Resources
Keymap JSON file: Download K8 Pro White Backlight Keymap JSON
VIA Software for macOS: Download VIA for macOS
VIA Software for Windows: Download VIA for Windows
VIA Software for Linux: Download VIA for Linux
How to Use VIA on Your Keychron K Pro Series Keyboard: Guide
K8 Pro Source Code: View Source Code
In the Box
- Keychron K8 Pro Bluetooth Mechanical Keyboard x 1
- Type-C Cable x 1
- Manual x 1
- Quick Start Guide x 1
- Extra Keycaps Set x 1
Quick Start Guide
If you are a Windows user, please find the appropriate keycaps in the box, then follow the instructions below to find and replace the following keycaps.
Mac / Windows Keycap Replacement Diagram
This diagram illustrates the standard QWERTY keyboard layout for both Mac and Windows. It highlights specific keys that may need to be replaced for Windows users, showing the standard keycap layout and indicating which keys (e.g., Command, Option, Control) have different placements or labels between macOS and Windows. Arrows point from the standard layout to the keys that should be replaced.
Connection Methods
1. Connect Bluetooth
Bluetooth Connection Steps
This section shows a laptop connected wirelessly to the Keychron K8 Pro keyboard. It illustrates switching the toggle to the 'Bluetooth' position. Instructions indicate pressing 'fn + 1' for 4 seconds to pair with the device named 'Keychron K8 Pro'.
2. Connect Cable
Wired Connection Steps
This section shows a laptop connected to the Keychron K8 Pro keyboard via a USB Type-C cable. It illustrates switching the toggle to the 'Cable' position.
VIA Key Remapping Software
Please visit caniusevia.com to download the latest VIA software to remap the keys. If the VIA software cannot recognize your keyboard, please reach out to our support to get the instruction. (VIA only works when the keyboard is connected by wire to the computer.)
VIA Software Logo
The VIA logo is displayed, with the tagline "Your keyboard's best friend".
Keyboard Layers
The keyboard has four layers of key settings. Layer 0 and Layer 1 are for the Mac system. Layer 2 and Layer 3 are for the Windows system.
Layer Activation Diagram
This diagram shows three scenarios for layer activation based on the system toggle switch:
- When the system toggle is switched to Mac, Layer 0 is activated.
- When the system toggle is switched to Windows, Layer 2 is activated. It is noted that for Windows mode, changes should be made to Layer 2 instead of Layer 0, as this is a common mistake.
Visual representations show "Mac | Win" labels above "LAYER 0 1 2 3" or "LAYER 1 2 3" indicating active layers.
Backlight Controls
5. The Backlight
Press 'fn + Q' to change the lighting effect.
Backlight Effect Control Diagram
A keyboard diagram highlights the 'fn' and 'Q' keys, indicating they are used to cycle through different lighting effects.
Press 'fn + tab' to turn the backlight on/off.
Backlight On/Off Diagram
A keyboard diagram highlights the 'fn' and 'tab' keys, indicating they are used to toggle the backlight on or off.
6. Adjust The Backlight Brightness
Press 'fn + W' to increase the backlight brightness.
Increase Backlight Brightness Diagram
A keyboard diagram highlights the 'fn' and 'W' keys, indicating they are used to increase the backlight brightness.
Press 'fn + S' to decrease the backlight brightness.
Decrease Backlight Brightness Diagram
A keyboard diagram highlights the 'fn' and 'S' keys, indicating they are used to decrease the backlight brightness.
Activate Siri / Cortana
For Siri on Mac:
Go to System preferences > Siri > select "Hold Command Space" option. *Siri key only works on macOS and does not work on iOS.
Siri Activation Diagram (Mac)
Illustrates the path: Settings -> Siri -> Hold Command Space. It shows icons for Settings, Siri, and a checkmark with "Hold Command Space".
For Cortana on Windows:
Select Start > Settings > Cortana and select the shortcut by pressing Windows key + C key. *Windows Cortana is only available for Windows 10 and above OS. Cortana is only available in certain countries / regions and might not work everywhere.
