HP ProBook - Left Ctrl and Fn keys swapped (ISO Layout) - GNOME

Ask Fedora
1

Hi everyone,

I’m having a frustrating issue with my keyboard mapping on Fedora (GNOME), and I haven’t been able to resolve it using standard methods.

Device Info:

  • Model: HP ProBook

  • Keyboard Layout: ISO (Vertical Enter, short Left Shift)

  • OS: Fedora (GNOME)

The Problem: The physical Left Ctrl and Fn keys appear to be swapped at a hardware or low-level driver level. The key labeled “Ctrl” (on the far left) acts as “Fn”, and the key labeled “Fn” acts as “Ctrl”. This makes standard shortcuts like Ctrl+C / Ctrl+V confusing.

What I have tried so far:

  • BIOS Settings: I checked the BIOS/UEFI under “Device Configurations.” I found the “Fn Key switch” option, but toggling it did not fix the swap.

  • GNOME Settings: I tried changing keyboard input sources (Polish and English US), but the issue persists.

  • GNOME Tweaks: I attempted to reset XKB options using gsettings reset org.gnome.desktop.input-sources xkb-options, but it didn’t solve the Ctrl/Fn swap.

Request: Does anyone know a way to remap these keys specifically for HP ProBook laptops on Fedora?

obraz
obraz299×725 53.4 KB

I’ve attached a photo of my keyboard layout for reference. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

2

Install input remapper

sudo dnf install input-remapper

Enable service

sudo systemctl enable --now input-remapper

Open the application: Search for “Input Remapper” in your applications menu. You will be prompted for your password as it requires special permissions to read input events.

Select your device: Choose the keyboard you want to remap from the main screen.

Create a new preset: Click the New button to create a new configuration profile

Add mappings: In the recording session, click the Add button

Record input: Press the physical button you want to remap.

Define output: In the “Output” box, type the desired key or macro you want that input to produce.

Save and Apply: Click the Save button, and then the Apply button to activate your new mappings.