🧿Top Questions About TailorKey
Last updated February 12, 2026

Capabilities

Glorious Engrammer difference?

TailorKey is the native (GUI) version of most of Sunaku’s Glorious Engrammer (GE)—all credit for the design goes to Sunaku!
Rather than relying on Custom code, it’s recreated in the GUI to be easy to understand, adjust, and use—accessible for beginners and powerful enough for pros.

Key Differences:

• • Zero-code vs Custom Code: GE relies on Custom Defined Behaviors.
    TailorKey is using only the GUI behaviors—easy to understand, modify, and use.  (No difference in the final ZMK DTSI)

  • What’s not included (and not will be): World & Emoji layers (OS already provides this), Function key & Number layers (you might add them).

    • What you can add: sticky_key_modtap (oneshot shift)

    • Enhium alpha layer?  Included in the alphaswap tool on the 'Get it now' page

In short: TailorKey brings the power and ideas of Glorious Engrammer in a zero-code, beginner-friendly, and easily customizable layout. You can use it as-is or tailor every detail to your workflow.  Many features like Bilateral HRM are 100% identical!
📌 For more details, see: What is the difference between Custom and Native Behaviors

🔥NEW:  see demo Glorious Engrammer Native
----------------------------------------------------------------

What is Bilateral HRM?

Home-row modifiers (Ctrl, Shift, Alt) only “work” when pressed with a key from the opposite hand. It’s like teamwork for your fingers—typing becomes smoother, more comfortable, and less mistakes!   
----------------------------------------------------------------

Why the finger layers?

This is required to support Bilateral HRM and is explained in detail on the Glove80 and Go60 pages.
----------------------------------------------------------------

Curious about the latest updates?

Check the update history to see a full log of all changes.
 ----------------------------------------------------------------

Only interested in certain parts?

Simply copy the layers you need. Check out this video for guidance.
----------------------------------------------------------------

Why modifiers on the thumb?

TailorKey places modifiers on the home row for convenience. The thumb modifiers are optional—you can keep them as they are, use the default MoErgo layout, or customize them to whatever you prefer.
----------------------------------------------------------------

Windows & MacOS—advice?

When setting up a dual-OS keyboard layout, you’ve got two solid paths to choose from:

1) Separate layers for each OS

Create dedicated layers—one for Windows, one for macOS—and flip between them as needed. This mirrors how the TailorKey Dual-OS layout works and keeps each system’s shortcuts perfectly intact. To automatically switch layer, when switching bluetooth profle, see this Discord post.
There’s no TK Bilateral version for this approach, since it would require duplicating every layer.

2) Make both OSes play nicely together

macOS lets you remap modifier keys per external keyboard, which means you can tune your modifiers to match Windows shortcuts. Once set up, your keyboard will feel almost identical across both systems without constantly switching layers.  See the Apple how-to here.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Home-Row Mods (HRM) Lag & Latency

If your keys feel slightly delayed, you are not alone! This guide will help you understand why it happens and how to fix it.
⚠️ Important: There is no single "best" setting for everyone. Home-row mods are a personal balance between speed and accuracy.

Why does it feel slow?
Home-row mods give keys two tasks: tap for a letter, or hold for a modifier (like Shift or Ctrl).
Because one key does two things, the keyboard has a split-second Decision Window. When you press a key, the keyboard waits a tiny fraction of a second to see if you are tapping or holding before showing the letter on your screen. This visual delay is completely normal, and you can still type at 120+ WPM!

The default HRM settings fit perfectly for most (fast) typists and are used by many in this community—both TailorKey and Glorious Engrammer use these settings by default.

Step1:  Rule out Hardware & Environment
Before changing your settings, let's isolate the issue by making sure the lag isn't a computer or connection issue:

1. Plug in via USB: If the lag goes away, your issue is Bluetooth interference.

2. Test "Typing Mode": Press [Magic] + [=] on your TailorKey layout. This temporarily disables HRM logic so you can test the raw, instant speed of the keyboard.

3. Check your PC: Try using a USB 2.0 port instead of USB 3.0, and disable USB power-saving settings in your computer's Operating System.

