A72 Mechanical Keyboard

Royal Kludge A72 Mechanical Keyboard

The RK Royal Kludge A72 is a 68% layout mechanical keyboard with RGB backlighting, a rotary volume knob, dedicated multimedia buttons, five shortcut keys, and three connection methods. It supports wired USB-C, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless operation, allowing the keyboard to connect to compatible computers and Bluetooth-enabled devices.

The RK A72 features an angled, split-style keyboard arrangement, mechanical switches, and dedicated M1–M5 keys for common editing functions, including copy, paste, select all, cut, and undo.

Bluetooth mode supports three saved device connections. The keyboard uses Fn + Q, Fn + W, and Fn + E for pairing and switching between devices. The 2.4 GHz wireless mode uses a dedicated receiver, while wired operation uses the USB Type-C connection.

The keyboard includes adjustable RGB backlighting, side lighting effects, brightness and speed controls, and separate Windows and Mac operating system modes. Multimedia shortcuts provide access to playback, volume, screen brightness, and common applications.

A touch-sensitive RK logo provides an additional control feature. Touching the logo opens the web driver by default, while an Fn combination switches its touch function.

The RK A72 also includes a charging indicator, a Windows key lock function, and a factory reset shortcut.

Product Overview and Features

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

Keyboard Dimensions

The RK A72 measures:

• Length: 384.2 mm
• Width: 139.6 mm
• Height: 42.4 mm
• Tolerance: ±2 mm

Connection Modes

Parts and Components

The RK A72 combines a mechanical keyboard layout with separate multimedia controls, editing shortcut keys, a volume knob, and RGB lighting.

Main Components

Mechanical Keys

The keyboard uses mechanical switches and a 68% layout.

The main keys are arranged in two angled sections, as shown in the product diagram.

Fn Key

The Fn key activates secondary functions, including:

• Bluetooth pairing and device switching
• 2.4 GHz receiver pairing
• Windows and Mac mode switching
• RGB backlight adjustment
• Side lighting selection
• Function key operation
• Windows key locking
• Factory reset
• RK logo touch function switching

M1–M5 Shortcut Keys

Five dedicated keys provide frequently used editing commands.

These keys are labeled M1 through M5.

Rotary Volume Knob

The knob is located on the left side of the keyboard.

Rotating it adjusts the connected device’s volume.

Dedicated Multimedia Buttons

The keyboard has three separate buttons for previous track, play/pause, and next track.

Touch-Sensitive RK Logo

The RK logo area above the main keys supports touch input.

It provides an additional configurable touch function.

Keyboard Indicator Lights

The RK A72 includes a Caps Lock indicator and a battery charging indicator.

Indicator Guide

Caps Lock Indicator

The Caps Lock indicator shows whether Caps Lock is active.

Charging Indicator

The battery charging indicator stays illuminated while charging.

It turns off when the battery is fully charged.

When the battery is low, the indicator flashes.

Important Safety Instructions

Charging Safety

The RK A72 does not support fast charging.

Do not use an unsupported fast-charging method.

Battery Safety

The battery must not be exposed to excessive heat, including direct sunlight, fire, or similar sources.

Avoid:

• Replacing the battery with an incorrect type that defeats a safety safeguard.
• Disposing of a battery in fire or a hot oven.
• Mechanically crushing or cutting the battery.
• Leaving the battery in an extremely hot environment.
• Exposing the battery to extremely low air pressure.

These conditions can cause an explosion or leakage of flammable liquid or gas.

Radio Frequency Safety

The RK A72 contains wireless equipment subject to applicable FCC and Canadian ISED requirements.

Unauthorized changes or modifications may affect authorization to operate the device.

Keyboard Handling Precautions

• Maintain proper posture while typing.
• Avoid using excessive force on the keys.
• Take regular breaks to reduce hand fatigue.
• Keep the keyboard free from dust and dirt.
• Avoid exposing the keyboard to liquids.
• Keep it away from extreme temperatures and humidity.

