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, a server, or a speech to text API service.
Getting started
Step 1: Pair via Bluetooth
- Turn on VibeKeys Max by pressing the power button once and wait until the device enters the keyboard mode.
- Open Bluetooth settings and look for available devices
- Find "VibeKeys Max" in the device list
- Click to connect
- 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.
| Key | Symbol | Default Mapping | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
MIC | 🎙️ | Left CTRL + SHIFT | Hot key for voice dictation |
CUSTOM | 🌟 | /compact + Enter | Sends the /compact slash command to Claude Code |
ESC | ESC | Escape | Cancel or back out of the current action |
NEXT | ⬇️ | Page Down | Scroll down through output |
BACKSPACE | ⬅️ | Delete | Delete the previous character |
YOLO | YOLO | Shift + Tab | Allow all edits in the current session |
ACCEPT | Accept | Enter | Confirm, accept, or send |
Step 3: Use Voice Input with the MIC Key
The MIC key sends the left CTRL + SHIFT keys combo. You can pair it with a voice dictation app so that pressing MIC starts voice input — speak your prompt and it gets typed directly into Claude Code.
Typeless
- Open Typeless → Settings → Keyboard Shortcuts
- Go to Dictate and click in the input area to "Change shortcut"
- Press the MIC key on the VibeKeys Max to record and set it as the hot key
Whispr Flow
- Open Whispr Flow → Preferences → Shortcuts
- Click "Change" next to Shortcuts
- Press the MIC key on the VibeKeys Max to record and set it as the hot key
Once configured, the workflow is simple: press MIC, speak your prompt, press MIC again, and your words appear in the terminal.
Step 4: Enable Real-Time Status (optional)
To see Claude Code status updates on your VibeKeys screen while coding:
- Install the vibekeys CLI and plugin (see Claude Code Status Integration)
- Once set up, your device screen shows live updates from Claude Code
- No additional configuration needed—status appears automatically when Claude Code runs
For this setup, make sure your CLI tool can access Bluetooth as well.
Related docs
- Quick Start
- Claude Code Status Integration
- Customize Key Mappings - Remap keys to fit your workflow
- Buttons And Keys
- Updating Firmware - Keep your device up to date via OTA or USB
- Remote Control Mode