There’s a hidden feature on my keyboard that I couldn't live without.
It’s called one-shot keys, which can completely change how you use it.
Programmable keyboards already let you remap keys, create layers, and add macros or shortcuts. But few people know about one-shot keys.
They’re simple, powerful, and once you try them, you might never go back.
How one-shot keys work
Tap the key, and it modifies only the following input. For example, tap Shift and the next letter is capitalized, and then it stops.
Hold it, and it behaves like a regular modifier, affecting every key you press.
Double-tap it, and it locks—just like Caps Lock, now all my keys are capitalized.
But it can be any modifier or layer. Tap it again to unlock it.
This is where it gets fun. Let’s say you set a one-shot Shift.
Now, you can use your old Caps Lock key for something else—backspace, a layer switch, or, my favorite, an easy-to-reach Tab.
It’s great for comfort, too. You don’t need to keep Shift pressed to capitalize a letter—just tap and type.
The same idea works with Ctrl or Alt. Instead of holding Ctrl and pressing C to copy, tap Ctrl, then C. And if you need to use several shortcuts, double-tap Ctrl to lock them. You can tap C and V to copy and paste as much as you like, then tap again to unlock.
It’s much faster and easier. One-shot layers are just as powerful.
For example, I have a number-pad layer.
If you need one number, tap the one-shot key and press it.
For a few numbers, hold the key until you are done.
For spreadsheet work, double-tap to lock the layer, use the numbers, and tap to go back.
Configuring one-shot keys
Open Bazecor and click Configure. In the Layout Editor, select the key you want, say Shift.
To add a one-shot modifier, open Advanced Modifiers, choose the modifier, and press Turn into One-Shot Modifier.
To add a one-shot layer, open Layers, select the layer, and press Turn into One-Shot Layer.
Then switch to that layer and set the same key to Transparent under Keys & Shortcuts.
One-shot keys might be the most underrated feature of programmable keyboards.
They free up keys, speed up shortcuts, and increase comfort.
Once you get used to them, you’ll wonder how you ever typed without them.
Give them a try and let us know if you like them.
Got questions? Reach us via email at support@dygma.com, or join the conversation on Discord or Reddit.
