Click on the key in the top pane, and select a new definition from the bottom pane. The first tab on the bottom pane is the normal key values, and the rest of the tabs are things like media controls and layer controls. There are four or five "layers" that you can switch through, one of them is the base Mac layer and another is the base Windows layer. The function key is set to MO(N) where N is the function layer for the base layer you're looking at, and the keys on that layer are active while you're holding the function key down. The Mac base layer is usually 0 on Keychron boards. The Windows layer is sometimes 1 and sometimes 2. If the Windows layer is 1 the Mac function layer is 2, and vice versa if the Windows layer is 2. the Windows function layer is usually 3. Answer from ArgentStonecutter on reddit.com
VIA
caniusevia.com
VIA | VIA
Configure, test and design in one place - VIA is the last application you'll need for your keyboard.
Docs
In order for VIA to configure a keyboard, it requires a definition of the keyboard - the physical layout of keys, any layout options, and other configurable elements like rotary encoders (knobs), lighting, etc.
Configuring QMK
VIA works by communicating with the firmware that is running on the device and sending it commands across USB. Enabling the VIA feature in QMK enables both the ability to communicate with the VIA Configurator and the ability to store keymaps and other settings · VIA compatible firmware must ...
Firmware
Precompiled QMK firmware for VIA-supported keyboards
Supported Keyboards
Compatible as of 1/11/2026
Keychron
keychron.com › blogs › archived › how-to-use-via-to-program-your-keyboard
How to use VIA to program your keyboard – Keychron
November 22, 2023 - VIA is an app that can easily configure keyboard keys with QMK firmware, here is a guide to walk you through. ... Please follow the instructions below to program a Keychron keyboard that supports VIA.
How does the VIA app work?
Click on the key in the top pane, and select a new definition from the bottom pane. The first tab on the bottom pane is the normal key values, and the rest of the tabs are things like media controls and layer controls. There are four or five "layers" that you can switch through, one of them is the base Mac layer and another is the base Windows layer. The function key is set to MO(N) where N is the function layer for the base layer you're looking at, and the keys on that layer are active while you're holding the function key down. The Mac base layer is usually 0 on Keychron boards. The Windows layer is sometimes 1 and sometimes 2. If the Windows layer is 1 the Mac function layer is 2, and vice versa if the Windows layer is 2. the Windows function layer is usually 3. More on reddit.com
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February 3, 2025Some questions about VIA Software
You might get away with a Via macro that sends a KC_W press but no release. After hitting that macro key to "toggle on" you can tap your normal W key when you want it to "toggle off" since that'll send both a press and release. I don't really use Via but it suggests the macro syntax should be {+KC_W} and then rejects this syntax when I tried it out so not sure what to say there, it might be unhappy that the "sequence" doesn't also include a matching release like -KC_W. It's easily done in a Vial macro with just the press or directly in QMK firmware. Sending a loop of presses and releases forever would require tracking state in keyboard memory so you'd have to DIY in QMK firmware, a quick search has a template from an old post here that looks like a reasonable starting point. You can find a lot of these in the QMK keycode docs . Via does a bit of their own changing and abbreviating so it might take a bit of searching. Probably can't do this directly in Via. Might be able to in QMK firmware but I don't own a bluetooth model so not too sure... More on reddit.com
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March 4, 2024Issues with Keychron Keyboards in VIA
The usual way VIA works is for keyboard definitions to be added to the Github repository the-via/keyboards allowing the VIA client to automatically download and use a definition when matching firmw... More on github.com
37
cant connect to VIA
I'm able to get the browser to detect my keyboard, but when I press the "Authorize Device +" button at the bottom of the configure page, a dialogue box with my keyboard name pops up. I select the keyboard "Keychron V6 Max - Paired" and click "Connect". Nothing happens at that point, and the little mascot keeps rolling side to side. I can go to the other tabs, test keys, it even plays the sounds. More on reddit.com
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December 2, 2023Videos
03:43
Using VIA to Adjust Keyboard Backlight Effects and Colors (QMK ...
04:42
How to Program Mechanical Keyboards | VIA Tutorial - YouTube
Use VIA to Program Macros to Open Programs with Keychron ...
12:29
Keychron C2 Pro 8K Review: Old School Look, Futuristic Tech - YouTube
07:08
Keychron Q1 Max 75% Keyboard | Unboxing & Review - YouTube
05:10
Use VIA to Program Macros to Open Programs with Keychron Knob - ...
Launcher
launcher.keychron.com
Launcher
Keychron Launcher can give you endless possibilities for key remapping, macros, shortcuts, and more. Now you can easily customize each key with the Keychron Launcher web app.
Keychron
keychron.com › pages › choose-the-correct-layer-in-via
via layer setting tutorial – Keychron
For confusion from customers why the VIA software doesn’t work properly on their Q1 keyboard, for example, when they try to remap a key in which it displays in the software, however, it does not work on Windows. This can be manually resulted from incorrect layer setting in VIA.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/keychron › how does the via app work?
r/Keychron on Reddit: How does the VIA app work?
