If you have ever opened a mechanical keyboard listing and seen QMK or VIA in the specs, you have already brushed against the two most important open remapping tools in the hobby. They decide how freely you can change key layouts, build macros and tune layers—often without installing brand software.
This guide explains what QMK and VIA are, how they work together, where they differ from proprietary apps like iCUE or Synapse, and how to choose a board that supports them. If you are still picking a layout size, start with our keyboard sizes guide and keyboard percentages explained.
What is QMK?
QMK (Quantum Mechanical Keyboard) is open-source keyboard firmware. Instead of relying on a closed driver on your computer, the keyboard itself runs QMK code that defines every key, layer, macro and lighting behaviour. You edit that configuration, compile a firmware file and flash it to the board.
QMK grew out of the custom keyboard community. Today it powers a huge range of enthusiast and mid-range boards, including many Keychron QMK/VIA models. Because the source is public, features like tap dance, mouse keys, combos and per-key RGB effects can be added without waiting for a vendor update.
Typical QMK workflow:
- Find your keyboard’s QMK keymap folder (or generate one with the QMK Configurator).
- Edit the keymap in C or with the web Configurator.
- Compile the firmware (.bin or .hex).
- Put the keyboard into bootloader/DFU mode and flash it with QMK Toolbox, the CLI or a web flasher.
Once flashed, the new layout lives on the keyboard. It works on Windows, macOS and Linux the same way, which is why programmers often prefer QMK boards—see our best keyboards for programming.
What is VIA?
VIA is a live configuration app that talks to QMK-compatible keyboards. Instead of compiling and flashing every time you want to move a key, you open VIA (desktop app or the VIA web app), plug in the board and drag keys onto a visual layout. Changes apply instantly and are stored in the keyboard’s EEPROM.
VIA needs two things: QMK firmware that includes the VIA protocol, and a keyboard definition (JSON) so VIA knows the layout. Most modern “QMK/VIA” prebuilts ship with both ready. Some newer boards use VIAL, a VIA fork with extra options, or vendor launchers that speak a similar protocol.
In practice, VIA is the friendly front end; QMK is the engine underneath.
QMK vs VIA: how they compare
| Topic | QMK | VIA |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Open-source firmware that runs on the keyboard | Live remapping UI that configures a QMK board |
| How you change keys | Edit keymap, compile, flash | Drag-and-drop in the app; instant save |
| Depth of control | Maximum: layers, tap dance, combos, custom C code | Everyday remaps, layers, macros, some lighting |
| Learning curve | Higher—CLI or Configurator plus flashing | Low—works in minutes |
| Offline use after setup | Yes; layout is on-board | Yes; VIA only needed when editing |
| Best for | Deep customisation and unique behaviours | Day-to-day remaps without flashing |
You usually do not choose one or the other. A “QMK/VIA keyboard” gives you QMK’s power with VIA’s convenience. Boards that are QMK-only still remappable, but every change needs a flash.
QMK and VIA vs brand software
Corsair iCUE, Razer Synapse and Logitech Options+ are polished, but they are closed ecosystems. Profiles often live on the PC, features can require the app to stay running, and macOS or Linux support varies. Our guides to wired vs wireless keyboards and keyboard polling rate show why on-board firmware matters for gamers who want settings to follow the board, not the PC.
QMK/VIA boards store the layout on the keyboard. Plug into a work laptop, a Mac mini or a Linux box and the same layers and macros are there—no login, no background tray app. That is a big reason enthusiasts and many programmers prefer them over locked firmware.
What you can do with QMK and VIA
Layers
Layers are alternate keymaps you hold or toggle. A 65% or 75% board can hide arrows, media keys or a numpad on a second layer. That is how compact boards replace the keys they removed—see our best 75% keyboards and best 65% keyboards.
Macros
Macros send a sequence of keys or shortcuts from one press. Coders bind snippets, designers bind export shortcuts and gamers bind ability combos. VIA covers simple macros; QMK can build complex ones in code.
Tap dance, Mod-Tap and combos
QMK can make a single key do different things based on tap vs hold (Mod-Tap), multiple taps (tap dance) or two keys pressed together (combos). These behaviours usually need a QMK edit; VIA exposes only a subset on some boards.
Lighting and extras
Many QMK boards let you control RGB from VIA or QMK. Knobs, OLED screens and wireless settings depend on the vendor’s QMK port—check the product page and QMK docs for your exact model.
How to tell if a keyboard supports QMK or VIA
- Look for “QMK”, “VIA” or “QMK/VIA” in the manufacturer specs.
- Search the official QMK repository or Configurator for your model name.
- Check whether the brand ships a VIA JSON or lists VIA in the box contents.
- Hot-swap alone is not the same as QMK—hot-swappable keyboards let you change switches, not firmware.
Budget boards sometimes advertise “software remapping” that only works in a Windows EXE. That is not QMK. If cross-platform, on-board remapping matters to you, confirm QMK/VIA by name.
Should you buy a QMK/VIA keyboard?
Choose QMK/VIA if you:
- Use more than one operating system.
- Want layers and macros without proprietary software.
- Plan to keep the board for years and retune it as your workflow changes.
- Care about open firmware and community support.
A brand app can still be fine if you stay in one ecosystem, want polished lighting scenes or need features the vendor only ships in its app. Quiet office boards like those in our best quiet mechanical keyboards guide are often Options+/iCUE based and still excellent for typing.
Getting started without breaking anything
New to flashing? Start with VIA only. Remap Caps Lock to Escape, add a media layer and save. When you need something VIA cannot do, install QMK Toolbox, back up your current firmware if the vendor provides one, then flash a Configurator build. Never unplug mid-flash, and use a USB data cable—not charge-only.
If a flash fails, the board’s reset / bootloader key combo usually lets you try again. QMK’s docs for your keyboard list the exact steps.
FAQ
Is VIA the same as QMK?
No. QMK is the firmware on the keyboard. VIA is a graphical app that remaps QMK keyboards live. Most modern enthusiast boards advertise both together as QMK/VIA.
Do I need to know how to code to use QMK?
Not for basic remaps. The QMK Configurator and VIA cover layouts, layers and simple macros without writing C. Coding helps only for advanced behaviours like complex tap dance or custom OLED screens.
Does QMK work on Mac and Linux?
Yes. Because the layout lives on the keyboard, QMK boards work the same on macOS, Windows and Linux. VIA has desktop and web versions; use a Chromium-based browser for the web app.
What is VIAL?
VIAL is an open fork of VIA with extra features and fewer limits on some boards. If a listing says VIAL, you get a similar live remapping experience to VIA.
Can I add VIA to any mechanical keyboard?
Only if the hardware can run QMK (compatible microcontroller and open enough PCB design) and someone has written support for it. Most closed gaming boards cannot be converted.
Final thoughts
Think of QMK as the open operating system for your keyboard and VIA as the settings panel you open when you want a quick change. Together they free you from vendor lock-in and make compact layouts practical through layers. If you are shopping next, look for QMK/VIA in the specs—especially on aluminum boards like those in our best full-size mechanical keyboards and best keyboards for Mac roundups—and you will be able to reshape the board as your workflow evolves.
