title: Extra Keys
description: Add custom keys to the bottom row
category: Customization
difficulty: intermediate
related_spec: ../specs/customization/extra-keys-spec.md
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 > 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
- 1. Open CleverKeys Settings (gear icon)
- 2. Navigate to Extra Keys or Bottom Row
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: Arrange Order
Drag keys to reorder them. Keys closest to spacebar are easiest to reach.
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 | Settings > Extra Keys | Add/remove keys |
| Key Order | Extra Keys | Drag to reorder |
| Key Size | Extra Keys | Auto-sized |
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. Long-press or short swipe to access.
Related Features
- • Per-Key Actions - Customize subkeys
- • Short Swipes - Access extra key subkeys
- • Profiles - Save extra key configuration