RK96 Mechanical Keyboard

Royal Kludge RK96 Wireless Keyboard

The Royal Kludge RK96 is a mechanical wireless keyboard with three connection options: USB wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless. It features a compact keyboard layout with a numeric keypad, adjustable backlighting, a multifunction volume wheel, and rechargeable battery operation.

The keyboard supports three Bluetooth channels through the Fn + Q, Fn + W, and Fn + E shortcuts. Its 2.4 GHz wireless connection uses a USB receiver, while wired operation uses a USB Type-C cable.

Product Overview

The RK96 combines a mechanical keyboard layout with wired and wireless operation.

Its keyboard arrangement includes function keys, standard typing keys, directional arrows, navigation functions, and a numeric keypad. A multifunction volume wheel is positioned above the numeric keypad.

A physical connection switch controls Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless operation. The USB Type-C port provides wired connectivity and charging.

Main Features

• Tri-mode connectivity: USB wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless.
• Mechanical keyboard: Uses mechanical key switches.
• Numeric keypad: Provides dedicated number-entry keys.
• Three Bluetooth channels: Uses Fn + Q, Fn + W, and Fn + E for device selection and pairing.
• 2.4 GHz wireless connection: Operates through a USB receiver.
• USB Type-C connection: Supports wired operation and charging.
• Adjustable backlighting: Allows users to change effects, brightness, and animation speed.
• RGB lighting controls: Includes lighting adjustment shortcuts for supported versions.
• Custom key backlighting: Three selectable lighting configurations.
• Multifunction wheel: Provides volume adjustment and mute.
• Battery level display: Uses illuminated number keys to indicate remaining charge.
• Charging indicators: Display charging, low battery, and fully charged conditions.
• Windows and Mac modes: Provides operating-system-specific shortcuts.
• Factory reset: Restores keyboard settings using Fn + Spacebar.
• USB 2.0 feature: Availability depends on the actual keyboard version.

What’s Included in the Box

The product information section identifies the following items.

Parts and Components

The keyboard includes mechanical keys, a USB connection, wireless controls, a multifunction wheel, and status indicators.

Multifunction Wheel

The wheel is located above the numeric keypad.

Wireless Power Switch

The keyboard has a physical OFF/ON switch.

The manual instructs users to turn wireless power ON before selecting Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz mode.

For wired operation, the connection diagram shows the power switch in the OFF position.

Connection Mode Switch

The wireless mode switch provides two settings.

Keyboard Indicator Lights

The keyboard includes indicators for:

• Num Lock.
• Caps Lock.
• Windows key lock.
• Charging.
• Low battery.
• Fully charged battery.

The charging indicator uses different light behaviors to communicate battery status.

Technical Specifications

System Requirements and Compatibility

The manual provides separate compatibility requirements for Bluetooth and USB-based connections.

Bluetooth Compatibility

Bluetooth operation requires a device supporting Bluetooth 5.1 or later.

Wired and 2.4 GHz Compatibility

The computer must have an available USB port.

Before First Use

The RK96 can be connected using USB, Bluetooth, or the 2.4 GHz receiver.

Step 1: Check the Keyboard and Accessories

Identify the keyboard, USB Type-C cable, and user manual.

Step 2: Locate the USB Port

Find the USB Type-C port on the keyboard.

This port is used for wired operation and charging.

Step 3: Locate the Wireless Switches

Identify the OFF/ON power switch and the B/G mode selector.

Step 4: Choose a Connection Method

Select the connection required for the computer or compatible device:

• USB wired connection.
• Bluetooth connection.
• 2.4 GHz wireless connection.

Step 5: Connect the Keyboard

Follow the instructions for the selected connection mode.

Step 6: Select Windows or Mac Mode

After connecting the keyboard, select the appropriate operating system mode.

• Fn + A: Windows.
• Fn + S: Mac.

How to Connect the RK96 Using USB

The RK96 supports a direct wired connection through its USB Type-C port.

