Custom prefix in addition to backslash

[eugenesvk]

Since \ is a very inconvenient pinky key, is it possible to have user-customizable prefix like ,, (double tap that is not used elsewhere)

Alternatively, is it possible to trigger this IME with a key combo? This way you could use some other app to bind ,, to start the sequence

[knrafto]

A custom prefix seems doable. It's a little tricky though if it's not a single key. For example, what if you're in the middle of typing a latex command and you write foo, and then type another ,, should the IME delete the first comma and enter the replacement for \foo and then start another command? What if your prefix is ,,, you type foo,,, then backspace, then ,,?

I'm not sure about a key combo though, I think the OS only sends us individual keydown events.

[eugenesvk]

Am I correct that multiple prefixes are not feasible since you've updated the title? I thought you could have the old \ as is and then add an experimental one to see which one is better to eventually arrive at the best (or always keep both)

For example, what if you're in the middle of typing a latex command and you write foo, and then type another ,, should the IME delete the first comma and enter the replacement for \foo and then start another command?

I thought it'd work just like \ where you don't delete the trigger itself, but replace it if a match is found, so the IME would enter the replacement for the first ,,foo (or \foo if both triggers are allowed), then enter a new IME mode for the second ,,bar just like \inf\in currently inserts ∞ and enters a new mode with \in

What if your prefix is ,,, you type foo,,, then backspace, then ,,?

Only uninterrupted taps should be a trigger

I'm not sure about a key combo though, I think the OS only sends us individual keydown events.

One workaround: if you add an artificial key like F24 as your second trigger, then you could map whatever combo in Karabiner to this trigger and have a clean entry without \! (another benefit of having multiple triggers)

[knrafto]

Sorry, I misunderstood, I'll change the title back.

I think I spoke too soon about key combos. My memory is hazy but it looks like we explicitly filter out everything but keydown events. I don't remember what these other events look like though.

Overall this feature request seems a bit tricky to get right. As workaround, would it work to configure Karabiner to send \ for your combo?

[eugenesvk]

Unfortunately Karabiner Elements isn't capable enough to do double taps, but otherwise I've tested and it does work to enable IME if you bind some other key combo to output the \ key

pqrs-org/Karabiner-Elements#3430