Before First Use

The RK A72 can operate using one of three connection methods:

1. Wired USB-C
2. Bluetooth
3. 2.4 GHz wireless

Select the required connection mode before connecting the keyboard.

For Bluetooth operation, the keyboard must be paired with the target device.

For 2.4 GHz operation, the keyboard uses its wireless receiver.

Initial Setup

1. Place the keyboard on a stable surface.
2. Locate the connection switch and USB Type-C connector.
3. Select the required connection mode.
4. Connect the USB-C cable or establish a wireless connection.
5. Select the Windows or Mac keyboard mode.
6. Adjust the RGB backlighting if required.

Connecting the RK A72 in Wired USB-C Mode

The RK A72 supports direct wired operation through USB Type-C.

How to Connect in Wired Mode

1. Move the connection switch to the center position.
2. Connect the supplied USB Type-C cable to the keyboard’s Type-C port.
3. Connect the other end of the cable to the compatible computer.
4. Use the keyboard in wired mode.

Wired Mode Settings

Bluetooth Connection

The RK A72 supports three saved Bluetooth device connections.

Each device can be paired through its assigned shortcut.

The keyboard appears in the Bluetooth device list as:

RK A72

Bluetooth Device Slots

How to Pair the RK A72 Using Bluetooth

Step 1: Select Bluetooth Mode

Move the connection switch to B.

Step 2: Select a Bluetooth Device Slot

Choose one of the Bluetooth shortcuts:

• Fn + Q
• Fn + W
• Fn + E

Step 3: Enter Pairing Mode

Press and hold the chosen shortcut.

For example, hold Fn + Q to pair the first device.

The corresponding Q, W, or E key flashes rapidly when the keyboard enters Bluetooth pairing mode.

Step 4: Enable Bluetooth on the Target Device

Turn on Bluetooth on the compatible computer or other device.

Step 5: Select the Keyboard

1. Open the target device’s Bluetooth settings.
2. Search for available Bluetooth devices.
3. Find RK A72.
4. Select it to connect.

Step 6: Complete Pairing

Follow any connection instructions displayed by the target device.

The keyboard can now be used through the selected Bluetooth slot.

Bluetooth Pairing Indicator Behavior

The Q, W, and E keys indicate Bluetooth connection activity.

Rapid Flashing

A rapidly flashing Q, W, or E key indicates that the keyboard is ready to pair.

Slow Flashing

A slowly flashing Q, W, or E key indicates that the keyboard is attempting to reconnect.

Connecting Three Bluetooth Devices

The RK A72 can store three Bluetooth connections.

Pairing the First Device

1. Select B mode.
2. Hold Fn + Q.
3. Search for RK A72 on the first device.
4. Complete pairing.

Pairing the Second Device

1. Keep the switch in B mode.
2. Hold Fn + W.
3. Search for RK A72 on the second device.
4. Complete pairing.

Pairing the Third Device

1. Keep the switch in B mode.
2. Hold Fn + E.
3. Search for RK A72 on the third device.
4. Complete pairing.

Switching Between Bluetooth Devices

After the three devices have been paired, the saved connections can be selected using brief key presses.

A long press starts pairing, while a brief press selects an existing connection.

Connecting Through 2.4 GHz Wireless

The RK A72 supports wireless operation using a 2.4 GHz receiver.

The keyboard and receiver are paired at the factory.

How to Connect in 2.4 GHz Mode

1. Move the connection switch to G.
2. Connect the compatible 2.4 GHz receiver to the computer.
3. Use the keyboard through the receiver.

Pairing the 2.4 GHz Receiver

The keyboard provides a dedicated pairing shortcut.

How to Enter 2.4 GHz Pairing Mode

1. Move the connection switch to G.
2. Press and hold Fn + P.
3. The keyboard enters 2.4 GHz pairing mode.
4. Complete the connection using the wireless receiver.

2.4 GHz Pairing Shortcut

The receiver is normally paired at the factory, so pairing again is generally unnecessary during standard setup.

Switching Between Connection Modes

Use the physical mode switch to select the required connection.

Bluetooth device switching is controlled separately through Fn + Q, Fn + W, and Fn + E.

Using the Rotary Volume Knob

The RK A72 has a dedicated rotary knob for changing audio volume.

Rotary Knob Functions

Increasing Volume

Turn the knob clockwise.

Decreasing Volume

Turn the knob counterclockwise.

Using the Dedicated Multimedia Buttons

The RK A72 has three dedicated media buttons.

Previous Track

Press the Previous Track button to return to the previous song.

Play/Pause

Press the Play/Pause button to pause or resume media playback.

Next Track

Press the Next Track button to advance to the next song.

Using the M1–M5 Shortcut Keys

The RK A72 has five dedicated editing shortcut keys.

These keys provide direct access to common commands.

M1–M5 Functions

M1 – Undo

Press M1 to perform the Undo command.

M2 – Cut

Press M2 to cut the selected text or item.

M3 – Select All

Press M3 to select all content supported by the active application.

M4 – Paste

Press M4 to paste copied or cut content.

M5 – Copy

Press M5 to copy selected content.

Using the Touch-Sensitive RK Logo

The RK A72 includes a touch-sensitive Royal Kludge logo.

The logo provides an additional touch control function.

Default Touch Function

Touching the RK logo opens the web driver by default.

Switching the Touch Function

Use the Fn + RK Logo Touch combination.

This combination cycles through the available touch function settings.

The touch-sensitive logo is a dedicated keyboard control and is separate from the mechanical keys.

Function Key Shortcuts

The 68% keyboard layout provides F1–F12 functions through Fn combinations.

F1–F12 Shortcut Guide

Switching Primary and Secondary Key Functions

The RK A72 supports switching between primary and secondary function-key behavior.

Function Mode Shortcut

Press Fn + Left Ctrl.

This combination changes the primary and secondary function-key behavior.

The corresponding function mode affects how F1–F12 and multimedia functions are accessed.

Additional Keyboard Function Shortcuts

The RK A72 provides secondary functions for navigation and system commands.

Secondary Combination Key Guide

Scroll Lock

Press Fn + Delete to activate the Scroll Lock function.

Pause

Press Fn + Page Up for Pause.

End

Press Fn + Page Down for End.

Print Screen

Press Fn + Left Bracket.

Insert

Press Fn + Right Bracket.

Home

Press Fn with the corresponding quote-mark key identified in the keyboard’s secondary function table.

Windows and Mac Operating System Modes

The RK A72 supports different keyboard functions for Windows and Mac.

Switching to Windows Mode

Press Fn + A.

Switching to Mac Mode

Press Fn + S.

Operating System Mode Shortcuts

Select the appropriate operating system mode before using the corresponding multimedia shortcuts.

Windows Multimedia Keyboard Shortcuts

In Windows mode, the RK A72 provides shortcuts for applications, audio, and media playback.

The manufacturer identifies these functions using Fn + F1 through Fn + F12.

Windows Shortcut Guide

Opening the Browser

Use the Browser shortcut in Windows mode.

Opening the Calculator

Use the Calculator shortcut.

Controlling Media Playback

Adjusting Audio Volume

Use the mute, volume down, and volume up shortcuts to control playback sound.

Mac Multimedia Keyboard Shortcuts

In Mac mode, the keyboard provides shortcuts for screen brightness, keyboard backlighting, audio, and media playback.

Mac Shortcut Guide

Adjusting Screen Brightness on Mac

Use the screen brightness shortcuts to decrease or increase the display brightness.

Adjusting Keyboard Brightness on Mac

Use Fn + F5 and Fn + F6 to decrease or increase keyboard backlight brightness.

