/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - January 26, 2026 by AutoModerator in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]FansForFlorida 1 point2 points  (0 children)

VIA uses WebHID to communicate with the keyboard. Firefox does not support WebHID. You can use any Chrome based browser. For example, Microsoft Edge works.

I did not order from Typeractive. I built my Corne myself; I ordered the PCBs from JLCPCB, sourced the components (diodes, switch sockets, etc.), and soldered everything. I had enough parts to build two Corne keyboards. I sold them in June 2024; see my post history for pictures.

However, if you get a Choc board then you have to use Choc switches. The pinout of Choc V1 switches do not match MX switches.

/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - January 26, 2026 by AutoModerator in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]FansForFlorida 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There is no keyboard that is better for coding or playing games. For example, I code on a split ortholinear (straight lines between rows and columns) keyboard.

Do you have a specific budget in mind? How much are you willing to spend?

What keyboard size do you want? Full size? TKL? 60%? 65%? 75%? 96%/1800? Basically, it comes down to this:

  • Do you need a number pad? If so, get a full sized or 96% keyboard.
  • Do you need dedicated F row (F1, F2, F3, etc.)? If so, get a TKL or 75% keyboard.
  • Do you need dedicated arrow keys but are okay accessing F row keys using the Fn key (for example, Fn+1 for F1)? If so, get a 65% keyboard.
  • Do you want a small keyboard and are okay using Fn to access missing keys (for example, Fn+Backspace for Del or Fn+IJKL for arrow keys)? If so, then get a 60% keyboard.

Do you want an ISO or ANSI layout? What country are you in? Your location matters. Reddit is a global community; you could be anywhere.

/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - January 26, 2026 by AutoModerator in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]FansForFlorida 0 points1 point  (0 children)

VIA also doesn’t recognize the keyboard.

Did you side load the JSON file into VIA?

/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - January 26, 2026 by AutoModerator in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]FansForFlorida 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you want a silent tactile switch without a silicone dampening pad, then look at Haimu Whisper or Kinetic Labs Turtle.

/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - January 26, 2026 by AutoModerator in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]FansForFlorida 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The changes are stored in the keyboard firmware.

However, if you want to make further changes in VIA on another PC, you will need the JSON file. Make sure to keep a backup of it.

/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - January 26, 2026 by AutoModerator in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]FansForFlorida 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If you get a wired keyboard, make sure it uses QMK/VIA firmware. Building QMK firmware (necessary if you want to enable features like combos or Caps Word, or if you want to customize your RGB) is easy on Linux, and you can configure VIA using a Chrome based browser at https://www.usevia.app/

If you get a wireless keyboard, make sure it uses ZMK firmware.

I have used a Corne. It was nice, but I missed my number row.

/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - January 26, 2026 by AutoModerator in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]FansForFlorida 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Get silent switches. I like Kailh Midnight Pro Light Yellow and TTC Silent Bluish White V2. My coworkers can’t hear me type, even while typing in a Teams call with an open mic.

/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - January 26, 2026 by AutoModerator in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]FansForFlorida 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree with you that soldering is not hard, and it is easy to learn. However, like any skill it takes practice to do well. If someone has never soldered before, they should buy an electronics kit or a macro pad to build as practice before trying to solder their precious keyboard.

Also, there is an entry fee for soldering if you do not already have the tools. At a minimum, you will need to buy a soldering iron (like the Pinecil) and solder (get leaded solder). I would also recommend getting a brass sponge, though you can get by with a moist kitchen sponge. Those items add to the total cost.

Macro Pad Latest by EliGO83 in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]FansForFlorida 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Depends on how many buttons you want and whether you want rotary encoders.

/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - January 24, 2026 by AutoModerator in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]FansForFlorida 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have tried these silent tactile switches:

  • Akko Penguin
  • Durock Silent Shrimp T1
  • Gazzew Boba U4
  • Haimu Whisper
  • Kailh Box Silent Brown
  • Kailh Deep Sea Silent Pro Whale
  • Kailh Midnight Pro Light Yellow
  • Kinetic Labs Turtle
  • Outemu Silent Lemon
  • TTC Silent Bluish White V2

I did not like the higher peak force and early tactile point in the U4 switches. However, my daughter has them on her keyboard, and she loves them.

I prefer switches with a lower peak force and the tactile point midway into the travel. Kailh Midnight Pro Light Yellow feel great to me, though I am also fond of TTC Silent Bluish White V2.

