keyd

github.com/rvaiya/keyd Linux Apps Open-source projectOpen source

keyd runs as a Linux daemon for remapping keyboard keys and defining custom key behavior.

github.com/rvaiya/keyd
keyd homepage screenshot

About keyd

keyd is an open-source Linux system daemon for remapping keyboard keys and defining custom key behavior. It uses kernel-level evdev and uinput input primitives to provide system-wide remapping that works across virtual terminals and supported display servers including X11, Sway, and GNOME Wayland. The tool supports features such as custom key layers, key overloading for distinct tap/hold behavior, per-keyboard configuration, and experimental application-specific remapping. It is not designed for programming individual key up/down events, and a misconfigured keymap can render a system unusable; a backspace+escape+enter key sequence can be used to terminate the daemon in that scenario.

Key features

  • System-wide kernel-level keyboard remapping via evdev/uinput
  • Custom key layers with hybrid modifier support
  • Key overloading for distinct tap/hold behavior
  • Per-keyboard configuration for multiple connected keyboards
  • Experimental application-specific remapping per app
  • Works across virtual terminals and X11/Sway/GNOME Wayland
Best for: Linux users seeking flexible, system-wide keyboard remapping with support for custom layers, per-keyboard configurations, and use across virtual terminals and common display servers.
Good for
  • Operates at kernel level for low-latency, display-server-agnostic remapping
  • Supports features like key overloading and custom layers typically only found in custom keyboard firmware
  • Works across virtual terminals and multiple display servers without environment tethering
Watch out for
  • Does not support programming individual key up/down events
  • Application-specific remapping functionality is experimental
  • The master development branch may have breaking changes between releases, and a misconfigured keymap can render the system unusable

keyd at a glance

Type
Open-source project
Pricing
Not confirmed. Check the site
Platforms
Linux
Open source
Yes · Source code
Language
English
Last checked
Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
Listed
Oct 5, 2026

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keyd FAQ

How do I stop keyd if a bad config makes my system unusable?
Press the backspace+escape+enter key sequence to terminate the daemon.
Which display servers are supported for application-specific remapping?
It currently supports X11, Sway, and GNOME Wayland.
What should users migrating from keyd v1 do after updating?
Reread the keyd man page (man keyd) to review the updated v2 configuration format.
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