Keychron K6 Pro Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard User Manual

Introduction

The Keychron K6 Pro is an advanced wireless mechanical keyboard designed for enhanced typing experience and versatility. Featuring QMK/VIA programmability, hot-swappable switches, and a compact 65% layout, it offers extensive customization and compatibility across multiple operating systems. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your K6 Pro keyboard.

Key Features

• QMK/VIA Programmability: Easily customize key functions, macros, and lighting effects using the QMK firmware and VIA software.
• Hot-Swappable Switches: Change mechanical switches without soldering, allowing for personalized typing feel. Compatible with most 3-pin and 5-pin MX mechanical switches.
• Dual Connectivity: Seamlessly switch between Bluetooth 5.1 wireless mode (connects up to 3 devices) and USB-C wired mode.
• Multi-OS Compatibility: Fully compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux operating systems.
• Enhanced Typing Experience: Features PCB-mounted screw-in stabilizers, sound-absorbing foam, and a silicone dampening bottom pad for improved acoustics and stability.
• Durable Construction: Built with a robust structure and double-shot PBT keycaps for longevity.

What's in the Box

This image displays the complete contents of the Keychron K6 Pro package, including the keyboard, USB cable, and various tools for customization and maintenance.

• 1x Fully Assembled Keyboard (including PCB, Steel Plate, Sound Absorbing Foam, Silicone Bottom Pad, Stabilizers, Keycaps, and Switches)
• 1x Type-A to Type-C Cable
• 1x Keycap Puller
• 1x Switch Puller
• 1x Hex Key
• 1x Screwdriver (located at the bottom of the box)
• Additional Mac and Windows Keycaps

Note: All tools are securely placed at the bottom of the box.

Setup

1. Initial Charging

Before first use, it is recommended to fully charge the keyboard. Connect the provided USB Type-C cable to the keyboard's USB-C port and the other end to a power source (e.g., computer USB port or USB wall adapter). The charging indicator light will show the charging status.

2. Operating System Switch

This image illustrates the physical switch located on the side of the Keychron K6 Pro keyboard, allowing users to toggle between Windows and macOS compatibility modes. Ensure the switch is set to your operating system for correct key mapping.

Locate the OS switch on the side of the keyboard. Slide the switch to the appropriate position for your operating system (macOS or Windows/Linux). This ensures correct key mapping for system-specific functions.

3. Connectivity Modes

The Keychron K6 Pro supports both wireless Bluetooth 5.1 and wired USB-C connections.

Bluetooth Connection

This image demonstrates the Keychron K6 Pro's ability to connect wirelessly to up to three different devices, such as a smartphone, tablet, and laptop, via Bluetooth 5.1, enabling seamless multitasking.

1. Toggle the keyboard mode switch to "BT" (Bluetooth).
2. Press and hold fn1 + Q (for Device 1), fn1 + W (for Device 2), or fn1 + E (for Device 3) for 3 seconds until the selected key flashes rapidly. This indicates the keyboard is in pairing mode.
3. On your device (computer, tablet, or smartphone), enable Bluetooth and search for "Keychron K6 Pro".
4. Select the keyboard to pair. Once connected, the key will stop flashing.
5. To switch between paired devices, simply press fn1 + Q, fn1 + W, or fn1 + E once.

Wired Connection

Connect the provided USB Type-C cable from the keyboard to your computer's USB port. Toggle the keyboard mode switch to "Cable". The keyboard will automatically be recognized by your system.

Operating Instructions

1. Key Combinations and Functions

This image presents a comprehensive table of key combinations for the Keychron K6 Pro, utilizing the 'fn1' and 'fn2' modifier keys to access a wide range of functions including multimedia controls, backlight adjustments, and system-specific commands.

The Keychron K6 Pro features a compact layout, utilizing function (Fn) keys to access secondary commands. Refer to the table below for common key combinations:

(Refer to the image above for a detailed list of Fn1 and Fn2 key combinations and their corresponding functions.)

