The panel shifts left and right every time the seconds change on the clock + panel flickers when switching keyboard layouts

[IT-Tool]

Distribution

EndeavourOS

Package version

Cinnamon 6.6.3

Graphics hardware in use

No response

Frequency

Always

Bug description

There are two related visual issues with the Cinnamon panel regarding element positioning and redrawing:

1. Clock shifts left and right: When "Show seconds" is enabled in the Clock applet, causes adjacent panel applets and icons to shift left and right every second. The panel elements do not stay in a fixed position.
2. Keyboard Layout Flicker: When switching between keyboard input layouts (e.g., English to another language), the panel elements located to the left of the Keyboard Layout applet flicker momentarily during the switch.

Both issues cause noticeable visual instability of the panel and negatively affect the user experience.

Steps to reproduce

Issue 1 (Clock shifts left and right):

1. Left-click on the Clock applet in the panel and select "Date and Time Settings".
2. Enable the option "Display seconds".
3. Observe the panel icons adjacent to the clock as the time changes.

Issue 2 (Layout Flicker):

1. Ensure the "Keyboard" applet is added to the panel.
2. Ensure you have at least two input sources configured.
3. Switch the input language (either by clicking the icon or using a keyboard shortcut).
4. Observe the panel icons positioned after (to the left of) the keyboard indicator.

Expected behavior

1. Clock applet: Enabling seconds in the clock should not cause the panel to move or shift.
2. Keyboard applet: Switching the input layout should only update the language icon/text without causing the surrounding panel elements to flicker or redraw visibly.

The panel should remain visually stable in all situations.

Additional information

Rec-2026-01-05.mp4