QMK Introduction
What is QMK?
QMK (Quantum Mechanical Keyboard Firmware) is custom firmware that supports a variety of keyboards, mice, and MIDI devices. It supports a variety of features such as remapping keys and RGB control at a hardware level among many other things. You can learn more about QMK here: https://docs.qmk.fm/
Why Does it Matter For SignalRGB?
The reason that QMK matters to SignalRGB is that QMK allows us to support DIY keyboards and boards with open source firmware that otherwise would not work with Signal. This allows us to support a much wider userbase of devices than would be possible without QMK.
What Are the Drawbacks of QMK?
The main drawbacks of flashing and using QMK are the chance to brick your keyboard (there are usually recovery methods to help prevent this / restore the keyboard, we recommend having a spare keyboard or mobile device for asking for help if the need occurs), additionally the keyboard may no longer work with its original software if it had any.
OKAY... So what do I need to do?
You can get precompiled firmware for many QMK keyboards here and follow the guide here to flash your keyboard, or follow the instructions for your specific manufacturer.
If you are knowledgeable about QMK toolchains and wish you build your own firmware from scratch or review our source code changes you can access our repositories here.
Please note that SignalRGB and VIA do not happily run at the same time. You must quit either VIA (or close the browser tab) before running SignalRGB, or close SignalRGB before attempting to use VIA as the raw_hid_recieve solution that both Software(s) use conflict with each other.
Currently QMK keyboards are only supported in Wired mode, Bluetooth and 2.4Ghz Wireless modes are currently unsupported. Bluetooth as it stands may never be supported due to bandwith limitations, 2.4Ghz may be supported in the future depending upon the implementation of the wireless dongle and firmware.