Problem creating shortcuts with super-key (win-key/mod4)

[ghost]

I have set up the shortcut to launch "Home folder" as Mod4+E (corresponds to super+e (or winkey+e)), but to actually open my home folder I need to press super+e+e . When pressing super+e (or most other letters) I get a small gray input box in the buttom left corner, which is almost complety covered by the buttom panel. Super+d works fine for showing the desktop.

[wulftone]

+1, this is quite annoying. Exactly the same issue. I'm using cinnamon 1.4 as just updated on LMDE Update Pack 4

[tamland]

This is an issue inherited from gnome3/mutter. A workaround is to set the "overlay-key" property to empty or some other key. You'll loose the built-in shortcuts though.

Gnome
using dconf-editor: /org/gnome/mutter/overlay-key

Cinnamon
using gconf-editor: /apps/gnome/muffin/general/overlay-key

[wulftone]

thanks, that works. it would be nice to get a solution instead of a workaround, but this will do for now.

[rcrath]

SUperkeys and shortcuts were working in Cinnamon 1.4 on top of gnome 3.2 but has stopped on LMDE update pack five because of an update to gnome 3.4 in which the shortcuts are moved completely to dconf, but the keys for deconf dont work. The former solutions offered no longer fix the problem because the dconf keys are not being registered, so the shortcut keys just don't work.
The problem is upstream and a combination of foulups on Ubuntu and gnome regarding the transition or lack thereof from gconf to dconf that seem to cover up the actual problem. responsibility for shortcuts in gnome 3.4 is turned over to dconf, but the keys in dconf are broken:

$ gsettings get org.gnome.settings-daemon.plugins.media-keys custom-keybindings

returns the plugin keys as being stored in custom0...customN, but

$ gsettings get org.gnome.settings-daemon.plugins.media-keys.custom-keybindings.custom0 binding
(or command or name instead of binding) returns
No such schema 'org.gnome.settings-daemon.plugins.media-keys.custom-keybindings.custom0'
even though I can see it in dconf. That is my guess as to where the problem is.

I know this is a gnome problem, but It would be great if this could be resolved in Cinnamon, cuz gnome and ubuntu devs don't seem to be interested in fixing for a few more versions.

[rcrath]

release notes to version 3.5.3 of gnome settings daemon say "Media-keys:

• Make keyboard shortcuts work again". see
  http://ftp.acc.umu.se/pub/GNOME/sources/gnome-settings-daemon/3.5/gnome-settings-daemon-3.5.3.news
  and
  http://ftp.gnome.org/pub/GNOME/sources/gnome-settings-daemon/3.5/
  but requires gnome 3.5.3 and a bunch of other stuff.
  It would be great if this fixes it and could be incorporated into Cinnamon

[shred]

This is really a showstopper for Cinnamon 1.6, IMHO. I used the "Keyboard" settings to use Super-1 to move to workspace 1, Super-2 for workspace 2 and so on. However, these shortcuts do not work any more now, so I cannot quickly change workspaces any more.

However, when I change the keyboard shortcut to something different (like Ctrl-1) it still doesn't work, so it seems to be not just an issue with the super key.

[mtwebster]

We are working on a keyboard page for Cinnamon Settings that will allow proper setting of keyboard shortcuts, hopefully in time for 1.6.1

[wulftone]

+1 to the 1.6.1 keyboard settings, I couldn't even get any keyboard shortcuts to change workspaces on cinnamon 1.6 from the Romeo repos

[svenjacobs]

Customizing Cinnamon keyboard shortcuts is greatly appreciated and anticipated. For example do CTRL+ALT+Left and CTRL+ALT+Right conflict with my favorite IDE.

[acherep]

+1. I really like Cinnamon together with LM13. However, after the update from Cinnamon 1.4 to 1.6.0 (or 1.6.1), my favorite super-shortcuts stopped working :( Sad to say, I had to reinstall LM13 to get it back.

[LunaticoCR]

I don't understand, I see this was closed but was it implemented?
I'm running Cinnamon 1.6.1 and I still can't use the Super key for shortcuts.

[mtwebster]

There is now a keyboard settings page in Cinnamon Settings, from which you should be able to set keyboard shortcuts properly. I don't recall if this was implemented before or after 1.6.1 though, I recommend you upgrade to the latest version.

[nospam2k]

The custom shortcuts do not work in keyboard shortcuts in Cinnamon 1.6.7 (Mint 14). In fact if you change the default terminal shortcut to another command, it still runs the terminal app!!

[mtwebster]

I'll look into it - this was working in 13, probably something broken by upstream changes

[m2xtreme]

I still cannot use the super key for any shortcuts, though other key combinations are working (i.e. Ctrl+Alt+W). Using Cinnamon 1.6.7.

[LunaticoCR]

On LM13 32-bit, upgraded to Cinnamon 1.6.7 from backports. Can not use Super key for shortcuts either.
I just created one for gnome-terminal assigned to Super+t, and I have to press Supper+t+t for it to work.
I think it might happen with other shortcuts, I have Ctrl+Right for rhythmbox next song and many times I have to press Ctrl+Right two or three times for it to take the command.
Any fix or workaround?

