diff --git a/doc/plugin/Cycle.md b/doc/plugin/Cycle.md
index 5755044101..7e31dadc1a 100644
--- a/doc/plugin/Cycle.md
+++ b/doc/plugin/Cycle.md
@@ -25,10 +25,10 @@ Key_Cycle
 
 // later in the Sketch:
 void cycleAction(Key previous_key, uint8_t cycle_count) {
-  bool is_shifted = previous_key.flags & SHIFT_HELD;
-  if (previous_key.keyCode == Key_A.keyCode && is_shifted)
+  bool is_shifted = previous_key.getFlags() & SHIFT_HELD;
+  if (previous_key.getKeyCode() == Key_A.getKeyCode() && is_shifted)
       cycleThrough (LSHIFT(Key_A), LSHIFT(Key_B), LSHIFT(Key_C));
-  if (previous_key.keyCode == Key_A.keyCode && !is_shifted)
+  if (previous_key.getKeyCode() == Key_A.getKeyCode() && !is_shifted)
       cycleThrough (Key_A, Key_B, Key_C);
 }
 
diff --git a/examples/Keystrokes/Cycle/Cycle.ino b/examples/Keystrokes/Cycle/Cycle.ino
index 4b28b4f23b..b8b33dd056 100644
--- a/examples/Keystrokes/Cycle/Cycle.ino
+++ b/examples/Keystrokes/Cycle/Cycle.ino
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ KEYMAPS(
 // *INDENT-ON*
 
 void cycleAction(Key previous_key, uint8_t cycle_count) {
-  if (previous_key.raw == Key_E.raw) {
+  if (previous_key == Key_E) {
     if (cycle_count == 1) {
       Cycle.replace(Key_F);
     } else if (cycle_count == 2) {
@@ -48,10 +48,10 @@ void cycleAction(Key previous_key, uint8_t cycle_count) {
     }
   }
 
-  bool is_shifted = previous_key.flags & SHIFT_HELD;
-  if (previous_key.keyCode == Key_A.keyCode && is_shifted)
+  bool is_shifted = previous_key.getFlags() & SHIFT_HELD;
+  if (previous_key.getKeyCode() == Key_A.getKeyCode() && is_shifted)
     cycleThrough(LSHIFT(Key_A), LSHIFT(Key_B), LSHIFT(Key_C), LSHIFT(Key_D));
-  if (previous_key.keyCode == Key_A.keyCode && !is_shifted)
+  if (previous_key.getKeyCode() == Key_A.getKeyCode() && !is_shifted)
     cycleThrough(Key_A, Key_B, Key_C, Key_D);
 }
 
diff --git a/examples/LEDs/LED-AlphaSquare/LED-AlphaSquare.ino b/examples/LEDs/LED-AlphaSquare/LED-AlphaSquare.ino
index 7346fd9cee..0f8e66157f 100644
--- a/examples/LEDs/LED-AlphaSquare/LED-AlphaSquare.ino
+++ b/examples/LEDs/LED-AlphaSquare/LED-AlphaSquare.ino
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ const macro_t *macroAction(uint8_t macro_index, uint8_t key_state) {
     return MACRO_NONE;
 
   if (macro_index == 0) {
-    for (uint8_t i = Key_A.keyCode; i <= Key_0.keyCode; i++) {
+    for (uint8_t i = Key_A.getKeyCode(); i <= Key_0.getKeyCode(); i++) {
       LEDControl.set_all_leds_to(0, 0, 0);
       LEDControl.syncLeds();
       delay(100);
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/hooks.h b/src/kaleidoscope/hooks.h
index 43646f1203..4e154f49c5 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/hooks.h
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/hooks.h
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
 #include <Arduino.h>
 
 namespace kaleidoscope {
-union Key;
+class Key;
 }
 
 #include "kaleidoscope/KeyAddr.h"
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/key_defs.h b/src/kaleidoscope/key_defs.h
index 964aae715c..81fa2cbf4c 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/key_defs.h
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/key_defs.h
@@ -30,63 +30,141 @@
 
 namespace kaleidoscope {
 
-union Key {
+class Key {
 
-  struct {
-    uint8_t keyCode;
-    uint8_t flags;
-  };
-  uint16_t raw;
+ public:
+
+  typedef uint16_t StorageType;
 
   Key() = default;
 
-  constexpr Key(uint8_t __keyCode, uint8_t __flags)
-    : keyCode(__keyCode), flags(__flags) {
+  constexpr Key(uint16_t raw)
+    : Key{(uint8_t)(raw & 0x00FF), (uint8_t)(raw >> 8)}
+  {}
+
+  constexpr Key(uint8_t key_code, uint8_t flags)
+    : keyCode{key_code},
+      flags{flags}
+  {}
+
+  void setFlags(uint8_t new_flags) {
+    flags.value_ = new_flags;
+  }
+  constexpr const uint8_t &getFlags() const {
+    return flags.value_;
+  }
+
+  void setKeyCode(uint8_t key_code) {
+    keyCode.value_ = key_code;
+  }
+  constexpr const uint8_t &getKeyCode() const {
+    return keyCode.value_;
   }
 
-  constexpr Key(uint16_t __raw)
-    : raw(__raw) {
+  void setRaw(uint16_t raw) {
+    flags.value_  = (uint8_t)(raw >> 8);
+    keyCode.value_ = (uint8_t)(raw & 0x00FF);
+  }
+  constexpr uint16_t getRaw() const {
+    return (uint16_t)(
+             ((uint16_t)flags.value_ << 8)
+             + (uint16_t)keyCode.value_
+           );
   }
 
-  constexpr bool operator==(const uint16_t rhs) const {
-    return this->raw == rhs;
+  constexpr bool operator==(const StorageType rhs) const {
+    return this->getRaw() == rhs;
   }
   constexpr bool operator==(const Key& rhs) const {
-    return this->raw == rhs.raw;
+    return (this->keyCode.value_ == rhs.keyCode.value_)
+           && (this->flags.value_ == rhs.flags.value_);
   }
-  Key& operator=(const uint16_t raw) {
-    this->raw = raw;
+  Key& operator=(const StorageType raw) {
+    this->setRaw(raw);
     return *this;
   }
   constexpr bool operator!=(const Key& rhs) const {
     return !(*this == rhs);
   }
-  constexpr bool operator>=(const uint16_t raw) const {
-    return this->raw >= raw;
+  constexpr bool operator>=(const StorageType raw) const {
+    return this->getRaw() >= raw;
   }
-  constexpr bool operator<=(const uint16_t raw) const {
-    return this->raw <= raw;
+  constexpr bool operator<=(const StorageType raw) const {
+    return this->getRaw() <= raw;
   }
-  constexpr bool operator>(const uint16_t raw) const {
-    return this->raw > raw;
+  constexpr bool operator>(const StorageType raw) const {
+    return this->getRaw() > raw;
   }
-  constexpr bool operator<(const uint16_t raw) const {
-    return this->raw < raw;
+  constexpr bool operator<(const StorageType raw) const {
+    return this->getRaw() < raw;
   }
   constexpr bool operator>=(const Key& other) const {
-    return this->raw >= other.raw;
+    return this->getRaw() >= other.getRaw();
   }
   constexpr bool operator<=(const Key& other) const {
-    return this->raw <= other.raw;
+    return this->getRaw() <= other.getRaw();
   }
   constexpr bool operator>(const Key& other) const {
-    return this->raw > other.raw;
+    return this->getRaw() > other.getRaw();
   }
   constexpr bool operator<(const Key& other) const {
-    return this->raw < other.raw;
+    return this->getRaw() < other.getRaw();
+  }
+
+  Key readFromProgmem() const {
+    return Key{pgm_read_byte(&(this->getKeyCode())),
+               pgm_read_byte(&(this->getFlags()))};
   }
+
+  // The data proxy objects are required to only emit deprecation
+  // messages when members 'keyCode' and 'flags' are accessed directly
+  // but not if accessed by class Key.
+  //
+  // Once the deprecation periode elapsed both proxy members 'keyCode'
+  // and 'flags' of class Key can be converted to private uint8_t members
+  // of class Key. Class DataProxy can then be safely removed.
+  //
+  class DataProxy {
+
+    friend class Key;
+
+   public:
+
+    DataProxy() = default;
+
+    constexpr DataProxy(uint8_t value) : value_{value} {}
+
+    DEPRECATED(DIRECT_KEY_MEMBER_ACCESS)
+    DataProxy &operator=(uint8_t value) {
+      value_ = value;
+      return *this;
+    }
+
+    DEPRECATED(DIRECT_KEY_MEMBER_ACCESS)
+    constexpr operator uint8_t () const {
+      return value_;
+    }
+
+   private:
+    uint8_t value_;
+  };
+
+  DataProxy keyCode;
+  DataProxy flags;
 };
 
+static_assert(sizeof(Key) == 2, "sizeof(Key) changed");
+
+// Overload this function to define alternative conversions to type Key.
+//
+constexpr Key convertToKey(Key k) {
+  return k;
+}
+
+constexpr Key addFlags(Key k, uint8_t add_flags) {
+  return Key(k.getKeyCode(), k.getFlags() | add_flags);
+}
+
 } // namespace kaleidoscope
 
