Let’s Try Matrix!
We’re almost hitting Signal’s 1024-member chat limit, so we’re looking at a new option: Matrix. Think of Matrix as a mix of Signal and Discord—perfect for our growing community.
Below is a comparison between signal messenger and matrix and start guide
Start Chatting!
If you are ready to jump in here’s the quick steps:
- Download and install Element HERE
- Put in your Irregularchat username (e.g.
@username:irregularchat.com) - Select the “Irregularchat SSO” option
- Login with your IrregularChat Credentials
- Start Chatting!
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IrregularChat SUAS on Matrix: You're invited to talk on Matrix
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IrregularChat All Topics on Matrix: https://url.irregular.chat/matrix
For more in-depth instructions on setting up matrix, see Getting Started with Matrix/Element
Keep reading for more details on Matrix and how it works!
Signal vs. Matrix Comparison
Encryption Protocols
Signal:
Signal employs the Signal Protocol, which uses an Extended Triple Diffie-Hellman (X3DH) handshake combined with the Double Ratchet algorithm to ensure strong forward secrecy and post-compromise security. It leverages robust cryptographic primitives—Curve25519 for key exchange, AES-256 for symmetric encryption, and HMAC-SHA256 for message authentication. This protocol has been extensively vetted by the security community, ensuring that even if current keys are compromised, past communications remain secure .
Matrix:
Matrix secures its communications using two protocols: Olm for one-to-one chats and Megolm for group chats. Both protocols rely on similar cryptographic tools—Curve25519, AES-256, and HMAC-SHA256. While Olm mirrors many design aspects of the Signal Protocol by providing strong forward secrecy for direct messaging, Megolm is optimized for groups using a shared, ratcheting key mechanism. Although Matrix’s federated architecture typically exposes some metadata to homeservers, our instance is configured to be self-hosted and non-federated, ensuring all data remains strictly within our controlled environment .
Detailed Comparison Table
| Aspect | Signal | Matrix (Our Instance) |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption Protocol | - Signal Protocol (X3DH + Double Ratchet) - Uses Curve25519, AES-256, and HMAC-SHA256 - Provides strong forward secrecy and post-compromise security |
- Olm for one-to-one chats and Megolm for group chats - Uses Curve25519, AES-256, and HMAC-SHA256 - Offers forward secrecy in direct messages; group chats rely on a shared, ratcheting key; historical vulnerabilities have been patched |
| Metadata Handling | - Minimal metadata retention - Employs Sealed Sender and private contact discovery - Logs only essential data (e.g., phone number, connection timestamps) |
- Designed to keep metadata internal: our self-hosted instance retains all logs and chat histories within our controlled environment, with no external homeserver access |
| Server Trust Model | - Centralized model; all users connect via Signal servers - Trust is placed in Signal’s infrastructure for key distribution - Uses safety number verification to mitigate impersonation risks |
- While Matrix is federated by design, our instance is isolated and self-hosted - Trust is fully managed by our community admin team - Uses cryptographic signatures and cross-signing for device verification in a closed, secure environment |
| Self-Hosting Options | - Not applicable; Signal operates solely as a centralized service managed by the Signal Foundation | - Self-hosted and non-federated: Our instance is isolated from the global network - Full administrative control over data and metadata - Provides a private, secure environment exclusively for our community |
| Community Identity Manager | - Tied to phone numbers, which serve as the de facto identity (no dedicated community identity manager) | - Supports a community identity manager that allows users to have pseudonymous accounts, managed centrally by our admin team for enhanced control and verification |
| Data Storage | - Minimal data stored on servers; messages are delivered and then stored primarily on user devices | - Data (such as chat history and logs) is stored on our local server; our self-hosted configuration allows us to control, archive, or purge data as needed, ensuring sensitive information is not exposed externally |
| Group Capacity Limits | - Group chats are capped at 1024 participants, which may limit large-scale community discussions | - No inherent group capacity limits; our instance can support very large groups, making it ideal for expansive community engagement |
| Web Access on Gov’t Networks | - May face restrictions on certain government networks due to centralized infrastructure and phone number reliance | - Our self-hosted instance can be optimized for web access using custom domains and ports, improving accessibility even on government networks while maintaining strict security controls |
Pros and Cons
Signal Pros:
- Minimal metadata retention and robust privacy by design.