2. QMK/VIA Customization

This image displays the QMK/VIA software interface, which allows users to effortlessly remap any key, create custom macros, and configure lighting settings for the Keychron K6 Pro keyboard. Customization is performed in wired mode, and the changes apply to both wired and wireless modes.

The K6 Pro is fully QMK/VIA compatible, allowing for advanced customization of keymaps, macros, and lighting. To use VIA:

1. Ensure the keyboard is connected via USB-C cable. Key remapping can only be done in wired mode.
2. Download the VIA software from the official Keychron website or use the web-based VIA configurator.
3. Open VIA. The software should automatically detect your K6 Pro.
4. Drag and drop desired functions, macros, or key assignments to remap any key. Changes are applied in real-time.

3. Backlight Control

• Press fn1 + Light Effect Key (usually the light bulb icon key) to cycle through different backlight effects.
• Press fn2 + Right Arrow to change the backlight color.
• Press fn2 + Left Arrow to change the backlight color.
• Press fn2 + Light Effect Key to turn the backlight on/off.

Maintenance

1. Hot-Swappable Switches

This image provides a close-up view of the Keychron K6 Pro's hot-swappable design, with keycaps and switches removed to reveal the sockets. It demonstrates the ease with which users can change switches without soldering, accommodating both 3-pin and 5-pin MX mechanical switches.

The K6 Pro features hot-swappable switch sockets, allowing you to change switches without soldering. This is useful for customizing your typing feel or replacing faulty switches.

1. Use the provided keycap puller to gently remove the keycap from the switch.
2. Use the provided switch puller to carefully grip the switch from its top and bottom clips. Pull straight up to remove the switch from the PCB.
3. Align the pins of the new switch with the holes on the PCB. Ensure the pins are straight to avoid bending.
4. Gently push the new switch into place until it clicks securely.
5. Re-attach the keycap.

Note: Be careful not to bend the switch pins during installation. If a pin bends, gently straighten it with tweezers before re-inserting.

2. Cleaning

• Regularly dust the keyboard with compressed air to remove debris between keycaps.
• For deeper cleaning, remove keycaps using the keycap puller and wipe the keyboard plate with a soft, damp cloth. Ensure the keyboard is powered off and disconnected before cleaning.
• Keycaps can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Ensure they are completely dry before re-attaching.

3. Disassembly and Assembly

This exploded view diagram illustrates the internal components of the Keychron K6 Pro, including the PBT keycaps, switches, sound absorbing foam, steel plate, silicone bottom pad, PCB, and bottom case. It highlights the modular design for easy disassembly and assembly, facilitating customization and maintenance.

The K6 Pro is designed for easy disassembly to allow for modifications such as changing the plate or adding internal dampening. Refer to the exploded view diagram for component layers. Use the provided screwdriver and hex key for accessing internal components. Exercise caution to avoid damaging internal parts or cables.

Troubleshooting

• Keyboard not responding:
  • Ensure the keyboard is charged.
  • Check the mode switch (Bluetooth/Cable) is set correctly.
  • For Bluetooth, ensure it's paired and selected on your device. Try re-pairing.
  • For wired, try a different USB port or cable.
• Keys not registering or double-typing:
  • This could indicate a faulty switch. Use the switch puller to remove the problematic switch and replace it with a new one.
  • Ensure the switch is fully seated in the socket.
• Backlight not working:
  • Ensure the backlight is turned on using fn2 + Light Effect Key.
  • Check if the keyboard battery is low.
• Bluetooth connection issues:
  • Ensure the keyboard is within range of your device.
  • Remove the keyboard from your device's Bluetooth list and re-pair.
  • Try resetting the keyboard (refer to official Keychron support for specific reset procedures if needed).

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Keychron products typically come with a limited warranty. Please refer to the official Keychron website or your purchase documentation for specific warranty terms and conditions.

For further assistance, detailed user guides, firmware updates, and troubleshooting tips, please visit the official Keychron support page or refer to the provided PDF manuals:

• User Guide (PDF)
• User Manual (PDF)
• Visit the Keychron Store on Amazon

You can also find more information and community support on the Keychron official website.