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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.

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! 👍