Keychron 81 Pro Keyboard Manual

Keychron 81 Pro Keyboard Manual

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Keychron 81 Pro Keyboard Manual

Workspace Minimalism

With ever more devices, today's desks have become cluttered workspaces. This significantly inhibits creativity and productivity. The Keyboard 81 Pro addresses this problem with different orientations. Choose from the standard orientation or flip the keyboard upright from the user-facing side. This minimalist design inspires focus so you stay in your creative zone.

Touch Evolved

The mechanical keyboard utilizes Marble-mallow for the keycap material. Compared to ABS/PBT, the softer and more elastic properties ensure a superior tactile experience. Unlike other soft keycaps, such as silicone, Marble-mallow enjoys higher resistance to text fading and color degradation.

Powered by Co-Creation

We strongly believe in the power of community. We invited OnePlus fans to co-create the keyboard switches with our product manager. After multiple rounds of discussion, we decided on two great choices for our switches:

  • Summer Breeze (linear switch, Klein Blue) delivers a smooth and consistent keystroke with fast yet near-silent actuation.
  • Winter Bonfire (optimized tactile switch, OnePlus Red) features a tactile peak point of 0.5mm. Together with a stronger rebounding force, the larger tactile drop delivers a more solid typing experience.

Materials List

Keyboard

1x Fully Assembled Keyboard

Including

1x Aluminum Case
1x PCB
1x PC Plate
1x Sound Absorbing Foam
1x Case Foam
14x Gaskets (10 Installed and 4 in the Box)
4 sets x Stabilizers
1 set x Keycaps (Double Shot)
1 set x Switches

Cable

1x Type-C to Type-C Cable
1x Type-A to Type-C Adapter

Tools

1x Switch and Keycap Puller
1x Hex Key

Keyboard Guide

Mac/Windows keycaps

If you are a Windows user, please use the included keycaps to replace the MacOS ones as indicated.

Connect Bluetooth

Connect Bluetooth
Switch toggle to Bluetooth;
Press fn + 1 (hold for 4 seconds) and pair with the device named 'Keyboard 81 Pro'.

Connect Cable

Connect Cable
Switch toggle to Cable;
Use the included cable to connect the keyboard to your computer.

Remapping the keys

Please visit caniusevia.com to use the latest VIA firmware to remap the keys (If you are using macOS, please use Google Chrome to visit the link). If the VIA firmware does not recognize your keyboard, please contact the Customer Support to resolve the issue.
(Note: VIA only works when the keyboard is connected to your computer by cable).

The Layers


There are key setting layers on the keyboard. Layers 0 and 1 are for MacOS, layers 2 and 3 are for Windows.


If your system toggle is switched to Mac, then layer 0 will be active.


If your system toggle is switched to Windows, layer 2 will be active. Note: If you are using the keyboard in Windows, please ensure layer 2 is active instead of layer 0. This is a common mistake.

The Backlight

Press fn + Q to change the lighting effect.

Press fn + Tab to toggle the backlight on/off.

Adjusting The Backlight Brightness

Press fn + W to increase the brightness.

Press fn + S to decrease the brightness.

Adjusting The Backlight Speed

Press fn + T to increase the speed.

Press fn + G to decrease the speed.

Factory Reset

Plug in the power cable and switch the toggle to Cable mode.

  • Factory reset the keyboard by pressing fn + J + Z (hold for 4 seconds).
  • Download the relevant firmware and QMK Toolbox from our website.
  • Switch the keyboard to OFF mode and carefully remove the space bar keycap to find the reset button on the PCB.
  • Holding the reset key, switch the toggle to Cable mode. Release the reset key, and the keyboard will now enter DFU (Device Firmware Upgrade) mode.
  • Flash the firmware using QMK Toolbox.
  • Factory reset the keyboard again by pressing fn + J + Z (hold for 4 seconds).

Troubleshooting? Don't know what's going on with the keyboard? Step by step guide can be found on our website.

