consistent keyboard hotkey modifiers

Registered by Satchit Bhogle

Firstly, I'd just like to say that I use the keyboard almost exclusively when using my computer, and that users should be able to use the keyboard to carry out most tasks. What we need is consistency in modifiers.

There are three main modifiers: Super, Alt and Ctrl, and I think nearly all the hotkeys in elementaryOS should use one or more of these. Super should affect all windows or the system itself (Super+D for minimising to desktop, Super+A for activating Scale, Super+S for the power menu). Applications can also be summoned using Super, such as Super+R for Run (instead of the present Alt+F2). Super+Tab should also be used to cycle through workspaces, for consistency's sake, rather than the incongruous Ctrl+Alt+Right). Wherever Tab is used to cycle, the addition of Shift should be used to cycle backwards. Next, Alt should affect the present window, with Alt+Tab cycling between windows. Alt+M should bring up the AppMenu, and there should be an Alt+ hotkey for the eventual maximisation feature. Ctrl should be the modifier for the content within the window. I propose changing Alt+number, which is used to switch between tabs, to Ctrl+number, just as Ctrl+Tab is used cycle between tabs. Backspace should also no longer be used to move to the previous page; I found it odd when I first began to use Ubuntu, but it makes a lot of sense when you consider how a typed out message can be lost by inadvertently pressing Backspace when the focus is outside the text field. Alt+Back and Alt+Forward should similarly go, replaced by Ctrl+. Lastly, the usual Ctrl+Q should be replaced by Alt+, as it affects the window as a whole.

All these, I hope, will provide a more consistent and unified experience in elementary. It's the little things that all add up to a great OS.

Blueprint information

Status:
Complete
Approver:
None
Priority:
Undefined
Drafter:
None
Direction:
Needs approval
Assignee:
None
Definition:
Superseded
Series goal:
None
Implementation:
Unknown
Milestone target:
None
Completed by
Danielle Foré

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Please see https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jUtWkfqlwDydaO-B67F9PsOhE66AZ2y5N_uDRW9pOuQ/edit?hl=en_US and leave your suggestions and comments there. Marking as superseded --DanRabbit

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