Creating and using custom keymaps for Termux Console

[Mariusz-W]

How to create and install custom keymaps in Android? I need to be able to type in Termux Console a variety of Unicode characters when I have a regular PC external keyboard connected. In most operating system environments this is achieved by creating (and installing) custom keymaps.

I know how to create and install such keymaps in Windows and Max OS. When I was a heavy Linux user more than 20 years ago, I was creating custom keymaps in Linux via the XKB mechanism (I have no idea how this is being done in Linux today). I wasn't able to locate an up-to date information about creating and installing custom keymaps in Android. An up to date information and references will be greatly appreciated.

[agnostic-apollo]

They can be managed with KCM files, there are likely some working hardware keymapper apps available too. More info in #2237 (comment)

[Mariusz-W]

They can be managed with KCM files, there are likely some working hardware keymapper apps available too. More info in #2237 (comment)

Thank you for pointing me in this direction.

Suppose a KCM file has been created and validated, what is the next step, so that the corresponding keymap is made available? (In Windows a keymap definition file must be compiled, and then the produced binary must be installed. In Mac OS the KCM file can be just placed in an appropriate, user writeable, directory that is automatically being searched by the operating system when the user ogs in.)

[robertkirkman]

@Mariusz-W when I read the documentation linked, it appears to state that on Android, in order to apply a custom .kcm file, root or a custom ROM is required in order to edit the /system/usr/keychars/Virtual.kcm file and apply the change system-wide. however, I might be incorrect.

[agnostic-apollo]

Software keyboard mapping requires root IIRC, for hardware you can build an app with new layout, check github repos linked. Alternate layouts show in Language and input -> physical keyboard or something.

[robertkirkman]

Thanks, I can see now that you linked this, and in this page the explanation is very clear:

https://github.com/ris58h/custom-keyboard-layout

[twaik]

Probably there is one more option to remap keys. https://github.com/ris58h/exkeymo-server