Quick Start Guide: Keychron Q8

System Setup

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.

1. Switch To The Right System

Please ensure the system toggle switch, located on the top center of the keyboard, is set to match your computer's operating system (Mac or Win). This action determines which layer is active by default.

Key Remapping with VIA Software

2. The VIA Key Remapping Software

For advanced customization, use the VIA software. Visit caniusevia.com to download the latest version. If the VIA software does not recognize your keyboard, please contact Keychron support for assistance. VIA is described as 'Your keyboard's best friend'.

Understanding Keyboard Layers

3. The Layers

The Keychron Q8 features five distinct layers of key settings:

Layer 0: Default for Mac systems.
Layer 1: Default for Windows systems.
Layer 2: Mac Multimedia keys.
Layer 3: Windows Multimedia keys.
Layer 4: Function keys (F1-F12).

The system toggle switch determines whether Layer 0 (Mac) or Layer 1 (Windows) is active. Multimedia keys and Function keys are accessed by pressing the fn1 or fn2 keys respectively, in combination with the designated keys.

Backlight Customization

5. The Backlight

Control your keyboard's lighting effects. Press fn1 + tab to toggle the backlight on or off. Press fn1 + Q to cycle through different lighting effects.

6. Adjust The Backlight Brightness

Increase backlight brightness by pressing fn1 + W. Decrease brightness by pressing fn1 + S.

7. Adjust The Backlight Speed

Modify the speed of lighting effects. Press fn1 + T to increase the speed, and fn1 + G to decrease it.

Warranty Information

8. Warranty

The Keychron Q8 is designed for customization and ease of rebuilding. During the warranty period, Keychron will replace only the defective parts of the keyboard, not the entire unit.

Support and Tutorials

9. Watch The Building Tutorial On Our Website

For users assembling the keyboard for the first time, Keychron strongly recommends watching the building tutorial video available on their website prior to assembly. For any issues or dissatisfaction, please contact support@keychron.com.

Troubleshooting and Factory Reset

10. Factory Reset

If you encounter issues with your keyboard, a factory reset can often resolve them. The quickest method is to press and hold fn1 + J + Z simultaneously for 4 seconds.

For more in-depth troubleshooting, follow these steps:

Download the correct firmware for your keyboard from the Keychron website.
Disconnect the keyboard from your computer.
Carefully remove the spacebar keycap to expose the reset button located on the Printed Circuit Board (PCB).
Press and hold the reset button while reconnecting the keyboard's power cable. Release the button once the keyboard is powered on. This action puts the keyboard into DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode.
Use the QMK Toolbox software to flash the downloaded firmware onto the keyboard.
After flashing, perform the factory reset again by pressing fn1 + J + Z for 4 seconds to ensure all settings are cleared.

Detailed step-by-step guides are available on the Keychron website.

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