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Maik-0000FF
Maik-0000FF

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I built a PowerToys Quick Accent alternative for Linux

Three years ago I switched from Windows to Arch Linux. The one Windows feature I actually missed was PowerToys Quick Accent: hold a letter, tap space, get the accent.

The Linux alternatives didn't fit. I touch type, so anything that breaks rhythm hurts:

  • Compose key: three keystrokes per character. Slow.
  • Dead keys: require a keyboard layout change.
  • Clipboard-based tools: overwrite the clipboard. Dead on arrival if you copy code.

So I built schnelle-umlaute, a Fcitx5 input method addon. Hold + space, get the accent. Any Unicode character is mappable. Native X11 and Wayland, no clipboard interference.

Hold a letter, tap space, get the accent

Available on the AUR, source install for other distros, setup in the README.

Feedback welcome.

Top comments (2)

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oliverhr profile image
Oliver •

Awesome, thank you, just what I need, the few things I miss from windows.

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maik-0000ff profile image
Maik-0000FF •

Thanks Oliver, glad it helps! 👍