Software

The USB microcontroller used in the CIDOO V65 clearly has open-source VIA support which makes this a sought-after keyboard from the point of view of those who prioritize VIA compatibility over specific software drivers from peripheral brands. VIA is quite good and we've seen it used before. This time there is no need to flash firmware although you would want to head to the software downloads page on the Epomaker website and get the JSON file for the V65 (or V65 V2, depending on which keyboard you go with) by searching for it on that page. Then go to the online VIA configurator or download the latest release off Github if you want to have something installed on your PC. I've tested both approaches and they work the same, although the installed program can be slightly faster with more complex firmware loadouts and saves. VIA v3.0.0.0 was the latest version available at the time of testing and it takes up~225 MB of space on your PC. Open it and follow the instruction in the CIDOO V65 manual if you are new to using VIA. This includes enabling the design tab, using V2 definitions, and uploading the JSON file itself.

The open-source nature of the CIDOO V65 means anyone who has used VIA before already knows what to do, although I will point to this video which will work as a decent tutorial/starting point for those new to it. The video above also quickly walks through using the V65 with VIA, including with the various layers on offer as well as the extensive key mapping options. Notice how the wheel has been effectively split into three keys that are assigned to volume -, mute/unmute, and volume + by default. You can thus change what even the wheel does, albeit consider doing so on another layer other than the base one. There's plenty of key assignment options, macro recording/editing, as well as control over the LEDs. Some community members also have separate tools with more lighting effects based on VIA if you wanted to go beyond what's available here—just take your time and step down the VIA rabbit hole slowly.