Database Users

"tablet" mod to disable capacitive buttons and get software home/back keys

I've seen a lot of complaints that the Note 8.0 is more a big Note II than a small Note 10.1
(mainly the fact that it has the capacitive buttons setup)
This works on the Note II, so hopefully someone can try this out on their Note 8.0
I'm waiting for mine to get shipped to me, but I'll update after I test it (unless someone gets to it first.)
To disable the capacitive buttons:
Root your Note. Get a file explorer that can use the root to edit system files. Go to system/usr/keylayout and open generic.kl with a text editor, find keys 158 and 139 and put a "#" sign in front of both. Save the file and reboot phone. Then go to settings and disable the light.
Then you can add software keys by editing your build.prop file.
Add the following line to the end with root explorer and reboot.
qemu.hw.mainkeys=0
or change the dpi, as discussed here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2245

kisaten said:
I've seen a lot of complaints that the Note 8.0 is more a big Note II than a small Note 10.1
(mainly the fact that it has the capacitive buttons setup)
This works on the Note II, so hopefully someone can try this out on their Note 8.0
I'm waiting for mine to get shipped to me, but I'll update after I test it (unless someone gets to it first.)
To disable the capacitive buttons:
Root your Note. Get a file explorer that can use the root to edit system files. Go to system/usr/keylayout and open generic.kl with a text editor, find keys 158 and 139 and put a "#" sign in front of both. Save the file and reboot phone. Then go to settings and disable the light.
Then you can add software keys by editing your build.prop file.
Add the following line to the end with root explorer and reboot.
qemu.hw.mainkeys=0
or change the dpi, as discussed here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2245
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well the first step only makes the haptic feedback stop. The keys still work. But the build.prop edit works for the onscreen keys

how about change the following line in build.prop?
ro.build.characteristics=tablet

mingkee said:
how about change the following line in build.prop?
ro.build.characteristics=tablet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That line is already in there in the build.prop.
It's weird... this seems to work at first, as the menu capacitive key doesn't work on the home screen, but then works in apps - same scenario on the capacitive back key. And even more odd, on the newly "added" on-screen keys, the back key does nothing in any situation.

I honestly don't understand the desire for onscreen buttons as opposed to the capacitive/hardware buttons under the screen. I hated those software buttons on my Nexus 10 and removed the bar entirely to give myself the extra screen space (And gestures to make up for the lack of buttons). Just a waste of screen space in my opinion. I wish Android tablets had what the iPad uses (Four finger gestures for switching apps and returning home) rather than taking up the screen. (GMD Gesture works quite well, but not as iPad seamless yet).
To each their own though, just my opinion. The capacitive buttons are already there, why disable them and put the buttons on the screen.

NickTheMajin said:
I honestly don't understand the desire for onscreen buttons as opposed to the capacitive/hardware buttons under the screen. I hated those software buttons on my Nexus 10 and removed the bar entirely to give myself the extra screen space (And gestures to make up for the lack of buttons). Just a waste of screen space in my opinion. I wish Android tablets had what the iPad uses (Four finger gestures for switching apps and returning home) rather than taking up the screen. (GMD Gesture works quite well, but not as iPad seamless yet).
To each their own though, just my opinion. The capacitive buttons are already there, why disable them and put the buttons on the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you, but I think some people are having problems brushing up against the capacitive buttons while holding it in landscape, like while watching a movie for example.

jntdroid said:
I agree with you, but I think some people are having problems brushing up against the capacitive buttons while holding it in landscape, like while watching a movie for example.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To each their own. It is certainly personal preference but I think anyone with that problem should look into GMD Gesture control rather than adding the navigation bar. You're just lowering the amount of screen realestate you have to work with. GMD Gesture Control works surprisingly well.

I changed (added a # in front of the entries) the melfas-touchkey.kl and sec_touchkey.kl files in system/usr/keylayout
(then turned off the lights and vibrate in settings)
But this was on my Note (N7000) and it seems to disable the buttons after a restart.
Anyone want to take a shot at that?
(Still waiting for my N5110 to get shipped here (a friend is sending one to me since I'm living in Japan atm)
I use Button Savior (so the bar auto hides) for now, but I'm looking for a solution that's similar to what I had on my TF101 Transformer:
I was running Revolver firmware on the TF101 and it let me hide the softkeys for home/back/menu. Then you'd longpress the power button to access the functions/bring them back.
GMD gesture control looks like it'd work really well if we can get the capacitive buttons to disable
GMD spen control might be good too for people (like me) who use the pen a lot.

