How to change the binding of Windows key which runs Unity's Dash?

Solution 1:

You can disable the super key using the command:

gconftool --set /desktop/unity/launcher/super_key_enable --type=bool 0

(Since GNOME 3 settings are in dconf instead of gconf, and unity became a plugin. The method thus became: dconf write /org/compiz/profiles/unity/plugins/unityshell/show-launcher '""')

Then you can define a keyboard shortcut with your preferred method to launch the following command:

dbus-send --type=method_call --dest=com.canonical.Unity2d /Dash com.canonical.Unity2d.Dash.activateHome

This will trigger Unity Home Dash

Solution 2:

I just installed Ubuntu 11.04 and I was able to use gconf-editor to change the shortcut key.

Make sure you're not running gnome-do! (If it's set to use your key combo, the Dash won't be able to bind to those keys.)

Open a terminal and run gconf-editor

Navigate to this key:

/apps/compiz-1/plugins/unityshell/screen0/options/show_launcher

Modify the show_launcher key to a single key value.

I set the value to <Super>space and now Super+space opens the dash instead of Super. Note that if you use a key combo, it seems to take a minute before you can use that to invoke the Dash. You also need to complete the key combo quickly.

If you want a more user-friendly interface, you can use the command line:

gconftool --set /apps/compiz-1/plugins/unityshell/screen0/options/show_launcher --type=string "<Super>space"

Or use compizconfig-settings-manager

sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager

In the Desktop section, select Ubuntu Unity Plugin. Set Key to show the launcher to be your desired keys. Again, it takes a minute before you can invoke the Dash.