 // For compatibility reasons make the Key class also available
@@ -105,11 +183,11 @@ typedef kaleidoscope::Key Key_;
 #define SYNTHETIC         B01000000
 #define RESERVED          B10000000
 
-#define LCTRL(k)  Key(k.keyCode, k.flags | CTRL_HELD)
-#define LALT(k)   Key(k.keyCode, k.flags | LALT_HELD)
-#define RALT(k)   Key(k.keyCode, k.flags | RALT_HELD)
-#define LSHIFT(k) Key(k.keyCode, k.flags | SHIFT_HELD)
-#define LGUI(k)   Key(k.keyCode, k.flags | GUI_HELD)
+#define LCTRL(k)  Key(k.getKeyCode(), k.getFlags() | CTRL_HELD)
+#define LALT(k)   Key(k.getKeyCode(), k.getFlags() | LALT_HELD)
+#define RALT(k)   Key(k.getKeyCode(), k.getFlags() | RALT_HELD)
+#define LSHIFT(k) Key(k.getKeyCode(), k.getFlags() | SHIFT_HELD)
+#define LGUI(k)   Key(k.getKeyCode(), k.getFlags() | GUI_HELD)
 
 // we assert that synthetic keys can never have keys held, so we reuse the _HELD bits
 #define IS_SYSCTL                  B00000001
@@ -153,5 +231,9 @@ typedef kaleidoscope::Key Key_;
    use the 10 lsb as the HID Consumer code. If you need to get the keycode of a Consumer key
    use the CONSUMER(key) macro this will return the 10bit keycode.
 */
-#define CONSUMER(key) (key.raw & 0x03FF)
+#define CONSUMER(key) (key.getRaw() & 0x03FF)
 #define CONSUMER_KEY(code, flags) Key((code) | ((flags | SYNTHETIC|IS_CONSUMER) << 8))
+
+namespace kaleidoscope {
+constexpr Key bad_keymap_key{0, RESERVED};
+}
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/key_events.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/key_events.cpp
index d57c6bc8b2..94feafca0c 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/key_events.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/key_events.cpp
@@ -19,24 +19,24 @@
 #include "kaleidoscope/plugin.h"
 
 static bool handleSyntheticKeyswitchEvent(Key mappedKey, uint8_t keyState) {
-  if (mappedKey.flags & RESERVED)
+  if (mappedKey.getFlags() & RESERVED)
     return false;
 
-  if (!(mappedKey.flags & SYNTHETIC))
+  if (!(mappedKey.getFlags() & SYNTHETIC))
     return false;
 
-  if (mappedKey.flags & IS_CONSUMER) {
+  if (mappedKey.getFlags() & IS_CONSUMER) {
     if (keyIsPressed(keyState))
       kaleidoscope::hid::pressConsumerControl(mappedKey);
-  } else if (mappedKey.flags & IS_SYSCTL) {
+  } else if (mappedKey.getFlags() & IS_SYSCTL) {
     if (keyIsPressed(keyState)) {
     } else if (keyWasPressed(keyState)) {
       kaleidoscope::hid::pressSystemControl(mappedKey);
       kaleidoscope::hid::releaseSystemControl(mappedKey);
     }
-  } else if (mappedKey.flags & IS_INTERNAL) {
+  } else if (mappedKey.getFlags() & IS_INTERNAL) {
     return false;
-  } else if (mappedKey.flags & SWITCH_TO_KEYMAP) {
+  } else if (mappedKey.getFlags() & SWITCH_TO_KEYMAP) {
     // Should not happen, handled elsewhere.
   }
 
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ static bool handleKeyswitchEventDefault(Key mappedKey, KeyAddr key_addr, uint8_t
   //for every newly pressed button, figure out what logical key it is and send a key down event
   // for every newly released button, figure out what logical key it is and send a key up event
 
-  if (mappedKey.flags & SYNTHETIC) {
+  if (mappedKey.getFlags() & SYNTHETIC) {
     handleSyntheticKeyswitchEvent(mappedKey, keyState);
   } else if (keyToggledOn(keyState)) {
     kaleidoscope::hid::pressKey(mappedKey);
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ void handleKeyswitchEvent(Key mappedKey, KeyAddr key_addr, uint8_t keyState) {
     /* If a key had an on event, we update the live composite keymap. See
      * layers.h for an explanation about the different caches we have. */
     if (keyToggledOn(keyState)) {
-      if (mappedKey.raw == Key_NoKey.raw || keyState & EPHEMERAL) {
+      if (mappedKey == Key_NoKey || keyState & EPHEMERAL) {
         Layer.updateLiveCompositeKeymap(key_addr);
       } else {
         Layer.updateLiveCompositeKeymap(key_addr, mappedKey);
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ void handleKeyswitchEvent(Key mappedKey, KeyAddr key_addr, uint8_t keyState) {
      * The condition here means that if mappedKey and key_addr are both valid,
      *   the mappedKey wins - we don't re-look-up the mappedKey
      */
-    if (mappedKey.raw == Key_NoKey.raw) {
+    if (mappedKey == Key_NoKey) {
       mappedKey = Layer.lookup(key_addr);
     }
 
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ void handleKeyswitchEvent(Key mappedKey, KeyAddr key_addr, uint8_t keyState) {
     return;
 
   mappedKey = Layer.eventHandler(mappedKey, key_addr, keyState);
-  if (mappedKey.raw == Key_NoKey.raw)
+  if (mappedKey == Key_NoKey)
     return;
   handleKeyswitchEventDefault(mappedKey, key_addr, keyState);
 }
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/keymaps.h b/src/kaleidoscope/keymaps.h
index 638a779ed0..3bc2f7726a 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/keymaps.h
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/keymaps.h
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ namespace kaleidoscope {
 
 inline
 Key keyFromKeymap(uint8_t layer, KeyAddr key_addr) {
-  return pgm_read_word(&keymaps_linear[layer][key_addr.toInt()].raw);
+  return keymaps_linear[layer][key_addr.toInt()].readFromProgmem();
 }
 
 namespace internal {
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/layers.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/layers.cpp
index 7cc06ad0f9..ac59b49b38 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/layers.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/layers.cpp
@@ -43,8 +43,8 @@ uint8_t Layer_::active_layers_[Kaleidoscope.device().numKeys()];
 Key(*Layer_::getKey)(uint8_t layer, KeyAddr key_addr) = Layer.getKeyFromPROGMEM;
 
 void Layer_::handleKeymapKeyswitchEvent(Key keymapEntry, uint8_t keyState) {
-  if (keymapEntry.keyCode >= LAYER_SHIFT_OFFSET) {
-    uint8_t target = keymapEntry.keyCode - LAYER_SHIFT_OFFSET;
+  if (keymapEntry.getKeyCode() >= LAYER_SHIFT_OFFSET) {
+    uint8_t target = keymapEntry.getKeyCode() - LAYER_SHIFT_OFFSET;
 
     switch (target) {
     case KEYMAP_NEXT:
@@ -86,15 +86,15 @@ void Layer_::handleKeymapKeyswitchEvent(Key keymapEntry, uint8_t keyState) {
     }
   } else if (keyToggledOn(keyState)) {
     // switch keymap and stay there
-    if (Layer.isActive(keymapEntry.keyCode) && keymapEntry.keyCode)
-      deactivate(keymapEntry.keyCode);
+    if (Layer.isActive(keymapEntry.getKeyCode()) && keymapEntry.getKeyCode())
+      deactivate(keymapEntry.getKeyCode());
     else
-      activate(keymapEntry.keyCode);
+      activate(keymapEntry.getKeyCode());
   }
 }
 
 Key Layer_::eventHandler(Key mappedKey, KeyAddr key_addr, uint8_t keyState) {
-  if (mappedKey.flags != (SYNTHETIC | SWITCH_TO_KEYMAP))
+  if (mappedKey.getFlags() != (SYNTHETIC | SWITCH_TO_KEYMAP))
     return mappedKey;
 
   handleKeymapKeyswitchEvent(mappedKey, keyState);
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Cycle.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Cycle.cpp
index c14dd9fd5e..ff4189e422 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Cycle.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Cycle.cpp
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ uint8_t Cycle::cycle_count_;
 
 // --- helpers ---
 
-#define isCycle(k) (k.raw == kaleidoscope::ranges::CYCLE)
+#define isCycle(k) (k.getRaw() == kaleidoscope::ranges::CYCLE)
 
 // --- api ---
 
@@ -46,10 +46,7 @@ void Cycle::replace(Key key) {
 
 void Cycle::replace(uint8_t cycle_size, const Key cycle_steps[]) {
   uint8_t idx = cycle_count_ % cycle_size;
-  Key key;
-
-  key.raw = pgm_read_word(&cycle_steps[idx].raw);
-  replace(key);
+  replace(cycle_steps[idx].readFromProgmem());
 }
 
