be quiet! IO Center vs Keychron Launcher
be quiet! IO Center
bequiet.comKeychron Launcher
launcher.keychron.comSide by side
| Figure | be quiet! IO Center | Keychron Launcher |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Keyboard and Mouse Customization Software | 8.9 (#3) | 8.6 (#12) |
| Spec score · Gaming Peripheral Software | 8.9 (#2) | 8.4 (#5) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Key remapping | Users can remap keys, open apps, games, and websites with one press, and customize Fn key actions. | It can remap individual keys and knobs, and configure key functions across supported devices. |
| Lighting | Users can customize individual LEDs and choose preconfigured RGB effects. | Launcher can modify keyboard lighting effects and configure RGB controls such as hue, saturation, brightness, and effect speed. |
| Macros | The software supports recording and editing macros that combine keyboard and mouse actions. | Users can create macro commands that trigger multiple keys to perform an operation. |
| Macro support | Yes | Yes |
| Onboard device memory | Yes | Yes |
| Polling rate control | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | IO Center lets users adjust RGB lighting, fine-tune device settings, and configure keybindings. | Keychron Launcher is a free web application for customizing Keychron keyboards and mice. |
| Sensitivity controls | Yes | Yes |
| Support | The manufacturer’s contact page provides a dedicated topic for software issues and directs users to FAQs or direct contact. | Keychron directs users with Launcher detection problems to its help center and support email [email protected]. |
| Supported operating systems | cross-platform | cross-platform |
Plans
In their own words
be quiet! IO Center
be quiet! IO Center configures supported be quiet! keyboards, mice, and coolers. It lets users customize individual LEDs or select preset RGB effects, set keybindings, record macros, and manage profiles. Keys can be assigned functions such as media controls, mouse buttons, Windows tools, files, and applications; macros can include editable delays and action order. Profiles can be switched manually, launched when an application runs, or imported and exported as files. For supported cooler screens, users can select preset or uploaded images and videos, or browse GIPHY for animations and memes. Cooling controls include presets and PID control, which continues working after IO Center closes. Custom keyboard lighting effects require the software to remain running in the background. The Windows desktop app is compatible with Windows 11 Dynamic Lighting. IO Center Web works on Windows, macOS, and Linux in a Chromium-based browser without an account. Settings can be saved to keyboard onboard memory. The software is free.
Keychron Launcher
Keychron Launcher is a free web app for customizing compatible Keychron keyboards and mice. It remaps individual keys and knobs, assigns functions, and creates macros that trigger multiple keys for an operation. For keyboards, it offers lighting controls for hue, saturation, brightness, and effect speed, along with firmware updates and flashing. You can upload, reset, and export keymap files, and adjust polling rate and sensitivity. The remapping guide covers Keychron keyboards using QMK or ZMK firmware; onboard device memory is also supported. Devices connect by cable or 2.4 GHz receiver, though some models work only over a wired connection. Keychron recommends the latest Chrome, Opera, or Edge. The web app supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and other operating systems. Quick Start requires separate Keychron Assistant software, with installation instructions for macOS and Windows. Keychron says community members can review its open-source keyboard firmware for safety and hidden features. The listed plan is free.