29 KiB
Keymap framework - how to define your keymap
NOTE: This is not final version, may be inconsistent with source code and changed occasionally for a while.
0. Keymap and layers
The keymap is an array composed of one or more layers. Each layer is an array of keycodes, defining actions for each physical key. Layers can be activated and deactivated independently. Multiple layers may be active at once, resulting in the currently-active layer state. Each layer has an index between 0-31. As active layers are stacked together, higher layers take precedence over lower layers.
Keymap: 32 Layers Layer: Keycode matrix
----------------- ---------------------
stack of layers array_of_keycode[row][column]
____________ precedence _______________________
/ / | high / ESC / F1 / F2 / F3 ....
31 /___________// | /-----/-----/-----/-----
30 /___________// | / TAB / Q / W / E ....
29 /___________/ | /-----/-----/-----/-----
: _:_:_:_:_:__ | : /LCtrl/ A / S / D ....
: / : : : : : / | : / : : : :
2 /___________// | 2 `--------------------------
1 /___________// | 1 `--------------------------
0 /___________/ V low 0 `--------------------------
Note: The keymap array is limited to 32 layers.
0.1 Layer state
The current keymap layer state is determined by two parameters: the default layer, and the individual layer states. Changing the default layer is useful for switching key layouts completely; for example, switching to Dvorak, Colemak or Workman instead of QWERTY. Individual layer states, on the other hand, can be used to overlay the base layer with other functions such as navigation keys, function keys (F1-F12), media keys or other actions.
Because the default layer is really just a special case affecting the overall layer state, it is important to first understand how the layer state is determined.
0.1.1 The layer state
The layer state indicates the current on/off status of all layers. It is defined in the firmware by a 32-bit integer, layer_state
, which stores each layer's on/off status in a single bit: 0 for off, 1 for on. As layers are activated and deactivated, their respective bits are flipped, changing the value of layer_state
.
Overlay feature layer
--------------------- bit|status
____________ ---+------
31 / / 31 | 0
30 /___________// -----> 30 | 1
29 /___________/ -----> 29 | 1
: : | :
: ____________ : | :
2 / / 2 | 0
,->1 /___________/ -----> 1 | 1
| 0 0 | 0
| +
`--- default_layer = 1 |
layer_state = 0x60000002 <-'
0.1.2 The default layer
The default layer is the base keymap layer (0-31) which is always active and considered the "bottom" of the stack. When the firmware boots, the default layer is the only active layer. It is set to layer 0 by default, though this can be changed in config.h via Boot Magic settings.
Initial state of Keymap Change base layout
----------------------- ------------------
31 31
30 30
29 29
: :
: : ____________
2 ____________ 2 / /
1 / / ,->1 /___________/
,->0 /___________/ | 0
| |
`--- default_layer = 0 `--- default_layer = 1
layer_state = 0x00000001 layer_state = 0x00000002
Note that the default_layer_state
variable only determines the lowest value to which layer_state
may be set, and that default_layer_state
is used by the core firmware when determining the starting value of layer_state
before applying changes. In other words, the default layer will always be set to on in layer_state
.
The default layer is defined in the firmware by the default_layer_state
variable, which is identical in format to the layer_state
variable exlpained above. The value may be changed using the following functions:
default_layer_state_set(state)
sets the state to the specified 32-bit integer value.- AND/OR/XOR functions set the state based on a boolean logic comparison between the current state and the specified 32-bit integer value:
default_layer_state_and(state)
default_layer_state_or(state)
default_layer_state_xor(state)
For example, to set layer 3 as the default layer:
// convert 3 to a 32-bit unsigned long value, and set the default layer
default_layer_state_set(1UL<<3);
0.2 Layer Precedence and Transparency
Note that higher layers have priority in the layer stack. The firmware starts at the topmost active layer, and works down to the bottom to find the an active keycode. Once the search encounters any keycode other than KC_TRNS
(transparent) on an active layer, the search is halted and the remaining lower layers aren't examined, even if they are active.