 // --- hooks ---
@@ -67,13 +64,13 @@ EventHandlerResult Cycle::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mapped_key, KeyAddr key_addr, ui
 
   if (!isCycle(mapped_key)) {
     if (keyToggledOn(key_state)) {
-      current_modifier_flags_ |= toModFlag(mapped_key.keyCode);
-      last_non_cycle_key_.keyCode = mapped_key.keyCode;
-      last_non_cycle_key_.flags = current_modifier_flags_;
+      current_modifier_flags_ |= toModFlag(mapped_key.getKeyCode());
+      last_non_cycle_key_.setKeyCode(mapped_key.getKeyCode());
+      last_non_cycle_key_.setFlags(current_modifier_flags_);
       cycle_count_ = 0;
     }
     if (keyToggledOff(key_state)) {
-      current_modifier_flags_ &= ~toModFlag(mapped_key.keyCode);
+      current_modifier_flags_ &= ~toModFlag(mapped_key.getKeyCode());
     }
     return EventHandlerResult::OK;
   }
@@ -89,18 +86,18 @@ EventHandlerResult Cycle::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mapped_key, KeyAddr key_addr, ui
 
 uint8_t Cycle::toModFlag(uint8_t keyCode) {
   switch (keyCode) {
-  case Key_LeftShift.keyCode:
-  case Key_RightShift.keyCode:
+  case Key_LeftShift.getKeyCode():
+  case Key_RightShift.getKeyCode():
     return SHIFT_HELD;
-  case Key_LeftAlt.keyCode:
+  case Key_LeftAlt.getKeyCode():
     return LALT_HELD;
-  case Key_RightAlt.keyCode:
+  case Key_RightAlt.getKeyCode():
     return RALT_HELD;
-  case Key_LeftControl.keyCode:
-  case Key_RightControl.keyCode:
+  case Key_LeftControl.getKeyCode():
+  case Key_RightControl.getKeyCode():
     return CTRL_HELD;
-  case Key_LeftGui.keyCode:
-  case Key_RightGui.keyCode:
+  case Key_LeftGui.getKeyCode():
+  case Key_RightGui.getKeyCode():
     return GUI_HELD;
   default:
     return 0;
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/DynamicMacros.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/DynamicMacros.cpp
index ff07cdef5d..424145aa2d 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/DynamicMacros.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/DynamicMacros.cpp
@@ -47,9 +47,8 @@ static void playKeyCode(Key key, uint8_t keyStates, bool explicit_report) {
 }
 
 static void readKeyCodeAndPlay(uint16_t pos, uint8_t flags, uint8_t keyStates, bool explicit_report) {
-  Key key;
-  key.flags = flags;
-  key.keyCode = Kaleidoscope.storage().read(pos++);
+  Key key(Kaleidoscope.storage().read(pos++), // key_code
+          flags);
 
   playKeyCode(key, keyStates, explicit_report);
 }
@@ -200,11 +199,11 @@ void DynamicMacros::play(uint8_t macro_id) {
 }
 
 EventHandlerResult DynamicMacros::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mappedKey, KeyAddr key_addr, uint8_t keyState) {
-  if (mappedKey.raw < DYNAMIC_MACRO_FIRST || mappedKey.raw > DYNAMIC_MACRO_LAST)
+  if (mappedKey.getRaw() < DYNAMIC_MACRO_FIRST || mappedKey.getRaw() > DYNAMIC_MACRO_LAST)
     return EventHandlerResult::OK;
 
   if (keyToggledOn(keyState)) {
-    play(mappedKey.raw - DYNAMIC_MACRO_FIRST);
+    play(mappedKey.getRaw() - DYNAMIC_MACRO_FIRST);
   }
 
   return EventHandlerResult::EVENT_CONSUMED;
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/EEPROM-Keymap-Programmer.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/EEPROM-Keymap-Programmer.cpp
index b1cdb0f2ea..32a9c2d12f 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/EEPROM-Keymap-Programmer.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/EEPROM-Keymap-Programmer.cpp
@@ -87,12 +87,12 @@ EventHandlerResult EEPROMKeymapProgrammer::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mapped_key, Key
   }
 
   uint8_t n;
-  if (mapped_key.keyCode == Key_0.keyCode)
+  if (mapped_key.getKeyCode() == Key_0.getKeyCode())
     n = 0;
   else
-    n = mapped_key.keyCode - Key_1.keyCode + 1;
+    n = mapped_key.getKeyCode() - Key_1.getKeyCode() + 1;
 
-  new_key_.raw = new_key_.raw * 10 + n;
+  new_key_.setRaw(new_key_.getRaw() * 10 + n);
 
   return EventHandlerResult::EVENT_CONSUMED;
 }
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/EEPROM-Keymap.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/EEPROM-Keymap.cpp
index aa7cf0cdc9..0deaaf4510 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/EEPROM-Keymap.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/EEPROM-Keymap.cpp
@@ -48,17 +48,13 @@ void EEPROMKeymap::max_layers(uint8_t max) {
 }
 
 Key EEPROMKeymap::getKey(uint8_t layer, KeyAddr key_addr) {
-  Key key;
-
   if (layer >= max_layers_)
     return Key_NoKey;
 
   uint16_t pos = ((layer * Kaleidoscope.device().numKeys()) + key_addr.toInt()) * 2;
 
-  key.flags = Kaleidoscope.storage().read(keymap_base_ + pos);
-  key.keyCode = Kaleidoscope.storage().read(keymap_base_ + pos + 1);
-
-  return key;
+  return Key(Kaleidoscope.storage().read(keymap_base_ + pos + 1), // key_code
+             Kaleidoscope.storage().read(keymap_base_ + pos));    // flags
 }
 
 Key EEPROMKeymap::getKeyExtended(uint8_t layer, KeyAddr key_addr) {
@@ -77,8 +73,8 @@ uint16_t EEPROMKeymap::keymap_base(void) {
 }
 
 void EEPROMKeymap::updateKey(uint16_t base_pos, Key key) {
-  Kaleidoscope.storage().update(keymap_base_ + base_pos * 2, key.flags);
-  Kaleidoscope.storage().update(keymap_base_ + base_pos * 2 + 1, key.keyCode);
+  Kaleidoscope.storage().update(keymap_base_ + base_pos * 2, key.getFlags());
+  Kaleidoscope.storage().update(keymap_base_ + base_pos * 2 + 1, key.getKeyCode());
 }
 
 void EEPROMKeymap::dumpKeymap(uint8_t layers, Key(*getkey)(uint8_t, KeyAddr)) {
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Escape-OneShot.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Escape-OneShot.cpp
index 34c1ecf190..7dd8451afd 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Escape-OneShot.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Escape-OneShot.cpp
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ namespace kaleidoscope {
 namespace plugin {
 
 EventHandlerResult EscapeOneShot::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mapped_key, KeyAddr key_addr, uint8_t keyState) {
-  if (mapped_key.raw != Key_Escape.raw ||
+  if (mapped_key != Key_Escape ||
       (keyState & INJECTED) ||
       !keyToggledOn(keyState))
     return EventHandlerResult::OK;
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/FocusSerial.h b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/FocusSerial.h
index 2c2235e60d..0b7051f7aa 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/FocusSerial.h
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/FocusSerial.h
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ class FocusSerial : public kaleidoscope::Plugin {
     send(color.r, color.g, color.b);
   }
   void send(const Key key) {
-    send(key.raw);
+    send(key.getRaw());
   }
   void send(const bool b) {
     printBool(b);
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ class FocusSerial : public kaleidoscope::Plugin {
   }
 
   void read(Key &key) {
-    key.raw = Kaleidoscope.serialPort().parseInt();
+    key.setRaw(Kaleidoscope.serialPort().parseInt());
   }
   void read(cRGB &color) {
     color.r = Kaleidoscope.serialPort().parseInt();
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/GeminiPR.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/GeminiPR.cpp
index 4225a5bcba..e3ae17fd2b 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/GeminiPR.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/GeminiPR.cpp
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ EventHandlerResult GeminiPR::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mapped_key, KeyAddr key_addr,
     return EventHandlerResult::OK;
 
   if (keyToggledOn(keyState)) {
-    uint8_t key = mapped_key.raw - geminipr::START;
+    uint8_t key = mapped_key.getRaw() - geminipr::START;
     ++keys_held_;
 
     state_[key / 7] |= 1 << (6 - (key % 7));
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/LED-ActiveModColor.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/LED-ActiveModColor.cpp
index 6636b6faf1..96269f6fa0 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/LED-ActiveModColor.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/LED-ActiveModColor.cpp
@@ -43,8 +43,8 @@ EventHandlerResult ActiveModColorEffect::onLayerChange() {
 
     if (::OneShot.isOneShotKey(k) ||
         (highlight_normal_modifiers_ && (
-           (k.raw >= Key_LeftControl.raw && k.raw <= Key_RightGui.raw) ||
-           (k.flags == (SYNTHETIC | SWITCH_TO_KEYMAP))))) {
+           (k >= Key_LeftControl && k <= Key_RightGui) ||
+           (k.getFlags() == (SYNTHETIC | SWITCH_TO_KEYMAP))))) {
       mod_keys_[mod_key_count_++] = key_addr;
     }
   }
@@ -69,13 +69,13 @@ EventHandlerResult ActiveModColorEffect::beforeReportingState() {
         ::LEDControl.setCrgbAt(key_addr, highlight_color);
       else
         ::LEDControl.refreshAt(key_addr);
-    } else if (k.raw >= Key_LeftControl.raw && k.raw <= Key_RightGui.raw) {
+    } else if (k >= Key_LeftControl && k <= Key_RightGui) {
       if (hid::isModifierKeyActive(k))
         ::LEDControl.setCrgbAt(key_addr, highlight_color);
       else
         ::LEDControl.refreshAt(key_addr);
-    } else if (k.flags == (SYNTHETIC | SWITCH_TO_KEYMAP)) {
-      uint8_t layer = k.keyCode;
+    } else if (k.getFlags() == (SYNTHETIC | SWITCH_TO_KEYMAP)) {
+      uint8_t layer = k.getKeyCode();
       if (layer >= LAYER_SHIFT_OFFSET)
         layer -= LAYER_SHIFT_OFFSET;
 
