unable to switch TTY in arch linux

Question

So I'm moving away from Ubuntu into the realm of Arch Linux.

In Ubuntu I was able to switch TTYs with ctrl+alt+F1/F2... and etc.

In Arch when I attempt this, I'm merely dumped to a black screen with a flashing underscore (the resolution looks to be non-native as well).

I followed the beginners guide at here but to no avail.

I'm using a Thinkpad X220, with the xf86-video-intel driver (for my 2nd generation i7) and running i3 as my window manager.

Solution

_{This is based on the OP's comment that should be an answer.}

To switch TTYs I was using Right Alt which on my Thinkpad corresponds to TTY13-24 (which aren't configured). Simply by using Left Alt everything works as expected.

Comments

[Admin]

Can you edit and add your /etc/inittab?

[Admin]

@Paul No inittab in Arch Linux anymore.

[Admin]

actrually, ive figured it out -- as dumb as it sounds, i was using R_alt to switch TTYs, which on my thinkpad, correspond to TTY13-24 (which arent configured) simply by using L_alt, everything works as expected.

[Chris]

Arch doesn't use inittab anymore, since they switched to systemd.

[ljrk]

@adam then best practise is to write the answer yourself and then mark it selected.

[Martin B.]

I am having a similar problem, but with my setup (ext kbd) I need to use the right ctrl key instead of left. But I have to use left alt because on the right is altgr which does not work.