Dual-Function Keys
Dual-function keys are keys that combine a TAP and a MOD/LAYER.
Simply put, when a dual-function key is tapped, it produces a single keystroke (TAP). However, when it is held down or used in combination with another key, it functions as a modifier key or layer access (MOD/LAYER).
Context-Awareness
Since major functions serve on dual-function keys, it is crucial they behave as the user expects without misfires at every typing speed.
To achieve this, our firmware analyzes the previous and current typing context to make decisions.
This functionality is developed alongside Pending MODs and Opposite MODs as TAPs to provide the best typing experience.
Auto-repeat
Traditional keys do repeat themselves when holded but dual-function keys activate their MOD/LAYER effect in that situation.
To auto-repeat a dual-function key, first do a TAP, then hold.
Tip: In most application, you can also auto-repeat Space and Backspace by shifting them!
Pending MODs 🖱
Pending MODs are MODs on dual-function keys that are fired at keypress in order to be available immediately to be used in conjunction with a mouse click. If the MOD is not used and the key is relased quickly, the MOD will be cancelled and the TAP will be sent instead.
However, certain applications respond to the release of the MODs themselves, which interferes with pending MODs:
- Microsoft Windows and some window managers launch the start menu when releasing Left
Super - Microsoft Windows highlight menus when
Altis released - VirtualBox unfocuses the Virtual Machine when Right
Controlis released
Due to these interactions, only Left Shift and Left Control pending MODs are enabled by default.
If your requirements differ or if you use your mouse with your left hand, you can adjust this setting in the
System Layer.
Opposite MODs as TAPs
When initiating a key combination with a MOD, all dual-function keys with MODs on the opposite side will function solely as TAP keys. This allows for the immediate activation of the combination upon key press on the opposite side.
In the case of 3-key combinations (involving two MODs), such as
Super + Shift + ... or Control + Shift + ...,
both MODs need to be pressed with the same hand,
while the second completes the combination with a TAP key.
The ADM42 has been designed to simplify such combinations by
providing Shift accessible on both thumbs.
As this feature promotes the best way to use the keyboard it is enabled by default. If you have different requirements it can be disabled in the System Layer.
Special Keys
Zoom- / Zoom+
These keys allow instant adjustment of the display size in many editors and applications.
Since these shortcuts can vary across different systems, the keyboard employs OS detection to improve compatibility.
They will trigger Command(Super) + plus/minus on Apple OS (macOS and iOS) and
Ctrl + plus/minus on others OS (Windows, Linux, Android, ...).
Compose Key
The compose key can be enabled in System Layer and can be used to compose character and write in foreign languages.