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/LED-AlphaSquare.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/LED-AlphaSquare.cpp
index 459acd9312..bef9d494d0 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/LED-AlphaSquare.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/LED-AlphaSquare.cpp
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ void AlphaSquare::display(Key key, KeyAddr key_addr, cRGB key_color) {
   if (key < Key_A || key > Key_0)
     return;
 
-  uint8_t index = key.keyCode - Key_A.keyCode;
+  uint8_t index = key.getKeyCode() - Key_A.getKeyCode();
   uint16_t symbol = pgm_read_word(&alphabet[index]);
 
   display(symbol, key_addr, key_color);
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ bool AlphaSquare::isSymbolPart(Key key,
   if (key < Key_A || key > Key_0)
     return false;
 
-  uint8_t index = key.keyCode - Key_A.keyCode;
+  uint8_t index = key.getKeyCode() - Key_A.getKeyCode();
   uint16_t symbol = pgm_read_word(&alphabet[index]);
 
   return isSymbolPart(symbol, displayLedAddr, key_addr);
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/LEDControl.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/LEDControl.cpp
index 9630610419..9dc3b931ec 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/LEDControl.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/LEDControl.cpp
@@ -136,7 +136,7 @@ kaleidoscope::EventHandlerResult LEDControl::onSetup() {
 }
 
 kaleidoscope::EventHandlerResult LEDControl::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mappedKey, KeyAddr key_addr, uint8_t keyState) {
-  if (mappedKey.flags != (SYNTHETIC | IS_INTERNAL | LED_TOGGLE))
+  if (mappedKey.getFlags() != (SYNTHETIC | IS_INTERNAL | LED_TOGGLE))
     return kaleidoscope::EventHandlerResult::OK;
 
   if (keyToggledOn(keyState)) {
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/LEDEffect-BootAnimation.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/LEDEffect-BootAnimation.cpp
index ac52d933f8..eda7dd5968 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/LEDEffect-BootAnimation.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/LEDEffect-BootAnimation.cpp
@@ -26,17 +26,17 @@ uint16_t BootAnimationEffect::start_time_ = 0;
 uint16_t BootAnimationEffect::timeout = 1000;
 uint8_t BootAnimationEffect::current_index_ = 0;
 const uint8_t BootAnimationEffect::greeting_[11] PROGMEM = {
-  Key_K.keyCode,
-  Key_E.keyCode,
-  Key_Y.keyCode,
-  Key_B.keyCode,
-  Key_O.keyCode,
-  Key_A.keyCode,
-  Key_R.keyCode,
-  Key_D.keyCode,
-  Key_Period.keyCode,
-  Key_I.keyCode,
-  Key_O.keyCode
+  Key_K.getKeyCode(),
+  Key_E.getKeyCode(),
+  Key_Y.getKeyCode(),
+  Key_B.getKeyCode(),
+  Key_O.getKeyCode(),
+  Key_A.getKeyCode(),
+  Key_R.getKeyCode(),
+  Key_D.getKeyCode(),
+  Key_Period.getKeyCode(),
+  Key_I.getKeyCode(),
+  Key_O.getKeyCode()
 };
 
 EventHandlerResult BootAnimationEffect::onSetup() {
@@ -56,11 +56,10 @@ EventHandlerResult BootAnimationEffect::afterEachCycle() {
 
   for (auto key_addr : KeyAddr::all()) {
     Key k = Layer.lookupOnActiveLayer(key_addr);
-    Key g;
-    g.flags = 0;
-    g.keyCode = pgm_read_byte(&greeting_[current_index_]);
+    Key g(pgm_read_byte(&greeting_[current_index_]), // key_code
+          0);                                        // flags
 
-    if (k.raw == g.raw) {
+    if (k == g) {
       key_addr_found = key_addr;
       break;
     }
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/LEDEffect-BootGreeting.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/LEDEffect-BootGreeting.cpp
index 36f598d5b6..070a03b380 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/LEDEffect-BootGreeting.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/LEDEffect-BootGreeting.cpp
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ void BootGreetingEffect::findLed(void) {
   for (auto key_addr : KeyAddr::all()) {
     Key k = Layer.lookupOnActiveLayer(key_addr);
 
-    if (k.raw == search_key.raw) {
+    if (k == search_key) {
       key_addr_ = key_addr;
       return;
     }
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Leader.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Leader.cpp
index bdfeb25de9..ca5f2fd1bb 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Leader.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Leader.cpp
@@ -32,8 +32,8 @@ const Leader::dictionary_t *Leader::dictionary;
 #define PARTIAL_MATCH -1
 #define NO_MATCH -2
 
-#define isLeader(k) (k.raw >= ranges::LEAD_FIRST && k.raw <= ranges::LEAD_LAST)
-#define isActive() (sequence_[0].raw != Key_NoKey.raw)
+#define isLeader(k) (k.getRaw() >= ranges::LEAD_FIRST && k.getRaw() <= ranges::LEAD_LAST)
+#define isActive() (sequence_[0] != Key_NoKey)
 
 // --- actions ---
 int8_t Leader::lookup(void) {
@@ -42,14 +42,14 @@ int8_t Leader::lookup(void) {
   for (uint8_t seq_index = 0; ; seq_index++) {
     match = true;
 
-    if (pgm_read_word(&(dictionary[seq_index].sequence[0].raw)) == Key_NoKey.raw)
+    if (dictionary[seq_index].sequence[0].readFromProgmem() == Key_NoKey)
       break;
 
     Key seq_key;
     for (uint8_t i = 0; i <= sequence_pos_; i++) {
-      seq_key.raw = pgm_read_word(&(dictionary[seq_index].sequence[i].raw));
+      seq_key = dictionary[seq_index].sequence[i].readFromProgmem();
 
-      if (sequence_[i].raw != seq_key.raw) {
+      if (sequence_[i] != seq_key) {
         match = false;
         break;
       }
@@ -58,8 +58,9 @@ int8_t Leader::lookup(void) {
     if (!match)
       continue;
 
-    seq_key.raw = pgm_read_word(&(dictionary[seq_index].sequence[sequence_pos_ + 1].raw));
-    if (seq_key.raw == Key_NoKey.raw) {
+    seq_key
+      = dictionary[seq_index].sequence[sequence_pos_ + 1].readFromProgmem();
+    if (seq_key == Key_NoKey) {
       return seq_index;
     } else {
       return PARTIAL_MATCH;
@@ -73,7 +74,7 @@ int8_t Leader::lookup(void) {
 
 void Leader::reset(void) {
   sequence_pos_ = 0;
-  sequence_[0].raw = Key_NoKey.raw;
+  sequence_[0] = Key_NoKey;
 }
 
 void Leader::inject(Key key, uint8_t key_state) {
@@ -95,7 +96,7 @@ EventHandlerResult Leader::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mapped_key, KeyAddr key_addr, u
       // not active, but a leader key = start the sequence on key release!
       start_time_ = Kaleidoscope.millisAtCycleStart();
       sequence_pos_ = 0;
-      sequence_[sequence_pos_].raw = mapped_key.raw;
+      sequence_[sequence_pos_] = mapped_key;
     }
 
     // If the sequence was not active yet, ignore the key.
@@ -113,7 +114,7 @@ EventHandlerResult Leader::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mapped_key, KeyAddr key_addr, u
     }
 
     start_time_ = Kaleidoscope.millisAtCycleStart();
-    sequence_[sequence_pos_].raw = mapped_key.raw;
+    sequence_[sequence_pos_] = mapped_key;
     action_index = lookup();
 
     if (action_index >= 0) {
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Macros.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Macros.cpp
index 23e5db6924..cc89ce30b4 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Macros.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Macros.cpp
@@ -49,9 +49,8 @@ static void playKeyCode(Key key, uint8_t keyStates, bool explicit_report) {
 }
 
 static void readKeyCodeAndPlay(const macro_t *macro_p, uint8_t flags, uint8_t keyStates, bool explicit_report) {
-  Key key;
-  key.flags = flags;
-  key.keyCode = pgm_read_byte(macro_p++);
+  Key key(pgm_read_byte(macro_p++), // key_code
+          flags);
 
   playKeyCode(key, keyStates, explicit_report);
 }
@@ -186,38 +185,38 @@ Key Macros_::lookupAsciiCode(uint8_t ascii_code) {
 
