Reference
Keyboard Mode vs Switch Mode
The short version is simple: Keyboard Mode is the easiest desktop starting point, while Switch Mode is the right fit if you want custom key remapping through the desktop plugin. As a side note, Switch Mode is also the only mode that works on phone or tablet.
Both modes are meant to be used with the remote held vertically.
Start with Keyboard Mode if you want the built-in desktop layout. Use Switch Mode if you want plugin-based remapping. It is also the mode used for phone and tablet.
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What each mode is actually for
The names matter less than the workflow each one is built for.
Reference
When to switch modes
If you are unsure, start with the easiest decision instead of trying to optimize too early.
- Use Keyboard Mode if your main goal is to get started quickly on desktop with the built-in layout.
- Use Switch Mode if you want plugin-based customization in Anki.
- If you study on a phone or tablet, Switch Mode is the only mode to use there as well.
- For either mode, hold the remote vertically with the D-pad facing down.
- On Android, the button labels may look swapped while setting keybinds, but the final commands still work as expected.