[LunaticoCR]

One more question, gnome-control-center is still there and contains the old keyboard settings. Wouldn't that conflict with /usr/lib/cinnamon-settings/cinnamon-settings.py?
What if someone modifies shortcuts keys on cinnamon-settings.py and gnome-control-center at the same time?

[marga-google]

Hi,

This problem is still present in 1.6.7. When setting any shortcut to include the Super key, whatever you press after pressing the Super key is not read by cinnamon, but rather passed on (can be tested in a Terminal). The next key is actually read and works. So, Super-x-t, or Super-t-t, or Super-p-t all lead to the same result (i.e. it behaves as if one had pressed Super-t).

[ghost]

Still experiencing issues here too. Using Cinnamon 1.6.7 from the Arch repos. I have it set to open gnome-terminal on Super-t, but even with Super-t-t, it does not work. Also, to lock the screen I need to use Super-l-l, because Super-l just types an l to whatever window has focus. Same issue as margamanterola, essentially.

I do not have gnome-control-center installed, so it is not at fault for this issue.

[sw9]

I am also experiencing some variant of this issue on Cinnamon 1.6.7. My Super shortcut keys work but I need to hold them down for a long time before releasing for the apps to be launched. If I press and release immediately, nothing happens. In addition, when I change the shortcut key for Cinnamon menu from Super to something else, my Super shortcut keys function normally. This is less convenient though for accessing Cinnamon menu.

[blackoutworm]

I'm not able to use the super key at all.
So I have to manually click the start menu.
And it doesn't seem to understand that I have changed the shortcut from super_l.
Are there any workaround for this?

[LiraNuna]

The problem is still present with cinnamon 1.8.8 exactly as the original post describes it - changing any shortcut to Super+X will require the user to actually press Super+X+X in order to be activated

This is mostly annoying because of the first keystroke gets registered by the application currently having focus which will eventually create havoc.

[peterbecker]

I'm also experiencing this with 1.8.8+olivia (from Linux Mint 15). My current workaround is to use Super+(Shift,E), i.e. hold the Windows key, then hit Shift and 'E' in succession. The shift seems to count for the purpose of the bug but is usually safe to send to the application that has focus. It's pretty annoying, though.

Ctrl+Alt shortcuts are not an option for the reason svenjacobs gave: they overlap heavily with my IDE settings and I don't plan to change those.

[PragTob]

I'd really appreciate a fix for this, not working and without using the super modifier my current plans for new IDE shortcuts really do seem a lot harder than they should be (or even changing my normal Mint shortcuts).

[LiraNuna]

This is not fixed for me in Cinnamon 2.0.12 on Mint 16.

[jasker5183]

Not fixed here either in 2.0.14 on Manjaro. How old is this bug?

[tamland]

@mtwebster I believe this is only partially fixed. Shortcuts assigned in cinnamon-settings works as expected, but for all other applications it doesn't. For instance in launchy or gnome-do, one of keys is still eaten and you have to press it twice (super+space+space), and only the super key is affected, just as OP describes.

[tamland]

Relevant gnome bug https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=662580

[m2xtreme]

It's fixed for me! Cinnamon 2.0.14 on Mint 13 (Maya).

[ArturGajowy]

Does not work on Cinnamon 2.0.14 and Mint 16 (Petra) 64 bit.

Hitting winkey+f12 causes a reaction as if just f12 was pressed (e.g. opens dev tools in Chrome), which is even more annoying if you're trying to use winkey+l to lock screen (and output a random 'l' to your IDE as a result).

Two more possible 'workarounds':

• hit winkey once before executing the shortcut (e.g. winkey-down, winkey-up, winkey-down, f12-down, both up) - the menu will blink for a while, but hey! You're not writing a random 'l' to your code, at least...
• use winkey+alt or some other odd combination in your shortcuts...

[ArturGajowy]

I also noticed that actions supported by muffin (org.cinnamon.muffin.keybindings in dconf-editor) work flawlessly with winkey+f12 and winkey+l shortcuts. Using the winkey for its main purpose (showing the menu) is, alas, a problem for bindings supported by whatever supports bindings set under org.cinnamon.settings-daemon.plugins.media-keys.

[nicorac]

Same issue here on a freshly installed Mint 17 - Cinnamon 2.2.
I'd like to have my Win+E shortcut working, but it only works if I press Win+E+E.

[fvieira]

I also confirm this bug on a freshly installed Mint 17 - Cinnamon 2.2.13.

If I set the Menu shortcut to Super_L, then every other Super + shortcut requires Super + + .
If I set the Menu shortcut to Super + space (what I really wanted), then Super + space does nothing, and instead, Alt + space starts opening the menu consistently!
Finally, if I set the Menu shortcut to Super + , such as a letter or Ctrl, then the shortcut works right after I restart Cinnamon, but stops working as soon as I give focus to any window.

