ZUOYA LMK21 Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard Kit

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the ZUOYA LMK21 mechanical numpad keyboard. This manual provides detailed instructions on the functions, operation, and customization of your new keyboard kit. Designed for versatility, the LMK21 features triple-mode connectivity (Wired, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.4G wireless), a gasket-mounted compact layout, hot-swappable switches, and VIA programmability, making it suitable for various applications including e-sports, Mac, and Windows environments.

Image: ZUOYA LMK21 Numpad and Keyboard in a modern setup.

Package Contents

Please check the box for the following items:

• ZUOYA LMK21 Mechanical Numpad Keyboard Kit
• USB Type-C Braided Cable (1.6m)
• 2.4G Wireless Receiver
• Switch Puller
• Keycap Puller
• Hex Wrench (for assembly/disassembly)
• User Manual (this document)

Image: Contents of the ZUOYA LMK21 keyboard kit package.

Specifications

Image: Diagram showing the dimensions of the ZUOYA LMK21 numpad.

Image: Exploded view diagram illustrating the internal structure of the ZUOYA LMK21, including aluminum alloy top cover, positioning plate, Poron cotton, tape switch bottom pad, circuit board, and aluminum alloy lower cover.

Setup Instructions

Triple Mode Connection

The ZUOYA LMK21 supports three connection methods: USB Wired, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.4G Wireless. A three-position toggle switch located on the top left of the keyboard controls the mode.

Image: ZUOYA LMK21 numpad showing the three-mode connection switch and USB-C port.

1. Wired Mode

1. Toggle the three-position switch on the top left of the keyboard to the middle (USB) position.
2. Connect the USB Type-C cable to the keyboard and then to your computer.
3. The keyboard backlight will illuminate with the default RGB effect, indicating a successful connection.

2. Bluetooth Pairing Instructions

The ZUOYA LMK21 numpad can connect to up to 3 Bluetooth devices simultaneously.

1. Toggle the mode switch to the left (Bluetooth) position.
2. Long press FN + 1, FN + 2, or FN + 3 for 3-5 seconds to enter pairing mode. The corresponding 1, 2, or 3 key will flash blue rapidly, indicating it's ready to connect.
3. On your device (computer, tablet, etc.), open Bluetooth settings and scan for available devices.
4. Select the device name corresponding to the key you pressed: "ZUOYA LMK21-1", "ZUOYA LMK21-2", or "ZUOYA LMK21-3".
5. Once connected, the 1, 2, or 3 key will stop flashing and remain lit, indicating successful pairing.
6. To switch between paired Bluetooth devices, short press FN + 1, FN + 2, or FN + 3.

Note: The Bluetooth connection has memory. If the keyboard is powered off and then on again, it will automatically reconnect to the last used Bluetooth device.

3. 2.4Ghz Wireless Connection

1. Toggle the mode switch to the right (2.4Ghz) position. The '4' key will flash green.
2. Plug the 2.4G wireless receiver into a USB port on your device.
3. The '4' key LED will stop flashing, and the keyboard backlight will illuminate, indicating a successful 2.4G connection.

2.4Ghz Re-pairing Instruction

The keyboard's 2.4Ghz mode is pre-paired by default. If re-pairing is necessary:

1. Long press FN + 4 to enter 2.4G pairing mode. The '4' key will flash green rapidly.
2. Insert the 2.4G dongle into a USB port.
3. After successful connection, the '4' key will stop blinking.

Operating Instructions

Default Hot Keys

Hold the FN key and press the listed keys to activate the corresponding functions:

LED Backlight Control

• FN + +: Increase LED backlight brightness
• FN + -: Decrease LED backlight brightness
• FN + /: Decrease LED backlight hue
• FN + *: Increase LED backlight hue
• FN + ENTER: Toggle LED backlight mode
• FN + 7: Decrease LED backlight speed
• FN + 8: Increase LED backlight speed
• FN + 6: Decrease LED backlight saturation
• FN + 5: Increase LED backlight saturation
• FN + Backspace: Turn off/on the backlight for the number key zone

System & Reset Keys

• FN + 9: Switch to Windows system mode
• FN + .: Switch to Mac system mode
• FN + 0 (long press for 3 seconds): Reset the keyboard to factory settings

Auto Sleep Mode

• Backlight Off: After 5 minutes of no keypress, the backlight will turn off to conserve battery. Press any key to reactivate the backlight.
• Deep Sleep (Bluetooth Mode): After 30 minutes of no keypress in Bluetooth mode, the keyboard enters deep sleep, and the Bluetooth connection will disconnect. Press any key to exit deep sleep, and the RGB lights will turn on, automatically reconnecting to the last paired Bluetooth device.

Custom Configuration with VIA Software

The ZUOYA LMK21 supports key remapping and customization via VIA firmware in both wired and 2.4G modes.

Note: Ensure your keyboard is properly connected to your computer device before proceeding.