- Highly vetted encryption with well-established cryptographic proofs.
- Simple, centralized model that streamlines key distribution.
- Strong forward secrecy and post-compromise security through continuous key rotation.
Signal Cons:
- Centralized architecture requires complete trust in Signal’s servers.
- Reliance on phone numbers can compromise user anonymity.
- Limited interoperability due to capacity limits (e.g., 1024-participant group chats).
Matrix Pros (Our Instance):
- Self-Hosted and Non-Federated: Ensures all communications and metadata remain internal.
- Supports a community identity manager, allowing pseudonymous accounts and centralized user verification.
- Strong end-to-end encryption for both one-to-one and group messaging with effective cross-signing.
- No group capacity limits, making it ideal for very large communities.
- Controlled data storage on our local servers, reducing reliance on external infrastructure.
- Optimized web access with custom configurations for use on restricted government networks.
Matrix Cons:
- The typical federated design of Matrix can expose more metadata, but our instance minimizes this risk through isolation.
- The server trust model is more complex and requires careful management, even in a self-hosted setup.
- Group messaging encryption (Megolm) uses shared keys that require proper maintenance.
- Self-hosting demands advanced technical setup and ongoing maintenance, which we handle for you.
Get Started with Matrix/Element
Logging In
Ensure you are logged out from any other Matrix accounts, or use a separate client like Fluffy Chat.
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Download and Install Element:
Available on Desktop and Mobile. -
Configure and Login:
- Navigate to Matrix Chat or open the Element App.
- Select “I already have an account” or “Login”.
- Set the Homeserver to
matrix.irregularchat.com(do not include “HTTPS://”). - Follow the prompts to update the homeserver; login buttons will appear afterward.
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Account Setup:
- Use your IrregularChat SSO at sso.irregularchat.com.
IrregularChat members will be automatically added to the general chat and can start chatting right away. - Choose “IrregularChat SSO” or the Puzzle Piece Login
. - Jump in and start chatting!
- Use your IrregularChat SSO at sso.irregularchat.com.
Security Setup
- Secure Your Account:
- Security Phrase: Create a security phrase and store it safely in a password manager.
Cross signing guide With Pictures - Cross-Device Signing:
Enable cross-device signing if using multiple devices:- Navigate to Settings → Security & Privacy → Cryptography.
- If you did not set a recovery key initially, reset your cross-device signing using this guide.
- Tip: Do not enable Never send encrypted messages to unverified sessions from this session.
- Security Phrase: Create a security phrase and store it safely in a password manager.
Joining Spaces
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Join the Conversation:
Enter the Irregular Chat Space. -
Connect with Admins for Additional Chats:
Direct message one of the admins to be added to extra chats: -
Accept Invites:
- At the bottom of your screen, click the icon resembling four boxes.
- Go to the “All Chats” tab to see your invitations.
- Click the “>” within spaces to view additional spaces and rooms.
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Enter Spaces:
Click the notepad icon at the bottom of the screen and select browse spaces.
Customize Your Experience
- Personalize Your Nickname:
Use the command/myroomnick NewUsernameHerein each room to set a unique nickname. - Customize Notifications:
Navigate to Settings → Notifications to configure custom notification keywords. - Explore Spaces and Rooms:
In the Irregular Chat Space, click the four-box icon to reveal the spaces and rooms. - Enjoy Bots and Easter Eggs:
Bots will provide welcome messages and assist when posting social or news links. Familiar inside jokes may trigger automated responses, enhancing our community vibe. - Social Link Proxy:
Links from Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok will be proxied to ensure secure downloads.
For further details, please refer to the Official Element User Guide.
We hope you find our Matrix instance—a self-hosted, non-federated platform—to be a powerful and secure solution for community communication. It’s open for our members and closed to everyone else, ensuring both accessibility and security. Join our rooms, log in with your IrregularChat SSO, and start chatting right away!
Happy chatting!