As per Adam's comment (#11) the Xft.rgba resource value definitely triggers this issue.
Adding Xft.rgba: none to your .Xresources file fixes the font width issue. Alternatively, for quick testing, you can do: echo "Xft.rgba: none" | xrdb -merge I've attached a screenshot showing the difference between values "rgba" and "none" for this resource. ** Attachment added: "xrdb_xft_rgba.png" https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/rxvt-unicode/+bug/309792/+attachment/3872494/+files/xrdb_xft_rgba.png -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Bugs, which is subscribed to Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/309792 Title: rxvt-unicode: Excessive font spacing To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/rxvt-unicode/+bug/309792/+subscriptions -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs