TECWARE SPECTRE 96
Gasket Mounted Mechanical Keyboard
Quick Start Guide
Specifications
| Layout | Standard US ANSI Keyboard Layout (96-Key 96%) |
| Keycaps | Double-Shot PBT Keycaps (Non-Shinethrough) |
| Material | PC Plate + Plastic Case |
| Switch | Hot-swappable Switch Sockets |
| Switch Type | Brown/Red Tecware Pre-lubed Switches |
| Switch Lifespan | 50 million Keystrokes |
| Connectivity | Wireless 2.4GHz / Bluetooth 5.0 / Wired |
| Polling Rate | 1000Hz (Default) |
| Working Voltage | 5.0±0.25V |
| Working Current | 350mA |
| Battery | 4000mAh (Up to 400 hours Continuous Usage) |
| LEDs | South-facing SMD LEDs |
| Cable Length | 1.8m Detachable USB-C Braided Cable |
| Dimensions | L382 x W145 x H38mm |
| Weight | 980g |
Keyboard Layout
Diagram showing the layout of the TECWARE SPECTRE 96 keyboard. Numbered callouts indicate:
- 1: Type-C Port
- 2: USB, 2.4G, BT Connectivity Switch
- 3: TFT Display
- 4: Knob Function
The keyboard features a standard QWERTY layout with a full number pad, function row (F1-F12), navigation keys, and modifier keys. Specific keys like Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock are indicated.
Multimedia Function Keys
The following functions are accessed using the 'Fn' key in combination with other keys:
- Fn + F1: Screen Brightness Decrease
- Fn + F2: Screen Brightness Increase
- Fn + F3: Windows Task View
- Fn + F4: Open File Explorer
- Fn + F5: LED Brightness Decrease
- Fn + F6: LED Brightness Increase
- Fn + F7: Reverse [Lighting effect reversal]
- Fn + F8: Play / Pause
- Fn + F9: Forward
- Fn + F10: Volume Mute
- Fn + F11: Volume Decrease
- Fn + F12: Volume Increase
- Fn + Esc: Restore Factory Settings
- Fn + [Win Key]: Windows Lock
Connectivity Modes
The keyboard supports three connectivity modes:
- Wired Mode: Connect the keyboard using the included USB-C cable.
- 2.4 GHz Mode: Move the switch to the '2.4 GHz Mode' position and plug the USB dongle into a device. The keyboard should pair automatically.
- Bluetooth Mode: Move the switch to the 'BT Mode' position. Press 'Fn' + (1, 2, or 3) to switch between paired Bluetooth devices. Press and hold 'Fn' + (1, 2, or 3) to initiate pairing. The TFT display will show connection status.
Pairing Instructions:
Wired Mode: Move switch to 'Wired Mode', connect USB cable.
Wireless Mode (2.4 GHz): Move switch to '2.4 GHz Mode', insert dongle.
Wireless Mode (BT): Move switch to 'BT Mode'. Use Fn + 1/2/3 to switch or pair devices.
LCD Functions
The keyboard features a TFT display with various functions:
LCD Icons:
- 1. System: Indicates operating system (Windows Default, Mac, Windows). Displayed as 'WIN', 'Mac', 'WIN'.
- 2. Connections: Shows Bluetooth connection status (BT1, BT2, BT3).
- 3. Windows Lock: Indicates if the Windows key is locked. Displayed as a lock icon.
- 4. Caps Lock: Indicates Caps Lock status. Displayed as 'A'.
- 5. Number Lock: Indicates Number Lock status. Displayed as '1'.
Battery:
- 6. Battery Level: Shows remaining battery percentage (e.g., 100%).
- 7. Charging: Indicates charging status with a lightning bolt icon ⚡.
The main display shows the time (e.g., 12:00:00) and can cycle through these icons and statuses.
Knob Functions
The rotary knob offers dual-mode operation for LCD or Volume control.
Dual-mode Operation: Press 'Fn' + Knob to swap between LCD and Volume modes.
LCD Mode:
- Rotate Left/Right: Navigate the LCD Menu.
- Press Down: Confirm selection.
Volume Mode:
- Rotate: Control system volume.
- Press Down: Mute / Unmute volume.
CPU/GPU Usage & Temperature Display:
To activate this feature, open the keyboard software. The display will show CPU and GPU temperatures (e.g., 38% CPU, 58% GPU). The software must be running in the background for this to work. It can be minimized to the system tray.
