FAQ - MonsGeek

Try online VIA: https://via.evove.top/ or https://usevia.app/

Please use the right V3 .JSON file for the M1W VIA without needing to toggle V2 definitions. Here is the link: monsgeek.com/files/M1W_V3_VIA_V3.json
Load V3 JSON File: Load the corresponding V3 JSON file for your VIA keyboard. Ensure that the “Use V2 definitions” option is turned off when loading the V3 JSON file. You may need to load 2-3 times to let your keyboard be detected.

If you cannot find the load button, make sure you have opened the Design tab as shown below.

Step 1: Please download the new MonsGeek Driver for Windows System then upgrade

Step 2: Please activate Snap Keys

Please download the appropriate software for your computer system. The software supports the following keyboard models: M1W V3, M1W HE, M1 HE, MG108, MG108W, MG75, MG75W, MG75S HE, M1W, M7W, M3W, M5W, ICE75, and the M1, M2, M3, M5, M6, M7, M1 V3 Domestic Version. Note that QMK/VIA versions are not compatible.

MonsGeek Driver:

For Mac System: Customization through Bluetooth connectivity is not supported.
For Windows System
For Linux System: To customize your device, please use a Mac or Windows system first. Once customization is complete, you can use the device on a Linux system with its saved settings.

To customize the RGB effect to match the colorways of an existing picture:

Click the “Light” and “Custom” Sections.
Load the picture you want to use for customizing the RGB effect.
Click the “Save to layer” button.
Select “User Picture” in the “Preset” section to apply/switch to this effect.

To customize the RGB effect with individual key color settings:

Click the “Light” and “Custom” Sections.
Select the color you want for the RGB effect.
Choose the key to which you want to apply the RGB effect.
Click the “Save to layer” button.
Select “User Picture” in the “Preset” section to apply/switch to this effect.

MonsGeek Driver:

To remap the “Home” key to “PrintScreen” in Layer-1, follow these steps:

Select the “Home” key in the Main Section.
Choose the “PrintScreen” key in the Remap Section.
Click the “Confirm” button.

This situation is uncommon but may occur if your delivery address is classified as a remote location within the DHL, UPS, or FedEx systems.

Kindly note that expedited shipping can be complex due to varying delivery addresses and different couriers’ systems.

Expedited shipping costs on our global website are based on standard addresses. For remote locations, additional charges will be billed separately from the order fee after the courier provides the final billing, typically ranging from $10 to $80.

You may opt for standard shipping instead of expedited shipping. However, be aware that for some areas, the cost of standard shipping might be similar to that of expedited shipping, especially for items like keyboards with built-in batteries.

If there is a price difference when switching from expedited shipping to standard shipping, a partial refund will be issued.

This issue is typically caused by software conflicts, a common one being with SignalRGB. Please note that SignalRGB and VIA are not fully compatible when running simultaneously. To avoid any issues, you should close either VIA (or the browser tab associated with it) before launching SignalRGB, or alternatively, close SignalRGB before using VIA. The conflict arises because both software use the raw_hid_receive solution, which causes them to interfere with each other.

By managing these software interactions, you should be able to resolve the detection and error issues in VIA.

This issue typically occurs because the firmware version on your keyboard is outdated. To resolve this, please try flashing the latest firmware. You can download the M1 QMK firmware from the following link: Firmware M1 QMK Download.( Only for M1 QMK,cannot be used on M1W VIA).

Here are the steps to flash the new firmware:

Download QMK Toolbox: If you haven’t installed it yet, download and install QMK Toolbox on your computer.
Open QMK Toolbox: Launch the QMK Toolbox software. If this is your first time using it, you might be prompted to install necessary drivers—follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Locate the Firmware: Click the “Open” button in QMK Toolbox to select the appropriate .bin firmware file for your keyboard model. Ensure you’ve downloaded the correct firmware version.
Enter Bootloader Mode: Disconnect the USB cable from your keyboard. While holding down the “ESC” key, reconnect the USB cable. The “Flash/Exit DFU” button in QMK Toolbox should turn black, indicating that your keyboard is now in Bootloader mode.
Flash the Firmware: With your keyboard in Bootloader mode, click the “Flash” button in QMK Toolbox to start the firmware flashing process. Wait for the “OK” message, which indicates the update is complete.
Exit Bootloader Mode: After the firmware has been successfully flashed, click the “Exit DFU” button in QMK Toolbox. You can then close the software.

