Mechanical Keyboard C96HE

Royal Kludge Magnetic Mechanical Keyboard C96HE

The Royal Kludge C96HE is a 96% layout magnetic mechanical keyboard designed for wired computer operation. It features magnetic switches, an integrated volume roller, a dedicated mute button, adjustable backlighting, and keyboard shortcuts for Windows and Mac systems.

The keyboard measures 375.48 × 124.48 × 38.25 mm and combines a compact arrangement with a numeric keypad, arrow keys, and function controls. It includes indicator lights for Num Lock, Caps Lock, Windows Lock, and Mac operating mode.

The C96HE connects to a computer through a USB cable. Its backlighting can be adjusted using Fn combinations for brightness, lighting-effect speed, monochrome switching, and lighting modes. The volume roller provides direct audio adjustment without requiring keyboard shortcuts.

The keyboard also supports secondary functions for Print Screen, Scroll Lock, Insert, Home, End, Pause, Delete, and Page Up/Down. Windows and Mac layouts can be selected independently, with multimedia shortcuts for controlling applications, playback, volume, and display brightness.

The C96HE uses magnetic switch components that require correct orientation and driver calibration after replacement. The compatible magnetic switch component must be installed with its N-pole facing downward before calibration through the keyboard driver.

These instructions cover the C96HE keyboard’s specifications, components, wired connection, volume controls, lighting adjustments, function keys, magnetic switch calibration, Windows and Mac shortcuts, factory reset, and driver support.

Technical Specifications

Keyboard Parts and Components

The Royal Kludge C96HE includes a main typing area, function keys, navigation controls, numeric keypad, volume roller, and indicator lights.

Main Keyboard Components

Keyboard Layout

The C96HE uses a 96% keyboard layout.

The arrangement includes:

• Main alphanumeric keys
• F1–F12 function keys
• Arrow keys
• Numeric keypad
• Windows and Fn modifier keys
• Navigation and editing functions
• Integrated volume roller

Additional functions are accessed through Fn combinations.

Keyboard Indicator Lights

The C96HE includes indicator lights that show the current keyboard operating status.

Indicator Light Guide

Num Lock Indicator

The Num indicator identifies the Num Lock function associated with the numeric keypad.

Caps Lock Indicator

The Caps indicator shows when Caps Lock is enabled.

Windows Lock Indicator

The Win indicator identifies the Windows key lock status.

The Windows Lock function can be controlled using Fn + Win.

Mac Mode Indicator

The Mac indicator remains illuminated when the keyboard is operating in Mac system mode.

Before First Use

The C96HE operates through a wired USB connection.

Initial Setup Instructions

1. Place the keyboard on a stable surface.
2. Locate the USB connection port on the keyboard.
3. Connect the compatible USB cable to the keyboard.
4. Connect the other end of the cable to an available USB port on the computer.
5. Select the appropriate Windows or Mac layout using the keyboard shortcuts.

The keyboard can then be operated through its wired connection.

How to Connect the C96HE in Wired Mode

The C96HE uses a USB cable to connect to a computer.

Wired Connection Instructions

1. Locate the keyboard’s USB connector.
2. Insert the keyboard end of the USB cable into the connector.
3. Connect the USB-A end to an available USB port on the computer.
4. Use the keyboard through the wired connection.

The keyboard’s USB connection provides communication between the keyboard and the host computer.

Volume Roller Functions

The C96HE features an integrated volume roller that controls audio output.

Volume Roller Control Guide

Increasing Volume

Scroll the volume roller upward to increase the system volume.

Decreasing Volume

Scroll the roller downward to decrease the system volume.

Mute Button

A dedicated mute button is positioned near the volume roller.

How to Mute the Keyboard’s Audio Control

Press the mute button briefly.

The keyboard also includes a multimedia shortcut for mute through Fn + F10.

Backlight Controls

The Royal Kludge C96HE supports adjustable backlighting.

Brightness, effect speed, monochrome switching, and lighting modes are controlled using Fn combinations.

Backlight Shortcut Table

How to Adjust Backlight Brightness

Use the Fn key with the vertical arrow keys.

• Press Fn + Up Arrow to increase backlight brightness.
• Press Fn + Down Arrow to decrease backlight brightness.

How to Adjust Backlight Effect Speed

The horizontal arrow keys control the speed of the active lighting effect.

• Press Fn + Left Arrow to decrease lighting-effect speed.
• Press Fn + Right Arrow to increase lighting-effect speed.