Lighting Modes
The keyboard supports various customizable RGB lighting effects:
- Effect 1: Horizontal Wave
- Effect 2: Whirlpool
- Effect 3: Reactive Horizontal
- Effect 4: Reactive Wave
- Effect 5: Ripple
- Effect 6: Highway
- Effect 7: Sine Wave
- Effect 8: Diagonal Wave
- Effect 9: Bidirectional Wave
- Effect 10: Static
- Effect 11: Reactive
- Effect 12: Fading
- Effect 13: Sparkle
- Effect 14: Raindrop
- Effect 15: Glitter
- Effect 16: Breathing
- Effect 17: Spectrum
- Effect 18: Burst
- Effect 19: Vertical Wave
Software Guide
My Exclusive Config
Create and edit custom key profiles.
- Selecting the Profile to edit: Click on a profile to edit. Profiles can also be Added, Deleted, Renamed, Imported, or Exported.
- Selecting the Layer to edit (Left-click):
- Option 1: Top Layer (The base layer of the keyboard).
- Option 2: FN Layer (Keys registered via Fn + Key combination).
- Changing the Functions of individual keys:
- Simple key register: Left-click a key on the keyboard image, then click the desired function key.
- Right-click for more options: Access options like Default key, Disable key, or Custom Function.
- Fn Layer Options (Left-click):
- Option 1: FN Normal (Default) - Fn Layer keys require Fn + Key press.
- Option 2: FN Toggle - Press Fn once to enter FN mode, press again to return to normal.
Note: Keys 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the number row are reserved for Bluetooth device switching and cannot be edited for Fn Layer functions.
Macros
Create and edit custom macros.
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| New | Create a new macro |
| Delete | Delete selected macro |
| Copy | Duplicate selected macro |
| Import | Import a macro |
| Export | Export selected macro |
| Rename | Rename selected macro |
| Keyboard Input | Select to insert keyboard input. Type key in the textbox and press 'insert'. |
| Mouse Input | Select to insert mouse input. Select mouse button from dropdown and click 'insert'. |
| Repeat Count | Indicate how many times the macro repeats. |
| Start Recording | Press to start recording macro. Press again to stop. Records keyboard functions only. |
| Action Record List | Fine-tune macros by shifting or deleting inputs. Select input, then press corresponding buttons (Delete, Shift Up, Shift Down). |
Assigning a Macro: Navigate: My Exclusive Config > Right-click on Key > Custom Function > Macro Definition > Select Macro > Press Apply.
TFT Screen Customization
Create and edit custom GIFs for the TFT screen.
Recommended Size: 240 x 135 pixels
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| New | Create a new custom GIF |
| Import | Import an existing GIF (.gif file) |
| Delete | Delete selected GIF |
| Save GIF | Save selected GIF |
| Export GIF | Export selected GIF |
| Upload to keyboard | Upload and Apply selected GIF to keyboard. Do not turn off or disconnect the keyboard during upload. |
| Grid | Select to display grid lines |
| Edit | Select to enter Edit Mode |
| Preview | Select to enter Preview Mode |
| Text Input | Type desired text, edit font style/size, press the checkmark ✔️ to insert text. |
| Brush / Eraser | Draw or Erase parts of the frame with a brush tool. |
| Color Settings | Select the color for Text and Brush. |
| Time Syns | Synchronize keyboard date/time with PC date/time. |
Uploading a GIF:
- Select 'Import', choose your GIF file, and click 'Open'.
- Select 'Upload to keyboard' to save and apply.
Creating a new custom GIF:
- Select 'New'.
- Press '+' on a new frame, select images (multiple allowed), and click 'Open'.
- Edit each frame as desired.
- Select 'Upload to keyboard' to save and apply.
Per-Key RGB
Customize individual key RGB profiles.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Select All | Select all keys |
| Numeric | Select all numeric keys only |
| WASD | Select WASD keys only |
To start customizing:
- Create a new profile using the '+' button.
- Select the key(s) to edit.
- Choose the color for the selected key.
Package Contents
- TECWARE SPECTRE 96 Mechanical Keyboard x 1
- Switch & Keycap Remover Tool x 1
- Braided 1.8m USB Cable x 1
- 2.4GHz Wireless USB Dongle x 1
- Quick Start Guide x 1
- Spacebar Silencer Pad x 1
- Keyboard Dust Cover x 1
- Spare LCD Screen Protector x 1
- Spare Switches x 4
System Requirements
- PC with USB port
- Windows 7/8/10/11, Mac
Installation
Plug the TECWARE SPECTRE 96 into a USB port on your PC. The operating system should automatically detect the keyboard without requiring driver installation.
Warranty
1 Year. Please contact your local distributor for support.
Spare Mechanical Switch Kit
If a mechanical switch fails, refer to the TECWARE website (www.tecware.co) for instructions on how to replace it.
FCC Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
RF Warning Statement
The device has been evaluated to meet general RF exposure requirements and can be used in portable exposure conditions without restriction.
Remark:
- FCC ID for keyboard: 2BMK5-SPETRE96
- FCC ID for dongle: 2BMK5-SPETRE-D