It's still a great tablet either way!

I've not purchased my Note 8.0 yet, but this is a concern for me. Not sure what my ideal solition would be though. By reverting back to the onscreen buttons, your eating in to the screen real estate. I though about the option of making the buttons s pen enabled only, but that would be frustrating having to take the s pen out just to use them. The option to use the power button or on screen gesture to enable/ disable the buttons sounds like it might be the best possibility. How viable that is as an option, I'm not sure...

Y'know this wouldn't be a huge issue for me if Adobe allowed Photoshop Touch to be rotated 180 degrees. But here we are.
I was planning on using LMT pie controls to use the device but still want to disable the capacitive buttons. Also, while we're on the subject, does anyone else's home button get stuck?
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk HD

Div033 said:
Also, while we're on the subject, does anyone else's home button get stuck?
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No - if yours is, you should definitely return it or swap it out.

I'm not so much worried about turning off the capacitive keys until the nav bar is fully functioning.
Ok, aside from the "nav bar good/bad" debate, here's where we are with this...
The qemu.hw.mainkeys=0 edit in the buildprop does enable the nav bar like on the Note 2, but the buttons are a little funky. This is what you get:
Recents
short and long press you will get recents.
Home
short- Home
long- pulls up nav ring and recents almost simultaneously.
Back
short- back
long- multiwindow
There's also an ^ key on the right that does nothing. I'm gonna try to see what I can do to get these buttons working somewhat properly. Mainly replace recents with menu.
I've got some experience with it from my brief Note 2 days, which is probably a good forum to look through for mods like this. I'm thinking a lot of it applies being so similar.

Yes please! I just want some consistency with my note 8.0 and my nexus 4. When I go back to the nexus 4 I am looking for hardware buttons or pressing them harder. Heh.

Disabled capactive keys achieved
kisaten said:
I've seen a lot of complaints that the Note 8.0 is more a big Note II than a small Note 10.1
(mainly the fact that it has the capacitive buttons setup)
This works on the Note II, so hopefully someone can try this out on their Note 8.0
I'm waiting for mine to get shipped to me, but I'll update after I test it (unless someone gets to it first.)
To disable the capacitive buttons:
Root your Note. Get a file explorer that can use the root to edit system files. Go to system/usr/keylayout and open generic.kl with a text editor, find keys 158 and 139 and put a "#" sign in front of both. Save the file and reboot phone. Then go to settings and disable the light.
Then you can add software keys by editing your build.prop file.
Add the following line to the end with root explorer and reboot.
qemu.hw.mainkeys=0
or change the dpi, as discussed here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2245
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have achieved the ability to disable the capacitive keys with finger touch but keep the s-pen capable of using the capacitive keys. Here is how(Do this at your own peril, I take no responsibility):
Using root explorer or a root file editor navigate to /system/usr/keylayout
You will see many files but the two we are interested in is Generic.kl and sec_touchscreen.kl
First open Generic.kl and comment out lines 139 and 158. Do this by placing a # sign in front of the specified lines.
Save and Exit the file then open sec_touchscreen.kl
Comment out lines 139 and 158 by placing the # in front of the specified lines, Save and Exit.
Reboot tablet.
Capacitives are now disabled with finger touch, but still usable with the s-pen. You can also disable the capacitive light under your settings>display if you so choose.
I put a guide in the Note 8 Developer forum here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2250941