February 3, 2025 -
Hey I got a K8 and when going to the VIA app I just see my keyboard layout but how do I move some keys around or adjust them like I need them? I can’t drag and drop or press the keys. I must be missing something.
Top answer 1 of 4
3
Click on the key in the top pane, and select a new definition from the bottom pane. The first tab on the bottom pane is the normal key values, and the rest of the tabs are things like media controls and layer controls. There are four or five "layers" that you can switch through, one of them is the base Mac layer and another is the base Windows layer. The function key is set to MO(N) where N is the function layer for the base layer you're looking at, and the keys on that layer are active while you're holding the function key down. The Mac base layer is usually 0 on Keychron boards. The Windows layer is sometimes 1 and sometimes 2. If the Windows layer is 1 the Mac function layer is 2, and vice versa if the Windows layer is 2. the Windows function layer is usually 3.
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K8, K8 Pro, K8 Max, or K8 QMK? Edit: Judging by post history, looks like the Pro. Did you download and upload the JSON?
NYTimes
nytimes.com › electronics › accessories › the best mechanical keyboards
The 6 Best Mechanical Keyboards of 2026 | Reviews by Wirecutter
4 days ago - Both keyboards can connect via wire, USB dongle, or Bluetooth. But they lack a backlight, their cases are plastic, and customization is limited in the 8BitDo software. If you want a budget board with a built-in number pad: The Lemokey X5 feels ...
VIA
usevia.app
VIA
Your keyboard's best friend
Keychron
keychron.com
Keychron | Custom Mechanical Keyboards for Mac, Windows and Phones
The open-source codes keep your privacy by keeping your data secure. Keychron Launcher will provide you with convenience and unlimited possibilities. ... Connect the keyboard with up to 3 devices via Bluetooth or to a single device with the USB Type-C wired option.
Keychron
keychron.com › pages › how-to-use-via-to-pair-with-keychron-q-series-keyboard
How To Use VIA To Pair With Q Series – Keychron
Keychron Q1 HE Acoustic Upgrade Kit · Gold Plated PCB Mounted Stabilizers · How To Use VIA To Pair With Keychron Q1 · Most Q series keyboard models are automatically recognized by VIA. There are a few keyboards whose VIA code is still awaiting approval from Github, you need to import the JSON file manually.
Keychron
keychron.com › pages › how-to-use-via-to-pair-with-keychron-v-series-keyboards
How To Use VIA To Pair With Keychron V Series Keyboards
Keychron Q1 HE Acoustic Upgrade Kit · Gold Plated PCB Mounted Stabilizers · 1. Please connect the keyboard power cable and click · here to open the VIA. (Online VIA can only be opened by browsers based on Chromium currently.) 2. Click on "Authorize device", and a window will pop up.
Amazon
amazon.com › Keychron-Mechanical-Programmable-Hot-swappable-Non-Transparent › dp › B09NLWG6X1
Amazon.com: Keychron V1 75% Wired Mechanical Keyboard, QMK/VIA Programmable, Hot-swappable K Pro Brown Switches, Compatible with Mac Windows Linux - Carbon Black : Video Games
The Keychron V1 is a fully customizable mechanical keyboard with QMK/VIA support. Anyone can intuitively master any keyboard keys or macro commands (incl. the knob) through the VIA software.
Keychron
keychron.com › home › keychron v2 max qmk/via wireless custom mechanical keyboard
Keychron V2 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V2 Max is a fully customizable mechanical keyboard with 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. Compact 65% layout. Effortlessly Customize any key or create macro commands through VIA software.
Keychron
keychron.com › home › keychron k1 pro qmk/via wireless custom mechanical keyboard
Keychron K1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
An excellent solution for multitasking. Connects the K1 Pro with up to 3 devices wirelessly via its stable Broadcom Bluetooth 5.1 for seamless multitasking across your laptop, phone, and tablet.
Keychron
keychron.com › pages › how-to-do-a-key-tester-for-keychron-qmk-via-enabled-keychron-keyboard
How To Do A Keyboard Test For QMK/VIA Enabled Keychron Keyboard
Keychron Q1 HE Acoustic Upgrade Kit · Gold Plated PCB Mounted Stabilizers · 1. Connect your keyboard with our cable and click · here to open the VIA. (Online VIA can only be opened by browsers based on Chrome currently.) 2. Please download the correct keymap JSON file when your keyboard cannot be recognized after you authorized the device on online VIA.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/keychron › some questions about via software
r/Keychron on Reddit: Some questions about VIA Software
March 4, 2024 -
I'm really new to VIA and QMK.
I have a few questions, to help me get the most out of VIA.
How do I make a macro that toggles hold down of a button? Like in certain games, that involve a lot of walking around in a single direction over long distances... its nice to have a macro that holds down "W". On Razer Synapse, I used to be able to set a macro so that when I hit the designated macro key... it toggles the key on or off. Hit the key once, and W is registered as being held down. Hit it again, and its as if the key was released. How do I accomplish this with VIA?
