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@github-actions github-actions released this 05 Oct 19:24
· 63 commits to svalboard since this release
vRC1
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These release notes are AI-generated, with occasional human edits.

Svalboard QMK vRC1 (release candidate 1)

Svalboard QMK is the firmware behind Keybard, the browser-based configuration tool for Svalboard. Your layout, behaviors and pointing settings are stored on the keyboard, so they keep working after you close the editor.

Full guide: Make Svalboard your own with Keybard · What Svalboard QMK adds beyond Vial · The Sval protocol

New since vRC0

  • Host layer access: companion apps can now read the keyboard's active and default layer state and control which layer is active.
  • Owner-facing release documentation and a description of the protocol for companion-app developers.

Beyond Vial

Everything Svalboard's Vial firmware could do (editing tap dances, combos, key overrides, alternate-repeat keys, macros and QMK settings; DPI, scroll and Sniper keys) carries over. Svalboard QMK adds:

  • More room: 256 entries each for tap dances, combos, key overrides, alternate-repeat keys and macros (Vial: 30–50), and more macro storage.
  • Leader sequences, editable in Keybard.
  • Settings that survive updates: a compatible layout no longer resets with each new firmware build, and supported Vial setups migrate automatically on first boot.
  • Board identity: a saved board name and a serial number that stays the same through updates.
  • More pointing control: Sniper toggles, Boost keys, per-pointer automouse with threshold and decay, natural scrolling.
  • Layer colors in Keybard: choose each layer's lighting color in the editor.
  • Idle power saving: lower scan rates, sensor rest modes and processor sleep while the keyboard is unused.

Which file to flash

Pick the file matching the sensor family and side of the half you're updating:

Hardware Files
Base board svalboard_left_sval_vRC1.uf2, svalboard_right_sval_vRC1.uf2
PMW3389 trackball svalboard_trackball_pmw3389_{left,right}_sval_vRC1.uf2
TrackPoint svalboard_trackpoint_{left,right}_sval_vRC1.uf2
Azoteq svalboard_azoteq_{left,right}_sval_vRC1.uf2
Empty base-board layout svalboard_{left,right}_blank_vRC1.uf2
PMW3360 trackball (deprecated: only for the few units shipped with this sensor) svalboard_trackball_pmw3360_{left,right}_sval_vRC1.uf2
  1. Export a .svil backup in Keybard first.
  2. Double-tap reset within 500 ms. The half appears as a drive named RPI-RP2.
  3. Copy the matching UF2 to that drive. Repeat for the other half.

Coming from Vial: automatic migration supports svalboard/vial-qmk v2025-11-01 with the vial keymap. It brings across your layout, macros, programmable behaviors and supported settings. Older firmware may start with default settings. After upgrading, check your modifier preferences, timing and macros.

Current limitations

  • Timing controls: changes to tapping term, per-dance and per-combo timing are saved but don't yet change key behavior. Quick-tap and several tap/hold options are also inactive. Flow Tap, Chordal Hold, and one-shot timing/locking aren't available through settings yet.
  • Auto Shift: not enabled in the standard firmware.
  • Editor names: Keybard doesn't yet save layer, tap-dance and macro names to the board, although the firmware supports it. Move them between browsers with a .svil export for now.
  • Alternate repeat: modifier conditions and the default-alternate option have known matching problems. Check the output of custom mappings.
  • Editing held actions: release a tap-dance key before editing its action.
  • After a reset: restart the board before making new edits.

Technical findings and test results: firmware review.

Assets 14
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