Did this:
kisaten said:
Then you can add software keys by editing your build.prop file.
Add the following line to the end with root explorer and reboot.
qemu.hw.mainkeys=0
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2245
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And this:
ual4720 said:
I have achieved the ability to disable the capacitive keys with finger touch but keep the s-pen capable of using the capacitive keys. Here is how(Do this at your own peril, I take no responsibility):
Using root explorer or a root file editor navigate to /system/usr/keylayout
You will see many files but the two we are interested in is Generic.kl and sec_touchscreen.kl
First open Generic.kl and comment out lines 139 and 158. Do this by placing a # sign in front of the specified lines.
Save and Exit the file then open sec_touchscreen.kl
Comment out lines 139 and 158 by placing the # in front of the specified lines, Save and Exit.
Reboot tablet.
Capacitives are now disabled with finger touch, but still usable with the s-pen. You can also disable the capacitive light under your settings>display if you so choose.
I put a guide in the Note 8 Developer forum here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2250941
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Golden. :victory: Thanks both.
Edit: Back doesn't seem to work all the time, anyone else? Hit or miss... doesn't work, most of the time

slopokdave said:
Did this:
And this:
Golden. :victory: Thanks both.
Edit: Back doesn't seem to work all the time, anyone else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't had any issues so far. hitting the back with the s-pen works every time; however,I have noticed that sometimes the s-pen won't recognize my stroke because the tip of the pen doesn't depress all the way! Mostly when I have to much of an angle on the pen.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk HD

ual4720 said:
I haven't had any issues so far. hitting the back with the s-pen works every time; however,I have noticed that sometimes the s-pen won't recognize my stroke because the tip of the pen doesn't depress all the way! Mostly when I have to much of an angle on the pen.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it works with my s-pen all the time too; both software and capactive keys. It's with my finger, on the on-screen software keys, that it doesn't work most of the time. Try it.

slopokdave said:
Yes, it works with my s-pen all the time too; both software and capactive keys. It's with my finger, on the on-screen software keys, that it doesn't work most of the time. Try it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see what you mean! I'm trying to find the reason!
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk HD

ual4720 said:
I see what you mean! I'm trying to find the reason!
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bingo. Strange eh. I'll keep looking too.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk HD

[Q] is it possible to change key functions?

I was wondering if there is a way to change key functions on note 3, for example: by pressing menu key we can see recent apps instead of menu
I would be thankful if anyone can suggest a solution to do this:good::laugh:

arash2901 said:
I was wondering if there is a way to change key functions on note 3, for example: by pressing menu key we can see recent apps instead of menu
I would be thankful if anyone can suggest a solution to do this:good::laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are actually a couple different ways to do it...
You can used Xposed mod, with either Xposed Additions or MenuBeGone
(I've never used either of these methods...)
or, the way that I do it, manually edit the \system\usr\keylayout\Generic.kl file.
When I do it, I make the following two changes:
Change key 139 from MENU to BACK
Change key 158 from BACK to APP_SWITCH
Then I use button savior to add the menu for those things that need it...
(I'm coming from Nexus devices, so having the keys with back on the left, and app switch on the right is how I'm used to it...)

Ever wondered to use Google search ? Just saying.
Sent from my N9005

carnagecjb said:
There are actually a couple different ways to do it...
You can used Xposed mod, with either Xposed Additions or MenuBeGone
(I've never used either of these methods...)
or, the way that I do it, manually edit the \system\usr\keylayout\Generic.kl file.
When I do it, I make the following two changes:
Change key 139 from MENU to BACK
Change key 158 from BACK to APP_SWITCH
Then I use button savior to add the menu for those things that need it...
(I'm coming from Nexus devices, so having the keys with back on the left, and app switch on the right is how I'm used to it...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks
that's helpful (kind of!)
I was able to change function of key like starting camera by pressing menu key, but still don't know how to put recent app instead of menu?
--------------------------------------------
[problem solved,found it]
thanks a million man
big help

arash2901 said:
thanks
that's helpful (kind of!)
I was able to change function of key like starting camera by pressing menu key, but still don't know how to put recent app instead of menu?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quick and easy answer:
Change key 139 from MENU to APP_SWITCH

Keylayout

Hallo, the new Recent Apps button is annoying me. So i tried to rebind the button to menu. This worked. I changed the /system/usr/keylayout/Generic.kl. (Swapped key 254 (APP_SWITCH) and key 127 (MENU). But I don't know how to rebind the APP-SWITCH key to the hold home key, wich brings me to Google Now. Google Now would be nice on hold MENU, but if I hold the changed button S Finder appears.. I don't need it. So could you tell me, how to bind APP-SWITCH to hold HOME, and Google Now to hold MENU please?
The change I made was inspired by this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2337229
Thanks, Colin P

You can use the xposed framwork additions module to remap hardware keys. Or any number of other Play store apps will also endeavor to do so for you.
Or you could directly edit the the /system/usr/keylayout files. As you aren't already doing this though, I can only presume that you aren't familiar with the syntax. In which case, xposed will be your best option.
.

