25 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
Keymap is comprised of multiple layers of key layout, you can define 32 layers at most. Layer is an array of keycodes to define actions for each physical keys. respective layers can be validated simultaneously. Layers are indexed with 0 to 31 and higher layer has precedence.
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 `--------------------------
0.1 Keymap status
Keymap has its state in two parameters:
default_layer indicates a base keymap layer(0-31) which is always valid and to be referred, keymap_stat is 16bit variable which has current on/off status of layers on its each bit.
Keymap layer '0' is usually default_layer and which is the only valid layer and other layers is initially off after boot up firmware, though, you can configured them in config.h.
To change default_layer will be useful when you switch key layout completely, say you want Colmak instead of Qwerty.
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
On the other hand, you shall change layer_state to overlay base layer with some layers for feature such as navigation keys, function key(F1-F12), media keys or special actions.
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 <-'
0.2 Layer Precedence and Transparency
Note that higher layer has higher priority on stack of layers, namely firmware falls down from top layer to bottom to look up keycode. Once it spots keycode other than KC_TRNS(transparent) on a layer it stops searching and lower layers aren't referred.
You can place KC_TRNS on overlay layer changes just part of layout to fall back on lower or base layer.
Key with KC_TRANS doesn't has its own keycode and refers to lower valid layers for keycode, instead.
See example below.
0.3 Keymap Example
Keymap is keymaps[] C array in fact and you can define layers in it with KEYMAP() C macro and keycodes. To use complex actions you need to define Fn keycode in fn_actions[] array.
This is a keymap example for HHKB keyboard. This example has three layers, 'Qwerty' as base layer, 'Cursor' and 'Mousekey'. In this example,
Fn0 is a momentary layer switching key, you can use keys on Cursor layer while holding the key.
Fn1 is a momentary layer switching key with tapping feature, you can get semicolon ';' with taping the key and switch layers while holding the key. The word 'tap' or 'tapping' mean to press and release a key quickly.
Fn2 is a toggle layer switch key, you can stay switched layer after releasing the key unlike momentary switching.
You can find other keymap definitions in file keymap.c located on project directories.
static 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),
};
static const uint16_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_NOfor no actionKC_TRNSfor layer transparency (See above)
1.1 Normal key
KC_AtoKC_Z,KC_1toKC_0for alpha numeric keyKC_MINS,KC_EQL,KC_GRV,KC_RBRC,KC_LBRC,KC_COMM,KC_DOT,KC_BSLS,KC_SLSH,KC_SCLN,KC_QUOTKC_ESC,KC_TAB,KC_SPC,KC_BSPC,KC_ENT,KC_DEL,KC_INSKC_UP,KC_DOWN,KC_RGHT,KC_LEFT,KC_PGUP,KC_PGDN,KC_HOME,KC_ENDKC_CAPS,KC_NLCK,KC_SLCK,KC_PSCR,KC_PAUS,KC_APP,KC_F1toKC_F24KC_P1toKC_P0,KC_PDOT,KC_PCMM,KC_PSLS,KC_PAST,KC_PMNS,KC_PPLS,KC_PEQL,KC_PENTfor keypad.
1.2 Modifier
There are 8 modifiers which has discrimination between left and right.
KC_LCTLandKC_RCTLfor ControlKC_LSFTandKC_RSFTfor ShiftKC_LALTandKC_RALTfor AltKC_LGUIandKC_RGUIfor Windows key or Command key in Mac
1.3 Mousekey
KC_MS_U,KC_MS_D,KC_MS_L,KC_MS_Rfor mouse cursorKC_WH_U,KC_WH_D,KC_WH_L,KC_WH_Rfor mouse wheelKC_BTN1,KC_BTN2,KC_BTN3,KC_BTN4,KC_BTN5for mouse buttons
1.4 System & Media key
KC_PWR,KC_SLEP,KC_WAKEfor Power, Sleep, WakeKC_MUTE,KC_VOLU,KC_VOLDfor audio volume controlKC_MNXT,KC_MPRV,KC_MSTP,KC_MPLY,KC_MSELfor media controlKC_MAIL,KC_CALC,KC_MYCMfor application launchKC_WSCH,KC_WHOM,KC_WBAK,KC_WFWD,KC_WSTP,KC_WREF,KC_WFAVfor 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 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
TBD
Macro action indicates complex key strokes.
MACRO( D(LSHIFT), D(D), END )
MACRO( U(D), U(LSHIFT), END )
MACRO( I(255), T(H), T(E), T(L), T(L), W(255), T(O), END )
2.3.1 Macro Commands
-
MACRO()
-
MACRO_NONE
-
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
-
END end mark
2.3.2 Examples
TBD
const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
{
switch (id) {
case HELLO:
return (record->event.pressed ?
MACRO( I(0), T(H), T(E), T(L), T(L), W(255), T(O), END ) :
MACRO_NONE );
case ALT_TAB:
return (record->event.pressed ?
MACRO( D(LALT), D(TAB), END ) :
MACRO( U(TAB), END ));
}
return MACRO_NONE;
}
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 keymap_call_function(keyrecord_t *event, 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)
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.
static const uint8_t PROGMEM fn_layer[] = {
1, // Fn0
2, // Fn1
2, // Fn2
};
static 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.