mechanical keyboard newswire
daily mechanical keyboards, firmware & tools
NEXUS ZMK Smart dongle update¶
Announcement of a ZMK firmware update for the NEXUS keyboard featuring performance improvements and a new game center.
NEXUS ZMK Smart dongle update¶
Detailed release notes for the NEXUS ZMK update, including smarter screen redraws, 7 new games, and display sleep features.
Repost Nexus Update¶
Reposted technical details on the NEXUS firmware update, highlighting performance optimizations and expanded game library.
I made a custom firmware for my split keyboard to run the snake game on the backlight¶
Technical discussion on implementing a custom 1.2kb firmware to run a snake game on a split keyboard's backlight without host interaction.
ZMK Vim Mode - A second take on syncing my keyboards with VIM¶
Detailed technical discussion on implementing VIM mode layers in ZMK, addressing state drift and host synchronization issues.
Anti-ghosting Japanese duplex matrix¶
Alex Miller introduces a new method to prevent ghosting of keyboards using the Japanese duplex matrix.
OpenAI releases Codex Micro physical keypad¶
OpenAI unveiled its first hardware, a mini keypad with joystick and knob for controlling Codex agents.
Upgraded my "raveniung" and "ravensplit" keyboards with a Azoteq trackpad :-D¶
Integration of an Azoteq touchpad into split keyboards, likely involving custom firmware for gesture handling.
Modified Scylla (BastardKeyboards)¶
Handwired modified Scylla with encoders, joysticks, and TFT screens; interesting custom build details.
There is an update to the Galaxy XR firmware as of today, May 5, 2026¶
Major Android XR update rolling out with auto-spatialization and improved hand/eye tracking.
Keychron J2 HE stuck in a 'bootloader mode'.¶
Troubleshooting a Keychron J2 HE stuck in bootloader mode after a firmware glitch.
Inline hardware device for host-independent remaps/macros: useful niche, or useless?¶
Discussion on validating a hardware USB device concept for host-independent remapping, comparing it to software solutions like QMK/VIA/Kanata.
Finally designed my own shell, PCB and top plate!¶
Custom build running KMK (Kaleidosaurus Microkernel) on an RP2040. Interesting technical discussion on the design process and sound test.
How to use QMK's matrix implementation as a custom lite matrix?¶
Technical discussion on leveraging QMK's matrix scanning code for custom firmware.
ZSA releases Zapp CLI tool and Classic Books mode for typ.ing¶
ZSA introduces Zapp, an open-source terminal tool for flashing firmware, and a new Classic Books mode on typ.ing for typing practice.
Connecting Issues¶
First-build connectivity problems (Supermini MCU + ZMK) — several troubleshooting replies (worthwatch if ZMK USB/bluetooth fixes emerge).