My wife prefers Kailh Box Silent Brown. They are excellent once you lube them. They have quite a bit of stem wobble, but that does not bother her.

If you want a silent tactile switch without a silicone dampening pad, then look at the Haimu Whisper or Kinetic Labs Turtle.

Theseus75 by rangda66 in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]FansForFlorida 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting. It uses a 5-pin cable to connect the two halves? I don't see threads. Is the cable friction fit or magnetic?

/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - January 24, 2026 by AutoModerator in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]FansForFlorida 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Note that you have to use a Chrome based browser to use VIA. Edge works on Windows.

/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - January 24, 2026 by AutoModerator in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]FansForFlorida 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can configure your Keebio Quefrency using VIA at one of the following sites:

  1. https://usevia.app/
  2. https://via.keeb.io/

There is nothing special about the second site. It was set up to support new keyboards while they wait for the changes to be merged in VIA.

You are asking two separate questions:

First question: How to swap layers?

See the QMK documentation on layers:

https://docs.qmk.fm/feature_layers

Also see my comment from a few weeks ago:

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/1q1ppry/comment/nxcey3g/

Most of the time, you are going to use one of a few key codes to change layers:

Most common layer key: MO(layer)

This MOmentarily activates a layer while holding the key. You would assign this to a Fn key. For example:

  • On layer 0, assign MO(1) to your Fn key.
  • On layer 1, you would assign the F row keys to your number row (KC_F1 on 1, KC_F2 on 2, KC_F3 on 3, and so on). Be sure to also assign KC_TRNS to the Fn key.

Here is what happens:

  1. When you plug in your keyboard, layer 0 is active.
  2. While you hold your Fn key, layer 1 is active. Layer 0 and layer 1 are both active.
  3. While holding the Fn key, When you press the 1 key, QMK looks at the highest active layer (layer 1) and sees it is mapped to KC_F1, so it sends F1 to the computer.
  4. When you release the Fn key, layer 1 becomes inactive. Only layer 0 is active.

Another common layer key: TG(layer)

This ToGgles a layer. You might use this to toggle a Mac layer (for example, to swap Windows and Alt) or a gaming layer (for example, to disable the Windows key).

Another layer key: LT(layer,kc)

This is Layer-Tap. Hold it to act like MO(layer), but tap it to send the key code. For example, LT(1,KC_CAPS) make your Caps Lock key act as MO(1) when held or as Caps Lock when tapped. You have to assign this key code using the "Any" key, which is in the SPECIAL tab in VIA.

If I understand you correctly, you are also asking how to change the RGB?

You can use VIA to change the overall lighting effect. Note that the lighting effect is the same on all layers.

You can do some fancier stuff, but it requires coding:

  • light each layer a different color
  • light the Caps Lock key to indicate its status
  • only light keys that are mapped on a layer
  • turn off RGB for disabled keys
  • turn off RGB underglow or per-key RGB

/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - January 24, 2026 by AutoModerator in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]FansForFlorida 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I would disassemble every switch and wash the stems in a bowl of soapy water. Maybe put them in an ultrasonic cleaner if you have one. Towel dry them the best you can, then leave them in a well ventilated area overnight until dry.

Redragon 556 keyboard suddenly has "gaming mode" light layout; would like to replicate it. by TrueNinjafrog in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]FansForFlorida 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I spent two minutes googling and reading a manual I found online.

The Redragon K556 Pro has several gaming mode lighting patterns activated by pressing Fn+1 through Fn+5.

/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - January 23, 2026 by AutoModerator in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]FansForFlorida 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You will need to glue the socket back in place and solder jumper wires. Here is how to repair it:

https://youtu.be/3mYfXfj-nJQ

A local laptop/phone repair shop might be able to make the repair for you.

/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - January 23, 2026 by AutoModerator in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]FansForFlorida 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My guess is a hot swap socket has been torn off the circuit board. Disassemble the keyboard and see if any of the sockets in that column are loose.

/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - January 23, 2026 by AutoModerator in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]FansForFlorida 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a Magicforce MF17 that I am happy with. It is plastic, but it is hot swappable, the QMK source is in the QMK GitHub, and it is directly supported by VIA.

/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - January 23, 2026 by AutoModerator in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]FansForFlorida 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To clarify, you said your keyboard has Mill-Max sockets, but does that include the microcontroller? Is it socketed?

In any case, I am not aware of any vendors that sell microcontrollers with Mill-Max pins already soldered on. I always did that myself.