Settings and features

Entropy displays only the features supported by the connected device

If an item is missing from a menu, the firmware normally did not expose that capability

App settings

Open Config → App settings

Import settings and Export settings use .entsettings files to transfer application preferences and Text Expander rules

Entropy creates an automatic backup before import. All settings files are applied as one operation: if any write fails, the application restores the previous state

On Linux, this page also provides the Vial udev rule installer

Macros

A macro runs a sequence of actions after one key press

1. Click a key on the layout
2. Open the Macros tab
3. Select a macro slot
4. Enter a name and optional description
5. Add actions in the required order
6. Assign the slot to the selected key

Available actions:

• Text — type text one character at a time
• Tap — press and release a key
• Down — hold a key until an Up action
• Up — release a previously held key
• Delay — pause in milliseconds

Names and descriptions are stored locally and included in .entlayout

Changed macros are written in the background, while unchanged firmware buffers are not sent again

Tap Dance

Tap Dance assigns different actions to one key depending on how it is pressed

• Tap — short press
• Hold — hold
• Double Tap — double press
• Tap + Hold — press, then hold

On compatible RMK firmware, any of the four actions can use a Universal Symbol or Russian letter exposed as a firmware-native action

Tapping term sets the window in which the firmware distinguishes these actions

Combos

A Combo sends one action when two to four input keys are pressed together

Open Advanced → Combos, select a slot, then choose the input keys and output action

On compatible RMK firmware, each Combo can also be limited to All layers or one specific layer. Universal Symbols and Russian letters are available as outputs when the firmware advertises those actions

Combo timeout defines the maximum interval between input presses

Key Overrides

A Key Override replaces a key when its modifier and layer conditions match

• Trigger — original key
• Replacement — action to send
• Trigger modifiers — required modifiers
• Negative modifiers — conditions that block the rule
• Suppressed modifiers — modifiers hidden while the replacement is active
• Enable on layers — layers on which the rule can run

Text Expander

Text Expander replaces short local triggers with prepared text on the computer rather than in device firmware

Creating a rule

1. Open Advanced → Text Expander
2. Enable the expander
3. Add a rule
4. Enter a trigger such as :mail
5. Enter the replacement text

A trigger must start with : or ; and cannot contain spaces

Use \n for a new line and $|$ for the cursor position after insertion

Additional features:

• Application blacklist
• Multiple JSON rule files
• Automatic reload after external edits
• Multiline templates

Operating-system support

• Windows uses the native Entropy backend
• macOS requires Accessibility and Input Monitoring
• Linux uses the Entropy IBus input source

Entropy must remain active in the background, and the Entropy Text Expander input source must be selected on Linux

Typing Trainer

Open Advanced → Typing Trainer for a local typing-speed test

• Timed mode: 15, 30, 60, or 120 seconds
• Word mode: 10, 25, 50, or 100 words
• English and Russian word sets
• Optional punctuation and digits
• WPM, accuracy, errors, and local result history

Matrix Tester

Matrix Tester displays physical switch presses and helps locate a position that does not register

Open Config → Matrix Tester, press several keys, and watch the tested-position counter

The tester works with compatible Vial devices and may require the device to be unlocked

Layout Indicator

Layout Indicator is a separate window showing the current layer and key state

Open Layout → Layout Indicator

• Pin it above other applications
• Adjust visibility
• Show the full layout or pressed keys only
• Track the active layer, Combos, and Tap Dance actions

Live Features

Open Config → Live Features to check the data that Entropy can send to firmware

• Time sync — local computer time
• Volume sync — default output-device volume
• Media info — active artist and track title
• Layout Sync — current EN/RU layout

Entropy must keep running in the background for Live Features

See Universal Symbols for Layout Sync details

Device firmware updates

For supported Ergohaven RMK devices, Entropy automatically checks for a newer stable firmware release

1. Connect the device and open Layout → About device
2. Compare Firmware version, Latest firmware, and Firmware status
3. Click Download to open the exact ZIP package for the connected device model and topology
4. Click Changelog to view the release notes

Check runs the lookup again. If the device or its firmware does not provide a supported update profile, firmware rows and download actions are not shown

Firmware settings