   switch (ascii_code) {
   case 0x08 ... 0x09:
-    key.keyCode = Key_Backspace.keyCode + ascii_code - 0x08;
+    key.setKeyCode(Key_Backspace.getKeyCode() + ascii_code - 0x08);
     break;
   case 0x0A:
-    key.keyCode = Key_Enter.keyCode;
+    key.setKeyCode(Key_Enter.getKeyCode());
     break;
   case 0x1B:
-    key.keyCode = Key_Escape.keyCode;
+    key.setKeyCode(Key_Escape.getKeyCode());
     break;
   case 0x20:
-    key.keyCode = Key_Spacebar.keyCode;
+    key.setKeyCode(Key_Spacebar.getKeyCode());
     break;
   case 0x21 ... 0x30:
-    key.raw = pgm_read_word(&ascii_to_key_map[ascii_code - 0x21].raw);
+    key = ascii_to_key_map[ascii_code - 0x21].readFromProgmem();
     break;
   case 0x31 ... 0x39:
-    key.keyCode = Key_1.keyCode + ascii_code - 0x31;
+    key.setKeyCode(Key_1.getKeyCode() + ascii_code - 0x31);
     break;
   case 0x3A ... 0x40:
-    key.raw = pgm_read_word(&ascii_to_key_map[ascii_code - 0x3A + 16].raw);
+    key = ascii_to_key_map[ascii_code - 0x3A + 16].readFromProgmem();
     break;
   case 0x41 ... 0x5A:
-    key.flags = SHIFT_HELD;
-    key.keyCode = Key_A.keyCode + ascii_code - 0x41;
+    key.setFlags(SHIFT_HELD);
+    key.setKeyCode(Key_A.getKeyCode() + ascii_code - 0x41);
     break;
   case 0x5B ... 0x60:
-    key.raw = pgm_read_word(&ascii_to_key_map[ascii_code - 0x5B + 23].raw);
+    key = ascii_to_key_map[ascii_code - 0x5B + 23].readFromProgmem();
     break;
   case 0x61 ... 0x7A:
-    key.keyCode = Key_A.keyCode + ascii_code - 0x61;
+    key.setKeyCode(Key_A.getKeyCode() + ascii_code - 0x61);
     break;
   case 0x7B ... 0x7E:
-    key.raw = pgm_read_word(&ascii_to_key_map[ascii_code - 0x7B + 29].raw);
+    key = ascii_to_key_map[ascii_code - 0x7B + 29].readFromProgmem();
     break;
   }
   return key;
@@ -232,7 +231,7 @@ const macro_t *Macros_::type(const char *string) {
     Key key = lookupAsciiCode(ascii_code);
 
 
-    if (key.raw == Key_NoKey.raw)
+    if (key == Key_NoKey)
       continue;
 
     playMacroKeyswitchEvent(key, IS_PRESSED, false);
@@ -244,10 +243,10 @@ const macro_t *Macros_::type(const char *string) {
 }
 
 EventHandlerResult Macros_::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mappedKey, KeyAddr key_addr, uint8_t keyState) {
-  if (mappedKey.flags != (SYNTHETIC | IS_MACRO))
+  if (mappedKey.getFlags() != (SYNTHETIC | IS_MACRO))
     return EventHandlerResult::OK;
 
-  addActiveMacroKey(mappedKey.keyCode, key_addr.toInt(), keyState);
+  addActiveMacroKey(mappedKey.getKeyCode(), key_addr.toInt(), keyState);
 
   return EventHandlerResult::EVENT_CONSUMED;
 }
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Macros/MacroSteps.h b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Macros/MacroSteps.h
index 49f988fbef..68b747207a 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Macros/MacroSteps.h
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Macros/MacroSteps.h
@@ -47,8 +47,8 @@ typedef uint8_t macro_t;
 #define I(n)  MACRO_ACTION_STEP_INTERVAL, n
 #define W(n)  MACRO_ACTION_STEP_WAIT, n
 
-#define Kr(k) (k).flags, (k).keyCode
-#define Kc(k) (Key_ ## k).keyCode
+#define Kr(k) (k).getFlags(), (k).getKeyCode()
+#define Kc(k) (Key_ ## k).getKeyCode()
 #define K(k) Kr(Key_ ## k)
 
 #define Dr(k) MACRO_ACTION_STEP_KEYDOWN, Kr(k)
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/MouseKeys.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/MouseKeys.cpp
index 24e79879b9..cf80c9ce62 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/MouseKeys.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/MouseKeys.cpp
@@ -105,11 +105,11 @@ EventHandlerResult MouseKeys_::beforeReportingState() {
 }
 
 EventHandlerResult MouseKeys_::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mappedKey, KeyAddr key_addr, uint8_t keyState) {
-  if (mappedKey.flags != (SYNTHETIC | IS_MOUSE_KEY))
+  if (mappedKey.getFlags() != (SYNTHETIC | IS_MOUSE_KEY))
     return EventHandlerResult::OK;
 
-  if (mappedKey.keyCode & KEY_MOUSE_BUTTON && !(mappedKey.keyCode & KEY_MOUSE_WARP)) {
-    uint8_t button = mappedKey.keyCode & ~KEY_MOUSE_BUTTON;
+  if (mappedKey.getKeyCode() & KEY_MOUSE_BUTTON && !(mappedKey.getKeyCode() & KEY_MOUSE_WARP)) {
+    uint8_t button = mappedKey.getKeyCode() & ~KEY_MOUSE_BUTTON;
 
     if (keyIsPressed(keyState)) {
       // Reset warp state on initial mouse button key-down only so we can use
@@ -122,17 +122,17 @@ EventHandlerResult MouseKeys_::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mappedKey, KeyAddr key_addr
     } else if (keyToggledOff(keyState)) {
       MouseWrapper.release_button(button);
     }
-  } else if (!(mappedKey.keyCode & KEY_MOUSE_WARP)) {
+  } else if (!(mappedKey.getKeyCode() & KEY_MOUSE_WARP)) {
     if (keyToggledOn(keyState)) {
       move_start_time_ = Kaleidoscope.millisAtCycleStart();
       accel_start_time_ = Kaleidoscope.millisAtCycleStart();
       wheel_start_time_ = Kaleidoscope.millisAtCycleStart() - wheelDelay;
     }
     if (keyIsPressed(keyState)) {
-      if (mappedKey.keyCode & KEY_MOUSE_WHEEL) {
-        scrollWheel(mappedKey.keyCode);
+      if (mappedKey.getKeyCode() & KEY_MOUSE_WHEEL) {
+        scrollWheel(mappedKey.getKeyCode());
       } else {
-        mouseMoveIntent |= mappedKey.keyCode;
+        mouseMoveIntent |= mappedKey.getKeyCode();
       }
     } else if (keyToggledOff(keyState)) {
       /* If a mouse key toggles off, we want to explicitly stop moving (or
@@ -142,19 +142,19 @@ EventHandlerResult MouseKeys_::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mappedKey, KeyAddr key_addr
        * clear the whole report either, because we want any other mouse keys
        * to still have their desired effect. Therefore, we selectively stop
        * movement or scrolling. */
-      mouseMoveIntent &= ~mappedKey.keyCode;
+      mouseMoveIntent &= ~mappedKey.getKeyCode();
       bool x = false, y = false, vWheel = false, hWheel = false;
 
-      if (mappedKey.keyCode & KEY_MOUSE_UP ||
-          mappedKey.keyCode & KEY_MOUSE_DOWN) {
-        if (mappedKey.keyCode & KEY_MOUSE_WHEEL) {
+      if (mappedKey.getKeyCode() & KEY_MOUSE_UP ||
+          mappedKey.getKeyCode() & KEY_MOUSE_DOWN) {
+        if (mappedKey.getKeyCode() & KEY_MOUSE_WHEEL) {
           vWheel = true;
         } else {
           y = true;
         }
-      } else if (mappedKey.keyCode & KEY_MOUSE_LEFT ||
-                 mappedKey.keyCode & KEY_MOUSE_RIGHT) {
-        if (mappedKey.keyCode & KEY_MOUSE_WHEEL) {
+      } else if (mappedKey.getKeyCode() & KEY_MOUSE_LEFT ||
+                 mappedKey.getKeyCode() & KEY_MOUSE_RIGHT) {
+        if (mappedKey.getKeyCode() & KEY_MOUSE_WHEEL) {
           hWheel = true;
         } else {
           x = true;
@@ -164,12 +164,12 @@ EventHandlerResult MouseKeys_::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mappedKey, KeyAddr key_addr
       kaleidoscope::hid::stopMouse(x, y, vWheel, hWheel);
     }
   } else if (keyToggledOn(keyState)) {
-    if (mappedKey.keyCode & KEY_MOUSE_WARP && mappedKey.flags & IS_MOUSE_KEY) {
-      MouseWrapper.warp(((mappedKey.keyCode & KEY_MOUSE_WARP_END) ? WARP_END : 0x00) |
-                        ((mappedKey.keyCode & KEY_MOUSE_UP) ? WARP_UP : 0x00) |
-                        ((mappedKey.keyCode & KEY_MOUSE_DOWN) ? WARP_DOWN : 0x00) |
-                        ((mappedKey.keyCode & KEY_MOUSE_LEFT) ? WARP_LEFT : 0x00) |
-                        ((mappedKey.keyCode & KEY_MOUSE_RIGHT) ? WARP_RIGHT : 0x00));
+    if (mappedKey.getKeyCode() & KEY_MOUSE_WARP && mappedKey.getFlags() & IS_MOUSE_KEY) {
+      MouseWrapper.warp(((mappedKey.getKeyCode() & KEY_MOUSE_WARP_END) ? WARP_END : 0x00) |
+                        ((mappedKey.getKeyCode() & KEY_MOUSE_UP) ? WARP_UP : 0x00) |
+                        ((mappedKey.getKeyCode() & KEY_MOUSE_DOWN) ? WARP_DOWN : 0x00) |
+                        ((mappedKey.getKeyCode() & KEY_MOUSE_LEFT) ? WARP_LEFT : 0x00) |
+                        ((mappedKey.getKeyCode() & KEY_MOUSE_RIGHT) ? WARP_RIGHT : 0x00));
     }
   }
 