Cortana Activation Diagram (Windows)
A keyboard diagram highlights the Windows key and the 'C' key, indicating they are used to activate Cortana.
Warranty
The keyboard is highly customizable and easy to be rebuilt. If anything goes wrong with any of the keyboard components during the warranty period, Keychron will only replace the defective parts of the keyboard, not the whole keyboard.
Warranty Stamp
A graphic resembling a 'WARRANTY' stamp is present.
Tutorials and Support
Watch The Building Tutorial On Our Website
If you are building the keyboard for the first time, Keychron highly recommends watching the building tutorial video on their website first, then start building the keyboard yourself.
Tutorial Graphic
A graphic with the word "TUTORIAL" is displayed.
Troubleshooting & Factory Reset
10. Factory Reset
Troubleshooting? Don't know what's going on with the keyboard?
- Try factory reset by pressing 'fn + J + Z' (for 4 seconds).
- Download the right firmware for your keyboard from the Keychron website.
- Remove the power cable from the keyboard.
- Remove the space bar keycap to find the reset button on the PCB and switch the keyboard to cable mode.
- Hold the reset key while plugging in the power cable and then release the reset key. The keyboard will now enter DFU mode.
- Flash the firmware with the QMK Toolbox.
- Factory reset the keyboard again by pressing 'fn + J + Z' (for 4 seconds).
* Step by step guide can be found on the Keychron website.
Factory Reset Diagram
A keyboard diagram illustrates the location of the reset button, typically found under the spacebar keycap. It shows a hand pressing the reset button.
Specifications
K8 PRO BLUETOOTH MECHANICAL KEYBOARD SPECIFICATIONS
| Number of keys: | 87 |
|---|---|
| Switch type: | Mechanical |
| Battery: | 4000mAh |
| Working time: | Around 70 hours with the backlight on. |
| Charging time: | Around 3 hours |
| Charging port: | USB Type-C |
| Mode: | Bluetooth/Wired |
| Bluetooth operating distance: | Within 10 meters (open space) |
| Name of Bluetooth device: | Keychron K8 Pro |
| Operating Environment: | -10 to 50°c |
Technical specifications can be subjected to change without notice. Keychron apologizes for any inconvenience caused.
Overview
K8 PRO BLUETOOTH MECHANICAL KEYBOARD OVERVIEW
Mac Keyboard Layout Overview
Diagram of the Mac keyboard layout, showing keys like 'esc', function keys (F1-F12), alphanumeric keys, modifier keys (Control, Option, Command), and navigation keys. Numbered callouts indicate:
- 1: Charging indicator
- 2: Bluetooth indicator
- 3: Caps Lock indicator
Windows Keyboard Layout Overview
Diagram of the Windows keyboard layout, showing keys like 'esc', function keys (F1-F12), alphanumeric keys, modifier keys (Left Shift, Left Ctrl, Left Win, Left Alt, Right Shift, Right Ctrl, Right Win, Right Alt), and navigation keys. Numbered callouts indicate:
- 4: Charging port
- 5: OS Toggle Switch (Win/Android / Mac/iOS)
- 6: Mode Toggle Switch (BT OFF / Cable)
Key mappings for Windows/Android mode are also shown: LWin = Left Windows, LAlt = Left Alt, RAlt = Right Alt, RWin = Right Windows, RCtl = Right Ctrl.
Default Key Layouts
LAYER 0: Mac System
This layer will be activated when your keyboard's system toggle is switched to Mac.
Layer 0 Keyboard Layout (Mac)
Diagram showing the default key layout for Layer 0, activated in Mac mode. Includes special function keys like 'SC-', 'Scr+', 'Mission Control', 'Launchpad', 'Bright-', 'Bright+', 'Prvs', 'Play', 'Next', 'Mute', 'Vol-', 'Vol+', 'Screen Shot', 'SIRI', 'RGB Md+'.
LAYER 1: Mac System (fn/MO(1) key)
This layer will be activated when your keyboard's system toggle is switched to Mac and you press the 'fn/MO(1)' key.