Following these steps should resolve the error and allow you to load the M1 QMK V3.json file in the VIA design tab without issues.

This issue occurs when the wireless keyboard is used in Bluetooth mode while the USB cable is still plugged in. During this time, the lithium battery is charging but not supplying power, causing the battery information to show as 1%.

To resolve this, switch the keyboard to the WIN or MAC system setting and unplug the USB cable. This will restore the battery to its power supply function. In Bluetooth 5.0 mode, the correct battery signal will be captured, and the accurate battery power information will be displayed.

All our wireless keyboards have a switch to control the internal battery power supply.

For most plastic case keyboards, the switch is located on the bottom of the keyboard. Typically, the OFF or USB setting turns off the power, while the Mac/Win/ON setting turns it on.
If you don’t find the switch at the bottom, it should be under the Caps Lock key. Usually, the middle position turns off the power, while the up and down positions turn it on. This applies to all M series wireless keyboards.

To enable wireless mode, please toggle the switch located on the bottom case or under the Caps Lock key to turn on the power supply. This should activate the keyboard for wireless use.

If you are experiencing issues with the SOLID_REACTIVE_SIMPLE lighting effect on your M1 QMK or M1 QMK v3, where the key to the left lights up instead of the intended key, please flash the firmware using the link below:

Download M1 QMK(V3) Firmware

Make sure to follow the firmware flashing instructions provided to resolve the lighting issue. Please note that this firmware can only be used on M1 QMK or M1 QMK v3.

1. Download QMK Toolbox: If prompted, proceed with the installation process and wait for it to complete.

2. Open QMK Toolbox: Launch the QMK Toolbox software on your computer. If it’s your first time using it, you may be prompted to install the necessary drivers. Follow the on-screen instructions and wait until the installation is finished.

3. Locate the firmware: Click the “Open” button in the QMK Toolbox to browse and select the appropriate .bin firmware file for your keyboard model. Ensure you have downloaded the correct firmware version for your keyboard.

4. Enter Bootloader mode: Disconnect the USB cable from your keyboard. While holding down the “ESC” key, reconnect the USB cable. You should notice the “Flash/Exit DFU” button in the QMK Toolbox turn black, indicating that you are now in Bootloader mode.

5. Flash the firmware: With your keyboard in Bootloader mode, click the “Flash” button in the QMK Toolbox to begin the firmware flashing process. Wait until you see the “OK” message indicating that the firmware update is complete.

6. Exit Bootloader mode: After the firmware has been successfully flashed, click the “Exit DFU” button in the QMK Toolbox. You can then close the QMK Toolbox software.

The keycap sizes of MonsGeek M5/M5W/MG108 are as below. The remaining unlabeled keycaps are 1U.

The keycap sizes of MonsGeek M3/M3W are as below. The remaining unlabeled keycaps are 1U.

The keycap sizes of MonsGeek M2 are as below. The remaining unlabeled keycaps are 1U.

Starting at $69.99, the MonsGeek M1 v3 is designed for enthusiasts, offering accessibility across the globe with more vivid color choices and comprehensive upgrades inside and out.

Knob:

The knob has been upgraded with a new encoder and a levitating structure to prevent scratches against the case, addressing issues reported in the previous version.

Internal (for M1 V3 QMK Series):

The noise reduction system has undergone a full-fledged upgrade, including an additional PET layer attached to the top of the PCB and a thicker top Poron case foam (with socket cut-outs) integrated with another PET layer for better sound locking and noise reduction.