I have a question that involves keylayout, since this is a similar thread, I thought I should ask here. I've added on-screen navigation buttons, and want to disable the soft touch keys (I accidentally press them a lot...). I found out through a Note 2 forum that I need to put a # sign in front of keys 158 and 139, but I think it might be different for Galaxy S5. Can someone help me disable the two soft touch keys (back and recent apps keys). Thanks a lot

You should start your own thread, rather than hijack an existing one.
In short, you can either use an app like Xposed to reassign the keys or edit the keylayout files directly. Simply leave the keys in question unassigned. If you find that the keys still light up, that can be disabled in the Settings menu with the touch key duration setting = always off.
.

[guide] disable capacitive buttons

I have seen a bunch of posts regarding the capacitive buttons and on screen navigation buttons. Love them or hate them, this is how you can turn them off.
I will leave that up to you on how to get onscreen Navy buttons.
As for turning off the capacitive buttons this is how I did it.
1.To eneble onscreen buttons follow this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/redm...mi-1s-t2950455
2. Download a root file explorer. Root Browser Lite --> http://goo.gl/b9ISW This is what I will use.
3.Load up Root Browser and navigate to system>usr>keylayout. We will be looking for a file called "atmel_mxt_ts.kl".
4. Select it and hit "Open as..." then "Text file" then "RB Text Editor"
5. Now we see this:
key 139 MENU
key 102 HOME
key 158 BACK
key 217 SEARCH
All you have to do is option out the keys you don't want to work with a #. So if you are like me and think the home button is fine, it will look like this.
#key 139 MENU
key 102 HOME
#key 158 BACK
key 217 SEARCH
6. When you have the ones you want optioned out just tap the little disk icon in the top right. It will ask for root rights, grant it, saved.
7. Now just reboot and DONE!
Tested on
1. One plus one a.k.a bacon(miui6, h2os, oxygen..you tell)
Sent from my bacon using Tapatalk
Hit thanks if this post helped you[emoji106]

Why on earth would anyone want to do that when there is a toggle to switch between On-Screen and Hardware Keys

PsyGik said:
Why on earth would anyone want to do that when there is a toggle to switch between On-Screen and Hardware Keys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK give me a screen shot of that toggle in h2os,miui6

@Snapdragon815
Will this guide also turn off the HW key backlight?
Will it survive a reboot?

Mr.Ak said:
@Snapdragon815
Will this guide also turn off the HW key backlight?
Will it survive a reboot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you can see, i made this post 2 years ago, you can give it a try, do a backup on TWRP first, if everythinggoes as you expected, that good. If not you know how to restore.

Snapdragon815 said:
As you can see, i made this post 2 years ago, you can give it a try, do a backup on TWRP first, if everythinggoes as you expected, that good. If not you know how to restore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for reviving the thread. ?
But I was hoping you atleast remember if this trick turn off HW key backlight or not.

Mr.Ak said:
Sorry for reviving the thread.
But I was hoping you atleast remember if this trick turn off HW key backlight or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Np mate,. Did it work? I don't rememberif it did or not

[Tutorial][Root]Disable Capacitive buttons and enable virtual button.