VIA Installation Steps

1. Download VIA Software: Visit https://github.com/WestBerryVIA/via-releases/releases to download the latest VIA application compatible with your computer's operating system.
2. Download JSON Files: Obtain the specific JSON files for your keyboard from the distributor's website or https://www.mediafire.com/folder/6qd8w51cpohgd/json. You will need ZUOYA LMK21-USB.JSON for wired mode and ZUOYA LMK21-2.4G.JSON for 2.4G wireless mode.
3. Load JSON File in VIA:
   • Open the VIA software.
   • Enable "Use V2 definitions (deprecated)" within the software.
   • Click "Load" and import the appropriate JSON file (ZUOYA LMK21-USB.JSON for wired connection, ZUOYA LMK21-2.4G.JSON for 2.4G wireless connection).
4. Verify Connection: Once the JSON file is loaded and the keyboard is connected, the VIA software should successfully recognize your keyboard, indicating that installation is complete and connection is successful.

Image: Screenshot of the VIA software interface showing key remapping options for the ZUOYA LMK21.

Key Remapping and Advanced Settings

In the VIA software, you can remap keys by selecting a key on the top half of the interface and then selecting the desired function from the bottom half. The keyboard's memory is persistent, meaning settings are saved directly to the keyboard.

Macro Setting

Since the LMK21 does not have physical multimedia keys, you can use VIA to map multimedia functions to any key you desire, enabling quick access to media controls.

Special Keys Setting

Remap special keys to any desired key for quick operation of specific functions.

LED Light Customization

VIA software offers various RGB lighting effects. You can customize brightness, speed, and color, and even remap keys to control your personalized lighting effects.

Layers (0-3)

The ZUOYA LMK21 is configured with 4 layers (0 to 3) by default, allowing each key to have multiple functions. This is particularly useful for compact keyboards to expand functionality.

• Layer 0 (Windows): Activated when the keyboard is connected to a Windows system device.
• Layer 0 (Mac): Activated when the keyboard is connected to a Mac system device.
• Layer 1: Activated by holding the Fn1(3) key when connected to either Windows or Mac.
• Layer 2: Activated by holding a key mapped to MO(2) in VIA (after saving) when connected to either Windows or Mac.
• Layer 3: Activated by holding a key mapped to MO(3) in VIA (after saving) when connected to either Windows or Mac.

Key Descriptions for VIA

Maintenance

Battery Charging

• When the keyboard battery is low (voltage less than 3.5V), the FN key will blink red repeatedly.
• During charging, the FN key will display a solid red light.
• Once fully charged, the FN key's red light will turn off and revert to the current backlight effect.

Cleaning

To clean your keyboard, gently wipe the surface with a soft, dry cloth. For deeper cleaning, you may carefully remove keycaps and use compressed air to clear debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive moisture.

Switch Replacement

The LMK21 features hot-swappable switches. To replace a switch:

1. Use the provided keycap puller to remove the keycap from the desired switch.
2. Use the provided switch puller to carefully grip and pull the switch straight up from the PCB.
3. Align the pins of the new 3-pin or 5-pin switch with the sockets on the PCB.
4. Gently push the new switch down until it clicks into place. Ensure the pins are not bent.
5. Replace the keycap.

Image: Close-up view of the ZUOYA LMK21 keyboard kit showing hot-swappable switch sockets.

Troubleshooting

• Keyboard not connecting in Wired Mode: Ensure the mode switch is in the middle (USB) position and the USB-C cable is securely connected to both the keyboard and your computer. Try a different USB port or cable.
• Bluetooth pairing fails: Make sure the keyboard is in Bluetooth pairing mode (FN + 1/2/3 flashing blue). Ensure your device's Bluetooth is on and visible. Try forgetting previous pairings on your device and re-attempting.
• 2.4G Wireless not connecting: Ensure the mode switch is in the right (2.4G) position and the receiver is securely plugged into a USB port. If issues persist, try the 2.4G re-pairing instruction (long press FN + 4).
• Backlight not working or inconsistent: Check backlight control hotkeys (FN + +, -, /, *, ENTER, 5, 6, 7, 8, Backspace). If a specific key's RGB is inconsistent, it might indicate a faulty switch or LED.
• VIA software does not recognize the keyboard: Ensure the keyboard is connected via USB and the correct JSON file for wired mode is loaded. If the issue persists, ensure you have enabled "Use V2 definitions (deprecated)" in VIA. If problems continue, please contact customer support.
• Keys not registering after switch installation: When installing new switches, ensure the pins are straight and fully inserted into the hot-swap sockets. Before fully pressing a switch in, you can gently place it and test if it works by letting the pins contact the seat pin. If it works, then fully insert the switch.

User Tips

• Hot-Swap Testing: When receiving the product, before fully installing switches, place each switch gently into its socket to ensure contact and test functionality. This helps identify any non-working sockets or switches before full assembly.
• Backlight Customization: Take advantage of the multicolor RGB backlight and VIA software to create personalized lighting effects that match your setup or mood.
• VIA for Multimedia: Utilize VIA's macro capabilities to assign multimedia controls to keys, enhancing convenience for media playback.
• Layer Management: For advanced users, effectively using the keyboard's multiple layers via VIA can significantly expand the functionality of this compact numpad.

Warranty and Support

For technical support, warranty claims, or further assistance, please refer to the official ZUOYA website or contact your retailer. A detailed user manual in PDF format is also available for download:

View User Manual (PDF)

Driver and JSON files for VIA customization can be found at: www.zuoya.top and https://www.mediafire.com/folder/6qd8w51cpohgd/json.