Change behavior of Control key on Ubuntu with Mac keyboard

Question

On Ubuntu 10.10, is there any way to change the keyboard layout to where the Command key acts like the Control key?

And, if hardware makes any difference, I am on a 13" Aluminum Late '08 MacBook.

Solution 1

Keep in mind that the Command key is the same as the Windows key (or Super) in Bootcamp/whatever.

1. Back up. Santa will thank you.
2. Read this guide and this guide if you want to get a basic idea of what I'm doing in step 3.

3. Add these two commands to your startup (System->Administration->Startup Applications):

   xmodmap -e 'keycode 133=Control_L'
   xmodmap -e 'keycode 37=Super_L'
   

   That'll take care of the left side, swapping the Command and Control key functions.

4. Add these two commands to your startup too for the right command and control.

   xmodmap -e 'keycode 134=Control_R'
   xmodmap -e 'keycode 109=Super_R'
   

It'll only work as soon as you log in though.

Solution 2

You can also set this in the GUI:

Go into System -> Preferences -> Keyboard

Click on the "Layouts" tab and then click the "Layout Options" button.

Click on "Alt/Win key behavior"

Select "Control is mapped to Win keys (and the usual ctrl key).

from http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1293081

Comments

[Victor S]

Ditto for 11.10

[Wuffers]

Thanks for the answer! I'll try this as soon as I get the chance! (Computer is getting fixed x_x)

[digitxp]

If you open a terminal and run any pair of commands does it work?

[Wuffers]

@digitxp: I tried that and that doesn't work, either.

[digitxp]

Hm...that's tough. Does the Command key act like a Super key (quick way to check is to hit Cmd+E and again. If it works it'll show the multiple desktops view and return to normal view)

[Wuffers]

@digitxp: I tried that and it didn't work, so I guess the command key isn't working at all...

[digitxp]

That could be it then.