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Enable Slow Keys in Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide

Richard
Written by
Richard
Sep 12, 2022 Updated Jul 14, 2026 3 min read
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Slow Keys in Ubuntu adds a pause before a key press is registered, stopping accidental typing.

This feature is part of Ubuntu’s accessibility options. It means you must press and hold a key for a specific time, like 0.5 seconds, before the computer understands you want to type it.

This is great if your hands shake or you often press two keys at once by mistake. You can adjust this delay to make typing easier and more accurate on your Ubuntu PC.

⚡ Quick Answer

Open Settings, navigate to Accessibility, then Typing Assist (AccessX), and toggle Slow Keys to On. You can also enable keyboard toggling in the same menu.

How to enable or disable slow keys in Ubuntu Linux

Enabling slow keys in Ubuntu can make typing easier if you tend to press keys too quickly. This feature stops unwanted repeated characters from appearing. Turning slow keys on in Ubuntu Linux helps improve your typing accuracy by giving you more control over when a key press is accepted.

Below is how to turn it on or off in Ubuntu Linux.

Most of Ubuntu’s settings are found in one central place. From system configurations to creating new users and updating software, it’s all managed in the System Settings panel.

Ubuntu Linux Activities overview screen on desktop
ubuntu linux activities overview

Alternatively, click the System menu in the top-right corner of your desktop’s top bar.

Then, select Settings, as highlighted below.

Ubuntu system menu with Settings option highlighted
ubuntu linux system menu top bar settings

In the Settings app, click on the Accessibility tile to open the panel.

Ubuntu Accessibility settings panel menu
ubuntu linux accessibility

In the System Settings panel, under Accessibility, find the Typing section and select Typing Assist (AccessX). This option is highlighted below.

Ubuntu Typing Assist accessibility feature options
ubuntu linux typing assist

On the Typing Assist window, toggle the Slow Keys button to the On position to enable.

To disable it, toggle the button to the Off position.

Ubuntu Slow Keys toggle enable or disable switch
ubuntu linux enable or disable slow keys
💡Tip
You can also switch the Enable by Keyboard switch to turn slow keys on and off from the keyboard. When selecting this option, you can press and hold Shift for eight seconds to enable or disable slow keys.

That should do it! You can now close the Settings app.

Conclusion:

  • Enabling Slow Keys in Ubuntu Linux can benefit individuals with typing difficulties, particularly those who tend to strike keys or accidentally experience hand tremors.
  • The feature instructs Ubuntu Linux to ignore keys that are not held down for a certain period, aiding in accurate and intentional keystrokes.
  • Following the outlined steps, users can easily enable or disable Slow Keys and even utilize the convenient ‘Enable by Keyboard’ switch for added accessibility.

How do I turn on slow keys?

Um and I’m going to show you where you can find this feature um so in accessibility you’ve got some different categories you’ve got vision you’ve got hearing. And then down here the third section is

What are slow keys in Ubuntu?

Slow keys in Ubuntu mean you have to hold down a key for a moment before it types, which helps if you accidentally press keys too fast or hit the wrong one.

How do I turn off slow keys in Ubuntu?

You can turn off slow keys in Ubuntu by switching the ‘Enable by Keyboard’ option, or by holding Shift for eight seconds if that shortcut is active.

How to enable shortcut keys in Ubuntu?

Select Activities (or press the Super key) and search for Settings. Select Keyboard in the left panel. In the Keyboard Shortcuts section, select View and Customize Shortcuts.

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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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