Wired Connection Instructions

1. Locate the keyboard’s wireless power switch.
2. Move the power switch to OFF.
3. Connect the USB Type-C end of the cable to the keyboard.
4. Connect the USB end to an available port on the computer.
5. Use the keyboard through the wired connection.

The wired connection diagram shows the Type-C cable connected between the keyboard and a computer.

USB 2.0 Function

The product diagram identifies a USB 2.0 feature near the keyboard’s connection area.

Important: The manual states that this function is subject to the actual product. Availability depends on the keyboard version.

How to Connect the RK96 Using Bluetooth

The keyboard supports three Bluetooth channels:

• BT1.
• BT2.
• BT3.

These channels can be selected using Fn + Q, Fn + W, and Fn + E.

Step 1: Turn On Wireless Power

Move the power switch from OFF to ON.

Step 2: Select Bluetooth Mode

Move the wireless mode selector to B.

Step 3: Select a Bluetooth Channel

Use one of the following shortcuts.

A short press selects the corresponding Bluetooth channel.

Step 4: Enter Bluetooth Pairing Mode

Press and hold the shortcut for the required channel.

• Long press Fn + Q for BT1.
• Long press Fn + W for BT2.
• Long press Fn + E for BT3.

The long press activates pairing mode.

Step 5: Open Bluetooth Settings

Turn on Bluetooth on the computer, phone, tablet, or other compatible device.

Open the device’s Bluetooth settings and search for the keyboard.

Step 6: Complete Pairing

Select the keyboard from the available Bluetooth devices and complete the connection.

The keyboard is ready for Bluetooth operation after pairing succeeds.

How to Switch Between Bluetooth Devices

The RK96 provides three Bluetooth channels for selecting different connections.

Bluetooth Channel Shortcuts

Switching to a Bluetooth Channel

1. Keep wireless power ON.
2. Move the mode switch to B.
3. Briefly press Fn + Q, W, or E.
4. Use the selected channel to connect to its paired device.

For a new Bluetooth connection, use the corresponding long-press pairing command.

How to Connect the RK96 Using 2.4 GHz Wireless

The RK96 supports wireless operation through a 2.4 GHz USB receiver.

Step 1: Turn On Wireless Power

Move the wireless power switch to ON.

Step 2: Select 2.4 GHz Mode

Move the connection mode switch to G.

Step 3: Connect the USB Receiver

Insert the 2.4 GHz USB receiver into an available USB port on the computer.

Step 4: Use the Keyboard Wirelessly

The keyboard operates through the 2.4 GHz connection when the receiver and wireless mode are correctly selected.

Battery Charging and Indicator Lights

The RK96 includes battery indicators that show charging, low battery, and fully charged conditions.

Charging Status

The manual identifies three indicator behaviors.

Breathing Light

A breathing light effect indicates that the keyboard is charging.

Fast Flashing Light

A rapidly flashing indicator means that the battery level is low.

Steady Light

A steady indicator light means that the keyboard is fully charged.

How to Check the RK96 Battery Level

The keyboard includes a battery-check function using the number-key backlights.

Battery Level Shortcut

Press and hold Fn + Enter.

The illuminated number keys indicate the remaining battery level.

Battery Level Display

Checking Battery Power

1. Press and hold Fn.
2. Press and hold Enter.
3. Observe the illuminated number keys.
4. Use the lighting pattern to identify the approximate battery percentage.

For example, when only the number 1 key is illuminated, the keyboard indicates approximately 10% battery.

When keys 1 through 0 are illuminated, the keyboard indicates 100% battery.

How to Use the RK96 Volume Wheel

The RK96 includes a multifunction wheel for adjusting volume and muting audio.

Increase Volume

Rotate the wheel clockwise to increase the volume.

Decrease Volume

Rotate the wheel counterclockwise to decrease the volume.

Mute Audio

Press the wheel to activate mute.

The wheel provides an alternative to the multimedia Fn shortcuts.

Backlight Control and Settings

The RK96 supports several backlight adjustment functions using the Fn key.

Backlight Shortcut Table

Switching Backlight Modes

Press Fn + Print Screen to change the keyboard’s backlight mode.

