{
 "schemaVersion": 1,
 "generated": "2026-10-30",
 "dataLicense": "CC BY-SA 4.0",
 "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0",
 "notice": "Data from Open Source Everything (https://opensourceeverything.org), licensed CC BY-SA 4.0: use it freely, credit the site, link to the page, and share changes under the same license. Listings were drafted with AI assistance and are managed by the r/TrueOpenSource moderators; check a project's own page before relying on a fact.",
 "id": "keyboard-tools",
 "name": "Keyboard firmware, remapping and sounds",
 "page": "https://opensourceeverything.org/g/keyboard-tools/",
 "category": "hw-pc",
 "categoryName": "Devices & accessories",
 "job": "Setting up keyboards: custom firmware, remapping keys, lights and typing sounds",
 "closedApps": [
  "Razer Synapse",
  "Logitech G Hub",
  "Corsair iCUE"
 ],
 "coverage": "partial",
 "alternatives": [
  {
   "id": "kanata",
   "name": "Kanata",
   "page": "https://opensourceeverything.org/p/kanata/",
   "summary": "Kanata is a free program that changes what each key on your keyboard does, so one key can have several jobs depending on a layer you switch to. It is for people who want a more comfortable or customized typing setup on Windows, macOS or Linux, including on ordinary laptop and office keyboards.",
   "kind": "app",
   "setup": "easy",
   "setupWhy": "Install it like a normal app, or use it in your browser.",
   "platforms": [
    "windows",
    "mac",
    "linux"
   ],
   "license": "LGPL-3.0",
   "licenseClass": "open",
   "licenseNeedsCheck": false,
   "stars": 8045,
   "forks": null,
   "status": "active",
   "verified": false,
   "latestRelease": null,
   "code": "https://github.com/jtroo/kanata",
   "website": null,
   "download": null,
   "release": null,
   "family": null,
   "familyChildren": [],
   "howToHelp": null,
   "project": "kanata",
   "rank": 1,
   "fit": "partial",
   "note": "Remaps keys, but no firmware, lights or typing sounds mentioned.",
   "why": "Does part of the job · Easy setup",
   "score": 40.2
  },
  {
   "id": "karabiner-elements",
   "name": "Karabiner-Elements",
   "page": "https://opensourceeverything.org/p/karabiner-elements/",
   "summary": "Karabiner-Elements is a program for Apple Mac computers that changes what each key on the keyboard does. It is for Mac users who want to rearrange or customize their keys.",
   "kind": "app",
   "setup": "easy",
   "setupWhy": "Install it like a normal app, or use it in your browser.",
   "platforms": [
    "mac"
   ],
   "license": "Unlicense",
   "licenseClass": "open",
   "licenseNeedsCheck": false,
   "stars": 23016,
   "forks": null,
   "status": "active",
   "verified": false,
   "latestRelease": null,
   "code": "https://github.com/pqrs-org/Karabiner-Elements",
   "website": "https://karabiner-elements.pqrs.org",
   "download": null,
   "release": null,
   "family": null,
   "familyChildren": [],
   "howToHelp": null,
   "project": "karabiner-elements",
   "rank": 2,
   "fit": "partial",
   "note": "Remaps keys on Mac only; no firmware, lights or sounds.",
   "why": "Does part of the job · Easy setup",
   "score": 40.1
  },
  {
   "id": "zmk",
   "name": "ZMK",
   "page": "https://opensourceeverything.org/p/zmk/",
   "summary": "ZMK is free software that replaces the control program inside wireless and custom keyboards, letting people change how keys work. It is aimed at keyboard enthusiasts and builders who want to set up their own keyboard.",
   "kind": "developer_tool",
   "setup": "advanced",
   "setupWhy": "Made for developers: you use it from code or the command line.",
   "platforms": [],
   "license": "MIT",
   "licenseClass": "open",
   "licenseNeedsCheck": false,
   "stars": 4312,
   "forks": null,
   "status": "active",
   "verified": false,
   "latestRelease": null,
   "code": "https://github.com/zmkfirmware/zmk",
   "website": "https://zmk.dev",
   "download": null,
   "release": null,
   "family": null,
   "familyChildren": [],
   "howToHelp": null,
   "project": "zmk",
   "rank": 3,
   "fit": "partial",
   "note": "Covers firmware and key remapping; lights and typing sounds not stated.",
   "why": "Does part of the job · Advanced setup",
   "score": 35.4
  },
  {
   "id": "vial",
   "name": "Vial",
   "page": "https://opensourceeverything.org/p/vial/",
   "summary": "Vial is a companion project to QMK, the open firmware that runs inside keyboards, and it is aimed at people who build or customize their own keyboards. The README given here describes QMK's firmware and supported keyboards, not Vial's own features.",
   "kind": "developer_tool",
   "setup": "advanced",
   "setupWhy": "Made for developers: you use it from code or the command line.",
   "platforms": [],
   "license": "GPL-2.0",
   "licenseClass": "open",
   "licenseNeedsCheck": false,
   "stars": 1406,
   "forks": null,
   "status": "active",
   "verified": false,
   "latestRelease": null,
   "code": "https://github.com/vial-kb/vial-qmk",
   "website": "https://get.vial.today",
   "download": null,
   "release": null,
   "family": null,
   "familyChildren": [],
   "howToHelp": null,
   "project": "vial",
   "rank": 4,
   "fit": "partial",
   "note": "Covers keyboard firmware; lights and typing sounds not stated in README.",
   "why": "Does part of the job · Advanced setup",
   "score": 32.4
  },
  {
   "id": "qmk",
   "name": "QMK",
   "page": "https://opensourceeverything.org/p/qmk/",
   "summary": "QMK is free software that controls the programming inside custom keyboards, letting people change what each key does. It is aimed at keyboard builders and enthusiasts who want to customize their own hardware.",
   "kind": "developer_tool",
   "setup": "advanced",
   "setupWhy": "Made for developers: you use it from code or the command line.",
   "platforms": [],
   "license": "MIT",
   "licenseClass": "open",
   "licenseNeedsCheck": false,
   "stars": 104,
   "forks": null,
   "status": "active",
   "verified": false,
   "latestRelease": null,
   "code": "https://github.com/qmk/qmk.fm",
   "website": "https://qmk.fm",
   "download": null,
   "release": null,
   "family": null,
   "familyChildren": [],
   "howToHelp": null,
   "project": "qmk",
   "rank": 5,
   "fit": "partial",
   "note": "Covers key remapping and firmware; lights and sounds not shown in material.",
   "why": "Does part of the job · Advanced setup",
   "score": 32.1
  }
 ],
 "source": "https://opensourceeverything.org/g/keyboard-tools/",
 "group": "Keyboard firmware, remapping and sounds",
 "replaces": [
  "Razer Synapse",
  "Logitech G Hub",
  "Corsair iCUE"
 ]
}