Note: a layer must be activated before it may be included in the stack search.
KC_TRNS
is a special placeholder which can be used on overlay layers. This allows for the creation of "partial" layers which fall back on the lower layers, eliminating a good deal of repetition in keymap files.
0.3 Keymap Example
The keymap is defined in the uint8_t keymaps[]
array, a 2-dimensional array of rows and columns corresponding to positions in the keyboard matrix. But most often the layers are defined using C macros to allow for easier reading and editing of the keymap files. To use complex actions you need to define Fn
action in the action_t fn_actions[]
array.
This is a keymap example for the HHKB keyboard. This example has three layers: the QWERTY base layer, and two overlay layers for cursor and mousekey control, respectively. In this example,
Fn0
is a momentary layer switching key--you can use keys on the Cursor layer while holding the key.
Fn1
is a momentary layer switching key with tapping function--tapping the key as one would normally use it, sends the semicolon ';' keycode, while holding the key down switches layers.
Fn2
is a toggle layer switch key--pressing the key toggles the layer on until you press it again.
You can find other keymap definitions in file keymap.c
located on project directories.
const uint8_t PROGMEM keymaps[][MATRIX_ROWS][MATRIX_COLS] = {
/* 0: Qwerty
* ,-----------------------------------------------------------.
* |Esc| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9| 0| -| =| \| `|
* |-----------------------------------------------------------|
* |Tab | Q| W| E| R| T| Y| U| I| O| P| [| ]|Backs|
* |-----------------------------------------------------------|
* |Contro| A| S| D| F| G| H| J| K| L|Fn1| '|Enter |
* |-----------------------------------------------------------|
* |Shift | Z| X| C| V| B| N| M| ,| .| /|Shift |Fn0|
* `-----------------------------------------------------------'
* |Gui|Alt |Space |Alt |Fn2|
* `-------------------------------------------'
*/
KEYMAP(ESC, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, MINS,EQL, BSLS,GRV, \
TAB, Q, W, E, R, T, Y, U, I, O, P, LBRC,RBRC,BSPC, \
LCTL,A, S, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, FN1, QUOT,ENT, \
LSFT,Z, X, C, V, B, N, M, COMM,DOT, SLSH,RSFT,FN0, \
LGUI,LALT, SPC, RALT,FN2),
/* 1: Cursor(HHKB mode)
* ,-----------------------------------------------------------.
* |Pwr| F1| F2| F3| F4| F5| F6| F7| F8| F9|F10|F11|F12|Ins|Del|
* |-----------------------------------------------------------|
* |Caps | | | | | | | |Psc|Slk|Pus|Up | |Backs|
* |-----------------------------------------------------------|
* |Contro|VoD|VoU|Mut| | | *| /|Hom|PgU|Lef|Rig|Enter |
* |-----------------------------------------------------------|
* |Shift | | | | | | +| -|End|PgD|Dow|Shift | |
* `-----------------------------------------------------------'
* |Gui |Alt |Space |Alt |Gui|
* `--------------------------------------------'
*/
KEYMAP(PWR, F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12, INS, DEL, \
CAPS,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,PSCR,SLCK,PAUS,UP, TRNS,BSPC, \
LCTL,VOLD,VOLU,MUTE,TRNS,TRNS,PAST,PSLS,HOME,PGUP,LEFT,RGHT,ENT, \
LSFT,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,PPLS,PMNS,END, PGDN,DOWN,RSFT,TRNS, \
LGUI,LALT, SPC, RALT,RGUI),
/* 2: Mousekey
* ,-----------------------------------------------------------.