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/NumPad.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/NumPad.cpp
index 105576abf0..4a2629fe1c 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/NumPad.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/NumPad.cpp
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ void NumPad::setKeyboardLEDColors(void) {
       numpadLayerToggleKeyAddr = key_addr;
     }
 
-    if ((k != layer_key) || (k == Key_NoKey) || (k.flags != KEY_FLAGS)) {
+    if ((k != layer_key) || (k == Key_NoKey) || (k.getFlags() != KEY_FLAGS)) {
       ::LEDControl.refreshAt(KeyAddr(key_addr));
     } else {
       ::LEDControl.setCrgbAt(KeyAddr(key_addr), color);
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/OneShot.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/OneShot.cpp
index 6b05765c5b..7cebc50794 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/OneShot.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/OneShot.cpp
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ bool OneShot::isSticky() {
 }
 
 bool OneShot::isStickable(Key key) {
-  return state_[key.raw - ranges::OS_FIRST].stickable;
+  return state_[key.getRaw() - ranges::OS_FIRST].stickable;
 }
 
 // ---- OneShot stuff ----
@@ -56,11 +56,11 @@ void OneShot::injectNormalKey(uint8_t idx, uint8_t key_state) {
   Key key;
 
   if (idx < 8) {
-    key.flags = Key_LeftControl.flags;
-    key.keyCode = Key_LeftControl.keyCode + idx;
+    key = Key(Key_LeftControl.getKeyCode() + idx,
+              Key_LeftControl.getFlags());
   } else {
-    key.flags = KEY_FLAGS | SYNTHETIC | SWITCH_TO_KEYMAP;
-    key.keyCode = LAYER_SHIFT_OFFSET + idx - 8;
+    key = Key(LAYER_SHIFT_OFFSET + idx - 8,
+              KEY_FLAGS | SYNTHETIC | SWITCH_TO_KEYMAP);
   }
 
   handleKeyswitchEvent(key, UnknownKeyswitchLocation, key_state | INJECTED);
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ void OneShot::cancelOneShot(uint8_t idx) {
 }
 
 EventHandlerResult OneShot::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mapped_key, KeyAddr key_addr, uint8_t keyState) {
-  uint8_t idx = mapped_key.raw - ranges::OS_FIRST;
+  uint8_t idx = mapped_key.getRaw() - ranges::OS_FIRST;
 
   if (keyState & INJECTED)
     return EventHandlerResult::OK;
@@ -146,8 +146,8 @@ EventHandlerResult OneShot::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mapped_key, KeyAddr key_addr,
 
   if (keyIsPressed(keyState)) {
     prev_key_ = mapped_key;
-    if (!(mapped_key.raw >= Key_LeftControl.raw && mapped_key.raw <= Key_RightGui.raw) &&
-        !(mapped_key.flags == (KEY_FLAGS | SYNTHETIC | SWITCH_TO_KEYMAP))) {
+    if (!(mapped_key >= Key_LeftControl && mapped_key <= Key_RightGui) &&
+        !(mapped_key.getFlags() == (KEY_FLAGS | SYNTHETIC | SWITCH_TO_KEYMAP))) {
       should_cancel_ = true;
     }
   }
@@ -219,7 +219,7 @@ bool OneShot::isActive(void) {
 }
 
 bool OneShot::isActive(Key key) {
-  uint8_t idx = key.raw - ranges::OS_FIRST;
+  uint8_t idx = key.getRaw() - ranges::OS_FIRST;
 
   return (state_[idx].active && !hasTimedOut()) ||
          state_[idx].pressed ||
@@ -227,16 +227,16 @@ bool OneShot::isActive(Key key) {
 }
 
 bool OneShot::isSticky(Key key) {
-  uint8_t idx = key.raw - ranges::OS_FIRST;
+  uint8_t idx = key.getRaw() - ranges::OS_FIRST;
 
   return state_[idx].sticky;
 }
 
 bool OneShot::isModifierActive(Key key) {
-  if (key.raw < Key_LeftControl.raw || key.raw > Key_RightGui.raw)
+  if (key < Key_LeftControl || key > Key_RightGui)
     return false;
 
-  uint8_t idx = key.keyCode - Key_LeftControl.keyCode;
+  uint8_t idx = key.getKeyCode() - Key_LeftControl.getKeyCode();
   return state_[idx].active;
 }
 
@@ -247,12 +247,12 @@ void OneShot::cancel(bool with_stickies) {
 
 void OneShot::enableStickability(Key key) {
   if (key >= ranges::OS_FIRST && key <= ranges::OS_LAST)
-    state_[key.raw - ranges::OS_FIRST].stickable = true;
+    state_[key.getRaw() - ranges::OS_FIRST].stickable = true;
 }
 
 void OneShot::disableStickability(Key key) {
   if (key >= ranges::OS_FIRST && key <= ranges::OS_LAST)
-    state_[key.raw - ranges::OS_FIRST].stickable = false;
+    state_[key.getRaw() - ranges::OS_FIRST].stickable = false;
 }
 
 void OneShot::enableStickabilityForModifiers() {
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/OneShot.h b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/OneShot.h
index 3142eb29e9..b59a639e79 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/OneShot.h
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/OneShot.h
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #include <Kaleidoscope.h>
 #include <Kaleidoscope-Ranges.h>
 
-#define OSM(kc) Key(kaleidoscope::ranges::OSM_FIRST + (Key_ ## kc).keyCode - Key_LeftControl.keyCode)
+#define OSM(kc) Key(kaleidoscope::ranges::OSM_FIRST + (Key_ ## kc).getKeyCode() - Key_LeftControl.getKeyCode())
 #define OSL(n) Key(kaleidoscope::ranges::OSL_FIRST + n)
 
 namespace kaleidoscope {
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ class OneShot : public kaleidoscope::Plugin {
   }
 
   static bool isOneShotKey(Key key) {
-    return (key.raw >= kaleidoscope::ranges::OS_FIRST && key.raw <= kaleidoscope::ranges::OS_LAST);
+    return (key.getRaw() >= kaleidoscope::ranges::OS_FIRST && key.getRaw() <= kaleidoscope::ranges::OS_LAST);
   }
   static bool isActive(void);
   static bool isActive(Key key);
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ class OneShot : public kaleidoscope::Plugin {
   static void cancelOneShot(uint8_t idx);
 
   static bool isOneShotKey_(Key key) {
-    return key.raw >= ranges::OS_FIRST && key.raw <= ranges::OS_LAST;
+    return key.getRaw() >= ranges::OS_FIRST && key.getRaw() <= ranges::OS_LAST;
   }
   static bool hasTimedOut() {
     return Kaleidoscope.hasTimeExpired(start_time_, time_out);
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Qukeys.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Qukeys.cpp
index 5b8ec111cc..09661c185c 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Qukeys.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Qukeys.cpp
@@ -318,22 +318,22 @@ bool Qukeys::isQukey(KeyAddr k) {
 bool Qukeys::isDualUseKey(Key key) {
   // Test for DualUse modifiers:
   if (key >= ranges::DUM_FIRST && key <= ranges::DUM_LAST) {
-    key.raw -= ranges::DUM_FIRST;
+    key.setRaw(key.getRaw() - ranges::DUM_FIRST);
 
     queue_head_.primary_key = key;
-    queue_head_.primary_key.flags = 0;
+    queue_head_.primary_key.setFlags(0);
 
-    queue_head_.alternate_key.raw = key.flags + Key_LeftControl.keyCode;
+    queue_head_.alternate_key.setRaw(key.getFlags() + Key_LeftControl.getKeyCode());
     return true;
   }
   // Test for DualUse layer shifts:
   if (key >= ranges::DUL_FIRST && key <= ranges::DUL_LAST) {
-    key.raw -= ranges::DUL_FIRST;
+    key.setRaw(key.getRaw() - ranges::DUL_FIRST);
 
     queue_head_.primary_key = key;
-    queue_head_.primary_key.flags = 0;
+    queue_head_.primary_key.setFlags(0);
 
