Getting Started with Clique

Step 2
Connect your keyboard to a desktop PC using the included USB cable. Wireless programming via Clique is not possible. mWave and Mechanical Keypad LP users will also need to use the Profile switch to toggle to Wired Mode (Green LED).

Step 5
For security purposes you must use a key command to unlock the keyboard. Clique will display the default unlock command for your device. If you get Locked out you will need to flash the Reset firmware to restore the default Unlock Command.
Navigating the Action Menu
Clique supports a virtually comprehensive library of USB commands under the Basic Action menu. Use the tabs to browse the various actions for inspiration or use the search bar to find exactly what you are looking for. Most of these actions are Linux-only so if you are a non-Linux user, be sure to check one of the O/S filters to filter out actions that your Operating System does not support.
Clique also supports a variety of Special Actions and behaviors that go well beyond what other keyboards can do.
Power Users can learn more here: zmk.dev/docs/features/studio
Layer Navigation
Every Kinesis keyboard has at least 2 layers. Layer navigation keys are included by default but you can customize both the location and behavior of these keys with Clique. If you start add new layers make sure you give yourself access TO and FROM each layer or you will get stuck. The Transparent action (Located in Advanced Action>Misc) can be a useful tool to create reciprocity between layers.
Backlight
All Kinesis Clique devices support basic white backlighting. Depending on the device you may have one or more native commands on your device by default, but with Clique you can change the location and behavior of the backlight commands depending on your preferences. Different devices use different commands.
Macro Library
A macro is a key combination or sequence triggered by a single key press. Kinesis has pre-programmed a variety of handy macros for both Windows and Mac users. Be sure to test out any macros before leaving Clique to ensure they behave as expected in the desired application. Later this year we will be adding a macro editor tool so can create your own custom macros.
Mouse Actions
Improve ergonomics by reducing the number of times you reach for the mouse. Add any of the standard 5 mouse clicks to any key on your keyboard and reap the benefits. If you are looking for a Double-Click you can find that action in the Macro>Other section. Mouse Movements and scrolling will be added in the future.
Advanced Actions
Advanced actions are intended strictly for ZMK power users who know exactly what they are doing. Read the full Behavior documentation linked above and PROCEED WITH CAUTION or you could cause your keyboard to temporarily lock up.
Basic Workflow
- Use the zoom tool to scale the Keymap to your monitor & preferences.
- Use the tabs at the top of the screen to navigate the default layers.
- Use the Keymap to select the key you wish to reprogram.
- Use the “Action Menu” to browse or search for the desired action.
- Once you have chosen your action, test it to ensure it works as intended.
- Click the “Apply” button to store your change or “Cancel” to select a different key to program.
- Remember to click “Save” to permanently store all your the changes to your keyboard.
Looking for some inspiration? Try these ideas.
Make your non-dominant space bar Backspace or Delete
- Select the desired space bar in the keymap
- Select Basic Actions
- Select Backspace or Delete from the Navigation sub menu
- Click Apply
Enter and backspace from your thumbs!
Improve keypad access with a Tap and Hold Press effect
- Select the desired (non-modifier) key on the left side of the keyboard in the keymap
- Select the Press Effect drop down and choose “Tap and Hold”
- Select the Layer Navigation tap at left and choose Momentary Layer
- Select the layer that includes the default keypad and click Apply
Tap the key for its original function and hold it to change layers!
Eliminate uncomfortable key combos with a Sticky Shift
- Select one of standard shift keys in the keymap
- Select the Press Effect drop down
- Choose the “Sticky” option and click Apply
- Repeat the process for the other shift key
Tap shift and it will stay shifted for one second so you don’t have to hold it!
Disable any key that you might be hitting accidentally
- Select the desired key in the keymap
- Navigate to the “Selected Key” display at the right of the keymap
- Click the “Clear Key” button (scroll down if necessary)
- Repeate in the other layers if desired
Now that key will not send any action to your computer!
Quick Configurations (coming soon)
Use the drop-down to apply a batch change to the active layer to save you time.
Dvorak
- Reduce awkward finger motions for common combos
- More evenly distribute workload over both hands
- More evenly distribute typing across all 3 rows of alpha keys
Colemak
- Higher concentration of words on the home row
- Easier to learn than Dvorak
- Best for multilanguage support

Support for up to 8 Layers
- Click the + button to create a new layer in the stack
- Click the – button to delete the currently selected layer (Note: Default layers cannot be deleted)
- New Layers are named according to the Layer LED color
Navigating Layers
If you create new layers, you will need to assign one or more Layer Nagivation actions both TO and FROM your new layer. You can navigate directly to/from the Base Layer or you can treat each layer as if they are part of a stack and drill up or down. Note: The keyboard will always default to the Base layer on startup
Troubleshooting Tips
- If you are having trouble connecting to Clique, the first thing to try is refreshing your browser.
- If you are still having trouble connecting to Clique, replug the keyboard to reset the serial port connection.
- You can only edit one key at a time. So hit "Apply Change" or "Cancel" and then select a new key.
- You can use the Clear Key to wipe one key and start from scratch.
- Click the keyboard name at the top of the screen and choose Restore Default Keymap.
- If you get locked out of Clique, it may be necessary to perform a hard reset and re-flash firmware.
- Customizing ZMK behaviors (like macros) is not currently supported in Clique
CLIQUE IS POWERED BY ZMK STUDIO
Can’t use Chrome or Edge, or simply prefer to build offline? You can use the link below to download the latest version of the “ZMK Studio” native app for Linux, macOS, or Windows. Note: ZMK studio has a totally different workflow and feature set and is not officially supported by Kinesis.
ZMK Studio © 2025 – The ZMK Contributors