This is quite frustrating, I'm a heavy user of shortcuts and the reason I dropped Ubuntu for Linux Mint with MATE was mostly due to the shortcuts not working. Now I decided to give Cinnamon a try, and I'm liking it a lot but this problem is really getting on my nerves as I'm failing to find a workaround for it...

[KLBonn]

+1, same here on fresh Mint 17 with Cinnamon 2.2.

Shouldn't the issue be re-opened? As long as it's marked "Closed", a fix is not very likely to happen, I presume.

[mtwebster]

This is actually being worked on pretty heavily right now.

mtwebster@71d99f6
mtwebster/muffin@2c5ae18

[fvieira]

Nice! It's very good to know that even closed issues can receive attention like this! Thanks a lot!

[szarnyasg]

This did not work for me in Linux Mint 17, however, it does work with a fresh install of Linux Mint 17.1 (Cinnamon 2.4.5).
Note: It did not work after updating from 17 to 17.1 with this method -- http://linuxg.net/how-to-properly-upgrade-from-linux-mint-17-qiana-to-linux-mint-17-1-rebecca-via-command-line/.

[raphaelbrugier]

Hi,
In Mint 17, I used to remove the overlay key binding with this command :
gsettings set org.cinnamon.desktop.keybindings.wm overlay-key ''

But this option does not exist anymore in mint 17.1

Thanks to @mtwebster comment that link to its commit I have now understand the option has moved to the applet configuration itself.

Problem solved !

[Kolyunya]

Still not solved in 2.2.16. The shortcut Super-Y triggers only after Super-X-Y.
Should the issue be reopened maybe?

[mtwebster]

Cinnamon is at 2.6 now, you need to upgrade, we don't backport fixes like this generally. What distro are you on?

[Kolyunya]

@mtwebster thanks for a quick reply. I'm on a fresh Debian 8 and we still only have 2.2.16 here.
By the way I've managed to kinda fix the issue by enabling the Hyper is mapped to Win keys option but I'm not quite sure why and how this fixes the problem and won't it break something else.
Do Super-X shortcuts work as expected out of box in 2.6?

Update: just realized that after selecting that option I can not open the menu using Super key...

[mtwebster]

Yes- this issue is definitely fixed in 2.6.

testing and unstable both have 2.6 - I'm not sure if that's an option for you. Unfortunately the timing was bad pre-8 for getting a newer version into Jessie (stable).

[marga-google]

As part of the team maintaining cinnamon in Debian, we do intend to provide a Jessie backport of 2.6, but we've been busy with other stuff until now and haven't been able to. Hopefully not much longer now.

[gsobczyk]

Hi. I have the same problem:

1. I've already installed mint 17.3 with cinnamon-2.8.6+rosa.
2. I've installed guake
3. assign Win+grave (` key)

Result:

1. pressing Win+grave key doesn't trigger guake (I must press Win+grave+grave)
2. when focus is in guake I must press Win+grave+grave to hide it (but it print ` in terminal)

Question:

How can I solve this?

PS. Win+E works good

[mtwebster]

Disable the binding in guake,

Open Cinnamon settings->Keyboard, go to the shortcuts tab.

Add a new custom shortcut:

Call it: guake toggle
Command: guake -t

Assign it super-` there. It should work.

[gsobczyk]

thx, it works!

[et304383]

Ubuntu, Cinnamon 2.8.6. I just want to rebind Super + Up/Down to switching workspaces up/down. I've tried editing using the default shortcut editor and dconf-editor but I can't seem to get it to work. Thoughts?

[hanzo2001]

Mint 18 Sara

I don't know if this is solved but my shortcuts with Super aren't working. When I use the Keyboard-Shortcuts tool to set them up, Super is actually named mod4

[userid]

try this:
Menu -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout Settings

click on "Options" on the right,
"Alt/Win key behaviour"
Change it from Default to "Hyper is mapped to Win-keys"

[c02y]

@userid

I use sxhkd for launching programs, and I got several keybindings of Super + other keys like super + k for kitty, super + a for fsearch, but since cinnamon menu is using Supper key by default or my habit, all the keybindings with super key in my sxhkd are only triggered when I hit super + x the second or the third time, they are never triggered for the first time I hit the key. Other keybindings without using super such as F12 is OK, or other keybindings using super configured without sxhkd(such as set in System Setting Manager) such as Super + t for terminal are OK too.

1. sxhkd is working fine with XFCE
2. if I change the key for cinnamon menu to other key like super + q, the super keybindings in my sxhkds are working fine.

After seaching for a while, I found this post,

And I tried

try this:
Menu -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout Settings
click on "Options" on the right,
"Alt/Win key behavior"
Change it from Default to "Hyper is mapped to Win-keys"

after that it works for sxhkd keybindings, but Super key is not working for Cinnamon menu, then I tried other options in that list, Single Super seems to conflict with keybindings like Super + k in my sxhkd after all.

[jexxadox]

I was trying cinnamon out on another distro. cannot get it to register the super key, much less bind it to anything. this is kind of a deal breaker. when i try to set it as a shortcut key it shows "oxf8" and won't let me hold it to bind another key to it. I was under the impression that the super key was heavily used for shortcuts.