GoKawiilZGM. That's the name of peripheral manufacturer Keychron's upcoming open-source gaming mouse firmware, announced today and planned to release in the first quarter of 2027 for the G6 HE hybrid magnetic switch gaming mouse (pictured above). This model is notable for being one of the first competitors to the Logitech X2 SuperStrike, but custom firmware support would be an impressive second string to its bow.
The ZGM firmware is essentially a mouse equivalent to the QMK and ZMK projects for mechanical keyboards. If you've never run across these, they're pretty useful - keyboards made using these firmwares can be freely amended with a range of tools, freeing you of the obligation to use only the manufacturer's preferred software and unlocking some advanced functionality. More importantly, the firmware is written to the keyboard's internal memory, so you don't need to have any programs running in the background for things to remain functional.
The ZGM firmware is intended to offer much the same advantages, but in a space where open-source firmware is far from the norm. The ZGM page is pretty light on details, but it does enshrine some sensible standards - including a focus on low-latency operation, modular layers for different components like sensor, buttons, scroll wheel and lights, and support for a wide range of microcontrollers and both wired and wireless mice.
Every gaming mouse on the market runs firmware you can't read, can't audit, can't change.
So we built it ourselves.
ZGM — Zephyr Gaming Mouse. Open-source firmware for gaming mice, coming Q1 2027. The G6 HE will run… Keyboards have QMK. They have ZMK. Mice have… nothing. 🔒Every gaming mouse on the market runs firmware you can't read, can't audit, can't change.So we built it ourselves.ZGM — Zephyr Gaming Mouse. Open-source firmware for gaming mice, coming Q1 2027. The G6 HE will run… pic.twitter.com/naSdDXeMBh July 29, 2026
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