Simplicity:

By removing the side accent, consistent support from MonsGeek fans has allowed us to balance costs further and focus on delivering an enthusiast-level keyboard at a reasonable price.

For more information, please check here.

Make sure that your keyboard is M5W before you flash this firmware. Please follow these steps to update the firmware and potentially resolve the issue:

Download Firmware: Download the new firmware from the provided link. Ensure you download all the files included in the link: Firmware Download.
Run Firmware Tool: Execute the “royuan_tool.exe” file to open the firmware upgrade tool.
Initiate Firmware Update: Press the “Upgrade” button on the upgrade screen to start the firmware update process.

Note: The firmware can only be updated in wired mode. Follow these steps:

Toggle the system switch under the Capslock key to the middle position.
Press Fn+U to enter wired mode.
Flash the firmware from the link (do not update through the Driver).
If the update fails, try re-plugging the keyboard and updating again. Avoid opening the MonsGeek driver and operating the keyboard during the update process.

Please keep in mind that firmware updates should be performed with caution and only when necessary. If your keyboard is working properly and recognized consistently, there may not be a need to flash the firmware.

The MX108 keyboard shares its receiver with the mouse. You can locate the 2.4G receiver at the bottom of the mouse, as shown in the image below.

TGL, or Toggle Key, transforms a key into a toggle switch. When you press this switch, you can activate one of two scenarios: either continuously hold down the key/function, or trigger the key/function multiple times at a set frequency (similar to high-frequency tapping).

To set up TGL:

Select the key you wish to program.
In the “Combination” and “Macro” fields on the left, define the key combinations or macros you want to activate when pressing or holding down the key.
Press “confirm” to complete the setup.

You can click on the little triangle to toggle Hold and Automatic keystrokes.

Mod-Tap is a feature designed to enhance convenience for both gaming and productivity tasks. With Mod-Tap, a single keypress can trigger two functions: holding down the key for one action and pressing the key for another. It allows users to create dedicated or dual-functional keys based on their keypress behavior. This feature is particularly useful for compact keyboards, enabling efficient key combinations such as long-pressing the ESC key to output ~ or accessing the task manager with a specific key combination (Alt+Ctrl+Delete).

To set up Mod-Tap:

1. Select the key you want to set and the “Hold and Press” option box will light up.

2. In the “Combination” and “Macro” fields on the left, define the key combinations or macros you want to activate when holding down the key.

3. Click “Confirm” to apply the settings for the Hold key. This allows you to activate Task Manager directly by holding F1.

4. You can set up Tap keys in a similar manner or leave them unchanged.

5. Adjust the keypress time using the slider at the bottom to customize the time required to trigger the “hold down” key definition (default is 200ms).

Please try to flash the latest firmware: M5 QMK firmware.

You can follow the steps below:

1. Download QMK Toolbox: If prompted, proceed with the installation process and wait for it to complete.

2. Open QMK Toolbox: Launch the QMK Toolbox software on your computer. If it’s your first time using it, you may be prompted to install the necessary drivers. Follow the on-screen instructions and wait until the installation is finished.

3. Locate the firmware: Click the “Open” button in the QMK Toolbox to browse and select the appropriate .bin firmware file for your keyboard model. Ensure you have downloaded the correct firmware version for your keyboard.

4. Enter Bootloader mode: Disconnect the USB cable from your keyboard. While holding down the “ESC” key, reconnect the USB cable. You should notice the “Flash/Exit DFU” button in the QMK Toolbox turn black, indicating that you are now in Bootloader mode.

5. Flash the firmware: With your keyboard in Bootloader mode, click the “Flash” button in the QMK Toolbox to begin the firmware flashing process. Wait until you see the “OK” message indicating that the firmware update is complete.

6. Exit Bootloader mode: After the firmware has been successfully flashed, click the “Exit DFU” button in the QMK Toolbox. You can then close the QMK Toolbox software.