4. Disable background keyboard apps: Software like Karabiner-Elements (macOS) or automated hotkey scripts can introduce severe lag. Turn them off to let ZMK handle the inputs directly.

 Step2:  Choose Your Typing Style
HRM settings are a trade-off between "slight visual delay" and "accidental shortcuts." TailorKey uses settings based on Sunaku’s famous Glorious Engrammer logic. Choose the style that fits you best:

🟢 Option A: "Safety First" (Tap-Preferred)
(Default for Sunaku's Glorious Engrammer and TailorKey)

• How it feels: Letters appear on your screen after you lift your finger.

• The Pros: Super safe. You can type fast at 120+ WPM and roll your fingers across keys without accidentally triggering random shortcuts.

• The Reality: This is the default for TailorKey and what most programmers and fast typist prefer. A tiny visual delay is much better than accidentally closing a window while typing! 

• Want to see it in action? Watch Sunaku typing with these settings here.
  
  

⚡ Option B: "Instant Speed" (Balanced)
(Default in TailorKey Essentials for Go60 and probably best for beginners)

• How it feels: Snappy and instant. Letters appear on the screen the moment you press the key.

• The Pros: Zero visual delay.

• The Trap: If you "roll" your fingers or type messy, you will trigger accidental shortcuts. This works best for deliberate, rhythmic typists who lift their fingers cleanly.

• The Reality: It is the most predictable, friendly style for beginners.

  • Update: Latest Google model recommends below for real beginners:  

flavor = "balanced";            // 🎛️ Style Flavor: "balanced" (Very predictable)

tapping-term-ms = <220>;        // ⏱️ Speed Timer: 220ms (Medium)

require-prior-idle-ms = <125>;  // ⏱️ Typing Shield: 125ms (Stops accidental modifiers)

quick-tap-ms = <200>;           // ⏱️ Double-Tap Helper: 200ms (Allows fast double letters)

Step3:  Tune or Changes Your HRM Settings
If you prefer the Safety First style but want it to feel faster, you don't need to change styles—you just need to shorten the Tapping Term (the Decision Window).
Sunaku has defined recommended difficulty levels for safe starting values. You can view the raw data in the ZMK HRM Best Practice values sheet, or easily customize them without needing to touch code using our Tune tool:

1. Backup: Create a JSON backup of your current layout.

2. Tune: Open the 🔥 TailorKey HRM Tuning Tool and choose a lower difficulty level (based on Sunaku's best practices) to shorten the wait time.

3. Apply: Restore your new backup to your keyboard.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Windows error when copy .uf2 file?

Don’t worry! This error happens because the MoErgo keyboard restarts very quickly after updating the layout.
Windows sometimes misses the completion signal and shows an error.

The layout has been copied successfully, and your keyboard will work normally.
----------------------------------------------------------------

Print or PDF?  I made a few changes?

Try Kiilix!  Really cool! It can generate a PDF that matches what you see on the TailorKey page.
More info and other options
----------------------------------------------------------------

Can I change the Layer order?

🚩

• Not recommended: ZMK layers are like a stack of paper; higher numbers always sit on top and "cover" lower ones.

• Layer 0 is Base: Your typing layers, incl. finger layer must stay at the top function layers can "overlay" it correctly.

• The "Trap" Risk: If you move a layer to a different position, it can hide the keys needed to switch back, trapping you.

• Stay Safe: Unless you understand the ZMK stack, keep the TailorKey numbers as they are to avoid broken navigation.
  
  

----------------------------------------------------------------

Go60: key delay after touchpad use

⚠️I have made a change on feb 14, 2026 to avoid confusion around this feature. (no bug!)
See version v4.2m5 and later.  See changelog

When you touch the touchpad, the Mouse Layer turns on automatically for X milliseconds.
While it’s on, you can change scroll speed, move the mouse, and use all Mouse Layer features without holding the thumb key.

This is a great feature, but it caused too many questions and confusion because the default timeout was 2000ms (2 seconds), which can created a short delay when returning to normal typing after using the touchpad. The default value is now set to 250ms.  💡Discord Video: How to Change It Manually

🔧 Advanced Tip

To use the advanced functionality (the way I use it), set the timeout to 10,000 ms.
This makes the Mouse Layer automatically activate for 10 seconds when you touch the trackpad, making click-and-drag actions easier and more intuitive.

