Tmux: How can I set my prefix to be a key sequence instead of a modifier key combination?

Question

I'd like to be able to set my tmux prefix to be a double-press of a letter key (k, maybe), rather than a ctrl+something key combination.

Related to this question, I guess, but I'm looking for "kk" not "ctrl ctrl"

I have Vim set up to use "jj" to exit insert mode with inoremap jj <esc>

I haven't been able to find a way to do something similar in tmux, aside from this which I'm having trouble understanding and am a bit nervous about.

This question is also related, but I think they're talking about having a sequence of keys after the prefix, while what I want is a way to avoid having to press any key combination (ctrl or alt or whatever).

(I originally asked this on StackOverflow but was told it would fit better over here; if I'm still in the wrong place, sorry - I'm very new to these communities)

Answer 1

AFAIK using character sequences as escape is not possible in tmux.

I am using the table / switch-client feature. This is extremely useful for expanding the available shortcut space but it does not (reasonably) achieve what you want.

If you wanted kk as an escape sequence then you would have to

• make k the escape key
• use the switch-client feature to change the table with the second k
• map every other key in the prefix table to entering first k and then itself

Sounds like a nightmare to me.

The switch-client feature allows you to map the same key to several functions (in different "tables"), depending on what you pressed before (only the escape key or some key in addition to it).