Manta 40s Hotswap

Start using your keyboard

Connect a USB data cable and test typing first; a firmware update is not required for normal use.

Power and connections · VIA JSON and DESIGN · DFU / UF2 flashing · Downloads

Product relationship

Manta 40s Hotswap is part of the Manta keyboard family, a legacy AVR PCB (see Manta Family Overview). It is a different platform from the first-class Manta40 rev2 TriChord PCB.

Quick identification

• PCB silkscreen: Manta 40s Hotswap.
• MCU: ATmega32U4.
• Wireless backend: Bluefruit or DuoChord (pick one).
• Layout: 40% hot-swap, RGB.
• Flashing: .hex + qmk-dfu.

Do-not-mix warning

• Manta 40s Hotswap (legacy BLE firmware (Bluefruit) / DuoChord) and Manta40 rev2 (TriChord) firmware cannot be mixed.
• Hotswap and Solderable are different PCBs; do not mix.
• Bluefruit and DuoChord firmware are not interchangeable; migrating from Bluefruit to DuoChord requires a fixed sequence, see first migration.

Spec summary

Item	Value
MCU	ATmega32U4
Connectivity	USB + BLE (Bluefruit or DuoChord)
Bootloader	qmk-dfu
Firmware format	.hex
VIA / Vial	Supported
Layout	40% hot-swap
Lighting	RGB (verify on hardware)
Wireless backend	Bluefruit / DuoChord

Recommended firmware download

Firmware, VIA JSON definitions, and SHA-256 checksums are available in the Download Center (see Firmware Downloads). DuoChord targets also need a matching nRF OTA package, shipped as part of the first-migration kit.

When you need to update firmware

• Legacy BLE firmware (Bluefruit): download the matching legacy BLE firmware for Manta 40s Hotswap, flash it, then pair following Legacy BLE firmware.
• DuoChord: if the module currently runs Bluefruit, flash the AVR DuoChord firmware first, then hold both Shift keys and press F twice to enter DfuTarg, perform OTA, and re-pair. See Legacy BLE firmware → DuoChord first migration.
• Flashing methods: see Wired Flashing (DFU / TinyUF2).

Common features

• Legacy BLE firmware operations: see Legacy BLE firmware.
• DuoChord operations: see AVR DuoChord.
• PCB identification: see Identify Your Keyboard & PCB.

Default keymap

The default keymap provides a 40% layout. Wireless function keys (BLE1–BLE5, PAIR, CLR, etc.) follow the firmware you flash.

Model-specific features

• 40% hot-swap PCB.
• RGB effects.
• Bluefruit / DuoChord dual wireless backends.

Troubleshooting

• Cannot connect wirelessly: see Troubleshooting / Wireless.
• Stuck keys (legacy BLE firmware): see the Legacy BLE firmware limits.
• Stuck mid-migration: see the first migration.

Version compatibility

• Hardware revision: rev_40s_hotswap (only).
• Config tools: VIA / Vial.
• Firmware: QMK / Vial builds for the Manta 40s Hotswap target; DuoChord targets also need the matching nRF OTA package.