title: Short Swipes
description: Quick flick gestures to access subkeys
category: Gestures
difficulty: intermediate
featured: true
related_spec: ../specs/gestures/short-swipes-spec.md
Short Swipes
Short swipes let you quickly access additional characters by flicking in 8 directions from any key. This is faster than long-pressing for common characters.
Quick Summary
| What | Description |
|---|
| Purpose | Quick access to subkeys via directional flick |
| Gesture | Quick flick from key in any of 8 directions |
| Directions | N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW |
How It Works
Each key has up to 8 subkeys arranged around it:
NW N NE
\ | /
W -- KEY -- E
/ | \
SW S SE
A quick flick in any direction types that subkey character.
How to Use
Step 1: Touch the Key
Touch the key you want to access subkeys from (don't tap - hold briefly).
Step 2: Flick in a Direction
While still touching, quickly slide your finger in the direction of the subkey you want.
Step 3: Release
Lift your finger. The subkey character appears.
Example: Typing Numbers
On QWERTY layout, numbers are on the NORTHEAST (up-right) direction:
| Key | Flick NE | Result |
| Q | ↗ | 1 |
| W | ↗ | 2 |
| E | ↗ | 3 |
| R | ↗ | 4 |
| ... | ... | ... |
[!TIP]
Think "start from the SW corner of the key" to access the NE subkey.
Common Subkey Layouts
Letters (Top Row)
- • Northeast: Numbers (1-0)
- • Northwest: Symbols (~, @, #, $, etc.)
- • Southeast: Escape (on Q)
Backspace
- • West: Delete entire word
- • Short swipe + hold: Selection delete mode
[!NOTE]
Subkey assignments vary by layout. Check Per-Key Customization to see and modify your layout's subkeys.
Calibrating Short Swipes
Adjust sensitivity in Settings:
- 1. Go to Settings > Activities > Short Swipe Calibration
- 2. Adjust Minimum Distance (shorter = more sensitive)
- 3. Practice in the test area
| Setting | Effect |
| Min Distance | How far to swipe before triggering |
| Max Distance | Beyond this becomes a long swipe |
Tips and Tricks
- • Practice direction: North is straight up, not diagonal
- • Speed matters: Quick flicks work best
- • Visual feedback: The trail shows your swipe direction
- • Customize: Change subkey actions in Settings > Activities > Per-Key Customization
[!TIP]
If short swipes accidentally trigger, increase the minimum distance setting.
Difference from Long Press
| Action | Short Swipe | Long Press |
| Speed | Fast (instant) | Slow (wait 600ms) |
| Behavior | Types subkey character | Key repeat |
| Access | 8 directional subkeys | Repeats the main key |
Settings
| Setting | Location | Description |
| Min Distance | Gesture Tuning | Minimum swipe length |
| Max Distance | Gesture Tuning | Maximum swipe length |
| Enable Short Swipes | Gesture Tuning | Toggle feature on/off |
Related Features
- • Cursor Navigation - Move cursor with gestures
- • Selection Delete - Select text with backspace
- • Per-Key Actions - Customize subkeys