After years of hosting Matrix servers, etke.cc introduces Komai, a desktop-first Matrix client born from dissatisfaction with existing options. The team previously created matrix-docker-ansible-deploy and spent countless hours evaluating Matrix clients before deciding to build their own solution. Komai aims to address protocol complexity and UX issues that plague many Matrix applications.

What began as patches to nheko evolved into a complete rewrite after approximately 100 modifications. The most significant change involved replacing the encryption core—swapping out mtxclient and libolm for matrix-rust-sdk. This engine swap brought modern encryption, sliding sync support, and aligned Komai with the wider Matrix ecosystem's direction toward Rust-based implementations.

Komai features browser-style room tabs, a curated server registration page, 10+ WCAG AA-compliant themes, and voice transcription powered by AI. The desktop-focused interface emphasizes usability for both casual and power users, with themes, YAML configuration, and multi-account support. Built with AI assistance, the app represents etke.cc's attempt to create a Matrix client that balances complexity with approachability.