMAC -- Lenovo, Dell, HP Desktops and Laptops -- Family & Community Support