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Version: 0.4.x

VibeKeys Max Keyboard Mode

Keyboard mode lets VibeKeys Max act as a Bluetooth keyboard for your computer. This is the default mode and requires no server or special setup beyond Bluetooth pairing.

Overview​

In keyboard mode, VibeKeys Max connects to your computer via Bluetooth and sends keyboard input. It's perfect for:

  • Staying focused at your desk with a custom keyboard
  • Triggering editor shortcuts and IDE commands
  • Running repetitive macros
  • Scrolling and navigating with the knob
  • Viewing real-time Claude Code status on the screen (with plugin)

Unlike remote control mode, keyboard mode doesn't require WiFi or a server.

Getting started​

Step 1: Pair via Bluetooth​

  1. Turn on VibeKeys Max by pressing the power button once, then select Keyboard from the boot menu.
  2. Open Bluetooth settings and look for available devices
  3. Find "VibeKeys Max" in the device list
  4. Click to connect
  5. Once paired, VibeKeys Max is ready to use

For macOS users, the system may ask you to identify the keyboard. If this happens, just close the window.

Step 2: Use VibeKeys Max​

Open Claude Code in your terminal and use VibeKeys Max as a keyboard. Below are the default key mappings.

KeySymbolDefault MappingDescription
MIC🎙️Ctrl + OptionHot key for voice dictation
CUSTOM🌟/compact + EnterSends the /compact slash command to Claude Code
ESCESCEscapeCancel or back out of the current action
NEXT⬇️Page DownScroll down through output
BACKSPACE⬅️DeleteDelete the previous character
YOLOYOLOShift + TabAllow all edits in the current session
ACCEPTAcceptEnterConfirm, accept, or send

Step 3: Use Voice Input with the MIC Key​

The MIC key gives you voice input two ways:

  • Built-in speech recognition — the keypad records and transcribes, then types the result. Configure a Whisper-compatible endpoint on the setup page and nothing needs to be installed on your computer.
  • Your computer's dictation app — the keypad sends a hotkey (Ctrl + Option) that triggers Typeless, Whispr Flow, or similar.

→ See Voice Input in Keyboard Mode for both setups.

Step 4: Enable Real-Time Status (optional)​

To see Claude Code status updates on your VibeKeys screen while coding:

  1. Install the vibekeys CLI and plugin (see Claude Code Status Integration)
  2. Once set up, your device screen shows live updates from Claude Code
  3. No additional configuration needed—status appears automatically when Claude Code runs

For this setup, make sure your CLI tool can access Bluetooth as well.