Changed my keyboard layout in hardware to colemak!

I see that it is possible to change the key map/matrix temporarily until the EC reboots with commands. Why not just modify the EC code directly and flash the modified version so that it lasts until next update? This way a systemd job is not needed on every reboot.
Is modifying the keymap in EC firmware source code possible?

Havent tried it, but absolutely should be possible.

Drawbacks; will be wiped during BIOS update

could mess up your EC during flashing process - if you do, everything like e.g. the power button won’t work and the laptop can’t boot anymore. Would have to use clip-on programmer maybe to restore it.

Current method in this post is much safer.

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Minor addition, with at least on one FWL13 version (if not all) it’s a WSON 6x5mm chip. Less convenient than using a clip-on. You need to hold a pogo pin jig down on the chip during the process.

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Thank you for the information. I found the pogo pin jig for a few dollars from China and I already have the programmer itself, so I guess I might prefer flashing the EC chip since I don’t have to deal with scheduling tools in the OS and/or the remapping key won’t happen in pre-OS states like in the UEFI if shutdown for more than 30 seconds.

Please advise on where the matrix is stored in the EC GitHub repository as I cannot seems to find the key matrix in the source code.

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Might be here: EmbeddedController/board/hx20/keyboard_customization.c at 553827caae7134d45a0617af9c201e333eab9a26 · FrameworkComputer/EmbeddedController · GitHub

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It depends on which laptop you have.

Thank you for replying.
I actually haven’t bought a framework yet, but planning to. However I have not decided on if I should get the AMD or Intel(ArchLinux user, may switch to NixOS).
Let’s say I have the Framework 13 with Ryzen 7840U and JIS input cover, which file would that be?

The only big problem why I can’t use Colemak is mostly for gaming. And I’m just too used to QWERTY of course. WASD has become the big standard, almost to a fault. And any game that can’t reconfigure those keys makes life pretty difficult. Hahaha.

Also, the keys used for “HJKL” or “JKL;” for Vim and Vim-related tasks would need to be remapped as well, but that’s less of a big deal than most things with hard-coded WASD.

I mean technically, “R” and “T” are between two of them so… just spread your fingers out like you’re playing the piano. :laughing:

This thread exists to discuss an individual maker who has switched their hardware keyboard layout to Colemak. It is not likely to be the correct audience with which to air your grievances regarding Colemak.

If you do not have anything positive to say about this modification or about Colemak, you may want to find a different thread! :slightly_smiling_face:

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I have hotkeys setup that trigger the scripts to switch the layouts specifically for gaming. On my PC, i have a QMK keyboard that has a switch on the side i programmed to switch layouts in the keyboard firmware.

Apologies to anyone offended,

I was trying to remain constructive and neutral and point out some criticisms about Colemak that maybe someone else reading should be aware about first before trying something like this!

Of course, I know QWERTY has its own downsides, too. Namely more inefficient to type on than Colemak.