Cosmic Byte Orbit vs Keychron Launcher
Cosmic Byte Orbit
thecosmicbyte.comKeychron Launcher
launcher.keychron.comSide by side
| Figure | Cosmic Byte Orbit | 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 | 8.5 (#14) | 8.6 (#12) |
| Connection requirement | Configuration requires USB or a 2.4 GHz dongle; Bluetooth-only connections are not supported for setup. | Devices connect through a cable or 2.4 GHz receiver, though some models support wired connection only. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Macro support | Yes | Yes |
| Onboard device memory | Yes | Yes |
| Polling rate control | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | Orbit is a browser based configurator for Cosmic Byte peripherals that lets users tune settings and save them to the device. | Keychron Launcher is a free web application for customizing Keychron keyboards and mice. |
| Security | The maker describes Orbit as a secure web portal and says the macOS Connect app is signed and notarized; it does not state a security certification. | Keychron says its open-source keyboard firmware lets the community review the code for safety and hidden features. |
| Sensitivity controls | Yes | Yes |
| Support | Cosmic Byte offers support through its support site and ticket system, with phone and WhatsApp contact details on its contact page. | 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
Cosmic Byte Orbit
Cosmic Byte Orbit is a free browser-based configurator for adjusting compatible Cosmic Byte peripherals and saving settings to the device. It supports button and key remapping, macros, DPI and sensitivity, RGB lighting, polling rates, and controller stick, trigger, vibration, and motion settings. Supported devices can store profiles, and the portal provides guided firmware updates for supported gear. Its listed live devices include Helios and Velox mice, the Phantom TKL keyboard, and Lumora, Ares Pro, Drakon, Blitz, and Stellaris controllers.
Setup requires a desktop Chromium browser such as Chrome or Edge, plus USB or a 2.4 GHz dongle; Safari, Firefox, mobile browsers, and Bluetooth-only setup are unsupported. Desktop use is supported on Windows, macOS, and Linux, though Linux and some devices require the free Cosmic Byte Connect helper. Configuration can begin without an account; logging in enables account storage and syncing for settings and profiles. Some controllers may not be configurable on macOS.
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.