Keychron K12 Bluetooth Mechanical Keyboard
In the Box
- Keychron K12 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 Layout
The keyboard features a standard layout with function keys (F1-F12), number keys, alphanumeric keys, and modifier keys. For Windows users, specific keycaps (e.g., Alt, Command) can be swapped to match the Windows operating system conventions. The layout includes keys such as Esc, Tab, Caps Lock, Shift, Ctrl, Option/Alt, Command/Windows, Fn1, Fn2, and navigation keys.
Connection Methods
1. Connect Bluetooth
Switch the toggle to the [Bluetooth] position. Press and hold fn1 + Q for 3 seconds to enter pairing mode. The device name for pairing is "Keychron K12".
2. Connect Cable
Switch the toggle to the [Cable] position. Connect the keyboard to your PC using the provided USB Type-C cable.
Customization and Functionality
3. Change Light Effect
Press the light effect key (often indicated by a ? symbol) to cycle through different lighting effects. For RGB versions, press fn2 + ← or fn2 + → to change the backlight color.
4. Multimedia and Function Keys
The keyboard features dedicated Multimedia keys and Function keys (F1-F12).
Multimedia Keys
To access multimedia functions (e.g., volume control, playback), press fn1 followed by the multimedia key (symbols include: ?️ / ?️ / ? / ◀️ / ▶️ / ⏸️ / ⏹️ / ?).
Function Keys
To access F1-F12 functions, press fn2 followed by the desired F key (e.g., fn2 + F1).
Advanced Settings
5. Disable Auto Sleep Mode
The keyboard enters Auto Sleep Mode after 10 minutes of inactivity to save battery. To disable this, press and hold fn2 + S + O for 4 seconds. Pressing the same combination again will re-enable it.
6. Remap Keys
Keychron does not currently offer official software for remapping keys (except for the light effect key). For key remapping, users can utilize third-party software:
- For Mac: Karabiner
- For Windows: SharpKeys
6.5 Linux Settings
For Linux users, Keychron hosts a user group on [Facebook]. Search for "Keychron Linux Group" on [Facebook] to join and find solutions.
Backlight and Reset
7. Backlight Control
To increase backlight brightness, press fn1 + ⬆️. To decrease brightness, press fn1 + ⬇️. A quick way to turn the backlight on/off is by pressing fn2 + ?.
8. Factory Reset
If you encounter issues, a factory reset can be performed by pressing and holding fn1 + J + Z for 3 seconds.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of keys | 61 |
| Switch type | Mechanical / Optical Switch |
| Battery | 4000mAh |
| Working time | Around 70 hours (with 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 K12 |
| Operating Environment | -10 to 50°C |
Technical specifications are subject to change without notice.
Keyboard Overview
Mac Layout
Diagram showing the Mac layout. Numbered indicators point to: ① Caps Lock indicator, ② Charging port, ③ Charging indicator, ④ Mac/iOS (OS Toggle Switch), ⑤ BT OFF Cable (Mode Toggle Switch).
Windows Layout
Diagram showing the Windows layout. Numbered indicators point to: ① Caps Lock indicator, ② Charging port, ③ Charging indicator, ④ Win/Android (OS Toggle Switch), ⑤ BT OFF Cable (Mode Toggle Switch).
LED Status and Charging
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 |
Charging Description
Plug the [USB Type-C] cable into a USB port and the other end into the keyboard. The charging indicator behaves as follows: Below 15% battery, the red indicator blinks rapidly. While charging, the red indicator is solid. Fully charged in approximately 3 hours, the indicator turns solid green. The Keychron K12 is compatible with all USB ports. For optimal performance, a USB 3.0 port or a 5V 2A adapter is recommended. The keyboard can charge in Bluetooth, On, or Off modes. The charging indicator remains active in wired mode. The product supports up to 5V charging voltage and 2A charging current; Keychron is not responsible for issues caused by improper charging.
Bluetooth and Wired Modes
Wired Mode
- Switch the mode toggle to the [Cable] position (the keyboard will not respond without a USB cable plugged in).
