Extra Keys
Add custom keys to the bottom row of your keyboard for quick access to frequently used actions, characters, or modifiers.
Quick Summary
| What | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Add custom keys to bottom row |
| Access | Settings > Activities > Extra Keys |
| Position | Left or right of spacebar |
What Are Extra Keys?
Extra keys appear on the bottom row alongside the spacebar. They provide quick access to:
- Modifier keys (Ctrl, Alt, Meta)
- Action keys (Tab, Escape)
- Custom characters
- Navigation keys
How to Add Extra Keys
Step 1: Open Settings
- Open CleverKeys Settings (gear icon)
- Navigate to Activities section
- Tap Extra Keys
Step 2: Select Position
Choose where to add keys:
- Left of spacebar: Keys appear on the left
- Right of spacebar: Keys appear on the right
Step 3: Choose Keys
Available extra keys:
| Key | Description |
|---|---|
| Ctrl | Control modifier |
| Alt | Alt modifier |
| Meta | Meta/Windows key |
| Tab | Tab key |
| Escape | Escape key |
| Arrows | Navigation arrows |
| Fn | Function key |
Step 4: Review Selection
Enabled keys appear on the bottom row. The order follows a built-in layout.
Use Cases
Terminal/SSH Users
Add Ctrl, Alt, Tab, and Escape for terminal commands:
[Ctrl] [Alt] [Tab] [Space] [Esc] [Arrows]Developers
Add keys for code editing shortcuts:
[Tab] [Ctrl] [Space] [Fn]Power Users
Full modifier access:
[Esc] [Ctrl] [Alt] [Meta] [Space] [Tab]Tips and Tricks
- Fewer is better: Too many extra keys shrink the spacebar
- Modifiers first: Put modifiers you hold (Ctrl, Alt) on edges
- Action keys center: Put tap keys (Tab, Esc) near spacebar
- Test reach: Ensure you can reach keys comfortably
[!TIP] Start with just Ctrl and Tab. Add more only if you need them.
Extra Keys vs Subkeys
| Feature | Extra Keys | Subkeys |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Direct tap | Swipe gesture |
| Position | Bottom row | On any key |
| Visibility | Always visible | Hidden until swipe |
| Best for | Modifiers | Characters |
Keyboard Layout Impact
Extra keys affect bottom row layout:
| Extra Keys | Spacebar Width |
|---|---|
| 0 | Maximum |
| 1-2 | Slightly reduced |
| 3-4 | Moderately reduced |
| 5+ | Significantly reduced |
Settings
| Setting | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Keys | Activities section | Toggle keys on/off |
Common Questions
Q: Can I add custom characters as extra keys?
A: Currently, extra keys are limited to predefined actions. For custom characters, use subkey customization.
Q: Why is my spacebar so small?
A: Too many extra keys. Remove some to restore spacebar size.
Q: Do extra keys have subkeys?
A: Most extra keys have subkeys. Short swipe in a direction to access them.
Related Features
- Per-Key Actions - Customize subkeys
- Short Swipes - Access extra key subkeys
- Profiles - Save extra key configuration