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

Slow Keys is an accessibility setting in Ubuntu that makes the system wait until you have held a key down for a set time before it types the letter. A key that is only brushed or tapped for a moment is ignored. This stops accidental double keystrokes and helps if you have hand tremors or make frequent typos.

You can turn on Slow Keys in the Ubuntu Settings app and adjust the delay time to match your typing speed. The change takes effect straight away. You don’t need to log out or restart.

How to enable or disable slow keys in Ubuntu Linux

To enable Slow Keys in Ubuntu, open the Settings app from the system menu and go to the Accessibility section. From there, open the Typing section and turn on the Slow Keys switch. Ubuntu will then wait for you to hold each key down before it types the letter.

Turn the feature on or off by following these steps. Each step is shown below with a screenshot, so you can check that your screen matches.

1. Open the System Settings panel from your system menu. The next steps show how to reach it.

1. Click the System menu in the top-right corner of the desktop top bar. It is the cluster of small icons for network, sound and power. A panel with quick settings drops down.

2. Select Settings to open the configuration window, as highlighted below. The Settings⚙️ app opens with a list of categories on the left.

If you can’t find the entry in the menu, you can also search for “Settings” from the Activities overview.

3. Click the Accessibility tile inside the Settings⚙️ app to open the necessary panel. On some releases it is an entry in the left sidebar rather than a tile. Either way, the accessibility options appear on the right.

4. Locate the Typing section under Accessibility to reveal the Typing Assist (AccessX) option, highlighted below. You may need to scroll down in the panel to see it.
5. Click Typing Assist (AccessX). A Typing Assist window opens with the keyboard accessibility switches.

6. Toggle the Slow Keys switch to the On position in the Typing Assist window. The switch changes colour to show it is active, and Slow Keys works immediately.

Once the switch is on, a Delay setting lets you choose how long a key must be held before it registers. Start with a short delay and test it in a text editor. If letters still come through by accident, make the delay longer. If typing feels sluggish, shorten it.

To undo the change, flip that same Slow Keys switch to the Off position. Keys then respond to a normal tap again.

7. Activate the Enable by Keyboard switch if you want to toggle Slow Keys directly from the keyboard. Once that option is active, pressing and holding Shift for eight seconds enables or disables the feature.

8. Close the Settings⚙️ app to complete the setup process. Your choices are saved automatically, so there is no Apply or Save button to press.

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.