How do I make a macro so that I can do repeated key presses? So for example some games where you might run around gathering/harvesting stuff from a field... you might be pressing "E" over and over and over again. Very tiring. Would be nice to have a Macro that allows me to press the macro key... and toggles repeated key presses. I want that to go Press Release, Press Release... On repeat... until I hit the key again.
Where can I find a complete description of what all the Keymap Functions listed are? Like what do the Audio On/Off/Toggle functions do? What do the Clicky Toggle/Enable/Disable/Up/Down/Reset do? Music On/Off/Toggle/Mode? NUHS? NUBS? Ro? Or pretty much everything in the "Other" Section of the keymap bindings list? The VIA Documentation doesn't really describe what those key functions do.
Is there a way to set my Keyboard in such a way, that when I switch from BT 3 to BT 1... that the Layer also automatically switches to another layer? I have different macro needs depending on which PC my keyboard is connected, and I'd like the layer to change from Layer 2 to Layer 0, for example.
Top answer 1 of 2
2
You might get away with a Via macro that sends a KC_W press but no release. After hitting that macro key to "toggle on" you can tap your normal W key when you want it to "toggle off" since that'll send both a press and release. I don't really use Via but it suggests the macro syntax should be {+KC_W} and then rejects this syntax when I tried it out so not sure what to say there, it might be unhappy that the "sequence" doesn't also include a matching release like -KC_W. It's easily done in a Vial macro with just the press or directly in QMK firmware. Sending a loop of presses and releases forever would require tracking state in keyboard memory so you'd have to DIY in QMK firmware, a quick search has a template from an old post here that looks like a reasonable starting point. You can find a lot of these in the QMK keycode docs . Via does a bit of their own changing and abbreviating so it might take a bit of searching. Probably can't do this directly in Via. Might be able to in QMK firmware but I don't own a bluetooth model so not too sure...
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This qmk/via is overrated. It's much more convenient to use autohotkey. My next keyboard will be without qmk.
Keychron
keychron.com › home › keychron v6 max qmk/via wireless custom mechanical keyboard
Keychron V6 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V6 Max is a fully customizable mechanical keyboard boasting 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. Effortlessly Customize any key or create macro commands through VIA software. Compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Amazon
amazon.com › Keychron-Mechanical-Programmable-Hot-swappable-Black-Translucent › dp › B09WHPD7P5
Amazon.com: Keychron V2 Wired Custom Mechanical Keyboard Knob Version, 65% Layout QMK/VIA Programmable with Hot-swappable K Pro Brown Switch Compatible with Mac Windows Linux (Frosted Black-Translucent) : Video Games
The Keychron V2 is a fully customizable mechanical keyboard with QMK/VIA support. Anyone can intuitively master any keyboard keys or macro commands through the VIA software.
GitHub
github.com › the-via › app › issues › 91
Issues with Keychron Keyboards in VIA · Issue #91 · the-via/app
December 27, 2022 - The usual way VIA works is for keyboard definitions to be added to the Github repository the-via/keyboards allowing the VIA client to automatically download and use a definition when matching firmware is detected. For whatever reason, Keychron has not added definition for some of their keyboards to the Github repository, and is instructing users to a) enable the "Design" tab in Settings, b) use the "Load Draft Definition" to load a definition.
Published Dec 27, 2022
Amazon
amazon.com › Keychron-Mechanical-Programmable-Hot-swappable-Compatible › dp › B09NHSXCTM
Amazon.com: Keychron V1 Wired Custom Mechanical Keyboard, 75% Layout QMK/VIA Programmable Macro with Hot-swappable Keychron K Pro Brown Switch Compatible with Mac Windows Linux (Frosted Black - Translucent) : Video Games
The Keychron V1 is a fully customizable mechanical keyboard with QMK/VIA support. Anyone can intuitively master any keyboard keys or macro commands through the VIA software.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/keychron › cant connect to via
r/Keychron on Reddit: cant connect to VIA
December 2, 2023 -
hi, i just bought the q3 pro se knob version, and i cant seem to connect to the VIA software, both via the website and the app. I have no idea to fix this, and i'm not really tech-savvy to know how to look into .json files and such (searching for stuff on github is a nightmare for me).
I found like 1 other person asking for the same thing, but no one really had an answer, so i'm basically stuck.
If someone knows how to fix it, i'm all ears!
Top answer 1 of 5
12
I'm able to get the browser to detect my keyboard, but when I press the "Authorize Device +" button at the bottom of the configure page, a dialogue box with my keyboard name pops up. I select the keyboard "Keychron V6 Max - Paired" and click "Connect". Nothing happens at that point, and the little mascot keeps rolling side to side. I can go to the other tabs, test keys, it even plays the sounds.
2 of 5
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https://launcher.keychron.com/#/keymap worked for me, VIA app did not.