Qwertykeys Evo 80: Premium TKL keyboard with wireless features at a top price

1 - Introduction and unboxing 2 - Technical data and features 3 - Software, JSON file and firmware update 4 - Sound check, latencies and conclusion

The software as well as the installation of the JSON file and the firmware upgrade

The Qwertykeys Evo 80 is VIA-compatible. This means that you can conveniently customize the key assignments directly via the VIA software without having to flash the firmware separately. This means that macros, layers and individual layouts can be set up quickly, which is a great advantage for enthusiasts and power users in particular. The latest versions of the firmware for the dongle or PCB are already available and can be downloaded from the Qwertykeys homepage. But first we have to or should carry out a few updates.

Instructions for 3 important installations

To begin with, it is advisable to carry out three short steps. The board can also be used without these, but if you want to configure it individually, you should not skip them. In this way, the latest firmware is installed and access via VIA is enabled at the same time. Don’t worry: the process is uncomplicated and worthwhile in any case.

To do this, go to this page Link: qwertykeys.com

Here we download these 3 files. The JSON file is clicked on the right and simply saved. You can download the other two directly. This file is then installed via VIA as shown below.

For the firmware, we need our own tool, the QMK Toolbox. This is started with administrator rights. The program then automatically installs a small driver package. If this does not happen, you can install it later in the menu or call it up with the key combination CTRL N and install it as well.

The tool can remain open in the background. Then open the VIA page to start the configuration. Link usevia.app

Here you then open “Show Design Tap”. This is the 3rd tab at the top right. The first from the top. If you turn on the Design Tab, a new symbol will appear which I would say best resembles a brush. If you see this, it has worked and that’s how it should be.

Select the option in the rectangular frame to install a JSON file. Then simply select the desired file and load it by clicking on “Load”. This successfully integrates the JSON and completes this setup step.

That was the first step. The next step is to flash the firmware. As the toolbox is already open, the corresponding .bin file is loaded into the tool via “Open”. Then simply click on “Flash” and the update will be carried out automatically. Under MCU (AVR only), it can remain as it is for this case. ATmega32U4 is correct.

The message “Flash complete” then appears, as shown in the following image. The process has now been successfully completed and the tool can be closed.

The next step is to install the firmware for the dongle. The required tool is already available on the PC. A warning message may appear when downloading, but this is not a problem. Simply click on “Keep anyway” so that the file is saved correctly.

Now we start the dongle flash tool. The process is very straightforward: Simply click on “Start” and the update will be carried out automatically. As soon as the display looks like the picture below, the process has been successfully completed. This completes all three important updates.

The procedure may seem a little unfamiliar at first, but once you have carried it out, you will quickly realize that everything is half as complicated. This explanation is primarily aimed at beginners, not experienced enthusiasts, for whom this has of course long been routine. However, as we also have readers who are not yet familiar with this process, it makes perfect sense to describe it in more detail here.

This is how you can activate the various connection types on the Evo 80:

Cable mode (USB-C)

Simply connect the USB-C cable and press Fn ~. The LED above the ~ button lights up briefly and confirms that wired mode is active.

2.4 GHz radio (dongle)

Insert the supplied dongle into the PC and press Fn 4. The LED above the 4 flashes quickly when connecting for the first time and lights up continuously as soon as the connection is established. To reconnect, press and hold the Fn 4 combination for about three seconds.

Bluetooth

Press Fn I , Fn 2 or Fn 3 to switch between up to three Bluetooth devices. When pairing for the first time, the LED flashes quickly and remains on for a short time after a successful connection. To pair again, simply press and hold the respective combination for three seconds.

A brief overview of the Via software.

In the VIA software, the Qwertykeys Evo 80 can be completely customized to your own needs. The standard commands such as letters, numbers, function keys, navigation and arrow keys are available in the “Basic” area. “Media” allows you to control volume, playback or brightness. Complex key combinations or sequences can be saved under “Macro”. “Layers” allows you to set up several layers with different layouts. “Special” offers advanced functions such as reset or special commands, while “Lighting” takes control of lighting effects. Finally, “Custom” allows you to define your own, freely customizable functions.

There are various control options directly below the keyboard view. With “Reset Keyboard”, the keyboard can be reset to factory settings at any time. All keys can be checked via “Test Matrix” to see if they trigger correctly. The “Key Sounds” option allows acoustic feedback when keys are pressed, the volume of which can be individually adjusted using the slider. There is also a transpose function that can be used to vary the pitch. Under “Waveform”, different sound waveforms such as sine can be selected, which influences the character of the sound. Finally, the “Mode” menu item offers the option of activating alternative input modes such as “Wicki-Hayden” in the example. This allows users not only to customize their board, but also to test and expand it extensively.

The VIA software proves to be extremely user-friendly and flexible. It makes it possible to customize the layout of the Evo 80 in real time, freely assign buttons and use multiple layers without the need for complicated firmware flashes. In addition to the standard functions, it also offers advanced options such as macros, media control, lighting settings and special test functions. Everything is clearly laid out so that both beginners and experienced users can quickly make the desired adjustments. This allows the Evo 80 to adapt seamlessly to different working methods and preferences and the versatility of the software clearly sets it apart from conventional keyboards.