1. Product Overview
The Machenike K500-B61 is a compact 60% form factor wired mechanical gaming keyboard. It features dynamic RGB backlighting, hot-swappable keyswitches, and durable PBT+ABS doubleshot keycaps. Designed for a streamlined gaming setup, it offers a perfect balance of form and function.
Image: Machenike K500-B61 Mini Mechanical Keyboard with RGB backlighting.
Video: Product showcase highlighting RGB lighting, plug-and-play functionality, detachable Type-C cable, built-in stand, double shot keycaps, compact layout, hot-swappable switches, and full key rollover.
2. Setup Instructions
System Requirements
- Operating System: Windows XP / 7 / 8 / 10 / 11
- No additional software or drivers are required for basic functionality.
Installation
- Connect the provided USB Type-C cable to the keyboard's port.
- Connect the other end of the USB cable to an available USB port on your computer.
- The keyboard is plug-and-play; no software installation is needed.
- The keyboard features a built-in stand for ergonomic adjustment.
Image: The compact 60% form factor of the K500-B61, illustrating its two function layers for extended functionality.
3. Operating Instructions
FN Composite Key Functions
The K500-B61 utilizes FN (Function) key combinations to access secondary functions due to its compact 60% layout. The secondary functions are often printed on the keycaps.
| Combination | Function |
|---|---|
| FN + 1! | F1 |
| FN + 2@ | F2 |
| FN + 3# | F3 |
| FN + 4$ | F4 |
| FN + 5% | F5 |
| FN + 6^ | F6 |
| FN + 7& | F7 |
| FN + 8* | F8 |
| FN + 9( | F9 |
| FN + 0) | F10 |
| FN + - | F11 |
| FN + =+ | F12 |
| FN + [{ | Insert |
| FN + ]} | Delete |
| FN + ;: | Home |
| FN + '" | End |
| FN + .> | Page Up |
| FN + /? | Page Down |
| FN + Esc | ~ (Tilde) |
| FN + W | Up Arrow Key ↑ |
| FN + A | Left Arrow Key ← |
| FN + S | Down Arrow Key ↓ |
| FN + D | Right Arrow Key → |
Lighting Mode Control
The keyboard features dynamic RGB backlighting with 20 pre-set lighting modes and a full 16.8 million color spectrum. Driver support allows for further customization.
- FN + Alt_R: Switch between different light effects.
- FN + M: Adjust the brightness of the light effect.
- FN + <: Adjust the speed of the light effect.
- FN + Space: Display the color canvas. Press any key to choose the desired color (applicable to specified lighting effects).
Image: The K500-B61 showcasing its dynamic RGB backlighting with multiple color options and effects.
Special Functions
- WIN Key Lock Function: Press FN + Win to lock the Windows key and the App key. Press again to restore their functionality.
- Factory Reset: Long press FN + Esc for three seconds to restore the keyboard to factory settings and clear recorded lighting effects to restore the default lighting effect.
4. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your keyboard, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Cleaning Keycaps: Use a keycap puller (included in the package) to carefully remove keycaps. Clean them with a soft cloth and mild soap solution if necessary. Ensure they are completely dry before reattaching.
- Cleaning Switches: With keycaps removed, use compressed air to clear dust and debris from around the switches. Avoid spraying liquids directly into the switches.
- Cable Care: The detachable USB-C cable should be handled with care. Avoid sharp bends or excessive pulling to prevent damage.
- Storage: When not in use, store the keyboard in a clean, dry environment away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Image: Illustration of hot-swappable keyswitches, detailing Red Switch (45g actuation force, 2.4mm actuation distance, 4.4mm travel distance) and Brown Switch (60g actuation force, 2.0mm actuation distance, 4.4mm travel distance).
5. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Machenike K500-B61 keyboard, please refer to the following common solutions:
- Keyboard Not Responding: Ensure the USB-C cable is securely connected to both the keyboard and your computer. Try a different USB port or cable.
- Keys Not Registering / Ghosting: The keyboard features 100% Anti-ghosting and N-Key Rollover, meaning all key presses should register accurately. If a specific key is not working, it might be a faulty switch. Since the switches are hot-swappable, you can replace individual switches using the included key-switch puller and spare switches.
- RGB Lighting Issues: Use the FN key combinations (FN + Alt_R, FN + M, FN + <, FN + Space) to cycle through lighting modes, adjust brightness, and change colors. If lighting is completely off, ensure it hasn't been turned off via a key combination.
- Windows Key / App Key Locked: If the Windows key or App key is unresponsive, press FN + Win to toggle their lock status.
- Unexpected Behavior / Settings Reset: Perform a factory reset by long-pressing FN + Esc for three seconds. This will revert all settings to default.
- Compatibility: The keyboard is designed for Windows PCs. While it may work with some consoles (Xbox, PS4/PS5), full functionality or specific features might not be supported.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | MACHENIKE |
| Model | K500-B61 |
| Connectivity | Wired (USB-C) |
| Keys Amount | 61 KEY |
| Keyboard Standard | Mini Keyboard (60% Form Factor) |
| Anti-Ghosting | 100% Anti-ghosting & N-Key Rollover |
| Operation Style | Mechanical |
| Switches Hot Swap | Yes (3-pin compatible) |
| Axis Body Brand | HUANO |
| Backlight Type | MULTICOLOR (Dynamic RGB, 20 pre-sets, 16.8M colors) |
| Keycap Material | PBT plastic (Doubleshot PBT+ABS Keycaps) |
| Keycap Printing | Doubleshot (with printed secondary functions) |
| Dimensions | 293.8mm x 103.3mm x 34.5mm |
| Weight | 410g ± 10g |
| Wire Length | Approx. 1.6m |
| Wrist Support | No |
| Language | English |
| Application | Desktop, Laptop |
| Certification | None |
Switch Specifications
| Switch Type | Actuation Force | Actuation Distance | Travel Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Switch | 45g | 2.4mm | 4.4mm |
| Brown Switch | 60g | 2.0mm | 4.4mm |
Image: Available color profiles: Dark Blue Based for Blue/Brown Switches and White Based for Red Switches.
7. Warranty and Support
For detailed warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Machenike website or contact your retailer. A comprehensive user manual in PDF format is available for download:
The package includes:
- Keyboard x 1
- User manual x 1
- USB cable x 1
- Replacement switch x 2
- Key-switch puller x 1
- Keycap puller x 1
8. User Tips
Based on common user inquiries and experiences, here are some helpful tips for your K500-B61 keyboard:
- Switch Choice:
- Red Switches: Generally preferred for typing due to their linear feel and relatively quieter operation.
- Blue Switches: Often favored by gamers for their tactile bump and audible click, though they are typically louder.
- Brown Switches: Offer a balanced experience with a tactile bump but no click, making them a good middle-ground for both typing and gaming.
- Hot-Swappable Switches: Take advantage of the hot-swappable feature to customize your typing experience. You can easily swap out 3-pin switches to try different types or replace faulty ones without soldering.
- RGB Customization: Experiment with the FN key combinations to find your preferred lighting effects, brightness, and colors. The keyboard supports a wide range of dynamic RGB options.
- Wired Connection: Remember that the K500-B61 is a wired-only keyboard, connecting via a detachable USB-C cable. It does not support Bluetooth or wireless connectivity.
- Console Compatibility: While many users report success with Xbox and PlayStation consoles, ensure your console supports external USB keyboards for gaming or navigation.