* |Esc| F1| F2| F3| F4| F5| F6| F7| F8| F9|F10|F11|F12|Ins|Del|
* |-----------------------------------------------------------|
* |Tab | | | | | |MwL|MwD|MwU|MwR| | | |Backs|
* |-----------------------------------------------------------|
* |Contro| | | | | |McL|McD|McU|McR| | |Return |
* |-----------------------------------------------------------|
* |Shift | | | | |Mb3|Mb2|Mb1|Mb4|Mb5| |Shift | |
* `-----------------------------------------------------------'
* |Gui |Alt |Mb1 |Alt | |
* `--------------------------------------------'
* Mc: Mouse Cursor / Mb: Mouse Button / Mw: Mouse Wheel
*/
KEYMAP(ESC, F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12, INS, DEL, \
TAB, TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,WH_L,WH_D,WH_U,WH_R,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,BSPC, \
LCTL,TRNS,ACL0,ACL1,ACL2,TRNS,MS_L,MS_D,MS_U,MS_R,TRNS,QUOT,ENT, \
LSFT,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,BTN3,BTN2,BTN1,BTN4,BTN5,SLSH,RSFT,TRNS, \
LGUI,LALT, BTN1, RALT,TRNS),
};
const action_t PROGMEM fn_actions[] = {
ACTION_LAYER_MOMENTARY(1), // FN0
ACTION_LAYER_TAP_KEY(2, KC_SCLN), // FN1
ACTION_LAYER_TOGGLE(2), // FN2
};
1. Keycode
See common/keycode.h
or keycode table below for the detail. Keycode is internal 8bit code to indicate action performed on key in keymap. Keycode has KC_
prefixed symbol respectively. Most of keycodes like KC_A
have simple action registers key to host on press and unregister on release, while some of other keycodes has some special actions like Fn
keys, Media control keys, System control keys and Mousekeys.
In KEYMAP()
macro you should omit prefix part KC_
of keycode to keep keymap compact. For example, just use A
instead you place KC_A
in KEYMAP()
. Some keycodes has 4-letter short name in addition to descriptive name, you'll prefer short one in KEYMAP()
.
1.0 Other key
KC_NO
for no actionKC_TRNS
for layer transparency (See above)
1.1 Normal key
KC_A
toKC_Z
,KC_1
toKC_0
for alpha numeric keyKC_MINS
,KC_EQL
,KC_GRV
,KC_RBRC
,KC_LBRC
,KC_COMM
,KC_DOT
,KC_BSLS
,KC_SLSH
,KC_SCLN
,KC_QUOT
KC_ESC
,KC_TAB
,KC_SPC
,KC_BSPC
,KC_ENT
,KC_DEL
,KC_INS
KC_UP
,KC_DOWN
,KC_RGHT
,KC_LEFT
,KC_PGUP
,KC_PGDN
,KC_HOME
,KC_END
KC_CAPS
,KC_NLCK
,KC_SLCK
,KC_PSCR
,KC_PAUS
,KC_APP
,KC_F1
toKC_F24
KC_P1
toKC_P0
,KC_PDOT
,KC_PCMM
,KC_PSLS
,KC_PAST
,KC_PMNS
,KC_PPLS
,KC_PEQL
,KC_PENT
for keypad.
1.2 Modifier
There are 8 modifiers which has discrimination between left and right.
KC_LCTL
andKC_RCTL
for ControlKC_LSFT
andKC_RSFT
for ShiftKC_LALT
andKC_RALT
for AltKC_LGUI
andKC_RGUI
for Windows key or Command key in Mac
1.3 Mousekey
KC_MS_U
,KC_MS_D
,KC_MS_L
,KC_MS_R
for mouse cursorKC_WH_U
,KC_WH_D
,KC_WH_L
,KC_WH_R
for mouse wheelKC_BTN1
,KC_BTN2
,KC_BTN3
,KC_BTN4
,KC_BTN5
for mouse buttons
1.4 System & Media key
KC_PWR
,KC_SLEP
,KC_WAKE
for Power, Sleep, WakeKC_MUTE
,KC_VOLU
,KC_VOLD
for audio volume controlKC_MNXT
,KC_MPRV
,KC_MSTP
,KC_MPLY
,KC_MSEL
for media controlKC_MAIL
,KC_CALC
,KC_MYCM
for application launchKC_WSCH
,KC_WHOM
,KC_WBAK
,KC_WFWD
,KC_WSTP
,KC_WREF
,KC_WFAV
for web browser operation
1.5 Fn key
KC_FNnn
are keycodes for Fn
key which not given any actions at the beginning unlike most of keycodes has its own inborn action. To use these keycodes in KEYMAP()
you need to assign action you want at first. Action of Fn
key is defined in action_t fn_actions[]
and its index of the array is identical with number part of KC_FNnn
. Thus KC_FN0
keycode indicates the action defined in first element of the array. 32 Fn
keys can be defined at most.