Controlling Media Playback on Mac

The shortcuts for previous track, play/pause, and next track are Fn + F7, Fn + F8, and Fn + F9.

RGB Backlight Controls

The RK A72 provides direct keyboard controls for RGB backlighting.

These shortcuts adjust:

• Brightness
• Animation speed
• Color
• Lighting effects
• Backlight mode

RGB Lighting Shortcut Guide

Adjusting RGB Brightness

Increasing Brightness

Press Fn + Up Arrow.

Decreasing Brightness

Press Fn + Down Arrow.

Adjusting RGB Animation Speed

Increasing Lighting Speed

Press Fn + Right Arrow.

Decreasing Lighting Speed

Press Fn + Left Arrow.

Changing RGB Backlight Color

Press Fn + Comma / Less-than.

This shortcut switches the backlight color.

Switching Backlight Modes

Press Fn + Backslash / Vertical Bar.

This combination changes the keyboard’s backlight mode.

Changing Side Lighting Effects

The keyboard provides a separate shortcut for its side lighting.

How to Switch Side Lighting Effects

Press Fn + Period / Greater-than.

This cycles through the available side lighting effects.

Windows Key Lock

The RK A72 supports locking the Windows key.

How to Lock or Unlock the Windows Key

Press Fn + Win.

The shortcut toggles Windows Lock.

Restoring Factory Settings

The RK A72 includes a factory reset function.

How to Reset the RK A72

1. Press and hold Fn + Spacebar.
2. Keep both keys pressed for approximately three seconds.
3. Allow the keyboard to restore its factory settings.

Factory Reset Shortcut

Charging the RK A72

The RK A72 contains a rechargeable battery.

The charging indicator provides battery status information.

Charging Indicator Behavior

Charging Precaution

Fast charging is not supported.

Use the keyboard’s supported charging arrangement rather than an unsupported fast-charging method.

Keyboard Driver and Software

Royal Kludge provides a driver download website for the RK A72.

Driver Download

https://en.rkgaming.com/download/1

RK Logo Web Driver Function

Touching the RK logo opens the web driver by default.

The touch control function can be switched using Fn together with the touch-sensitive RK logo.

Troubleshooting Guide

The following checks follow the connection, indicator, and keyboard control procedures described in the RK A72 manual.

Common Problems and Solutions

Wired Keyboard Does Not Connect

1. Move the connection switch to the center position.
2. Connect the USB Type-C cable to the keyboard.
3. Connect the other end to the computer.
4. Use the keyboard in wired mode.

Bluetooth Keyboard Does Not Appear

1. Move the connection switch to B.
2. Select the required Bluetooth slot.
3. Hold Fn + Q, Fn + W, or Fn + E.
4. Check that the selected key flashes rapidly.
5. Enable Bluetooth on the target device.
6. Search for RK A72.
7. Select the keyboard to connect.

Bluetooth Key Flashes Rapidly

Rapid flashing indicates that Bluetooth pairing mode is active.

Complete the connection through the target device’s Bluetooth settings.

Bluetooth Key Flashes Slowly

Slow flashing indicates that the keyboard is attempting to reconnect.

Bluetooth Device Switching Does Not Work as Expected

Use a brief press of the corresponding shortcut for the previously paired device:

• Fn + Q
• Fn + W
• Fn + E

A long press activates pairing instead of normal switching.

2.4 GHz Receiver Requires Pairing

1. Move the connection switch to G.
2. Press and hold Fn + P.
3. Complete receiver pairing.

The keyboard and receiver are normally paired at the factory.

Charging Indicator Flashes

A flashing charging indicator means the keyboard battery is low.

RGB Backlight Brightness Needs Adjustment

Use Fn + Up Arrow to increase brightness or Fn + Down Arrow to decrease brightness.

Side Lighting Does Not Match the Preferred Effect

Press Fn with the period/greater-than key to switch side lighting effects.

