Dual Actuation is a feature found on Apex Pro keyboards that allows you to bind two different functions to two different actuation levels on our Omnipoint key switches. You can bind the same key to walk and run, equip and use, or any other combination actions you can think of!
Let’s get started on setting up your dual actuation! In this example, we’ll be setting up a walk/run key.
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Set a Main Actuation Level
First, let’s check that our Main Actuation levels are set where we’d like. This is the level at which the first key bind will fire. To do this, we’ll go to the “Actuation” tab in the device’s configuration window, and use the slider on the left to set it.We’ll set it to 1.0mm for this example. By default, all keys are selected, so you’ll be changing the actuation for all Omnipoint keys. If you’d like to set only a single key, you can do so simply by clicking on the key, or by finding the key in the list on the left-hand side of the window.
- Set a Dual Actuation Level
Next, let’s set the level that we want the Dual Actuation key bind to fire. To do this, we’ll go to the “Dual Actuation” tab in the configuration window. We’ll use the slider to set it nice and deep to 3.4mm. By default, all keys are selected, so you’ll be changing the dual actuation for all Omnipoint keys. If you’d like to set only a single key, you can do so simply by clicking on the key, or by finding the key in the list on the left-hand side of the window. - Create your Dual Actuation Binding
Now that we have our actuation levels set, let’s go and create our run key! To do this, we’ll go to the “Dual Bindings” menu in the configuration window. Next, we’ll select the W key, and create a binding for Shift + W. We’ll just use the Quick Record feature for this, which is found directly under the key dropdown. If you need a more complex macro, please check out the Macro Editor in Engine.
Can I use Dual Actuation on other keys, such as the Arrow keys?
Dual Actuation is limited to Omnipoint switches only. As Omnipoint switches are limited to the Standard Key Zone on the Apex Pro keyboards, Dual Actuation is not available on the function keys, arrow keys, or numpad keys.
How does Dual Actuation work when I partially release a key?
When a Dual Actuation key is raised above the dual actuation trigger point, it will output the main keybind. In our walk/run example above, fully pressing and releasing the key will send “wWw” as an output, as the key enters main actuation, dual actuation, then main actuation again as it is released.
Can I set other inputs through the Dual Actuation key binding?
Yes! Our Engine software supports binding all keyboard keys, as well as mouse buttons, media buttons, and macros.