1.6 Keycode Table
See keycode table in doc/keycode.txt
for description of keycodes.
In regard to implementation side most of keycodes are identical with [HID usage]HID_usage sent to host for real and some virtual keycodes are defined to support special actions. [HID_usage]: http://www.usb.org/developers/hidpage/Hut1_12v2.pdf
2. Action
See common/action_code.h
. Action is a 16bit code and defines function to perform on events of a key like press, release, holding and tapping.
Most of keys just register 8bit scancode to host, but to support other complex features needs 16bit extended action codes internally. However, using 16bit action codes in keymap results in double size in memory compared to using just keycodes. To avoid this waste 8bit keycodes are used in KEYMAP()
instead of action codes.
You can just use keycodes of Normal key
, Modifier
, Mousekey
and System & Media key
in keymap to indicate corresponding actions instead of using action codes. While to use other special actions you should use keycode of Fn
key defined in fn_actions[]
.
2.1 Key Action
This is a simple action that registers scancodes(HID usage in fact) to host on press event of key and unregister on release.
Parameters
- mods: {
MOD_LCTL
,MOD_LSFT
,MOD_LALT
,MOD_LGUI
,MOD_RCTL
,MOD_RSFT
,MOD_RALT
,MOD_RGUI
} - key: keycode
2.1.1 Normal key and Modifier
This action usually won't be used expressly in keymap because you can just use keycodes in KEYMAP()
instead.
You can define these actions on 'A' key and 'left shift' modifier with:
ACTION_KEY(KC_A)
ACTION_KEY(KC_LSFT)
2.1.2 Modified key
This action is comprised of strokes of modifiers and a key. Macro
action is needed if you want more complex key strokes.
Say you want to assign a key to Shift + 1
to get character '!' or Alt + Tab
to switch application windows.
ACTION_MODS_KEY(MOD_LSFT, KC_1)
ACTION_MODS_KEY(MOD_LALT, KC_TAB)
Or Alt,Shift + Tab
can be defined. ACTION_MODS_KEY(mods, key)
requires 4-bit modifier state and a keycode as arguments. See keycode.h
for MOD_BIT()
macro.
ACTION_MODS_KEY(MOD_LALT | MOD_LSFT, KC_TAB)
2.1.3 Multiple Modifiers
Registers multiple modifiers with pressing a key. To specify multiple modifiers use |
.
ACTION_MODS(MOD_ALT | MOD_LSFT)
2.1.3 Modifier with Tap key(Dual role)
Works as a modifier key while holding, but registers a key on tap(press and release quickly).
ACTION_MODS_TAP_KEY(MOD_RCTL, KC_ENT)
2.2 Layer Action
These actions operate layers of keymap.
Parameters
You can specify a target layer of action and when the action is executed. Some actions take a bit value for bitwise operation.
- layer:
0
-31
- on: {
ON_PRESS
|ON_RELEASE
|ON_BOTH
} - bits: 4-bit value and 1-bit mask bit
2.2.1 Default Layer
Default Layer is a layer which always is valid and referred to when actions is not defined on other overlay layers.
This sets Default Layer to given parameter layer
and activate it.