Try online VIA: https://via.evove.top/ or https://usevia.app/

Please use the right V3 .JSON file for the M3 QMK without needing to toggle V2 definitions. Here is the link: M7 V3.json (Right-click on the link and choose the option “Save Link As” to download the file.)If you cannot find the load button, make sure you have opened the Design tab as shown above.
Load V3 JSON File: Load the corresponding V3 JSON file for your QMK keyboard. Ensure that the “Use V2 definitions” option is turned off when loading the V3 JSON file. You may need to load 2-3 times to let your keyboard be detected.

MonsGeek offers four distinct stroke settings, each tailored to different preferences and applications:

Comfort Mode: This mode closely mirrors traditional mechanical switches, featuring a 2mm actuation point and a 2mm reset point. It’s ideal for standard typing and work tasks.

Sensitive Mode: In this mode, the actuation point is reduced to 0.5mm while the reset point remains at 2mm. It’s designed for users who require fast key triggers and responses.

Game Mode: Game Mode unleashes the power of Rapid Trigger (RT). Here, the fixed actuation and reset points are eliminated, allowing switches to respond instantly to even the slightest pressure changes. It’s perfect for gamers seeking utmost responsiveness.

Customize Mode: In Customize Mode, you can modify the behavior of any key to suit your preferences. This mode offers a high degree of personalization, allowing you to tailor the keyboard to your specific needs and workflow.

To adjust the actuation and reset points:

Use the left slider to adjust the actuation point (Press) and the right slider to adjust the reset point (Up).

Enable “All keys” to apply your settings to all keys, or select specific keys for individual adjustments.

Due to environmental factors and potential interference, there might be instances of input interruption when keys are fully bottomed out. To address this, we’ve introduced a dead zone setting, which designates a range at the bottom of each key that will not be triggered, ensuring functionality upon release.

Turn on “Non-stop Rapid Trigger” to activate the RT function (in this mode, the reset point is replaced by the release distance and cannot be adjusted).

With RT enabled, switches respond to even slight pressure changes within the actuation range. You can set the press distance to trigger the key and the release distance to reset it in the additional menu that appears after RT activation.

Note: While a 0.1mm option is available, to prevent accidental triggers or loss of contact due to slight movements, it’s advisable to set press/release distances no lower than 0.3mm as shown in the illustration above. If you experience frequent loss of contact, increase the release distance. If you encounter accidental triggers, increase the press distance.

In conclusion, unless you have specific requirements, Game Mode should suffice for most gaming scenarios, while Comfort Mode is highly recommended for office work and typing tasks.

75% MonsGeek HE keyboards come with 2 normal layers and 2 Fn layers. You can adjust these layers using either the MonsGeek Driver or through hotkeys.

1. Use Fn+F9/F10 to switch to normal layer 1/2 respectively. Hold Fn and press right Alt to switch below Fn layer 1 and Fn layer 2.

2. Alternatively, you can directly modify the normal layers in the Driver Main-Remap Page, and adjust the Fn layers in the Fnsetting Page.

When you receive your MonsGeek HE keyboard, it’s essential to upgrade the firmware and calibrate the keyboard. Please follow the steps below:

1. Download the Latest Driver and Update Firmware:

Ensure that your keyboard is running on the latest firmware version to experience its full potential. Outdated firmware, especially in Rapid Trigger (RT) modes, may cause typing issues. Download the latest MonsGeek Driver from our official download page and upgrade your firmware. MonsGeek download. You can find the Upgrade button on the About page in the Driver. Please don’t move the keyboard and mouse during the update.

2. Calibration:

Magnetic switch keyboards aim to provide a seamless typing experience. However, Hall sensors are sensitive to temperature variations, resulting in potentially significant changes to the magnetic field of the keyboard during transportation, influenced by temperature and environmental shifts (imagine shipping from California to Maine).

