diff --git a/tmk_core/common/action.c b/tmk_core/common/action.c
index 456d1e25f..b99c2acaa 100644
--- a/tmk_core/common/action.c
+++ b/tmk_core/common/action.c
@@ -898,10 +898,19 @@ void clear_keyboard(void)
  * FIXME: Needs documentation.
  */
 void clear_keyboard_but_mods(void)
+{
+    clear_keys();
+    clear_keyboard_but_mods_and_keys();
+}
+
+/** \brief Utilities for actions. (FIXME: Needs better description)
+ *
+ * FIXME: Needs documentation.
+ */
+void clear_keyboard_but_mods_and_keys()
 {
     clear_weak_mods();
     clear_macro_mods();
-    clear_keys();
     send_keyboard_report();
 #ifdef MOUSEKEY_ENABLE
     mousekey_clear();
diff --git a/tmk_core/common/action.h b/tmk_core/common/action.h
index 5d797fd62..8e47e5339 100644
--- a/tmk_core/common/action.h
+++ b/tmk_core/common/action.h
@@ -94,6 +94,7 @@ void unregister_mods(uint8_t mods);
 //void set_mods(uint8_t mods);
 void clear_keyboard(void);
 void clear_keyboard_but_mods(void);
+void clear_keyboard_but_mods_and_keys(void);
 void layer_switch(uint8_t new_layer);
 bool is_tap_key(keypos_t key);
 
diff --git a/tmk_core/common/action_layer.c b/tmk_core/common/action_layer.c
index b8dcb34f3..120ce3f51 100644
--- a/tmk_core/common/action_layer.c
+++ b/tmk_core/common/action_layer.c
@@ -44,7 +44,11 @@ static void default_layer_state_set(uint32_t state)
     default_layer_debug(); debug(" to ");
     default_layer_state = state;
     default_layer_debug(); debug("\n");
+#ifdef STRICT_LAYER_RELEASE
     clear_keyboard_but_mods(); // To avoid stuck keys
+#else
+    clear_keyboard_but_mods_and_keys(); // Don't reset held keys
+#endif
 }
 
 /** \brief Default Layer Print
@@ -127,7 +131,11 @@ void layer_state_set(uint32_t state)
     layer_debug(); dprint(" to ");
     layer_state = state;
     layer_debug(); dprintln();
+#ifdef STRICT_LAYER_RELEASE
     clear_keyboard_but_mods(); // To avoid stuck keys
+#else
+    clear_keyboard_but_mods_and_keys(); // Don't reset held keys
+#endif
 }
 
 /** \brief Layer clear