The idea of layers might be confusing at first, but you’re already familiar with them.
When you press shift, you’re actually accessing a different set of characters, such as symbols or capitalized letters. Now, imagine that you could create and customize multiple shift keys; that's exactly what layers are.
Here is a video on how to master layers, from the default ones that come with the keyboard to the most advanced layers you can create:
How to create and customize a layer
With Bazecor, you can customize up to 10 layers. To do so, select the layer you want to edit from the dropdown menu at the top of the layout editor.
Now, you only need to reassign the keys to your liking.
How to access a layer
Once you've configured a layer, you need a key to access it. Think of it as a second Shift.
To do so, select the key you want to use to access your new layer, go to the layers and modifiers submenu and choose the layer you want to access.
The default configuration is what's called a "Layer Shift", meaning you'll be able to access the layer while holding down the key you just configured. Just like with a normal Shift.
However, there are other options you can configure:
- Turn into layer lock: By tapping the key, you'll move to the desired layer. Think of it as Caps Lock, which has to be deactivated to go back to typing lowercase keys. Remember to create a similar key in the new layer to go back to your original layer. This option is often used for alternative layouts, number pads to work on spreadsheets or gaming layers.
- Turn into one-shot layer: With a single tap on the key, you will access the destination layer for one key press and then return to the previous layer. If you double-tap on the key, it will act as a “Layer lock” until you tap the key again. Finally, it will also act as a “Layer Shift” if you hold the key. When using One-Shot layers, you must set the same key in the destination layer as TRANSPARENT to work as intended. Also, keep in mind that you can't nest one-shot layers or move to another layer from a one-shot layer using a layer lock. Always return to the previous layer.
- Add a key on Tap (only on the OG Raise) This option is like the default "Layer Shift", but it lets you also add a different function when tapping the key. For example, you can have BACKSPACE on TAP and Shift to layer 3 on HOLD. If you have a Raise 2 or a Dygma Defy, you need to configure this using Superkeys.
Layers and Superkeys
With the latest firmware on the Defy and the Raise 2, you can use Superkeys to have a key on TAP and a Layer on HOLD.
To configure that, go to the Superkeys menu, create a new superkey and assign the desired values to TAP and HOLD.
For layers and modifiers, we don't recommend configuring anything beyond hold. This way, they will feel snappier and chord better.
Then, go to the Layout editor and assign the superkey you have just created.
Here's a video on everything you can do with Superkeys and how to fine-tune the settings.
How to set a layer as the default
You can choose any layer as the default layer. That means that it will be the layer that will load when you turn the keyboard on.
To do so, go to Preferences > Advanced and select the layer you want from the "Default Layer" dropdown.
If you need more information or suggestions, you can ask the community for advice through Discord or Reddit.