Bug 461485 - [Suggestion] Setting to treat the equal ( = ) key as plus ( + )
Summary: [Suggestion] Setting to treat the equal ( = ) key as plus ( + )
Status: REOPENED
Alias: None
Product: kcalc
Classification: Applications
Component: general (other bugs)
Version First Reported In: 22.08.1
Platform: Kubuntu Linux
: NOR wishlist
Target Milestone: ---
Assignee: Evan Teran
URL:
Keywords:
Depends on:
Blocks:
 
Reported: 2022-11-06 04:24 UTC by NM64
Modified: 2025-03-13 01:48 UTC (History)
3 users (show)

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Description NM64 2022-11-06 04:24:55 UTC
OBSERVED RESULT
The equal ( = ) key behaves as 'equal' and there's no way to change this.


EXPECTED RESULT
The ability to use the equal ( = ) key as the plus ( + ) key without the need to hold shift.


SOFTWARE/OS VERSIONS
Linux/KDE Plasma: Kubuntu 22.10
(available in About System)
KDE Plasma Version: 5.25.5
KDE Frameworks Version: 5.98.0
Qt Version: 5.15.6


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The user can already use the 'Enter' key to achieve the equal function and subtract ( - ) can be accessed without holding shift, yet add ( + ) is just as if not more commonly used than subtract but requires holding shift.

Many other software that use plus and minus for various functions, such as changing zoom levels or changing volume levels, allows using the equal ( = ) key without the need to hold shift, so why shouldn't calculator software be the same, especially when the 'Enter' key already exists that doubles as the equal function?

This would be particularly beneficial on keyboard that lack a NUMpad (typically laptops).
Comment 1 Gabriel Barrantes 2024-06-05 20:32:44 UTC
I think this will definitely not be welcomed by the average kcalc user. The "enter" key on any keyboard should trigger an "equal button" press tho.
Comment 2 NM64 2024-06-05 20:46:51 UTC
(In reply to Gabriel Barrantes from comment #1)
> "enter" key on any keyboard should trigger an "equal button" press tho.

I cannot help but think you misread my suggestion.

My point is that, because the "enter" key already works as an "equal button", why must the "=+" key (the one next to backspace) only be usable as an "equals button" unless you hold the shift key?

As you know, many laptops lack a numpad, and you can already use the "x" key as a shiftless way to use the "multiply button" as well as the "/?" key working as a shiftless way to use the "divide button".

But there's currently no way to use the "minus button" in a shiftless way...
Comment 3 NM64 2024-06-05 20:47:44 UTC
And to be double-clear, note that the title on this suggestion says "setting"—I'm not suggesting this to be the exclusive way to use kcalc.
Comment 4 NM64 2024-06-05 20:50:45 UTC
Oh dear, I made a terrible typo. The final line should have said:
> But there's currently no way to use the "plus button" in a shiftless way...

Because you can obviously already use the "minus button" in a shiftless way via the "-_" key (located next to the zero key).
Comment 5 Gabriel Barrantes 2024-06-07 19:19:45 UTC
I certainly misunderstood , it would be possible for sure, but it wiill take some time for someone to develop this feature eventually.
Comment 6 popov895 2024-06-19 13:34:09 UTC
(In reply to NM64 from comment #0)
> Many other software that use plus and minus for various functions, such as
> changing zoom levels or changing volume levels, allows using the equal ( = )
> key without the need to hold shift, so why shouldn't calculator software be
> the same, especially when the 'Enter' key already exists that doubles as the
> equal function?

Zooming only uses the + and - keys, so making the = key operate as the + key won't break anything.  At the same time, KCalc users can use the = key to evaluate an expression, so this can break the UX of such users.
Comment 7 fanzhuyifan 2025-03-13 01:48:21 UTC
(In reply to popov895 from comment #6)
> (In reply to NM64 from comment #0)
> > Many other software that use plus and minus for various functions, such as
> > changing zoom levels or changing volume levels, allows using the equal ( = )
> > key without the need to hold shift, so why shouldn't calculator software be
> > the same, especially when the 'Enter' key already exists that doubles as the
> > equal function?
> 
> Zooming only uses the + and - keys, so making the = key operate as the + key
> won't break anything.  At the same time, KCalc users can use the = key to
> evaluate an expression, so this can break the UX of such users.

Agreed. Also using = as + doesn't make sense in layouts where + and = are not physically on the same key.