Keyboard 81 Pro SPECIFICATIONS

Model: PKKE221
Number of keys: 81
Switch type: Mechanical
Frequency range: 2402~2480MHz
Max. Output power: 0dBm (e.i.r.p)

Battery: 4000mAh
Bluetooth working time (RGB): Up to 100 hours (Lowest brightness)
Charging time: Around 5 hours
Charging port: USB Type-C
Mode: Bluetooth / Wired
Bluetooth operating distance: Within 10 meters (open space)
Name of Bluetooth device: Keyboard 81 Pro

Operating environment: -10 to 50°C (14 to 122°F)
Technical specifications can be subject to change without notice, we apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Keyboard 81 Pro OVERVIEW

Keyboard 81 Pro OVERVIEW

  1. Bluetooth indicator
  2. BT OFF Cable (Mode Toggle Switch)
  3. Win/Android Mac/iOS (OS Toggle Switch)
  4. Charging port

DEFAULT KEY LAYOUT

LAYER 0: This layer will be active when the keyboard system toggle is switched to Mac.
LAYER 0

LAYER 1: This layer will be active when the keyboard system toggle is switched to Mac, and after you press the fn/MO (1) key.
LAYER 1

LAYER 2: This layer will be active when the keyboard system toggle is switched to Windows.
LAYER 2

LWin = Left Windows • LAlt = Left Alt • RAlt = Right Alt • RCtl = Right Ctrl

LAYER 3: This layer will be active when the keyboard system toggle is switched to Windows, and after you press the fn/MO (3) key.
LAYER 3

KEY DESCRIPTION

Key Description
Scr- Screen Brightness Decrease
Scr+ Screen Brightness Increase
Bright- Backlight Decrease
Bright+ Backlight Increase
Prvs Previous
Play Play/Pause
Next Next
Mute Mute
Vol- Volume Decrease
Vol+ Volume Increase
RGB Toggle Turn Backlight on/off
RGBMd+ RGB Mode Next
RGBMd- RGB Mode Previous
Hue+ Hue Increase
Hue- Hue Decrease
RGB SPI RGB Speed Increase
RGB SPD RGB Speed Decrease
MO(1) Layer 1 will be activated when holding this key
MO(3) Layer 3 will be activated when holding this key MO(3)
BTH1 Bluetooth Host 1
BTH2 Bluetooth Host 2
BTH3 Bluetooth Host 3

LED STATUS OVERVIEW

LED Location Function Status
Battery indicator Charging Charging - Static Red
Fully charged - Static Green
Bluetooth indicator Bluetooth Pairing - Slow Blinking
Paired - Light Off
Reconnecting - Fast Blinking

FUNCTION DESCRIPTION

CHARGING

Connect the charging cable into a USB port and the keyboard port.
Charging indicator: A red light appears during charging; a full charge takes approximately 5 hours; the battery indicator will turn green.

*Please use a 5V 1A adapter or USB 3.0 for the best performance. The keyboard can be charged in Bluetooth on/off modes.
**When charging, this product supports up to 5V voltage and 1A current. We are not responsible for any issues caused by improper charging.

BLUETOOTH / WIRED MODE (MODE TOGGLE SWITCH)

WIRED MODE

  1. Switch toggle to Cable; the mode requires a USB cable to be plugged in.
  2. Connect the keyboard to your computer.
  3. The keyboard backlighting will be activated.

*During Cable mode, the keyboard will not enter Battery Saver mode.

BLUETOOTH MODE

  1. Switch toggle to Bluetooth.
  2. The keyboard backlighting will be activated.
  3. Hold fn + 1 for 4 seconds to turn on Bluetooth pairing; the Bluetooth indicator will flash for 3 minutes while it detects pairing.
  4. Search for the Bluetooth device named "Keyboard 81 Pro" on your device and connect to it; the Bluetooth indicator will change to indicate successful pairing.

Note: This keyboard supports pairing up to 3 devices simultaneously via key combinations: fn + 1 / fn + 2 / fn + 3.
*Slow or failed connections may occur due to different Bluetooth versions, please make sure all the settings are correct.

SWITCH BLUETOOTH DEVICES

To switch between Bluetooth devices, short-press the key combinations: fn + 1 / fn + 2 / fn + 3.

RECONNECT

  1. Switch toggle to Bluetooth.
  2. The Bluetooth indicator will flash for 4 seconds, automatically pairing with the last paired device.
  3. If pairing fails, press any button to begin the connection process again.

*The keyboard must have been previously paired with the device to reconnect.

TURN OFF THE KEYBOARD

Switch the keyboard to the OFF option.

OS TOGGLE SWITCH

MAC/iOS

Switch the toggle to Mac/iOS when the keyboard is connected to a Mac or iOS operating system.

WINDOWS/ANDROID

Switch the toggle to Windows/Android when the keyboard is connected to a Windows or Android operating system.

*When using the Windows/Android mode, keys are used for "Windows" and "Alt" functions.

INPUT METHOD SWITCH

For iOS:
Input method switch: Ctrl+Space
Caps Lock: Caps Enable in General > Keyboards > Hardware Keyboard > Caps Lock Language Switch

For Android:
Input method switch: Shift + Space

Note: Certain multimedia key functions may be disabled due to compatibility issues with versions, brands, and OS drivers. We also recommend that you do not frequently switch between different operating systems, as this may affect keyboard operation.