To stop the Mouse Layer before the timeout ends, press the toggle key on R-T2 (&tog mouse_layer) on the Mouse Layer.  (Add if it does not exist in your layout)

----------------------------------------------------------------

Wrong Symbols when on non-US

If you change the country/language in the Layout Editor, you may notice that your Symbol Layer no longer matches the original.

Why this happens:
TailorKey is designed for the en-US keyboard layout. Keyboards send key positions, not characters. Your operating system determines which symbols appear based on the keyboard layout of the OS.  

For example, if your computer is set to a German layout, many symbols may appear in unexpected locations.

How to fix it:

1. Set both the Layout Editor and your OS keyboard layout to US.

2. Manually adjust the Symbol Layer - You can search the catalog for a adjusted symbol layer and copy a layer to fix mismatched symbols.
   🔥  I created TailorKey Non-US Symbol Layer Adjuster that will do this work for you. (export to json from layout editor and import when done)

3. Consider using an alternative OS layout such as EURkey, which may better match your locale.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Bksp and Space key won't repeat?

The Issue: Holding Backspace doesn't delete multiple characters; holding Space doesn't make a long gap.
The Cause: This is a feature! In TailorKey, holding Space or Backspace activates a Layer (like Symbols or Cursor Layer).

How to repeat keys:

• Backspace: Tap it once quickly, release, then immediately hold it down. Alternatively, use Backspace on the Cursor layer (R).

• Space: Activate the Symbol Layer (Hold Space). The Space key on that layer (L) will repeat normally.
  
  

----------------------------------------------------------------

Using App/Window Switcher?

Press the two left thumb keys together and use the arrow keys on the right side of the home row to navigate between open applications or windows.
How this works: Mod-Tap macro is activated from the Cursor layer / Combo.  For Glove80, see the shortcut page. This text should be improved for Go60.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Layer Tuning (Cursor/Symbol)?

Difficulty with Cursor or Symbol layer when held?
If the thumb keys feel "sticky" or don't activate fast enough, you need to adjust the timing. You can change these hold-tap values in your Layout Editor for &space and/or &thumb.  Also see the TailorKey tuning sheet with best practise values from Sunaku's Glorious Engrammer for &thumb and &space.

Tips & Tweaks

How do I switch layers?

Short answer: You usually don't. TailorKey is designed around momentary layers—you hold a key to access the layer, and release to go back. This builds muscle memory faster and does not confuse users.

Exceptions: The Gaming, Typing, and OS layers can be toggled permanently using the Magic Layer.

Visual Aid: If you enable RGB (PR36), the keys will change color (e.g., Yellow for Autoshift) to show you which mode you are in.
----------------------------------------------------------------

I need an AltGr key?

You have multiple options to add an AltGr key:

1. Combo Method: Create a combo (e.g., pressing W + S together) that acts as RALT.

2. The "Sticky" Method: Add &sk RALT (Sticky Right Alt) to your base layer. Tap it once, and your next keypress will have RALT applied.

3. Add a Hold-Tap
   💡A common approach is to use AltGr hold-tap behavior on the QWERTY W and O keys, assigned to the ring fingers—easy to implement.

4. Add a normal &kp key

If you prefer a US keyboard layout —and just need quick access to European characters—EUR Key might be something for you.
----------------------------------------------------------------

Layers switch on Bluetooth?

See this Discord post
Example Summary: You can assign macro to a key that executes &bt BT_SEL 0 followed by a &to [Layer Number] command to ensure your layout matches the connected device (e.g., switching to your macOS layer when connecting to Bluetooth Profile 1).

----------------------------------------------------------------

Per-Key/Layer RGB Lighting

See the howto guide

Interesting thumb issue from GE user:

answer from Sunaku:
Make the LeftMiddy layer's thumb key a &mo LAYER_Cursor instead of &trans to avoid additional hold-tap timing requirements
https://discord.com/channels/877392805654306816/1438453055421939856/1460664315265945603