During this calibration, users should apply regular, moderate force while pressing the keys, and make sure to bottom out. However, please avoid pressing too hard during calibration, as excessive bottom-out force might lead to unresponsive keys at a large actuation distance (say, 3.5~3.8mm). Follow the steps below to calibrate the keyboard:

a. You can find the calibration button on the About page in MonsGeek Driver. Follow the steps on the screen to complete the calibration.

b. Press confirm to start.

c. During calibration, press each key to its lowest point with a similar force. Ensure that every key is pressed and released during this step. Press the “Confirm” button after completing this calibration.

d. If any keys still do not function correctly, it indicates that they may not have been pressed completely during calibration. In such cases, repeat the calibration process to ensure that all keys are functioning as expected.

MonsGeek Magnetic Switches keyboards are designed to support downward-facing S-pole magnetic switches. If you intend to use switches from other brands, please be aware that some may have additional legs that need to be cut. It’s crucial to consider the structure of the magnet; for instance, a vertical magnet might not be compatible with a PCB that supports only horizontal magnets.

Moreover, Some MonsGeek magnetic switch keyboards also offer support for 3-pin mechanical switches. However, after replacing with mechanical switches, it is essential to calibrate the maximum travel. You can find this calibration option on the “About” page in the driver software. Please find more details here: When and How to Calibrate MonsGeek Magnetic Switch Keyboard

These steps are specific to the M1 HES keyboard. Applying them to other keyboards may lead to bricking. Please follow these instructions:

1. Flash Separate LEDV103 Firmware:

It is recommended to flash the separate LEDV103 firmware available at [LEDV103 Firmware].

– Download all files from the provided link.

– Execute `royuan_tool.exe` to initiate the upgrade.

– Ensure your keyboard and mouse remain stationary during the update.

2. Manual Firmware Reversion and Upgrade:

If the LEDV103 update fails, consider using the manual firmware updater to revert to v104. Then, utilize the MonsGeek Driver to upgrade the firmware to v105. Access the manual firmware updater at [Firmware Reversion and Upgrade].

3. Further Assistance:

If the issue persists or you encounter difficulties, please reach out to support@monsgeek.com for dedicated support.

Update Firmware: The firmware for magnetic switch keyboards is continually evolving. It’s crucial to use the latest firmware to ensure optimal performance. Outdated firmware, especially in Rapid Trigger (RT) modes, may lead to typing issues. Upgrade your firmware using the latest MonsGeek Driver, which you can download from our official download page. MonsGeek download
Recalibration: If certain keys exhibit unresponsiveness or inconsistency, recalibration can often resolve these issues. Follow these steps:
- Access the calibration button on the About page in the MonsGeek Driver. Apply regular, moderate force while pressing each key during calibration. Avoid excessive force to prevent lost connections when keys bottom out. Press “Confirm” to initiate the calibration process. Press each key to its lowest point during calibration, ensuring every key is pressed and released. After completing the calibration, press “Confirm.”
If any keys still don’t function correctly, it indicates incomplete calibration. Repeat the process to ensure all keys work as expected.

Please find more details here:https://www.monsgeek.com/faq/when-and-how-to-calibrate-monsgeek-magnetic-switch-keyboard-a-critical-guide/

The M1 plate’s design, particularly in POM and FR4 variants, lacks screw holes necessary for attachment to PCBs. These plates rely on the switches themselves to hold them in place. When switches are mounted, the plate secures them with a snap, and the sockets clip the switch pins, providing stability.

Notably, magnetic switches have no pins. To improve stability, it is recommended to use multiple mechanical switches to secure both the perimeter and center of the plate if you want to use a plate without screws.

Remember, calibration is crucial after installing mechanical switches. Refer to this link for detailed instructions: Calibrating MonsGeek Magnetic Switch Keyboard.

Calibration plays a pivotal role in ensuring the optimal performance of magnetic switch keyboards. Its primary purpose is to eliminate the possibility of dead zones, where certain keys become unresponsive. Here’s a comprehensive guide on when and how to calibrate your magnetic switch keyboard:

1. Why Calibration Matters:

Magnetic switch keyboards aim to provide a seamless typing experience. However, Hall sensors are sensitive to temperature variations, resulting in potentially significant changes to the magnetic field of the keyboard during transportation, influenced by temperature and environmental shifts (imagine shipping from California to Maine).

