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Framework 16 Keyboard HHKB Layout via VIA

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The Framework Laptop 16 keyboard supports remapping via VIA, but Linux requires udev rules for browser access.

Linux Permissions Fix

VIA communicates with the keyboard over USB HID. Without proper udev rules, you’ll see:

NotAllowedError: Failed to open the device.
Received invalid protocol version from device

Diagnosis

Check for existing rules:

cat /etc/udev/rules.d/*framework* 2>/dev/null
cat /etc/udev/rules.d/*qmk* 2>/dev/null

If empty, create the rules.

Create udev Rules

sudo tee /etc/udev/rules.d/50-framework-keyboard.rules << 'EOF'
# Framework Laptop 16 Keyboard Module - ANSI
SUBSYSTEM=="hidraw", ATTRS{idVendor}=="32ac", ATTRS{idProduct}=="0012", MODE="0666"
SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTRS{idVendor}=="32ac", ATTRS{idProduct}=="0012", MODE="0666"
# Framework Laptop 16 Keyboard Module - Bootloader
SUBSYSTEM=="hidraw", ATTRS{idVendor}=="32ac", ATTRS{idProduct}=="0013", MODE="0666"
SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTRS{idVendor}=="32ac", ATTRS{idProduct}=="0013", MODE="0666"
EOF

Reload rules:

sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger

HHKB-Style Layout

The Happy Hacking Keyboard layout optimizes for Unix users:

  • Control on Caps Lock position (home row access)
  • Backspace closer to home row
  • Fn layer for navigation and F-keys

Framework Keyboard HHKB Layout

Key remaps on Layer 0:

Standard KeyHHKB Remap
Caps LockLeft Ctrl
Left CtrlCaps Lock
Left WinLeft Alt
Left AltLeft Win
Backspace\|
\|Backspace
Right AltRight Win
Right CtrlRight Alt
~`Esc
Insert (Del)~`

Layer 1 provides F-keys, navigation (Home/End/PgUp/PgDn), and media controls.

Import Configuration

This exact configuration is saved and directly importable:

  1. Open keyboard.frame.work
  2. Authorize the keyboard device
  3. Go to Settings (gear icon) → Load Saved Layout
  4. Import: framework-keyboard-hhkb.json

Changes save directly to keyboard EEPROM—no software needed after configuration.

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