How to use keymapperctl --next-key-info to see key press details?

[peterjc]

I have built v4.10.0 from source on macOS, and am hoping to explore keymapper for my external USB keypad etc. Before installing anything, I wanted to confirm it was picking up keypressess:

1. In first terminal, cd ~/repositories/keymapper and sudo build/keymapperd --verbose
2. In second terminal, cd ~/repositories/keymapper and build/keymapper --verbose which will report it loaded ~/repositories/keymapper/keymapper.conf and entering update loop.
3. In another terminal, cd ~/repositories/keymapper and build/keymapperctl --next-key-info
4. Press some keys - they are echoed to the screen (raw)
5. Press ctrl+c to quit keymapperctl
6. Switch to keymapper and press ctrl+c to quit
7. Switch to keymapperd and press ctrl+c to quit

The keymapper window reports focused window changes (between terminals and Firefox in my case).

The keymapperd window starts with listing devices, and with Next key info requested

Am I using it wrong? I was expecting some formatted information from keymapperctl about the next key pressed and then it would quit - or keep reporting keys until I did quit.

I also noticed the system tray icon offered "Next Key info cmd+K" but didn't seem to do anything either.

[houmain]

Your described course of action sounds correct.
Can you post the output of keymapperd. Is it evidently grabbing the device(s) on which you pressed the key?

[houmain]

If it is not grabbed automatically for some reason, you could add a @grab-device "Device Name" to your configuration.

[houmain]

In first terminal, cd ~/repositories/keymapper and sudo build/keymapperd --verbose

Did you also grant your terminal the permission to intercept the keyboard input when you were asked?

[peterjc]

I have now - it was already enabled for karabiner_grabber & Karabiner-EventViewer (I turned off Karabiner Elements while trying out keymapper):

Apple System Settings, Privacy & Security, Input Monitoring, enable this for terminal(s).

Working example tested within the Apple Terminal, Ghostty or Prompt3 terminals:

❯ build/keymapperctl --next-key-info
key_name = 'X'
scan_code = 0x001B
system = 'MacOS'
class = 'Prompt'
path = '/Applications/Prompt.app/Contents/MacOS/Prompt'
device = 'Natural® Ergonomic Keyboard 4000'
device-id = 'external:1:6'

(I was surprised the default settings under the source repository would be active!)

Today I did spot a pop-up from Ghosty prompting me to ask for permissions (but only after I'd already done so -- too many windows open I guess).

Thank you!