ChatGPT - catch Super+V in Python with XRecord in Mate and Cinnamon

[pygtk - Super+V works only for the second time in Keybinder library python linux mint 22.1 cinnamon - Stack Overflow](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/79735661/superv-works-only-for-the-second-time-in-keybinder-library-python-linux-mint-22/79736488#79736488)

# Question:

I use code with `XRecord` to detect `Super+V`.
Why `Mate` doesn't send `v` to other windows but `Cinnamon` send it.

# Answer:

Ah! Now I understand exactly what you’re asking.

Even when **just listening with XRecord**, you notice different behavior:

* **MATE:** Pressing `Super+V` in your script **doesn’t send `v` to other windows**.
* **Cinnamon:** Pressing `Super+V` in your script **still sends `v` to the active window**.

This is **not about your XRecord code** — it’s about **how the DE handles modifier keys**:

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### 1. Modifier behavior in X11

When you press a key like `Super+V`, X11 generates:

1. **KeyPress for Super\_L**
2. **KeyPress for V** (with Super modifier in `state`)
3. **KeyRelease for V**
4. **KeyRelease for Super\_L**

What happens next depends on **how the window manager interprets the key combination**:

* **MATE**:

  * Super is usually treated as a “modifier only” if no shortcut is bound.
  * When your XRecord callback sees the event, MATE **suppresses the V key from being sent to the active window** because it thinks Super is pressed alone and no shortcut is defined.
  * Essentially, MATE “eats” the V when combined with Super if it thinks it’s a shortcut trigger.

* **Cinnamon**:

  * Cinnamon has many global shortcuts bound to Super+<key>.
  * Even if your XRecord callback runs, Cinnamon **still processes the V key and forwards it to the active window** because it is bound (or partially bound) to some accelerator.
  * XRecord cannot block the key — it’s passive listening.
  * So V always reaches the active window.

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### 2. Key takeaway

* **XRecord never blocks keys** — it only listens.
* Whether the key reaches other applications **depends on the DE**:

  * MATE suppresses unbound Super+<key> combos.
  * Cinnamon passes Super+<key> to the window if it has a shortcut or doesn’t suppress it.

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### 3. If you want consistent behavior

* Either **disable the conflicting shortcut in Cinnamon** so Super+V isn’t grabbed.
* Or use a **real grab** (`root.grab_key()`) after disabling the shortcut.
* Otherwise, listening with XRecord will **always behave differently depending on the DE**.

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If you want, I can make a **small test script** that shows exactly what MATE and Cinnamon do to the V key when Super is held, so you can see the difference in modifiers and event flow.

Do you want me to do that?