TROUBLESHOOTING

If pairing with the keyboard is unsuccessful, make sure the device is Bluetooth-capable. If it is, restart the device and try pairing again.

Note: On a Windows computer, a new Bluetooth connection sometimes requires an additional software update; this process may continue after a successful pairing message appears. Please wait at least 20 minutes after pairing to ensure that all updates are complete before restarting your computer.

Make sure your device is configured to accept Bluetooth connections (Windows) and supports an external keyboard (HID profile).

Go to Bluetooth Devices > Open Settings and select the following:
Allow Bluetooth devices to discover this computer
Allow Bluetooth devices to connect to this computer
Notify me when a Bluetooth device tries to connect

My Keyboard isn't working.

For the computer/smartphone:
Go to your Bluetooth settings > Select the keyboard and remove/delete/unpair it. Then restart your device.

For the keyboard:
Turn the keyboard off and back on. Then reconnect it to your device.

Bluetooth connection is interrupted even within 10-meter range.

If the keyboard is resting on a metal surface, this can sometimes interfere with the Bluetooth signal.

Third-party input tools are not compatible with the keyboard.

This may be due to compatibility issues with versions, brands, and OS drivers. Third-party input tools may be affected while using the keyboard. Please make sure your operating system and drivers are up to date.

Certain multimedia keys or function keys do not work.

This may be due to compatibility issues with versions, brands, and OS drivers.

* Multimedia keys:

* Function keys:

Safety & security information

Read all information before using the device to ensure safe and proper use.

  1. Please use the device within a temperature range of -10°C~+50°C and store the device and its accessories within a temperature range of -10°C~+50°C. Extremely high or low temperatures may cause malfunction of the device. The performance of battery may compromise when temperature is lower than 5°C.
  2. When charging, please keep the device in a well-ventilated area. Please charge this device in an environment between 5°C and 35°C. If the product has a flash charging function, it may not be able to enter the flash charging mode when the temperature is below 15°C or over 35°C.
  3. The adapter, as the disconnect device from the mains, shall be installed near the device and easily accessible.
  4. Use manufacturer-approved chargers, data cables, batteries and other accessories to prevent potential electric shock, fire, explosion or other hazards.
  5. Do not replace, disassemble, modify, mechanically crush or cut the battery, as it may cause battery leakage, overheating, explosion or fire.
  6. Do not place the device or battery directly in sunlight, near/inside sources of heat or in a low air pressure location, which may lead to an explosion or battery leakage.
  7. The battery can be charged and discharged hundreds of times at least, but it will eventually wear out.
  8. The battery must be recycled or disposed of separately from household waste. Mishandling the battery may cause fire or explosion.
  9. To prevent damage to your device's parts or internal circuits, do not use it in dusty, smoky, damp or dirty environments or near magnetic fields.
  10. If any part of the product is cracked or damaged, discontinue use immediately and contact support@keychron.com
  11. Power off your device in any area with a potentially explosive atmosphere, in blasting areas/near blasting caps and comply with all signs and instructions.
  12. Observe all safety instructions for any places, especially in hospital/health care facilities, service stations, schools, professional garages and in an aircraft.
  13. Do not use your device and adhere to all safety warnings/regulations regarding mobile device usage while driving.
  14. Persons with electronic implants (pacemakers, insulin pumps, neurostimulators, etc.) are recommended to place the mobile telephone 15 cm away from the implant or on the opposite side of the implant.
  15. Do not leave your device and its accessories within the reach of small children or allow them to play with it. They could hurt themselves or others, or may accidentally damage the device.
  16. Your device contains small parts with sharp edges that may cause an injury or which could become detached and create a choking hazard. Children and Minors should use the device under the supervision of a guardian to prevent swallowing.

Importer information

EU Importer
Reflection Investment B.V.
Hofplein 20, 3032AC Rotterdam, the Netherlands

UK Importer
UNUMPLUS LIMITED
7 Albert Buildings, 49 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4N 4SA, United Kingdom

Shenzhen Bipu Technology Co., Ltd.

Building 2, Floor 2, Wenkeng lndustrial Area, Dafa Road No.24, Bantian, Long Gang District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

Find us at:
https://www.facebook.com/keychron/
https://twitter.com/KeychronMK
https://www.instagram.com/keychron/

Documents / Resources

References

Download manual

Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

Download Keychron 81 Pro Keyboard Manual

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