Keyboardio Chrysalis vs Keychron Launcher
Keyboardio Chrysalis
chrysalis.keyboard.ioKeychron Launcher
launcher.keychron.comSide by side
| Figure | Keyboardio Chrysalis | 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 | 8.1 (#30) | 8.6 (#12) |
| Firmware | It can upload bundled Chrysalis-enabled firmware or custom firmware. | Launcher supports keyboard firmware updates and flashing. |
| Macro support | Yes | Yes |
| Onboard device memory | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | Chrysalis is a graphical configuration tool for Kaleidoscope-powered keyboards. | Keychron Launcher is a free web application for customizing Keychron keyboards and mice. |
| Security | The official app page states that Chrysalis requires JavaScript to function in a browser. | Keychron says its open-source keyboard firmware lets the community review the code for safety and hidden features. |
| Support | The project invites users to open GitHub issues for bug reports and feature requests. | 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
Keyboardio Chrysalis
Keyboardio Chrysalis has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
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.