1. Product Overview
The Keychron K2 Pro is an advanced 75% layout custom mechanical keyboard designed for versatility and performance. It features QMK/VIA programmability, hot-swappable switches, and dual wireless/wired connectivity, making it compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux operating systems.
Key Features:
- QMK & VIA Support: Customize key mappings and macro commands across multiple operating systems.
- Hot-swappable Switches: Easily change 3-pin and 5-pin MX style mechanical switches without soldering.
- Wireless & Wired Connectivity: Connect wirelessly via stable Broadcom Bluetooth 5.1 to up to 3 devices or use a reliable USB Type-C wired connection.
- OSA Profile Double-shot PBT Keycaps: Durable keycaps with excellent oil resistance and a comfortable spherical-angle feel.
- RGB Backlight: Over 22 types of south-facing RGB backlight settings for enhanced visibility and aesthetics.
- Aluminum Frame: Provides a sturdy and premium build quality.
Image 1.1: Keychron K2 Pro keyboard with K Pro Brown switches.
The Keychron K2 Pro features a compact 75% layout with durable PBT keycaps and hot-swappable switches, offering a premium typing experience.
2. What's in the Box
The Keychron K2 Pro package includes the following items:
- 1x Fully Assembled Keyboard (including PCB, Steel Plate, Sound Absorbing Foam, Silicone Bottom Pad)
- 1x USB Type-A to Type-C Cable
- 1x Switch Puller
- 1x Keycap Puller
- 1x Screwdriver
- Keycaps for both Windows and macOS
- Hot-swappable switches (Keychron K Pro Brown switches pre-installed)
- 4 Sets of Stabilizers (PCB Screw-In)
Image 2.1: Illustration of the Keychron K2 Pro keyboard and included accessories.
The package contains the fully assembled keyboard, a USB-C cable, and tools for customization, along with additional keycaps for different operating systems.
3. Setup
3.1 Initial Connection
- Power On: Locate the power switch on the side of the keyboard. Slide it to the "On" position.
- Select Connection Mode: Use the toggle switch next to the USB-C port to select your desired connection mode:
- Bluetooth (BT): For wireless connection.
- Cable: For wired USB-C connection.
- Select OS Mode: Use the OS toggle switch (Win/Android/Mac/iOS) to match your operating system. This ensures correct key mapping.
3.2 Wired Connection
- Connect the provided USB Type-A to Type-C cable to the keyboard's USB-C port.
- Connect the other end of the cable to a USB port on your computer.
- Ensure the connection mode switch is set to "Cable". The keyboard should be recognized automatically by your system.
3.3 Bluetooth Connection
- Ensure the connection mode switch is set to "BT".
- On your device (laptop, phone, tablet), enable Bluetooth and search for new devices.
- The keyboard should appear as "Keychron K2 Pro". Select it to pair.
- The K2 Pro supports connecting to up to 3 Bluetooth devices. To switch between paired devices, press Fn + 1, Fn + 2, or Fn + 3.
Video 3.1: Demonstrating the Keychron K2 Bluetooth Wireless Mechanical Keyboard.
This video illustrates the Bluetooth connectivity of the Keychron K2 series, showing how to pair and switch between multiple devices seamlessly.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Key Mapping and Macros (QMK/VIA)
The Keychron K2 Pro supports QMK/VIA for advanced customization of key mappings and macros. This allows you to personalize your keyboard layout to suit your workflow.
- Download VIA Software: Visit the official Keychron website to download the VIA software.
- Connect Keyboard: Connect your K2 Pro to your device via the USB-C cable.
- Customize: Use the VIA software interface to drag and drop keys, assign macros, and configure layers. Changes are applied in real-time.
Image 4.1: Screenshot of the QMK/VIA software interface for Keychron K2 Pro.
The VIA software provides a graphical interface to easily remap keys and create macros, enhancing the keyboard's functionality.
4.2 Backlight Control
The K2 Pro features a vibrant RGB backlight with various effects. You can control the backlight directly from the keyboard:
- Change Light Effect: Press Fn + Q to cycle through different RGB lighting effects.
- Adjust Brightness: Press Fn + W to increase brightness and Fn + S to decrease brightness.
- Turn On/Off Backlight: Press Fn + Tab to toggle the backlight on or off.
Image 4.2: The Keychron K2 Pro displaying its south-facing RGB backlight.
The south-facing RGB LEDs provide clear and vibrant illumination, visible from the typist's perspective.
5. Maintenance
5.1 Cleaning the Keyboard
- Keycaps: Use a keycap puller to carefully remove keycaps. Clean them with a mild soap solution and a soft cloth, then air dry completely before reattaching.
- Switches: Use compressed air to remove dust and debris from around the switches. For deeper cleaning, remove the switches using a switch puller and clean the PCB area.
- Case: Wipe the aluminum frame with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals.
5.2 Hot-swapping Switches
The K2 Pro's hot-swappable sockets allow for easy switch replacement without soldering.
- Remove Keycap: Use the keycap puller to gently remove the desired keycap.
- Remove Switch: Use the switch puller to carefully grip the switch and pull it straight up.
- Insert New Switch: Align the pins of the new 3-pin or 5-pin MX style mechanical switch with the holes on the PCB. Press down gently until the switch clicks into place. Ensure pins are not bent.
- Replace Keycap: Place the keycap onto the new switch stem and press down firmly.
Image 5.1: Close-up view of hot-swappable switches on the Keychron K2 Pro.
The hot-swappable design allows users to easily customize their typing feel by changing switches without complex soldering.
6. Troubleshooting
6.1 Connectivity Issues
- Keyboard Not Connecting (Bluetooth):
- Ensure the keyboard is in "BT" mode and the correct OS is selected.
- Check if the keyboard battery is charged.
- Forget the device on your computer's Bluetooth settings and re-pair.
- Try connecting to a different Bluetooth slot (Fn + 1/2/3).
- Keyboard Not Connecting (Wired):
- Ensure the keyboard is in "Cable" mode and the correct OS is selected.
- Try a different USB-C cable or USB port on your computer.
6.2 Key Not Responding
- Check Switch: If a specific key is not responding, it might be a faulty switch. Use the switch puller to remove the switch and test it. Replace if necessary.
- Check Keycap: Ensure the keycap is properly seated on the switch stem.
6.3 Backlight Issues
- Backlight Not Working:
- Ensure the backlight is turned on (Fn + Tab).
- Adjust brightness (Fn + W/S).
- Check for firmware updates via the Keychron Launcher.
6.4 Factory Reset
If you encounter persistent issues, a factory reset may resolve them. This will revert all settings to their default values.
- To perform a factory reset, press and hold Fn + J + Z for 6 seconds.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Keychron |
| Model Number | Keychron K2P-J3 |
| Layout | 75% Compact Mechanical |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1 (Wireless) / USB-C (Wired) |
| Switches | Hot-swappable Keychron K Pro Brown (pre-installed) |
| Keycaps | OSA Profile Double-shot PBT |
| Backlight | RGB (South-facing LEDs) |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Battery | 1 Lithium Polymer (included) |
| Item Weight | 2.9 pounds |
| Package Dimensions | 15.35 x 6.42 x 2.13 inches |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop, Tablet (Mac, Windows, Linux) |
8. Warranty and Support
Keychron products are designed for quality and durability. For specific warranty details and support, please refer to the official Keychron website or contact their customer service.
- Online Resources: Visit the Keychron Official Website for FAQs, firmware updates, and community forums.
- Customer Service: For technical assistance or warranty claims, please contact Keychron support directly through their website.
