QMK, or Quantum Mechanical Keyboard, is an open-source project that allows you to create your own keyboard firmware for compatible mechanical keyboards. But what exactly is QMK, and how do you use it to program keyboards? Let’s find out.
What Is QMK?
Every keyboard on the market has built-in software called firmware. The firmware is responsible for sending the correct signal for each key press, controlling LEDs on your keyboard, and much more, making it a powerful tool if you can manipulate it for yourself.
QMK gives you the power to do just this. If your keyboard is compatible, you’re able to flash it with QMK firmware to give you almost complete control over your keyboard layouts and macros. This is achieved with three main tools:
you’re able to find a list of QMK-compatible keyboards on theQMK website. You can also add your own keyboard to the QMK directory, but you need to request a tag through theQMK GitHub pageto do this.
What Can You Do With QMK?
The scope of QMK goes far beyond that of most keyboard firmware options. You can handle all the basics you would expect, like keyboard layouts and LED lighting control, but you can also add heaps of extra functionality to your keyboard using QMK.
This includes access to media keys, function layers, macros, and more advanced tools like auto-shift. In essence, if you can find a feature that you like on another mechanical keyboard, there is usually a way to replicate it using QMK.
It’s well worth learning aboutQMK firmware and what it can dobefore you start building your own.
How to Program a Mechanical Keyboard With QMK
Programming a mechanical keyboard with QMK is surprisingly simple. The process starts with the QMK Configurator, but you will also need to install the QMK Toolbox to complete it.
How to Build a Custom Keymap With the QMK Configurator
To build your own QMK keymap, you just need to head over to the QMK Configurator website. From here, you can choose the type of keyboard you use from the list at the top of the page to get started.
Once your keyboard is selected, you should see a default layout that matches the keyboard in the middle of the screen. You should also see a set of menus containing keyboard keycodes at the bottom of the screen.
To add a keycode to the keymap, click and drag it to the key you would like it to be assigned to. You can also select the key you want to change on the keymap and then click the keycode to assign it.
This will only apply to the main layer, layer 0, but you can add more layers to your keyboard by selecting the number options on the left of the screen.
From here you have a lot to sink your teeth into, and it’s worth playing with all the keycode options you have to find the perfect keymap for you. Once you are happy with your keymap, make sure it has a name and then click on theFirmwarebutton to download a usable .hex firmware file.
How to Flash a Keyboard With QMK Toolbox
Now that you have your firmware built, it’s time to flash your keyboard with it. Thanks to QMK Toolbox, this process is nice and easy; you just need to download theQMK Toolboxsoftware to get started.
Once you have the software downloaded and installed, open it and make sure that your keyboard is selected from the menu at the bottom of the screen. Click on theOpenbutton at the top of the screen and locate the .hex file you downloaded from the QMK Configurator. You may also have to change the MCU based on the type of microcontroller used by your keyboard.
Click onFlashto begin the flashing process. This may take a few minutes depending on the type of keyboard you have, and you will see a confirmation message within the window once it is complete.
Test your keyboard using a keyboard testing website, such asKeyboardTester.com, to make sure that all the keys you have assigned are working correctly.
Keep Experimenting With Your QMK Keymaps
Using a tool like QMK enables you to unlock your full productivity potential, but you have to work for it. Now that you know how to build your own QMK firmware and flash it to a keyboard, you can begin to experiment with your keymaps to create the best layout for you.
