https://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=513789
Bug ID: 513789
Summary: Improve keyboard layout switching workflow
(macOS/GNOME-like behavior)
Classification: Applications
Product: systemsettings
Version First 6.5.4
Reported In:
Platform: Arch Linux
OS: Linux
Status: REPORTED
Severity: wishlist
Priority: NOR
Component: kcm_keyboard
Assignee: [email protected]
Reporter: [email protected]
CC: [email protected], [email protected],
[email protected]
Target Milestone: ---
Created attachment 187954
--> https://bugs.kde.org/attachment.cgi?id=187954&action=edit
Layout switcher OSD in GNOME
SUMMARY
As a user who actively uses four languages (English, Russian, Ukrainian and
German) I find it difficult to switch between them conveniently. While Spare
Layout feature was semi-helpful on X11, it does not work as it should on
Wayland and let's be honest, it is not perfect as even though you can cycle
N-layouts, other layouts should still be enabled by shortcuts or clicking on
the widget.
In both macOS and GNOME, the keyboard layout switcher follows a very convenient
interaction model similar to how it is implemented on Android:
- Pressing "Win (Meta) + Space once" immediately switches to the previously
used layout (i.e., toggles between the last two layouts).
- At the same time, an OSD with all available layouts is displayed (see
screenshot).
- If the user wants to select a layout other than the last-used one, they can
press Win + Space again (or keep pressing) to cycle through the remaining
layouts while the OSD stays visible.
Most of the Spare Layouts behavior doesn't change, while layout switching
becomes faster:
- Fast toggling between two commonly used languages with a single keypress.
- Easy access to additional layouts without needing a separate shortcut or
visual search.
- With a feature "Switching layout affects", which makes it possible to select
per window/per desktop layout, the suggested layout switching model would allow
the users to have separate "most used layouts", say, for LibreOffice: English
and German; for browsing: English and Russian, with occasional switch to
German, for Telegram Messenger: all four languages, sorted by last used.
In KDE Plasma, layout switching currently feels less modern in comparison,
especially for users who frequently switch between two primary layouts but
occasionally need a third/fourth one.
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