In the world of computer keyboards, an open source firmware named KMK has emerged, capturing the attention of enthusiasts far and wide. KMK has the powerful ability to transform mechanical keyboards into personalized tools, allowing users to explore new realms of customization and efficiency.
CircuitPython is an open-source programming language that runs on microcontrollers used in various embedded applications, including mechanical keyboards like ANAVI Macro Pad 12 and ANAVI Arrows. It is derived from the Python programming language and tailored to the needs of constrained embedded devices with a microcontroller. One of the key advantages of CircuitPython is its simplicity and ease of use, especially for beginners who lack extensive programming experience.
The KMK source code can be accessed on GitHub, where it is released under the GPLv3 license. The development of KMK began in 2018. KMK source code employs the Python code formatter known as Black and utilizes single quotes in its coding style.
KMK is designed to be compatible with microcontrollers that have a minimum of 256KB of flash storage, support HID over USB and/or Bluetooth, and can run CircuitPython version 7.0 or newer. With its impressive hardware capabilities, the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller is a perfect fit for CircuitPython and KMK. Because of this we selected Seeed Studio’s XIAO module with RP2040 for ANAVI Macro Pad 12 and ANAVI Arrows.
KMK boasts an impressive array of key features, including:
- Key Mapping: Customize key assignments to suit individual preferences
- Macros: Create and assign macros for automating tasks or executing commands
- Layers: Define multiple virtual layers for accessing different functions or modes
- LED Control: Customize backlighting and LED behavior
- Rotary Encoder: Rotary encoders for various functions like volume control or scrolling.
- Mini OLED Display: Compatibility with mini OLED displays, allowing users to display custom information or visuals on their keyboards.
KMK supports a long list of various mechanical keyboards, including ANAVI Macro Pad 12 and ANAVI Arrrows. Although you are free to change to another firmware at any time, both ANAVI Macro Pad 12 and ANAVI Arrrows out of the box will come with KMK pre-installed.