You're the first person I know that has discovered the secret! I could create an optional hold then release cog system, i'll look into it.
Did the character go crazy on the red key (last key)? because on Level 2 with the purple key, it will intentionally teleport you back to where you started, I created that to make it important to do the ring collection part properly and fast, cause you're actually doing it two directions.
When collecting the star: I altered the character visuals, and the cog visuals. Do you have an idea of what more I should have done for collecting the secret? Love to hear your input.