-    int8_t layer = key.flags;
+    int8_t layer = key.getFlags();
     queue_head_.alternate_key = ShiftToLayer(layer);
     return true;
   }
@@ -384,13 +384,13 @@ bool Qukeys::isKeyAddrInQueueBeforeIndex(KeyAddr k, uint8_t index) const {
 bool isModifierKey(Key key) {
   // If it's a plain keyboard key, return true if its base keycode is a
   // modifier, otherwise return false:
-  if ((key.flags & (SYNTHETIC | RESERVED)) == 0) {
-    return (key.keyCode >= HID_KEYBOARD_FIRST_MODIFIER &&
-            key.keyCode <= HID_KEYBOARD_LAST_MODIFIER);
+  if ((key.getFlags() & (SYNTHETIC | RESERVED)) == 0) {
+    return (key.getKeyCode() >= HID_KEYBOARD_FIRST_MODIFIER &&
+            key.getKeyCode() <= HID_KEYBOARD_LAST_MODIFIER);
   }
   // If it's a layer shift key, return true:
-  if (key.flags == (SYNTHETIC | SWITCH_TO_KEYMAP) &&
-      key.keyCode >= LAYER_SHIFT_OFFSET) {
+  if (key.getFlags() == (SYNTHETIC | SWITCH_TO_KEYMAP) &&
+      key.getKeyCode() >= LAYER_SHIFT_OFFSET) {
     return true;
   }
   // In all other cases, return false:
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Qukeys.h b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Qukeys.h
index cdd5135918..949134fb9c 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Qukeys.h
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Qukeys.h
@@ -25,15 +25,15 @@
 // DualUse Key definitions for Qukeys in the keymap
 #define MT(mod, key) Key(                                               \
     kaleidoscope::ranges::DUM_FIRST +                                   \
-    (((Key_ ## mod).keyCode - Key_LeftControl.keyCode) << 8) +          \
-    (Key_ ## key).keyCode                                               \
+    (((Key_ ## mod).getKeyCode() - Key_LeftControl.getKeyCode()) << 8) +          \
+    (Key_ ## key).getKeyCode()                                               \
 )
 #define SFT_T(key) MT(LeftShift, key)
 #define CTL_T(key) MT(LeftControl, key)
 #define ALT_T(key) MT(LeftAlt, key)
 #define GUI_T(key) MT(LeftGui, key)
 
-#define LT(layer, key) Key(kaleidoscope::ranges::DUL_FIRST + (layer << 8) + (Key_ ## key).keyCode)
+#define LT(layer, key) Key(kaleidoscope::ranges::DUL_FIRST + (layer << 8) + (Key_ ## key).getKeyCode())
 
 #define _DEPRECATED_MESSAGE_QUKEY_ROW_COL_CONSTRUCTOR                        \
   "The `Qukey(layer, row, col, alternate_key)` constructor using separate\n" \
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/ShapeShifter.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/ShapeShifter.cpp
index f81541aeb8..ec86bac333 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/ShapeShifter.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/ShapeShifter.cpp
@@ -43,17 +43,17 @@ EventHandlerResult ShapeShifter::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mapped_key, KeyAddr key_a
   // Try to find the current key in the dictionary
   uint8_t i = 0;
   do {
-    orig.raw = pgm_read_word(&(dictionary[i].original.raw));
+    orig = dictionary[i].original.readFromProgmem();
     i++;
-  } while (orig.raw != Key_NoKey.raw &&
-           orig.raw != mapped_key.raw);
+  } while (orig != Key_NoKey &&
+           orig != mapped_key);
   i--;
 
   // If not found, bail out.
-  if (orig.raw == Key_NoKey.raw)
+  if (orig == Key_NoKey)
     return EventHandlerResult::OK;
 
-  repl.raw = pgm_read_word(&(dictionary[i].replacement.raw));
+  repl = dictionary[i].replacement.readFromProgmem();
 
   // If found, handle the alternate key instead
   mapped_key = repl;
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/SpaceCadet.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/SpaceCadet.cpp
index 8e544649c5..7db08f4f09 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/SpaceCadet.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/SpaceCadet.cpp
@@ -72,8 +72,8 @@ bool SpaceCadet::active() {
 
 EventHandlerResult SpaceCadet::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mapped_key, KeyAddr key_addr, uint8_t key_state) {
   //Handle our synthetic keys for enabling and disabling functionality
-  if (mapped_key.raw >= kaleidoscope::ranges::SC_FIRST &&
-      mapped_key.raw <= kaleidoscope::ranges::SC_LAST) {
+  if (mapped_key.getRaw() >= kaleidoscope::ranges::SC_FIRST &&
+      mapped_key.getRaw() <= kaleidoscope::ranges::SC_LAST) {
     //Only fire the activate / deactivate on the initial press (not held or release)
     if (keyToggledOn(key_state)) {
       if (mapped_key == Key_SpaceCadetEnable) {
@@ -109,14 +109,14 @@ EventHandlerResult SpaceCadet::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mapped_key, KeyAddr key_add
     for (
       uint8_t i = 0 ;
       !(
-        map[i].input.raw == Key_NoKey.raw
-        && map[i].output.raw == Key_NoKey.raw
+        map[i].input == Key_NoKey
+        && map[i].output == Key_NoKey
         && map[i].timeout == 0
       ) ;
       ++i
     ) {
 
-      if (mapped_key.raw == map[i].input.raw) {
+      if (mapped_key == map[i].input) {
         //The keypress was valid and a match. Mark it as flagged and reset the counter
         map[i].flagged = true;
         map[i].start_time = Kaleidoscope.millisAtCycleStart();
@@ -166,8 +166,8 @@ EventHandlerResult SpaceCadet::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mapped_key, KeyAddr key_add
   for (
     uint8_t i = 0 ;
     !(
-      map[i].input.raw == Key_NoKey.raw
-      && map[i].output.raw == Key_NoKey.raw
+      map[i].input == Key_NoKey
+      && map[i].output == Key_NoKey
       && map[i].timeout == 0
     );
     ++i
@@ -180,7 +180,7 @@ EventHandlerResult SpaceCadet::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mapped_key, KeyAddr key_add
     }
 
     //the key we're looking at was valid (in the map)
-    if (map[i].input.raw == mapped_key.raw) {
+    if (map[i].input == mapped_key) {
       pressed_key_was_valid = true;
     }
   }
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Syster.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Syster.cpp
index b2247176bc..d8dee378af 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Syster.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Syster.cpp
@@ -103,14 +103,14 @@ EventHandlerResult Syster::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mapped_key, KeyAddr key_addr, u
 }
 
 __attribute__((weak)) const char keyToChar(Key key) {
-  if (key.flags != 0)
+  if (key.getFlags() != 0)
     return 0;
 
-  switch (key.keyCode) {
-  case Key_A.keyCode ... Key_Z.keyCode:
-    return 'a' + (key.keyCode - Key_A.keyCode);
-  case Key_1.keyCode ... Key_0.keyCode:
-    return '1' + (key.keyCode - Key_1.keyCode);
+  switch (key.getKeyCode()) {
+  case Key_A.getKeyCode() ... Key_Z.getKeyCode():
+    return 'a' + (key.getKeyCode() - Key_A.getKeyCode());
+  case Key_1.getKeyCode() ... Key_0.getKeyCode():
+    return '1' + (key.getKeyCode() - Key_1.getKeyCode());
   }
 
   return 0;
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/TapDance.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/TapDance.cpp
index ad5c2c4e85..7a8da0001e 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/TapDance.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/TapDance.cpp
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ KeyAddr TapDance::last_tap_dance_addr_;
 // --- actions ---
 
 void TapDance::interrupt(KeyAddr key_addr) {
-  uint8_t idx = last_tap_dance_key_.raw - ranges::TD_FIRST;
+  uint8_t idx = last_tap_dance_key_.getRaw() - ranges::TD_FIRST;
 
   tapDanceAction(idx, last_tap_dance_addr_, state_[idx].count, Interrupt);
   state_[idx].triggered = true;
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ void TapDance::interrupt(KeyAddr key_addr) {
 }
 
 void TapDance::timeout(void) {
-  uint8_t idx = last_tap_dance_key_.raw - ranges::TD_FIRST;
+  uint8_t idx = last_tap_dance_key_.getRaw() - ranges::TD_FIRST;
 
   tapDanceAction(idx, last_tap_dance_addr_, state_[idx].count, Timeout);
   state_[idx].triggered = true;
@@ -57,13 +57,13 @@ void TapDance::timeout(void) {
   if (state_[idx].pressed)
     return;
 
-  last_tap_dance_key_.raw = Key_NoKey.raw;
+  last_tap_dance_key_ = Key_NoKey;
 
   release(idx);
 }
 
 void TapDance::release(uint8_t tap_dance_index) {
-  last_tap_dance_key_.raw = Key_NoKey.raw;
+  last_tap_dance_key_ = Key_NoKey;
 
   state_[tap_dance_index].pressed = false;
   state_[tap_dance_index].triggered = false;
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ void TapDance::release(uint8_t tap_dance_index) {
 }
 
 void TapDance::tap(void) {
-  uint8_t idx = last_tap_dance_key_.raw - ranges::TD_FIRST;
+  uint8_t idx = last_tap_dance_key_.getRaw() - ranges::TD_FIRST;
 
   state_[idx].count++;
   start_time_ = Kaleidoscope.millisAtCycleStart();
@@ -85,8 +85,7 @@ void TapDance::actionKeys(uint8_t tap_count, ActionType tap_dance_action, uint8_
   if (tap_count > max_keys)
     tap_count = max_keys;
 
