Keychron Launcher vs VIA
Keychron Launcher
launcher.keychron.comVIA
caniusevia.comSide by side
| Figure | Keychron Launcher | VIA |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 0 |
| Spec score · Keyboard and Mouse Customization Software | 8.6 (#12) | 7.1 (#96) |
| Spec score · Gaming Peripheral Software | 8.4 (#5) | 6.8 (#31) |
| Compatibility | The remapping guide describes Launcher support for Keychron keyboards that use QMK or ZMK firmware. | The site says VIA is compatible with 1400+ keyboards and can be added to other QMK keyboards. |
| Lighting | Launcher can modify keyboard lighting effects and configure RGB controls such as hue, saturation, brightness, and effect speed. | VIA definitions can provide built-in controls for supported QMK lighting features such as RGB Matrix and RGBLight. |
| Macro support | Yes | Yes |
| Onboard device memory | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | Keychron Launcher is a free web application for customizing Keychron keyboards and mice. | VIA lets users configure, test, and design for compatible keyboards. |
| Supported operating systems | cross-platform | cross-platform |
Plans
In their own words
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.