Function Keys Behave Differently Than Expected

Use Fn + Left Ctrl to switch between the primary and secondary key function modes.

Multimedia Shortcuts Do Not Match the Operating System

For Windows, press Fn + A.

For Mac, press Fn + S.

Factory Settings Need Restoration

Hold Fn + Spacebar for three seconds.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning helps keep the mechanical keys free of dust and debris.

General Keyboard Care

• Clean the keyboard regularly.
• Avoid exposing it to liquids.
• Do not use excessive force on the keys.
• Keep the keyboard away from extreme temperatures.
• Avoid storing or operating it in excessively humid environments.

Comfortable Keyboard Use

Maintain appropriate posture during typing.

Take regular breaks to reduce hand fatigue.

The keyboard’s angled arrangement can be used according to the user’s preferred hand position.

Storage and Handling

Keep the RK A72 in a suitable environment away from:

• Extreme heat
• Extreme cold
• Excessive humidity
• Liquids
• Physical damage

Battery Storage Safety

Do not expose the battery to:

• Fire
• Extremely high temperatures
• Extremely low air pressure
• Crushing or cutting forces

Follow applicable local battery disposal requirements.

Regulatory and Compliance Information

FCC Compliance

The RK A72 complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Operation is subject to two conditions:

1. The device must not cause harmful interference.
2. The device must accept received interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

The keyboard has been tested under Class B digital device requirements.

Radio Interference Precautions

If interference affects nearby radio or television reception, the manual recommends:

• Reorienting or relocating the receiving antenna.
• Increasing the distance between the keyboard and receiver.
• Connecting equipment to an outlet on a different circuit.
• Consulting the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician.

FCC Radio Frequency Exposure

The equipment complies with applicable FCC radiation exposure limits for an uncontrolled environment.

The transmitter must not be operated together with another antenna or transmitter in the prohibited configurations described by the regulatory notice.

Canadian ISED Compliance

The keyboard includes licence-exempt wireless equipment that complies with applicable Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada requirements.

The equipment must accept interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Customer Support Information

For product questions or technical support, contact Royal Kludge through its customer support channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I connect the Royal Kludge RK A72 using Bluetooth?

Move the connection switch to B and hold Fn + Q, Fn + W, or Fn + E to enter Bluetooth pairing mode. The selected key flashes rapidly. Enable Bluetooth on the target device, search for RK A72, and complete the connection.

2. How do I switch between three Bluetooth devices on the RK A72?

The RK A72 stores three Bluetooth connections. After pairing them, briefly press Fn + Q, Fn + W, or Fn + E to select the corresponding device. A long press starts pairing mode instead.

3. How do I connect the RK A72 using the 2.4 GHz receiver?

Move the connection switch to G and use the 2.4 GHz receiver. The receiver is normally paired at the factory. If pairing is required, press and hold Fn + P to enter pairing mode.

4. How do I use the RK A72 in wired mode?

Move the connection switch to the center position. Connect the USB Type-C cable to the keyboard and then to the compatible computer.

5. What do the M1–M5 keys do on the RK A72?

The five dedicated keys provide editing shortcuts. M1 performs Undo, M2 performs Cut, M3 performs Select All, M4 performs Paste, and M5 performs Copy.

6. How do I change the RGB lighting on the RK A72?

Use Fn + Up or Down Arrow to change brightness, Fn + Left or Right Arrow to change lighting speed, Fn + Comma to switch colors, and Fn + Backslash to switch backlight modes. Fn + Period changes the side lighting effects.

7. How do I switch the RK A72 between Windows and Mac modes?

Press Fn + A to select Windows mode or Fn + S to select Mac mode. The keyboard changes its multimedia and function-key behavior according to the selected mode.

8. How do I factory reset the Royal Kludge RK A72?

Press and hold Fn + Spacebar for approximately three seconds. The keyboard restores its factory settings.