Repeat the shortcut to switch between the supported lighting effects.

Changing Monochrome Backlight Settings

Press Fn + Delete to switch the monochrome backlight setting.

The manual states that the shortcut also applies to the RGB version.

Increasing Backlight Brightness

Press Fn + Up Arrow.

Repeat as required to increase the lighting brightness.

Decreasing Backlight Brightness

Press Fn + Down Arrow.

Repeat as required to reduce the lighting brightness.

Increasing Backlight Effect Speed

Press Fn + Right Arrow.

This increases the animation speed of supported lighting effects.

Decreasing Backlight Effect Speed

Press Fn + Left Arrow.

This decreases the animation speed of supported lighting effects.

How to Customize RK96 Key Backlighting

The RK96 supports custom backlight settings using three selectable profiles.

The custom backlight process uses Fn + 1, Fn + 2, or Fn + 3, together with Fn + Backspace.

Custom Backlight Shortcuts

Step 1: Select a Custom Backlight Profile

Press one of the following combinations:

• Fn + 1.
• Fn + 2.
• Fn + 3.

This selects the backlight configuration to be edited.

Step 2: Enter Custom Backlight Settings

Press Fn + Backspace.

The keyboard enters custom backlight settings mode.

The indicator lights begin blinking.

Step 3: Select the Keys

Press the keys that should be included in the custom lighting arrangement.

Repeat this step for each additional key.

Step 4: Save the Custom Backlight

Press Fn + Backspace again.

The keyboard saves the selected backlight configuration and exits recording mode.

Custom Backlight Procedure Summary

Windows and Mac System Modes

The keyboard supports separate Windows and Mac system layouts.

Switch to Windows Mode

Press Fn + A.

This selects the Windows system layout.

Switch to Mac Mode

Press Fn + S.

This selects the Mac system layout.

Windows Multimedia Shortcuts

When using Windows mode, the RK96 supports application and multimedia controls through Fn + F1–F12.

Windows Application Shortcuts

Fn + F1 through Fn + F5 provide quick access to computer, browser, email, calculator, and media player functions.

Windows Media Playback

Use the following shortcuts for media playback:

• Fn + F6: Stop playback.
• Fn + F7: Previous song.
• Fn + F8: Play or pause.
• Fn + F9: Next song.

Windows Volume Controls

Use:

• Fn + F10: Mute.
• Fn + F11: Decrease volume.
• Fn + F12: Increase volume.

Mac Multimedia Shortcuts

In Mac mode, the manual identifies the following multimedia shortcuts.

Mac Playback Controls

Use Fn + F7, F8, or F9 to control previous track, play/pause, and next track.

Mac Volume Controls

Use Fn + F10, F11, or F12 for mute and volume adjustment.

Special Function Keys

The RK96 uses additional Fn shortcuts to access navigation and editing functions.

Print Screen

Press Fn + Y to activate Print Screen.

Scroll Lock

Press Fn + U to activate Scroll Lock.

Pause

Press Fn + I to activate Pause.

Insert and Delete

Use:

• Fn + H for Insert.
• Fn + N for Delete.

Navigation Shortcuts

Use:

• Fn + J for Home.
• Fn + K for Page Up.
• Fn + M for End.
• Fn + Comma / < for Page Down.

How to Lock or Unlock the Windows Key

The RK96 supports a Windows key lock function.

Windows Lock Shortcut

Fn + Windows Key

Press the shortcut to switch the Windows key lock state.

The keyboard includes a Windows Lock indicator.

How to Restore RK96 Factory Settings

The keyboard includes a factory reset shortcut.

Factory Reset Shortcut

Fn + Spacebar

Factory Reset Instructions

1. Locate the Fn key.
2. Locate the Spacebar.
3. Press Fn + Spacebar together.

This activates the keyboard’s factory reset function.

Keyboard Indicator Functions

The RK96 includes several indicators for keyboard functions and battery status.

Num Lock Indicator

The Num indicator displays the numeric keypad status.

Caps Lock Indicator

The Caps indicator shows whether Caps Lock is active.