Layer 1 Keyboard Layout (Mac)
Diagram showing the Layer 1 layout, activated by pressing 'fn/MO(1)' in Mac mode. It displays function keys (F1-F12) and various RGB lighting controls like 'RGB Toggle', 'RGB Brght+', 'RGB Brght-', 'Hue+', 'Hue-', 'Sat+', 'Sat-', 'RGB SPI', 'RGB SPD'. It also shows Bluetooth host selection keys: 'BTH1', 'BTH2', 'BTH3'.
LAYER 2: Windows System
This layer will be activated when your keyboard's system toggle is switched to Windows.
Layer 2 Keyboard Layout (Windows)
Diagram showing the Layer 2 layout, activated in Windows mode. Includes keys like 'Print', 'Cortana', 'RGB Mod+'. It also shows specific Windows key mappings: 'LWin' (Left Windows), 'LAlt' (Left Alt), 'RAlt' (Right Alt), 'RWin' (Right Windows), 'RCtl' (Right Ctrl), and 'MO(3)'.
LAYER 3: Windows System (fn/MO(3) key)
This layer will be activated when your keyboard's system toggle is switched to Windows and you press the 'fn/MO(3)' key.
Layer 3 Keyboard Layout (Windows)
Diagram showing the Layer 3 layout, activated by pressing 'fn/MO(3)' in Windows mode. It displays function keys (F1-F12) and various RGB lighting controls similar to Layer 1, along with 'Scr-', 'Scr+', 'Task View', 'File Explorer'.
Key Description
| Key | Description | Key | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scr- | Screen Brightness Decrease | RGBMd- | RGB Mode Previous |
| Scr+ | Screen Brightness Increase | Hue+ | Hue Increase |
| Bright- | Backlight Decrease | Hue- | Hue Decrease |
| Bright+ | Backlight Increase | RGB SPI | RGB Speed Increase |
| Prvs | Previous | RGB SPD | RGB Speed Decrease |
| Play | Play/Pause | MO(1) | Layer 1 will be activated when holding this key |
| Next | Next | MO(2) | Layer 2 will be activated when holding this key |
| Mute | Mute | MO(3) | Layer 3 will be activated when holding this key |
| Vol- | Volume Decrease | MO(4) | Layer 4 will be activated when holding this key |
| Vol+ | Volume Increase | BTH1 | Bluetooth Host 1 |
| RGB Toggle | Turn Backlight on/off | BTH2 | Bluetooth Host 2 |
| RGBMd+ | RGB Mode Next | BTH3 | Bluetooth Host 3 |
LED Status Overview
| LED Location | Function | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Battery indicator | Charging | Low battery - Blinking Red Charging - Static Red Fully charged - Static Green |
| Bluetooth indicator | Bluetooth | Pairing - Slow Blinking Paired - Light Off Switching - Fast Blinking |
Function Description: Charging
Plug the cable into a USB port and plug the other end into the keyboard port. Charging Indicator: When battery is below 15%, a red battery blinking indicator will be triggered. A red light will stay on while charging; Fully charged in around 3 hours, a green battery indicator will appear.
*The Keychron keyboard is compatible with all USB ports. Please use a 5V 2A adapter or USB 3.0 for the best performance. The Keychron K8 Pro can be charged in Bluetooth/on/off mode.
** This product supports up to 5V charging voltage and 2A charging current. Keychron is not responsible for any problems caused by improper charging.
Bluetooth/Wired Mode (Toggle Switch)
Wired Mode
- Switch the toggle switch to Cable option (it only works when a USB cable is plugged in).
- Connect the USB cable with your PC and keyboard.
- Backlit will be turned on.
*Under Wired Mode, the keyboard will not enter into Battery Saver Mode.
Bluetooth Mode
- Switch the keyboard to Bluetooth option.
- Backlit will be turned on.
- Hold "Fn+1" key for 4 seconds to activate Bluetooth pairing (the Bluetooth indicator fast flashes for 3 minutes to detect pairing).