ACTION_DEFAULT_LAYER_SET(layer)
2.2.2 Momentary
Turns on layer
momentarily while holding, in other words it activates when key is pressed and deactivate when released.
ACTION_LAYER_MOMENTARY(layer)
2.2.3 Toggle Switch
Turns on layer
with first type(press and release) and turns off with next.
ACTION_LAYER_TOGGLE(layer)
2.2.4 Momentary Switch with tap key
Turns on layer
momentary while holding, but registers key on tap(press and release quickly).
ACTION_LAYER_TAP_KEY(layer, key)
2.2.5 Momentary Switch with tap toggle
Turns on layer
momentary while holding and toggles it with serial taps.
ACTION_LAYER_TAP_TOGGLE(layer)
2.2.6 Invert state of layer
Inverts current state of layer
. If the layer is on it becomes off with this action.
ACTION_LAYER_INVERT(layer, on)
2.2.7 Turn On layer
Turns on layer state.
ACTION_LAYER_ON(layer, on)
Turns on layer state on press and turns off on release.
ACTION_LAYER_ON_OFF(layer)
2.2.8 Turn Off layer
Turns off layer state.
ACTION_LAYER_OFF(layer, on)
Turns off layer state on press and activates on release.
ACTION_LAYER_OFF_ON(layer)
2.2.9 Set layer
Turn on layer only.
layer_state = (1<<layer) [layer: 0-31]
ACTION_LAYER_SET(layer, on)
Turns on layer only and clear all layer on release..
ACTION_LAYER_SET_CLEAR(layer)
2.2.10 Bitwise operation
part indicates which part of 32bit layer state(0-7). bits is 5-bit value. on indicates when the action is executed.
ACTION_LAYER_BIT_AND(part, bits, on)
ACTION_LAYER_BIT_OR(part, bits, on)
ACTION_LAYER_BIT_XOR(part, bits, on)
ACTION_LAYER_BIT_SET(part, bits, on)
These actions works with parameters as following code.
uint8_t shift = part*4;
uint32_t mask = (bits&0x10) ? ~(0xf<<shift) : 0;
uint32_t layer_state = layer_state <bitop> ((bits<<shift)|mask);
Default Layer also has bitwise operations, they are executed when key is released.
ACTION_DEFAULT_LAYER_BIT_AND(part, bits)
ACTION_DEFAULT_LAYER_BIT_OR(part, bits)
ACTION_DEFAULT_LAYER_BIT_XOR(part, bits)
ACTION_DEFAULT_LAYER_BIT_SET(part, bits)
2.3 Macro action
Macro
actions allow you to register a complex sequence of keystrokes when a key is pressed, where macros are simple sequences of keypresses.
ACTION_MACRO(id)
ACTION_MACRO_TAP(id)
id
is an 8-bit user-defined value the macro getter function can use to pick the specific macro.
2.3.1 Implementing Macro getter function
To implement macro
functions, the macro lookup list must be implemented:
const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt);
The function must always return a valid macro, and default implementation of action_get_macro
always returns MACRO_NONE
which has no effect.
2.3.1.1 Limitations
Similar to the Function Action system, the selector functions is passed a keyrecord_t
object, so it can inspect the key state (e.g. different macros on key press or release), and key itself.
Unlike the Function Action system,macros
are pre-recorded key sequences, so you can only select from a list. If you want to use dynamic macros then you should look at the more complex function action system.
2.3.2 Implementing/Defining Macro sequences
Macros are of the form (must be wrapped by the MACRO
function, and end with an END
mark)
MACRO( ..., END )
Within each macro, the following commands can be used:
- I() change interval of stroke.
- D() press key
- U() release key
- T() type key(press and release)
- W() wait
- SM() store modifier state
- RM() restore modifier state
- CM() clear modifier state
e.g.:
MACRO( D(LSHIFT), D(D), END ) // hold down LSHIFT and D - will print 'D'
MACRO( U(D), U(LSHIFT), END ) // release U and LSHIFT keys (an event.pressed == False counterpart for the one above)
MACRO( I(255), T(H), T(E), T(L), T(L), W(255), T(O), END ) // slowly print out h-e-l-l---o
2.3.2 Examples
in keymap.c, define action_get_macro
const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
{
switch (id) {
case 0:
return (record->event.pressed ?
