Some updates : Looks like the volume and other shortcut keys in Ubuntu are handled by some core unity session or process which also handles keys like ctrl + alt + l ( lock screen ) other keys too. I am not a big fan of unity and the buggy global menu so I stopped using unity and thats what caused my keys to stop working. If I use plain vanilla unity shell then all keys work perfectly but that creates some annoying issues of dealing with buggy global menu and slow dash ( even with i7 + 6GB ram machine. )
Workaround : Install CCM ( Compiz Config Manager ) then enable "Commands" module plugin then add following commands to your commands list : * Increase volume : /usr/bin/pactl set-sink-volume 0 -- +20% * Decrease volume : /usr/bin/pactl set-sink-volume 0 -- -20% * Mute : /usr/bin/pactl set-sink-mute 0 toggle * Lock screen : bash -c "xset dpms force off; DISPLAY=:0 gnome-screensaver-command -l" Then using same module shortcuts, map them to whichever keys and it works perfectly ( and always even after boot ). I use "Synapse" tool which is mapped to my Meta ( Windows) keys and I use it to launch all my apps ( much faster than unity dash ). I used help here to get ride of ubuntu gloabl menu : http://askubuntu.com/questions/10481/how-do-i-disable-the-global-application-menu -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Bugs, which is subscribed to Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1242259 Title: Thinkpad x1 Volume up down and mute keys stopped working after upgrade to Ubuntu 13.10 To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/xorg/+bug/1242259/+subscriptions -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs