mechanical keyboard newswire
daily mechanical keyboards, firmware & tools
Chosfox Geonix Rev 2.5¶
Review of the Chosfox Geonix Rev 2.5 ortholinear board. While primarily hardware, the discussion centers on QMK/VIA compatibility and the user experience of the new layout.
Android QMK media controls?¶
Technical query on whether standard QMK media control codes (brightness/volume) register correctly on Android devices.
[WIP] Building a handheld 8-key chording keyboard to type while walking.¶
A unique WIP build using Seeed Studio XIAO BLE (ZMK-compatible) for a wireless chording keyboard.
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.
Key overrides in vial / qmk¶
Discussion on configuring Shumift backspace as delete in QMK/Via, noting conflicts when using Vial for other settings.
How to enable NKRO?¶
Discussion on verifying NKRO status in QMK without relying on magic key combos, noting issues with key rollover limits.
Building ZMK Firmware Locally on Apple Silicon MacBooks Without Docker¶
Tutorial on compiling ZMK locally on M-series Macs to bypass GitHub Actions wait times, including a build script.
ZMK sometimes rapidly repeats keys?¶
User reports rapid key repetition (e.g., 'i' becoming 'iiii...') on a Bluetooth ZMK board under Linux/Wayland, seeking causes.
Updated TOTEM dongle zmk module¶
Author migrated their dongle setup into a standalone ZMK module after Zephyr 4.1 broke their config; useful for others using the TOTEM dongle.
Fully Custom Keyboard¶
Custom PCB and case design by the author; QMK firmware with calc/volume keys.
keyboard base on zmk¶
Showcase of a portable Bluetooth keyboard using ZMK firmware.
Recent Ergodox Infinity keymap example?¶
User seeking a modern Ergodox Infinity keymap example with `visualizer.c` support after updating QMK.
ZMK - Double Tap Hold for momentary layer¶
Discussion on implementing complex double-tap-hold behavior for momentary layers in ZMK, specifically for the Night layout.
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.
[US-WI] [H] Ataraxia wireless trackball keyboard [W] PayPal, Venmo¶
Sale of a pre-programmed Ataraxia with ZMK Studio firmware support.
Keychron J2 HE stuck in a 'bootloader mode'.¶
Troubleshooting a Keychron J2 HE stuck in bootloader mode after a firmware glitch.
Mx mechanical mini qmk¶
User shares a GitHub repo with working QMK code and individually addressable backlighting for the MX Mechanical Mini.
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.
It's all wired up. Now all I have to do is learn to code.¶
OP is a complete beginner who just finished their first build and is now tackling the firmware coding aspect. High engagement due to the "journey" narrative.
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.
Self designed ISO MX PCB to fit Holy80¶
Small couple-designed ISO PCB that uses QMK — notable because it’s a custom ISO PCB + full RGB and shows a DIY ISO QMK build that others may reuse.
Krteq (Open source)¶
New open-source 61-key unibody using Raspberry Pi Pico and QMK/VIA — notable for Gateron LP 3.0 compatibility and hotswap support.
Connecting Issues¶
First-build connectivity problems (Supermini MCU + ZMK) — several troubleshooting replies (worthwatch if ZMK USB/bluetooth fixes emerge).
Binepad BNK-16 - Review and issues¶
Detailed review of BNK-16 with VIA/QMK issues — JSON save/load breaks layer switching, modifier+mousewheel combos don't work, poor vendor support.