Setting keyboard options & .XCompose not working, what do I miss?

[Moonbase59]

I’m trying to set my EOS/Cinnamon keyboard like I’m used to for so many years on Mint, but I seem to be missing something. Who can help?

The basic keyboard layout is “German (dead tilde)”.

In Settings → Keyboard → Options, I have

• Unicode arrows and math operators on default level
• Non-breaking space on 2nd level
• Compose Key is Caps Lock key

I also use a rather complex .XCompose.

Now the keyboard settings preview shows the correct layout, but it doesn’t work, and neither does my .XCompose file.

The Caps Lock still does Caps Lock (not Compose).

Could it be I need to install something extra, or somehow set another input method? I do also need the Ctrl+Shift+u Unicode input. (This might rule out xim, but I guess ibus is used nowadays?)

Tried re-login, reboot, but to no avail.

[Moonbase59]

Okay, my own dim remembrance of ibus was the solution:

• Install ibus from the repos
• Install ibus-autostart from the AUR

and then:

• Cinnamon keyboard settings are respected
• Compose works (with my .XCompose file)
• Ctrl+Shift+u Unicode input still works
• A kbd layout switcher is added to the tray (don’t really need that)

Phew. Hooray!

So great being able to type “normally” again! Finger memory is really a thing…

[Moonbase59]

Just in case anyone is as crazy as I am—here is the .XCompose I’ve been using (and evolving) over the years:

https://gist.github.com/Moonbase59/8f5bd008fb175aec71f1634432ba37bf

The Gist also includes a tree listing, in typing sequence.

[Ben]

@Moonbase59

Just in case anyone is as crazy as I am

There are a few… just had to edit a few of those before importing though (LLAP is better llap)…

I started out with ‘degc’ to type ‘32°C’ because I couldn’t remember the proper shortcut… then added some phonetics - it’s hard to write sounds and not conflict spellings… so ‘Ow!’ is aʊ…

But for sure, quite an OTT collection.