-  Key key;
-  key.raw = pgm_read_word(&(tap_keys[tap_count - 1].raw));
+  Key key = tap_keys[tap_count - 1].readFromProgmem();
 
   switch (tap_dance_action) {
   case Tap:
@@ -111,8 +110,8 @@ EventHandlerResult TapDance::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mapped_key, KeyAddr key_addr,
   if (keyState & INJECTED)
     return EventHandlerResult::OK;
 
-  if (mapped_key.raw < ranges::TD_FIRST || mapped_key.raw > ranges::TD_LAST) {
-    if (last_tap_dance_key_.raw == Key_NoKey.raw)
+  if (mapped_key.getRaw() < ranges::TD_FIRST || mapped_key.getRaw() > ranges::TD_LAST) {
+    if (last_tap_dance_key_ == Key_NoKey)
       return EventHandlerResult::OK;
 
     if (keyToggledOn(keyState))
@@ -125,13 +124,13 @@ EventHandlerResult TapDance::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mapped_key, KeyAddr key_addr,
     return EventHandlerResult::OK;
   }
 
-  uint8_t tap_dance_index = mapped_key.raw - ranges::TD_FIRST;
+  uint8_t tap_dance_index = mapped_key.getRaw() - ranges::TD_FIRST;
 
   if (keyToggledOff(keyState))
     state_[tap_dance_index].pressed = false;
 
-  if (last_tap_dance_key_.raw != mapped_key.raw) {
-    if (last_tap_dance_key_.raw == Key_NoKey.raw) {
+  if (last_tap_dance_key_ != mapped_key) {
+    if (last_tap_dance_key_ == Key_NoKey) {
       if (state_[tap_dance_index].triggered) {
         if (keyToggledOff(keyState)) {
           release(tap_dance_index);
@@ -140,7 +139,7 @@ EventHandlerResult TapDance::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mapped_key, KeyAddr key_addr,
         return EventHandlerResult::EVENT_CONSUMED;
       }
 
-      last_tap_dance_key_.raw = mapped_key.raw;
+      last_tap_dance_key_ = mapped_key;
       last_tap_dance_addr_ = key_addr;
 
       tap();
@@ -166,7 +165,7 @@ EventHandlerResult TapDance::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mapped_key, KeyAddr key_addr,
     return EventHandlerResult::EVENT_CONSUMED;
   }
 
-  last_tap_dance_key_.raw = mapped_key.raw;
+  last_tap_dance_key_ = mapped_key;
   last_tap_dance_addr_ = key_addr;
   state_[tap_dance_index].pressed = true;
 
@@ -191,7 +190,7 @@ EventHandlerResult TapDance::afterEachCycle() {
     state_[i].release_next = false;
   }
 
-  if (last_tap_dance_key_.raw == Key_NoKey.raw)
+  if (last_tap_dance_key_ == Key_NoKey)
     return EventHandlerResult::OK;
 
   if (Kaleidoscope.hasTimeExpired(start_time_, time_out))
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/TopsyTurvy.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/TopsyTurvy.cpp
index c0df461a3e..65417a1e79 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/TopsyTurvy.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/TopsyTurvy.cpp
@@ -52,11 +52,11 @@ EventHandlerResult TopsyTurvy::onKeyswitchEvent(Key &mapped_key, KeyAddr key_add
     }
   }
 
-  mapped_key.raw = mapped_key.raw - ranges::TT_FIRST;
+  mapped_key.setRaw(mapped_key.getRaw() - ranges::TT_FIRST);
 
   // invert the shift state
   if (!is_shifted_) {
-    mapped_key.flags |= SHIFT_HELD;
+    mapped_key.setFlags(mapped_key.getFlags() | SHIFT_HELD);
     return EventHandlerResult::OK;
   }
 
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/TopsyTurvy.h b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/TopsyTurvy.h
index 2462357bea..b90b86e747 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/TopsyTurvy.h
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/TopsyTurvy.h
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #include <Kaleidoscope.h>
 #include <Kaleidoscope-Ranges.h>
 
-#define TOPSY(k) Key(kaleidoscope::ranges::TT_FIRST + (Key_ ## k).keyCode)
+#define TOPSY(k) Key(kaleidoscope::ranges::TT_FIRST + (Key_ ## k).getKeyCode())
 
 namespace kaleidoscope {
 namespace plugin {
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/TriColor.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/TriColor.cpp
index 965e6adcb6..8f6b7ef518 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/TriColor.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/TriColor.cpp
@@ -31,23 +31,23 @@ void TriColor::TransientLEDMode::update(void) {
     Key k = Layer.lookup(key_addr);
 
     // Special keys are always mod_color
-    if (k.flags != 0) {
+    if (k.getFlags() != 0) {
       ::LEDControl.setCrgbAt(KeyAddr(key_addr), parent_->mod_color_);
       continue;
     }
 
     cRGB color = parent_->mod_color_;
 
-    switch (k.keyCode) {
-    case Key_A.keyCode ... Key_0.keyCode:
-    case Key_Spacebar.keyCode:
-    case Key_KeypadDivide.keyCode ... Key_KeypadSubtract.keyCode:
-    case Key_Keypad1.keyCode ... Key_KeypadDot.keyCode:
-    case Key_F1.keyCode ... Key_F4.keyCode:
-    case Key_F9.keyCode ... Key_F12.keyCode:
+    switch (k.getKeyCode()) {
+    case Key_A.getKeyCode() ... Key_0.getKeyCode():
+    case Key_Spacebar.getKeyCode():
+    case Key_KeypadDivide.getKeyCode() ... Key_KeypadSubtract.getKeyCode():
+    case Key_Keypad1.getKeyCode() ... Key_KeypadDot.getKeyCode():
+    case Key_F1.getKeyCode() ... Key_F4.getKeyCode():
+    case Key_F9.getKeyCode() ... Key_F12.getKeyCode():
       color = parent_->base_color_;
       break;
-    case Key_Escape.keyCode:
+    case Key_Escape.getKeyCode():
       color = parent_->esc_color_;
       break;
     }
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Turbo.h b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Turbo.h
index a6d2202db7..4e1ad7b783 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Turbo.h
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Turbo.h
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
 #include <Kaleidoscope.h>
 #include <Kaleidoscope-Ranges.h>
 
-#define Key_Turbo ((Key) { .raw = kaleidoscope::ranges::TURBO })
+#define Key_Turbo Key{kaleidoscope::ranges::TURBO }
 
 namespace kaleidoscope {
 namespace plugin {
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Unicode.cpp b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Unicode.cpp
index 8581eb7b5f..cf05c9ac4a 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Unicode.cpp
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope/plugin/Unicode.cpp
@@ -142,9 +142,9 @@ __attribute__((weak)) Key hexToKey(uint8_t hex) {
     return Key_0;
   }
   if (hex < 0xA) {
-    m = Key_1.keyCode + (hex - 0x1);
+    m = Key_1.getKeyCode() + (hex - 0x1);
   } else {
-    m = Key_A.keyCode + (hex - 0xA);
+    m = Key_A.getKeyCode() + (hex - 0xA);
   }
   return { m, KEY_FLAGS };
 }
@@ -155,29 +155,29 @@ __attribute__((weak)) Key hexToKeysWithNumpad(uint8_t hex) {
     return Key_Keypad0;
   }
   if (hex < 0xA) {
-    m = Key_Keypad1.keyCode + (hex - 0x1);
+    m = Key_Keypad1.getKeyCode() + (hex - 0x1);
   } else {
     switch (hex) {
     case 0xA:
-      m = Key_A.keyCode;
+      m = Key_A.getKeyCode();
       break;
     case 0xB:
-      m = Key_B.keyCode;
+      m = Key_B.getKeyCode();
       break;
     case 0xC:
-      m = Key_C.keyCode;
+      m = Key_C.getKeyCode();
       break;
     case 0xD:
-      m = Key_D.keyCode;
+      m = Key_D.getKeyCode();
       break;
     case 0xE:
-      m = Key_E.keyCode;
+      m = Key_E.getKeyCode();
       break;
     case 0xF:
-      m = Key_F.keyCode;
+      m = Key_F.getKeyCode();
       break;
     default:
-      m = Key_NoKey.keyCode;
+      m = Key_NoKey.getKeyCode();
       break;
     }
   }
diff --git a/src/kaleidoscope_internal/deprecations.h b/src/kaleidoscope_internal/deprecations.h
index d92e9fd563..6ffb0fe026 100644
--- a/src/kaleidoscope_internal/deprecations.h
+++ b/src/kaleidoscope_internal/deprecations.h
@@ -51,5 +51,10 @@
   "`Kaleidoscope.device().led_count` instead."
 
 #define _DEPRECATED_MESSAGE_HARDWARE_BASE_CLASS                 \
-  "The `Hardware` base class is deprecated. Please use\n" __NL_ \
+  "The `Hardware` base class is deprecated. Please use\n" __NL__ \
   "the new APIs based on `kaleidoscope::device::Base`."
+
+#define _DEPRECATED_MESSAGE_DIRECT_KEY_MEMBER_ACCESS                           \
+  "Direct access to `Key` class' data members is deprecated.\n"                \
+  "Please use `Key::setKeyCode()`/`Key::getKeyCode()` or\n"                    \
+  "`Key::setFlags()`/`Key::getFlags()` instead."