Keychron K10 Pro QMK/VIA Custom Wireless Mechanical Keyboard User Manual

1. Introduction

The Keychron K10 Pro is a full-size 108-key wireless mechanical keyboard designed for enhanced typing and gaming experiences. It features QMK/VIA support for extensive customization, hot-swappable switches, and versatile connectivity options including Bluetooth and USB-C wired modes. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your K10 Pro keyboard.

Figure 1.1: Top-down view of the Keychron K10 Pro keyboard.

2. Package Contents

Please verify that all items are present in the package:

• Keychron K10 Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
• USB Type-C Cable
• Keycap Puller
• Switch Puller
• User Manual (this document)
• Additional Keycaps (for Mac/Windows layout customization)

3. Setup

3.1 Initial Connection and Charging

The Keychron K10 Pro supports both wireless (Bluetooth) and wired (USB-C) connections.

1. Connect the provided USB Type-C cable to the keyboard's USB-C port and the other end to your computer's USB port. This will charge the keyboard's internal 4000 mAh battery and enable wired mode.
2. For initial use, it is recommended to fully charge the keyboard. The charging indicator light will show the charging status.

3.2 Wireless (Bluetooth) Pairing

The K10 Pro can connect to up to three devices wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.1.

1. Locate the mode switch on the side of the keyboard and set it to "BT" (Bluetooth).
2. To enter pairing mode, press and hold the 'Fn' key along with '1', '2', or '3' for 4 seconds until the corresponding key (1, 2, or 3) flashes rapidly. This indicates the keyboard is ready for pairing.
3. On your device (laptop, phone, tablet), enable Bluetooth and search for "Keychron K10 Pro".
4. Select the keyboard from the list of available devices to complete the pairing process. The flashing light on the keyboard will become solid once connected.
5. Repeat for up to two additional devices using 'Fn' + '2' and 'Fn' + '3'.
6. To switch between paired devices, simply press 'Fn' + '1', 'Fn' + '2', or 'Fn' + '3' briefly.

Figure 3.1: The Keychron K10 Pro supports connecting to up to three devices simultaneously via Bluetooth.

Figure 3.2: Seamless multitasking across various devices is possible with the K10 Pro's multi-device Bluetooth connectivity.

3.3 Operating System Layout Switch

The K10 Pro features a switch to toggle between Mac and Windows layouts, ensuring full compatibility with both operating systems.

• Locate the OS switch on the side of the keyboard.
• Slide the switch to the appropriate position for your operating system (Mac or Windows).
• The keyboard will automatically adjust its key functions to match the selected OS layout.

Figure 3.3: Side view illustrating the Mac/Windows layout switch and USB-C port.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 QMK and VIA Customization

The Keychron K10 Pro supports QMK firmware and VIA software, allowing for extensive key remapping, macro creation, and custom key commands.

• To use VIA, connect the keyboard to your device via the USB-C cable.
• Download and install the VIA software from the official Keychron website.
• Launch VIA, and the software should automatically detect your K10 Pro.
• You can then drag and drop functions to remap any key, create complex macros, or assign shortcuts.
• Note: Key remapping must be performed in wired mode. Once remapped, the custom keymap will function in both wired and wireless modes.

Figure 4.1: The VIA software interface allows for intuitive key remapping and macro creation.

4.2 Hot-Swappable Switches

The K10 Pro features hot-swappable sockets, allowing you to change mechanical switches without soldering.

• The keyboard is compatible with most 3-pin and 5-pin MX mechanical switches (e.g., Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, Panda).
• To remove a switch, use the provided switch puller. Gently grip the switch from the top and bottom, then pull straight up.
• To install a new switch, align the pins of the new switch with the holes on the PCB. Press down firmly until the switch clicks into place. Ensure pins are straight to avoid bending.
• The PCB-mounted screw-in stabilizers for larger keys (Space Bar, Shift, Enter, Delete) are designed for enhanced stability and smoother performance.

Figure 4.2: View of the hot-swappable sockets with switches and keycaps removed.

Figure 4.3: Demonstrating the process of inserting a new mechanical switch.

Figure 4.4: Detail of the PCB-mounted screw-in stabilizer for improved key stability.

4.3 RGB Backlight Control

The K10 Pro features south-facing RGB LED backlighting with various effects.

• Use the dedicated lighting key (usually located near the top right of the keyboard) to cycle through different RGB lighting effects.
• Adjust brightness using 'Fn' + 'F5' (decrease) and 'Fn' + 'F6' (increase).
• Change lighting colors or modes using 'Fn' + other designated keys (refer to the keyboard's keycap legends for specific combinations).
• The south-facing LEDs are designed to provide better illumination from the typist's perspective.

Figure 4.5: Close-up view of the south-facing RGB lighting illuminating the switches.

4.4 Battery Management

The K10 Pro is equipped with a 4000 mAh battery, providing extended usage in wireless mode.

• A full charge can last up to 100 hours with the lowest backlight brightness setting.
• Connect the USB-C cable to charge the keyboard. The charging indicator will show the battery status.
• To conserve battery life, turn off the backlight when not needed or reduce its brightness.
• The keyboard will enter sleep mode after a period of inactivity to save power.

Figure 4.6: The 4000mAh battery provides long-lasting wireless performance.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Cleaning the Keyboard

Regular cleaning helps maintain the keyboard's appearance and functionality.

• Disconnect the keyboard from your computer before cleaning.
• Use a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water or a mild cleaning solution to wipe the keycaps and frame. Avoid excessive moisture.
• For deeper cleaning, use the provided keycap puller to remove keycaps. Use compressed air to clear debris from underneath the keycaps.
• Do not spray cleaning solutions directly onto the keyboard.

5.2 Keycap and Switch Replacement

The K10 Pro comes with durable double-shot PBT keycaps, known for their oil resistance and comfortable feel.

• Use the keycap puller to carefully remove keycaps by gripping them firmly and pulling straight up.
• When replacing keycaps, ensure they are aligned correctly with the switch stem before pressing down gently.
• Refer to Section 4.2 for detailed instructions on hot-swapping switches.

Figure 5.1: The durable double-shot PBT keycaps provide a comfortable and long-lasting typing surface.

Figure 5.2: Detail of the PBT keycap texture and profile.

6. Troubleshooting

7. Specifications

Figure 7.1: Exploded view showing the internal components and layers of the K10 Pro, including PBT keycaps, switches, frame, plate, sound-absorbing foam, and PCB.

8. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or further assistance, please visit the official Keychron website or contact their customer service.

• Official Website: www.keychron.com
• Customer Support: Refer to the contact section on the official website for email or live chat options.