Hold the current layer with one key whle switching it with another key

[argenkiwi]

Let me illustrate:

• Hold space -> Layer X
• Tap shift -> Layer Y
• Release space -> Base layer

I tried using release-key and release-layer and have spc as layer-while-held on each layer, but it doesn't seem to work. Again, any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

[jtroo]

Try using the following and see if it helps:

(defvirtualkeys ly (layer-while-held y))

  lsft on layer x: (on-press press-vkey ly)
spc on base layer: (multi ... (on-release release-vkey ly))

[argenkiwi]

Thanks @jtroo. That didn't do it, but I did make use of virtual keys as you suggested. I defined one called clear that does a layer-switch to the base layer. Then the spacebar does (multi (layer-switch x) (on-release tap-virtualkey clear)). Then left shift does (layer-switch y). Does that sound right? Will layer-switch just replace any layers previously set? If so, I'll give my layer carousel idea a go tomorrow (it's late here in New Zealand).

Thanks again for your prompt and helpful replies.

[jtroo]

Layer-switch switches the "base" layer, meaning the layer used when no while-held layers are active. If you have any while-held layers active they will remain active and the switched-to layer will only become active after the while-held ones are cleared.

[argenkiwi]

Makes sense. In that case I think it will work, I will make sure I only switch layers while the space-bar is pressed so, when it is released, the layer is always switched back to base. I still retain the ability to hold other layers on top, which is what I expect.

I'll trial that for a while and see how it goes. Thanks!