Windows Lock Indicator

The Win indicator shows the Windows key lock state.

Battery Status Indicator

The battery indicator changes its lighting behavior according to the current battery condition.

Troubleshooting Guide

The following checks use the connection instructions, battery indicators, backlight shortcuts, and reset functions provided in the manual.

RK96 Bluetooth Not Connecting

Check the Bluetooth connection procedure:

1. Move the power switch to ON.
2. Select B.
3. Press and hold Fn + Q, Fn + W, or Fn + E to enter pairing mode.
4. Open Bluetooth settings on the computer or mobile device.
5. Search for and connect to the keyboard.

RK96 Bluetooth Device Not Switching

Use the short-press shortcut for the required channel:

• Fn + Q for BT1.
• Fn + W for BT2.
• Fn + E for BT3.

RK96 2.4 GHz Wireless Not Working

Check the 2.4 GHz setup:

1. Move the power switch to ON.
2. Move the mode selector to G.
3. Insert the USB wireless receiver into the computer.

RK96 Wired Connection Not Working

The wired connection diagram shows the wireless power switch in the OFF position.

Set the switch to OFF and connect the Type-C cable between the keyboard and computer.

RK96 Battery Light Is Flashing Quickly

A rapidly flashing battery indicator means that the battery is low.

Connect the keyboard for charging.

RK96 Backlight Is Not Changing

Use Fn + Print Screen to change the backlight mode.

Brightness and effect speed can be adjusted using Fn and the arrow keys.

RK96 Custom Backlight Is Not Saved

After choosing the desired keys in custom backlight mode, press Fn + Backspace again to save the configuration and exit.

RK96 Windows Key Is Locked

Press Fn + Windows Key to change the Windows key lock state.

RK96 Keyboard Layout Is Incorrect

Check the selected operating system mode.

Press Fn + A for Windows or Fn + S for Mac.

RK96 Factory Settings Need Restoring

Press Fn + Spacebar to activate the factory reset function.

Customer Support Information

Royal Kludge directs users with product problems or questions to contact the seller.

For product issues, connection questions, or assistance with keyboard operation, contact through their website and email support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I connect the Royal Kludge RK96 keyboard using Bluetooth?

Turn the wireless power switch ON and move the mode selector to B. Press and hold Fn + Q, Fn + W, or Fn + E to activate Bluetooth pairing for the selected channel. Open Bluetooth settings on the computer or mobile device, search for the keyboard, and complete the connection.

How do I connect the RK96 using 2.4 GHz wireless?

Move the power switch to ON and select G on the wireless mode switch. Insert the 2.4 GHz USB receiver into an available computer USB port. The keyboard uses the receiver for wireless operation.

How do I use the RK96 keyboard in wired mode?

Move the wireless power switch to OFF. Connect the USB Type-C cable between the keyboard and an available USB port on the computer. The wired connection diagram identifies this as the required setup.

How do I check the RK96 keyboard battery level?

Press and hold Fn + Enter. The number keys illuminate to show the approximate battery level in 10% increments. Key 1 indicates 10%, while keys 1 through 0 illuminated together indicate 100%.

How do I change the RK96 keyboard backlight?

Press Fn + Print Screen to switch backlight modes. Use Fn + Up Arrow or Down Arrow to adjust brightness and Fn + Left Arrow or Right Arrow to change effect speed. Fn + Delete switches the monochrome backlight setting and also applies to the RGB version.

How do I customize individual key lighting on the RK96?

Press Fn + 1, Fn + 2, or Fn + 3 to select a custom lighting profile. Press Fn + Backspace to enter custom settings mode. When the indicator lights blink, press the keys to be included in the lighting arrangement. Press Fn + Backspace again to save and exit.

How do I switch the RK96 between Windows and Mac?

Press Fn + A to select Windows mode or Fn + S to select Mac mode. The keyboard provides multimedia shortcuts for both operating systems.

How do I reset the Royal Kludge RK96 keyboard?

Press Fn + Spacebar to activate the factory reset function. This restores the keyboard’s factory settings.