How to map Command key to Control key when using vscode

[aruku7230]

I already mapped "Caps Lock" key to "Command" key using System Preferences of macOS, as I use "Command" key frequently when using most application.

When using vscode with vim keymap, I use "Control" key at most time. Is it possible to map "Command" key (actually the "Caps Lock" key in keyboard) to "Control" when using vscode?

[joeytwiddle]

In Vim 8.2 :help <D- shows that mappings can be defined for the Command key. Not sure if that helps.

(By the way, one thing I loved about using VSCodeVim is that when I switch between macOS and Linux, the Vim keyboard shortcuts stay the same!)

[liudianwei]

I have the same requirement, has anyone solved it?

[lahwran]

Things I tried which didn't work:

    "vim.normalModeKeyBindings": [
        {
            "before": ["<Cmd>"],
            "after": ["<Ctrl>"]
        }
    ]

    "vim.normalModeKeyBindings": [
        {
            "before": ["<D>"],
            "after": ["<C>"]
        }
    ]

[joeytwiddle]

There is a Mac app called "Karabiner" (latest version "Karabiner Elements") which might be able to help you.

I know it can switch Cmd and Ctrl. But can it do it just for one specific app? Perhaps...

[aruku7230]

Unfortunately Karabiner do not have a feature change the function of keys for specific app.

[aikinai]

Unfortunately Karabiner do not have a feature change the function of keys for specific app.

Karabiner does allow you to set conditions, including limiting the rule to specific apps. It will affect absolutely everything (including ⌘-tab, etc), so you might want to refine this a bit, but the following complex modification works for me:

{
  "description": "Map command to control in VS Code",
    "manipulators": [
    {
      "conditions": [
      {
        "bundle_identifiers": [
          "^com.microsoft.VSCode"
        ],
        "type": "frontmost_application_if"
      }
      ],
      "from": {
        "key_code": "left_command"
      },
      "to": [
      {
        "key_code": "left_control"
      }
      ],
      "type": "basic"
    }
    ]
}

[jensenojs]

Is there any simple solution to this problem in 2024?