- Connect the keyboard to your PC using the provided USB Type-C cable.
- The keyboard backlight will turn on.
In wired mode, the keyboard will not enter battery saver mode.
Bluetooth Mode
- Switch the mode toggle to the [Bluetooth] position.
- The keyboard backlight will turn on.
- Press and hold fn1 + Q for 3 seconds to activate Bluetooth pairing. The Bluetooth indicator will flash rapidly for 3 minutes.
- On your device, search for the Bluetooth device named "Keychron K12" and connect. The Bluetooth indicator will turn off upon successful pairing.
Note: This keyboard supports pairing up to 3 devices simultaneously using combination keys: fn1 + Q, fn1 + W, or fn1 + E.
The Bluetooth indicator will continue to flash for 3 minutes during pairing. Slow or failed connections may occur due to different Bluetooth versions; ensure all settings are correct.
Bluetooth Device Management
Switch Bluetooth Devices
Short press the combination keys fn1 + Q, fn1 + W, or fn1 + E to switch between paired devices.
Reconnect
- Switch the keyboard to the [Bluetooth] position to activate it. The keyboard will automatically attempt to connect to the last paired device.
- The Bluetooth indicator will flash rapidly for 4 seconds, then automatically pair with the last connected device.
- If the Bluetooth indicator is off, press any key to re-initiate the connection.
The keyboard must have been previously paired with the device to perform this function.
Turn Off the Keyboard
Switch the mode toggle to [Off]. This powers down all modes but allows for charging.
Battery Saver
In Bluetooth mode, the keyboard backlight turns off after 10 minutes of inactivity to save battery. Tap any key to wake the keyboard. To disable this auto battery save mode, press and hold fn2 + S + O for 4 seconds. To re-enable it, press the same combination again.
Backlight and OS Settings
Backlit Setting
- Short press fn1 + ? to cycle through different lighting effects.
- When the backlight is on, press fn1 + ? to switch among them. Short press fn2 + ← or fn2 + → to adjust light colors (for RGB version only).
OS Switch
- Mac/iOS: Turn the switch to the [Mac/iOS] position when connected to a Mac or iOS operating system.
- Windows/Android: Switch the toggle to the [Windows/Android] position when connected to a Windows or Android operating system.
When using the Windows/Android mode, the Alt keys are used for “Windows” and “Alt” functions.
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 or Shift + Space.
Due to compatibility, versions, brands, and drivers of Windows/Android OS, functions of certain multimedia keys may be disabled. It is also recommended not to switch OS frequently, as it may impact keyboard operations.
Troubleshooting
Unable to Pair Keyboard to Device
Answer: Confirm that the device you are trying to pair with supports Bluetooth. Restart the device and try pairing with the keyboard again. On a Windows computer, a new Bluetooth connection may require additional software updates; wait at least 20 minutes after pairing 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: 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, turn off Bluetooth, and "forget" the keyboard. Restart the device and turn on Bluetooth to reconnect.
Bluetooth Connection Interrupted (Even Within 10 Meters)
Answer: Check if the keyboard is resting on a metal surface that can interfere with the Bluetooth signal.
Third-Party Input Tools Not Compatible
Answer: Due to compatibility, versions, brands, and drivers of Windows/Android OS, functions of third-party input tools may be affected. Ensure your operating system and drivers are up to date.
Certain Fn Keys or Multimedia Keys Do Not Work Under Windows/Android Mode
Answer: 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 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:
- Website: https://www.keychron.com
- Support: Support@keychron.com
- Facebook: @keychron
- Instagram: @keychron
- Twitter: @keychronMK
Designed by Keychron
Made in China
China Regional General Agent: 渴创技术(深圳)有限公司 (Kechuang Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.)
Execution Standard: GB/T 14081–2010
After-sales Hotline: 400-0766268
Address: Room 201, Building 2, Wenkeng Industrial Zone, Dafa Road 24, Bantian Street, Longgang District, Shenzhen City.
