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Mouse and Keyboard Remapping in Linux

A comprehensive guide for remapping mouse buttons and keyboard keys in Linux across different environments (X11, Wayland) and remote desktop solutions.

Mouse Button Remapping​

Finding Your Mouse​

First, identify your mouse device:

xinput list  # Find the ID of your mouse (pointer)

Testing Button Mappings​

Use xev to determine which button corresponds to which number:

xev  # Click in the window to see button numbers

Remapping Mouse Buttons​

Reset to default mapping:

xinput set-button-map <mouse_id> 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Example - swap middle click with button 9:

xinput set-button-map 8 1 9 3 4 5 6 7 8 2
Startup Configuration

Add the command to your startup applications to make it permanent.

Logitech G300s Specific Configuration​

Install ratslap:

pacaur -S ratslap

Configure button G5 to Ctrl+B:

sudo ratslap --modify F3 --G5 LeftCtrl+B --print F3 --select F3

Configure button G5 as middle click:

sudo ratslap --modify F3 --G5 Button3 --print F3 --select F3

Alternative Method with xbindkeys​

Install required packages:

sudo pacman -Syu xbindkeys xorg-xev xdotool

Create configuration file:

xbindkeys -f ~/.xbindkeysrc

Add to ~/.xbindkeysrc:

"xdotool key ctrl+b"
     b:8

Apply changes:

killall xbindkeys
xbindkeys

Keyboard Remapping​

X11 - Using xmodmap​

Remap Super_L key to type "µ":

xmodmap -e 'keysym Super_L = mu mu mu'
Finding Key Names

Use xev to find the name of any key. Look for lines showing keysym information.

Remap F8 to KP_0 and Shift+F8 to KP_Equal:

xmodmap -e "keycode 74 = KP_0 KP_Equal"

Clear Mod4 modifiers:

xmodmap -e 'clear Mod4'

Making Changes Permanent​

Option 1: Add commands to .bashrc

Option 2: Create ~/.Xmodmap file with:

keysym Super_L = mu mu mu
clear Mod4

Wayland Keyboard Remapping​

Using input-remapper​

Install input-remapper:

sudo dnf install input-remapper

Configuration:

  1. Open input-remapper GUI
  2. Under Input: Add KP_0 or use the record function
  3. Under Output: Find and select KEY_0

Using keyd (Modern Solution)​

Installation​

git clone https://github.com/rvaiya/keyd
cd keyd
make && sudo make install
sudo systemctl enable keyd && sudo systemctl start keyd

Configuration​

Edit /etc/keyd/default.conf:

[ids]
*

[main]
# Remap F8 to 0
f8 = 0

Restart keyd:

sudo systemctl restart keyd

Remmina (RDP) Key Remapping​

Scancode Remapping​

Go to: Remmina Preferences → RDP → Keyboard scancode remapping

Example - swap 0 and F8:

0x0b=0x42,0x42=0x0b
warning

You must restart Remmina after making changes!

Finding Scancodes​

  1. Press Ctrl+Alt+F2 to switch to TTY
  2. Login to your account
  3. Run: 
    showkey --scancode
  4. Press the key you want to remap
  5. Note the first code shown (e.g., if you see 0x0b 0x8b, use 0x0b)
  6. Press Ctrl+Alt+F7 to return to graphical session

Quick Reference Table​

EnvironmentToolPermanent?Notes
X11xmodmapNo (unless configured)Classic method
X11xbindkeysYes (with config file)More flexible
Waylandinput-remapperYesGUI-based
AnykeydYesModern, systemd-based
RDP/RemminaBuilt-inYesScancode remapping

Troubleshooting​

Changes Don't Persist​

  • Add commands to startup applications
  • Create configuration files in home directory
  • Use systemd services (like keyd)

Key Not Working in Wayland​

  • X11 tools like xmodmap won't work in Wayland
  • Use input-remapper or keyd instead

Remmina Remapping Not Working​

  • Make sure to restart Remmina completely
  • Verify scancode values with showkey
  • Check if RDP server allows key remapping

Best Practices​

  1. Test First: Always test remapping before making it permanent
  2. Backup: Note your original configuration before changing
  3. Use xev: Great tool for discovering key codes and button numbers
  4. Choose Right Tool: Use keyd for modern systems, xmodmap for legacy
  5. Document Changes: Keep notes of your custom mappings