- Search for the Bluetooth device "Keychron K8 Pro" on your device and connect it (the Bluetooth indicator goes off after successful pairing).
Note: This keyboard supports pairing up to 3 devices simultaneously via combination key “fn” + “1” / “fn” + “2” / “fn” + “3”.
*The Bluetooth indicator will continue to flash for 3 minutes.
**Slow or failed connections may exist due to different Bluetooth versions, please make sure all the settings are correct.
Switch Bluetooth Devices
Short press combination key "fn" + "1" / "fn" + "2" / "fn" + "3" to switch to other device.
Reconnect
- Switch the keyboard to the Bluetooth option to activate the keyboard (the keyboard will connect to the last connected device by default).
- The Bluetooth indicator flashes for 4 seconds and automatically pairs with the last paired device.
- If the Bluetooth indicator is off, press any button to enter the connection again.
* The keyboard must have been paired with the device to perform this function.
Turn Off The Keyboard
Switch to "Off"
Backlit Setting
- Short press [Fn key] to switch between different types of lighting effects.
- When backlit is on, press [Fn key] button to switch among them.
OS Switch
1- MAC/IOS
Turn the switch to Mac/iOS when you are connected to a Mac or iOS operating system.
2- WINDOWS/ANDROID
Switch the toggle to Windows/Android when the keyboard is connected to a Windows or Android operating system.
*When using the Windows/Android mode, the 'alt' keys are used for “Windows” and “Alt” functions.
3- INPUT METHOD SWITCH
For iOS:
Input method switch: Ctrl + Space
Caps Lock: Caps (Enable > General > Keyboards > Hardware Keyboard > Caps Lock Language Switch)
For Android:
Input method switch: Shift + Space
NOTE: Functions of certain multimedia keys may be disabled due to compatibility, versions, brands and drivers of Windows/Android OS. Keychron also recommends not to switch OS frequently as it may impact keyboard operations.
Troubleshooting
If unable to pair keyboard to device, confirm that the device you're trying to pair with is Bluetooth-capable. If so, restart the device and try pairing it with the keyboard again.
Note: On a Windows computer, a new Bluetooth connection will sometimes require additional software updates—a process that may still be ongoing after a message appears indicating a successful completion. Wait at least 20 minutes after pairing to make sure all updates are completed before restarting the computer.
Confirm that the device is configured to accept Bluetooth connections (Windows) and supports an external keyboard (HID profile).
Go to Bluetooth Devices > Open Settings and select the following:
- Allow Bluetooth devices to find this computer
- Allow Bluetooth devices to connect to this computer
- Alert me when a Bluetooth device wants to connect
My keyboard isn't working.
For the keyboard: Turn the keyboard off and back on. Turn Bluetooth off and restart the computer. (Windows)
For the device:
- Go to Bluetooth settings and turn off Bluetooth and "forget" the keyboard.
- Restart the device and turn on Bluetooth to reconnect.
Bluetooth connection is interrupted even within 10 meters.
Check if the keyboard is resting on a metal surface that can interfere with the Bluetooth signal.
Third party input tools are not compatible with the keyboard.
Due to compatibility, versions, brands and drivers of Windows/Android OS, functions of third party input tools may be affected while using the keyboard. Please make sure your operating system and drivers are up to date.
Certain fn keys or multimedia keys does not work under Windows/Android mode.
Functions of certain multimedia keys may be disabled due to compatibility, versions, brands and drivers of Windows/Android OS.
Safety Precautions
- Keep the product, accessories and packaging parts out of reach of children to prevent any accidents and choking hazards.
- Always keep the product dry to avoid corrosion.
- Do not expose the product to extreme temperatures below -10°C (5°F) or above 50°C (131°F) to preserve the lifespan of the keyboard and battery.
Contact Information
Keychron, Inc.
Dover, DE 19901, United States
Find us at:
Support@keychron.com
f @keychron
@keychron
@keychronMK
Designed by Keychron
Made in China
How to use VIA to program your keyboard – Keychron | Mechanical Keyboards for Mac, Windows and Android
