Threshold for activating a layer

[sedghi]

I thought that the to_if_held_down_threshold_milliseconds parameter is what I need to change in order to adjust the default threshold for activating a layer. However, it doesn't seem to be working as I expected. Am I doing something wrong? Essentially, what I want is for my layer to be activated when I hold down the f key instead of just tapping it. Unfortunately, I'm experiencing some missed keystrokes with the f key while typing.

// + Create a new profile if needed.
writeToProfile(
  'profile-name',
  [
    layer('f', 'arrows').manipulators([
      map('k').to('up_arrow'),
      map('h').to('left_arrow'),
      map('j').to('down_arrow'),
      map('l').to('right_arrow'),
      map('u').to('home'),
      map('i').to('end'),
      // Add shift combinations for selection
      map('h', ['left_shift']).to([
        { key_code: 'left_arrow', modifiers: ['left_shift'] },
      ]),
      map('j', ['left_shift']).to([
        { key_code: 'down_arrow', modifiers: ['left_shift'] },
      ]),
      map('k', ['left_shift']).to([
        { key_code: 'up_arrow', modifiers: ['left_shift'] },
      ]),
      map('l', ['left_shift']).to([
        { key_code: 'right_arrow', modifiers: ['left_shift'] },
      ]),

      // Word selection mappings (Vim-style with option modifier)
      map('h', ['left_shift', 'left_option']).to([
        { key_code: 'left_arrow', modifiers: ['left_shift', 'left_option'] },
      ]),
      map('j', ['left_shift', 'left_option']).to([
        { key_code: 'down_arrow', modifiers: ['left_shift', 'left_option'] },
      ]),
      map('k', ['left_shift', 'left_option']).to([
        { key_code: 'up_arrow', modifiers: ['left_shift', 'left_option'] },
      ]),
      map('l', ['left_shift', 'left_option']).to([
        { key_code: 'right_arrow', modifiers: ['left_shift', 'left_option'] },
      ]),

      map('m').to('return_or_enter'), // f + n for Enter
      map('n').to('delete_or_backspace'), // f + b for Backspace
    ]),

    // make it so that in the layer 'f' I can also use shift to select
    // text with the arrow keys that i have ijkl mapped to, i mean should select

    // change capslock to escape
    rule('Change capslock to escape').manipulators([
      map('caps_lock').to('escape'),
    ]),

    // change cmd/alt to ctrl/alt
    rule('Change cmd/alt to ctrl/alt').manipulators([
      map('left_option').to('left_command'),
      map('left_command').to('left_option'),
    ]),
  ],
  {
    'basic.to_if_held_down_threshold_milliseconds': 500,
  },
)

[evan-liu]

Hi @sedghi, I think you need DelayedLayer, and unfortunately, I have not yet found a solution.

[evan-liu]

BTW for the selection part in your config, these might be helpful:

• Set modifiers to optional any
• Map other keys to modifiers on the layer

[sedghi]

Thanks for your answer. It seems pretty complicated, and what you have done so far is amazing. If it is not possible yet, what other stable solution do I have to add a new layer to a letter? Double tap?

[evan-liu]

So, the main issue with a layer is that when typing fast, the layer is triggered by accident. A few alternatives:

• simlayer
• hyper/modifier layer
• duoLayer

I still use layer on keys that are not usually used with other keys, like the ` key. Otherwise, I found duoLayer works better for me as I get to use home row more.

[sedghi]

Also changed my configuration to this, but for some reason when I type (fast) it types 1, any idea what is happening?

rule('delayedLayer').manipulators([
      map('f')
        .condition(ifVar('delayed-1').unless())
        .toIfHeldDown([
          toSetVar('delayed-1', 5),
          toNotificationMessage('delayed-1', '💡 Delayed Layer 1 activated'),
        ])
        .toAfterKeyUp([
          toSetVar('delayed-1', 0),
          toRemoveNotificationMessage('delayed-1'),
        ])
        .toIfAlone(1)
        .toDelayedAction(
          [],
          [
            toKey('f'),
            toSetVar('delayed-1', 0),
            toRemoveNotificationMessage('delayed-1'),
          ],
        )
        .parameters({
          'basic.to_if_held_down_threshold_milliseconds': 200,
          'basic.to_delayed_action_delay_milliseconds': 200,
        }),

      // Ensure other keys are functional only when the 'f' layer is active
      withCondition(ifVar('delayed-1'))([
        map('k').to('up_arrow'),
        map('h').to('left_arrow'),
        map('j').to('down_arrow'),
        map('l').to('right_arrow'),
        map('u').to('home'),
        map('i').to('end'),
        // Add shift combinations for selection
        map('h', ['left_shift']).to([
          { key_code: 'left_arrow', modifiers: ['left_shift'] },
        ]),
        map('j', ['left_shift']).to([
          { key_code: 'down_arrow', modifiers: ['left_shift'] },
        ]),
        map('k', ['left_shift']).to([
          { key_code: 'up_arrow', modifiers: ['left_shift'] },
        ]),
        map('l', ['left_shift']).to([
          { key_code: 'right_arrow', modifiers: ['left_shift'] },
        ]),
        // Word selection mappings (Vim-style with option modifier)
        map('h', ['left_shift', 'left_option']).to([
          { key_code: 'left_arrow', modifiers: ['left_shift', 'left_option'] },
        ]),
        map('j', ['left_shift', 'left_option']).to([
          { key_code: 'down_arrow', modifiers: ['left_shift', 'left_option'] },
        ]),
        map('k', ['left_shift', 'left_option']).to([
          { key_code: 'up_arrow', modifiers: ['left_shift', 'left_option'] },
        ]),
        map('l', ['left_shift', 'left_option']).to([
          { key_code: 'right_arrow', modifiers: ['left_shift', 'left_option'] },
        ]),

        map('m').to('return_or_enter'), // f + n for Enter
        map('n').to('delete_or_backspace'), // f + b for Backspace
      ]),
    ]),

[evan-liu]

I think it is because of .toIfAlone(1) (should be .toIfAlone('f') in your case). This works most of the time but with certain typing speed you will get two fs.

[evan-liu]

Also you may want to change toSetVar('delayed-1', 5) in your config, or use 5 in layer condition value

[sedghi]

Thanks a lot, yes it was my bad