MACRO( I(0), T(H), T(E), T(L), T(L), W(255), T(O), END ) :
MACRO_NONE );
case 1:
return (record->event.pressed ?
MACRO( D(LALT), D(TAB), END ) :
MACRO( U(TAB), END ));
}
return MACRO_NONE;
}
in keymap.c, bind items in fn_actions
to the macro function
const action_t PROGMEM fn_actions[] = {
[0] = ACTION_MACRO(0), // will print 'hello' for example
[1] = ACTION_MACRO(1),
};
2.4 Function action
TBD
There are two type of action, normal Function
and tappable Function
.
These actions call user defined function with id
, opt
, and key event information as arguments.
2.4.1 Function
To define normal Function
action in keymap use this.
ACTION_FUNCTION(id, opt)
2.4.2 Function with tap
To define tappable Function
action in keymap use this.
ACTION_FUNCTION_TAP(id, opt)
2.4.3 Implement user function
Function
actions can be defined freely with C by user in callback function:
void action_function(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt);
This C function is called every time key is operated, argument id
selects action to be performed and opt
can be used for option. Function id
can be 0-255 and opt
can be 0-15.
keyrecord_t
is comprised of key event and tap count. keyevent_t
indicates which and when key is pressed or released. From tap_count
you can know tap state, 0 means no tap. These information will be used in user function to decide how action of key is performed.
typedef struct {
keyevent_t event;
uint8_t tap_count;
} keyrecord_t;
typedef struct {
key_t key;
bool pressed;
uint16_t time;
} keyevent_t;
typedef struct {
uint8_t col;
uint8_t row;
} key_t;
TODO: sample implementation
See keyboard/hhkb/keymap.c
for sample.
2.5 Backlight Action
These actions control the backlight.
2.5.1 Change backlight level
Increase backlight level.
ACTION_BACKLIGHT_INCREASE()
Decrease backlight level.
ACTION_BACKLIGHT_DECREASE()
Step through backlight levels.
ACTION_BACKLIGHT_STEP()
Turn a specific backlight level on or off.
ACTION_BACKLIGHT_LEVEL(1)
2.5.2 Turn on / off backlight
Turn the backlight on and off without changing level.
ACTION_BACKLIGHT_TOGGLE()
3. Layer switching Example
There are some ways to switch layer with 'Layer' actions.
3.1 Momentary switching
Momentary switching changes layer only while holding Fn key.
This action makes 'Layer 1' active(valid) on key press event and inactive on release event. Namely you can overlay a layer on lower layers or default layer temporarily with this action.
ACTION_LAYER_MOMENTARY(1)
Note that after switching on press the actions on destination layer(Layer 1) are performed. Thus you shall need to place an action to go back on destination layer, or you will be stuck in destination layer without way to get back. Usually you need to place same action or 'KC_TRNS` on destination layer to get back.
3.2 Toggle switching
Toggle switching performed after releasing a key. With this action you can keep staying on the destination layer until you type the key again to return.
This performs toggle switching action of 'Layer 2'.
ACTION_LAYER_TOGGLE(2)
3.3 Momentary switching with Tap key
These actions switch a layer only while holding a key but register the key on tap. Tap means to press and release a key quickly.
ACTION_LAYER_TAP_KEY(2, KC_SCLN)
With this you can place a layer switching action on normal key like ';' without losing its original key register function. This action allows you to have layer switching action without necessity of a dedicated key. It means you can have it even on home row of keyboard.
3.4 Momentary switching with Tap Toggle
This switches layer only while holding a key but toggle layer with several taps. Tap means to press and release key quickly.