To optimize your typing experience, we recommend promptly upgrading to the latest firmware upon receiving the keyboard. Additionally, manually calibrate the keyboard through ‘About – Maximum Key Travel Calibration – Start Calibration’ by gently pressing every key.

2. Maximum Key Travel Calibration:

You can find the calibration button on the About page below in the Driver. Follow the steps on the screen to complete the calibration.

During this calibration, users should apply regular, moderate force while pressing the keys. Avoid pushing too hard during calibration, as excessive force might lead to lost connections when the keys bottom out.

Press confirm to start.

During calibration, press each key to its lowest point with a similar force. Ensure that every key is pressed and released during this step. Press the “Confirm” button after completing this calibration.

If any keys still do not function correctly, it indicates that they may not have been pressed completely during calibration. In such cases, repeat the calibration process to ensure that all keys are functioning as expected.

3. Scenarios Requiring Calibration:

Calibration is not a routine task, but it’s necessary in various situations:

Unresponsiveness: When certain keys become unresponsive or inconsistent, recalibration can resolve these issues.
Before Performing Rapid Trigger: If you intend to use rapid trigger actions, it’s crucial to calibrate your keyboard. Failing to do so might result in unresponsiveness at specific keypress depths.
New Features Added: Whenever new features or capabilities are introduced, it’s advisable to recalibrate to ensure the keyboard adapts appropriately.
Replacing Switches: When switching between same-polarity magnetic switches and 3-pin mechanical switches, calibration is necessary to optimize performance.

In conclusion, calibration isn’t merely a routine task but a strategic move to maintain your magnetic switch keyboard’s reliability and responsiveness. By following these calibration guidelines, you can ensure a seamless typing experience and resolve potential unresponsiveness issues. For any specific concerns or further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated support team.

If you’ve encountered the error message “The code execution cannot proceed because VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found. Reinstalling the program may fix this problem” during the MonsGeek Cloud Driver installation, you can follow the steps below to address this issue. However, please be aware that there might be additional missing files not covered by these steps.

Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable: The VCRUNTIME140.dll file is part of the Visual C++ Redistributable package. Visit the Microsoft website and download the appropriate version of the Visual C++ Redistributable that matches your system. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist?view=msvc-170
Run the Installer: Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the Visual C++ Redistributable package.
Restart Your Computer: After the installation is finished, restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect.
Check the Program: Launch the program that was displaying the error message and verify if the issue is resolved. If the error persists, consider reinstalling the program.
Reinstall the Program: If the error remains even after reinstallation, uninstall the program that is triggering the error. Then, download the latest version from the official website and install it.

It’s important to note that while these steps often resolve the issue, they may not guarantee a complete solution, as other factors could be at play. If possible, trying the MonsGeek Cloud Driver on another computer might provide additional insights into the problem.

1. Turn the power ON switch, make sure that the keyboard is fully charged (see indicator LED), and check to see if 2.4G mode is working, if it works, long press the left Win + right Win for 5 seconds to reset the device and try again.

2. if the Bluetooth still can not connect at all: Power the keyboard on and off, check whether the Bluetooth driver is the latest version, and upgrade, after upgrading, turn off the Bluetooth mode on the computer, and then turn it on again. Make sure the distance between the computer and the wireless keyboard is within 10 meters, and try to connect again.

3. You can remove the saved Bluetooth device record from Windows, and then re-add the device through Bluetooth.

4. Windows system: please run the Bluetooth troubleshooter and try connecting again. It is recommended to try to use a Bluetooth 5.0 adapter on the computer to ensure a more stable connection. To run Windows Troubleshooter, right-click the Start menu and select “Settings.” From there, go to Update and Security > Troubleshoot > Bluetooth, and then click “Run the Troubleshooter.”