I typically don’t like using closed source software when I can avoid it. To my knowledge, QMK is open source, but VIA is not (as convenient as it is to use). It also requires your browser to use the WebHID API, which is problematic computer-security wise IMO.

Because of this, I was considering trying an open source version of VIA called vial. Does anyone have any experience with using it? How does it compare to VIA?

I think I could also try using QMK configurator to remap my keyboard/create new firmware, and to use QMK Toolbox to flash the firmware onto the keyboard. However, I was reading this keychron blog post: https://www.keychron.com/blogs/archived/how-to-factory-reset-or-flash-your-qmk-via-enabled-keychron-v6-keyboard. It says that “If everything works fine with your keyboard. Please don’t flash the firmware. There is a chance it can damage your keyboard”. I am aware that if I unplugged during a firmware update it could brick it, but otherwise it would work out fine, right? Would the reset button underneath the spacebar save me in that situation? It is hard to tell whether this is just keychron trying to go the safest route to avoid tech support calls or if this is actually a valid recommendation.

Overall, what software should I use to remap keys and program macros on my keychron v6 (encoder version)?

  • CanofBeanz@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I use VIA on my board, you dont need to use the web flasher you can use the desktop app to configure VIA or even configure VIA with VIAL. I DIdnt really try to make my own VIAL firmware just because it seemed a bit out of my wheelhouse. The safety of flashing should be safe, but it would depend on the MCU that keychron uses