Hi,
i am previously a Moto G (2013) user.. got used to onscreen buttons like pie and gesture control.
Most of the guides available out there wont work with Le 1s.. so here it is
HTML:
do at your own risk. make sure you know about the consequences of things you are going to do.
i always recommend a back up while messing with system partition
Open this file
system>>usr>>keylayout>>ssynaptics_dsx_i2c.kl
look for below lines
Code:
key 158 BACK VIRTUAL
key 172 HOME VIRTUAL
key 580 APP_SWITCH VIRTUAL
change it to (put "#" before all lines)
Code:
#key 158 BACK VIRTUAL
#key 172 HOME VIRTUAL
#key 580 APP_SWITCH VIRTUAL
This disables the respective action of capacitive buttons.
To enable on screen navigation button(enabling this makes your screen looks awkward) though i would prefer to use Pie controls or LMT launcher etc..
go to build.prop
search for this line
Code:
#qemu.he.mainkeys=0
change it to
Code:
qemu.he.mainkeys=0
Reboot.
PS. i am also trying to disable backlight of disabled capacitive buttons, anyone knows can help me

reversegear said:
PS. i am also trying to disable backlight of disabled capacitive buttons, anyone knows can help me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can download an app called keyboard backlight controller.

naparajito said:
You can download an app called keyboard backlight controller.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah..
Thank you
I ve come across many apps which does that.. I'm exploring system level hack
For ex modifying this file(check screenshot) disables but it gets reverted back on reboot

That will have to fixed in kernel. Easy stuff though.

reversegear said:
Hi,
i am previously a Moto G (2013) user.. got used to onscreen buttons like pie and gesture control.
Most of the guides available out there wont work with Le 1s.. so here it is
HTML:
do at your own risk. make sure you know about the consequences of things you are going to do.
i always recommend a back up while messing with system partition
Open this file
system>>usr>>keylayout>>ssynaptics_dsx_i2c.kl
look for below lines
Code:
key 158 BACK VIRTUAL
key 172 HOME VIRTUAL
key 580 APP_SWITCH VIRTUAL
change it to (put "#" before all lines)
Code:
#key 158 BACK VIRTUAL
#key 172 HOME VIRTUAL
#key 580 APP_SWITCH VIRTUAL
This disables the respective action of capacitive buttons.
To enable on screen navigation button(enabling this makes your screen looks awkward) though i would prefer to use Pie controls or LMT launcher etc..
go to build.prop
search for this line
Code:
#qemu.he.mainkeys=0
change it to
Code:
qemu.he.mainkeys=0
Reboot.
PS. i am also trying to disable backlight of disabled capacitive buttons, anyone knows can help me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for this!!
I cracked my screen pretty badly. So I cannot use the capacitive buttons, and what is worse, they are activated randomly by themselves
I had previously found out how to activate the virtual buttons, which helped. But I did not know how to de-activate the capacitive buttons. This was a great help!!
However the app "Keyboard backlight controller" does not seem to work for me, it does not ask for root permission and it does not turn off the backlight.... but this is a very minor issue compared to my previous issues

While editing keys putting # , to disable capacitive buttons , it is showing a message "error occurred while saving the file, it will not be saved" what to do now I want to disable capacitive buttons
---------- Post added at 10:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:14 AM ----------
Due to crack on display and improper function of capacitive buttons I want to disable that and I want to enable VIRTUAL navigation keys , while following mr.botze steps using codes while editing I mean after putting # and saving, it is showing a message " error while saving the file ,it will not be saved" what to do , anybody can help me out from this

Letvaffu said:
While editing keys putting # , to disable capacitive buttons , it is showing a message "error occurred while saving the file, it will not be saved" what to do now I want to disable capacitive buttons
---------- Post added at 10:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:14 AM ----------
Due to crack on display and improper function of capacitive buttons I want to disable that and I want to enable VIRTUAL navigation keys , while following mr.botze steps using codes while editing I mean after putting # and saving, it is showing a message " error while saving the file ,it will not be saved" what to do , anybody can help me out from this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
seems to be you dont have root previlages

reversegear said:
seems to be you dont have root previlages
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...either that, or that you forgot to mount in R/W. What app are you using to view the files? In Root exporer, there is a button on the top that says "mount R/W" (read-write). If you don't press that you can only VIEW the files, not edit.

Is rooting needed?
botze said:
...either that, or that you forgot to mount in R/W. What app are you using to view the files? In Root exporer, there is a button on the top that says "mount R/W" (read-write). If you don't press that you can only VIEW the files, not edit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I opened in edit mode but receive the error.. I have not rooted my mobile, is that the reason?