The NocFree Lite is a remarkable wireless split keyboard that offers endless possibilities, and with the right customisation, you can unlock its full potential.

In this guide, I’ll introduce you to Vial, a powerful key remapping web application that allows you to personalise your keyboard layout and boost productivity.

What sets Vial apart is that all modifications are implemented at the keyboard’s firmware level, meaning your customisations will work seamlessly on any device you plug the keyboard into.

I’ll cover the following topics:

remapping keys,
creating macros,
setting up shortcuts, including how to open applications with doube tapping a key.

Prequisite

Before we dive into the details, please ensure your NocFree Lite is properly connected either wired or wirelessly. Then head over to Vial.rocks and pair the keyboard and follow along.

Single key remapping

As simple as it sounds, Vial allows you to remap a key to perform a different function. Personally, I use a Windows laptop for work, but I’ve been using a MacBook as my daily driver for years. To match the MacBook layout, I prefer placing the left Ctrl key to the left of the left spacebar.

To achieve this, we simply need to swap MO(1) and LGui by following the steps below.

Multi-layer shortcut creation

The NocFree Lite supports up to four layers, allowing you to create entirely different layouts for each one to meet more complex needs. I must say, this is a real game-changer. Let me walk you through a few use cases I’ve set up for myself:

- By using Left Fn + J, K, L, or I as arrow keys, I no longer need to lift my right hand to reach the arrow keys on the bottom right. This simple change allows me to reassign other keys to replace the arrows, which is a huge benefit for such a compact keyboard.

- With Left Fn + [ or ], I can easily adjust the volume up or down.

Actually here’s how multi-layer shortcut works: When you press the Fn key, it activates the corresponding layer, giving you access to the keys assigned on that layer. Now, let’s go through how you can set this up for yourself.

Macros creation

Macros are sequences of actions or keystrokes, they’re incredibly useful for simplifying some common actions. For example, to capture a screenshot, you usually have to press cmd + shift +4/5.

I'd like to have something easier to remember, so I decided to trigger screenshot with double tapping the right shift which I rarely use at all. Let's see how you can also implement this in action.

A bonus tip for macOS users

While Vial doesn't directly allow you to open applications, you can easily achieve this with a simple trick.

For example, if you'd like to open the Calculator app on a Mac by double-tapping the up arrow key, here's how you can do it by combining Vial with the Mac Shortcuts app.

Hope you find this guide helpful😊

It might seem a bit confusing at first, but once you get the hang of how it works, it becomes crystal clear. We include some blank keycaps with every order and strongly encourage you to personalise your keyboard layout to make the most of its potential.

We’d love to see your customisations—feel free to share them with us in our NocFree Discord channel!

Get the most out of NocFree Lite with Vial