ACTION_LAYER_TAP_TOGGLE(1)
Number of taps can be configured with TAPPING_TOGGLE
in config.h
, 5
by default.
3.5 Momentary switching with Modifiers
This registers modifier key(s) simultaneously with layer switching.
ACTION_LAYER_MODS(2, MOD_LSFT | MOD_LALT)
This function can only register left-sided modifiers. The handedness of the modifier (left/right) is an extra bit that is not able to be passed through into the layer system. See: common/action_code.h
, the spec for ACT_LAYER_TAP only allows four bits for the mods, whereas the mods themselves require five bits, with the high bit being the left/right handedness.
4. Tapping
Tapping is to press and release a key quickly. Tapping speed is determined with setting of TAPPING_TERM
, which can be defined in config.h
, 200ms by default.
4.1 Tap Key
This is a feature to assign normal key action and modifier including layer switching to just same one physical key. This is a kind of Dual role key. It works as modifier when holding the key but registers normal key when tapping.
Modifier with tap key:
ACTION_MODS_TAP_KEY(MOD_RSFT, KC_GRV)
Layer switching with tap key:
ACTION_LAYER_TAP_KEY(2, KC_SCLN)
4.2 Tap Toggle
This is a feature to assign both toggle layer and momentary switch layer action to just same one physical key. It works as momentary layer switch when holding a key but toggle switch with several taps.
ACTION_LAYER_TAP_TOGGLE(1)
4.3 Oneshot Modifier
This runs onetime effects which modify only on just one following key. It works as normal modifier key when holding down while oneshot modifier when tapping.
ACTION_MODS_ONESHOT(MOD_LSFT)
Say you want to type 'The', you have to push and hold Shift key before type 't' then release it before type 'h' and 'e', otherwise you'll get 'THe' or 'the' unintentionally. With Oneshot Modifier you can tap Shift then type 't', 'h' and 'e' normally, you don't need to holding Shift key properly here. This mean you can release Shift before 't' is pressed down.
Oneshot effect is cancel unless following key is pressed down within ONESHOT_TIMEOUT
of config.h
. No timeout when it is 0
or not defined.
4.4 Tap Toggle Mods
Similar to layer tap toggle, this works as a momentary modifier when holding, but toggles on with several taps. A single tap will 'unstick' the modifier again.
ACTION_MODS_TAP_TOGGLE(MOD_LSFT)
5. Legacy Keymap
This was used in prior version and still works due to legacy support code in common/keymap.c
. Legacy keymap doesn't support many of features that new keymap offers. It is not recommended to use Legacy Keymap for new project.
To enable Legacy Keymap support define this macro in config.h
.
#define USE_LEGACY_KEYMAP
Legacy Keymap uses two arrays fn_layer[]
and fn_keycode[]
to define Fn key. The index of arrays corresponds with postfix number of Fn
key. Array fn_layer[]
indicates destination layer to switch and fn_keycode[]
has keycodes to send when tapping Fn
key.
In following setting example, Fn0
, Fn1
and Fn2
switch layer to 1, 2 and 2 respectively. Fn2
registers Space
key when tapping while Fn0
and Fn1
doesn't send any key.
const uint8_t PROGMEM fn_layer[] = {
1, // Fn0
2, // Fn1
2, // Fn2
};
const uint8_t PROGMEM fn_keycode[] = {
KC_NO, // Fn0
KC_NO, // Fn1
KC_SPC, // Fn2
};
6. Terminology
TBD
keymap
is comprised of multiple layers.
layer
is matrix of keycodes.
key
is physical button on keyboard or logical switch on software.
keycode
is codes used on firmware.
action
is a function assigned on a key.
layer transparency
Using transparent keycode one layer can refer key definition on other lower layer.
layer precedence
Top layer has higher precedence than lower layers.
tapping
is to press and release a key quickly.
Fn key
is key which executes a special action like layer switching, mouse key, macro or etc.