How to Switch Monochrome Backlighting

Press Fn + Delete to activate the monochrome backlight switching function.

How to Change Backlight Modes

Press Fn + Print Screen to switch between the available backlight modes.

Secondary Function Keys

The C96HE includes Fn combinations for standard navigation and system commands.

Special Function Key Table

Print Screen

Press Fn + Y to perform the Print Screen function.

Scroll Lock

Press Fn + U to activate Scroll Lock.

Pause

Press Fn + I to perform the Pause function.

Insert

Press Fn + H to activate Insert.

Home and End

Page Up and Page Down

Delete

Press Fn + N to activate the Delete function.

Windows and Mac System Modes

The C96HE supports separate Windows and Mac keyboard layouts.

System Switching Shortcuts

Switching to Windows Mode

Press Fn + A.

The keyboard changes to the Windows layout, allowing Windows multimedia shortcuts to be used.

Switching to Mac Mode

Press Fn + S.

The keyboard changes to the Mac layout, allowing the corresponding Mac multimedia shortcuts to be used.

The Mac status indicator identifies the active Mac operating mode.

Windows Multimedia Shortcuts

When Windows mode is selected, the C96HE provides multimedia functions for opening applications, controlling music, and adjusting volume.

Windows Multimedia Shortcut Table

Windows Application Shortcuts

The keyboard provides direct function-key combinations for common computer applications.

Windows Media Playback Controls

Windows Audio Controls

These shortcuts provide an alternative to the keyboard’s dedicated volume roller and mute button.

Mac Multimedia Shortcuts

When Mac system mode is selected, the C96HE provides shortcuts for screen brightness, keyboard backlighting, music playback, and volume.

Mac Multimedia Shortcut Table

Mac Screen Brightness Controls

In Mac mode:

• Fn + F1: Decreases display brightness.
• Fn + F2: Increases display brightness.

Mac Keyboard Backlight Brightness

• Fn + F5: Decreases keyboard backlight brightness.
• Fn + F6: Increases keyboard backlight brightness.

Mac Music and Volume Controls

The keyboard provides media playback and audio controls through Fn + F7 to Fn + F12.

The functions include previous track, play/pause, next track, mute, volume down, and volume up.

Windows Key Lock

The C96HE includes a Windows key lock function.

How to Lock the Windows Key

Press Fn + Win.

The keyboard’s Win Lock indicator shows the corresponding lock status.

Magnetic Switch Replacement and Calibration

The C96HE uses magnetic switch technology.

If a magnetic switch component is replaced, the replacement must be installed with the correct magnetic orientation and calibrated through the driver.

Magnetic Switch Orientation

The magnetic switch’s internal shaft body must be positioned with its N-pole facing downward.

Incorrect orientation may prevent the switch from functioning as intended.

Calibrating a Replacement Magnetic Switch

After replacing the switch’s shaft body:

1. Confirm that the replacement shaft body has been installed with the N-pole facing downward.
2. Open the keyboard’s compatible driver software.
3. Perform the required switch calibration through the driver.

Important: Calibration is required after replacing the magnetic switch’s shaft body.

How to Restore Factory Settings

The keyboard includes a factory reset shortcut.

C96HE Factory Reset Instructions

1. Locate the Fn key.
2. Press and hold Fn + Spacebar.
3. Keep both keys pressed for three seconds.
4. The keyboard restores its factory settings.

Royal Kludge C96HE Driver Download

Royal Kludge provides a driver website for the keyboard.

Official Driver Address

https://drive2.rkgaming.com

The driver is used for supported keyboard settings, including calibration after magnetic switch component replacement.

Keyboard Care and Maintenance

Maintaining the Keyboard

Regular keyboard maintenance helps preserve reliable key operation.

Keep the keyboard free from accumulated dust and dirt.

Avoid unnecessary force when pressing the keys or operating the volume roller.

Magnetic Switch Maintenance

The magnetic switch components require correct orientation during replacement.

The replacement shaft body must have its N-pole facing downward, and the switch must be calibrated through the driver afterward.

Keeping Keyboard Settings

The keyboard’s lighting and operating system settings can be changed using the documented Fn shortcuts.

If the keyboard settings need to be restored, the factory reset function can be activated using Fn + Spacebar.

Manufacturer and Customer Support

Royal Kludge provides support for product questions and operating issues.

Manufacturer Information

For product issues or questions, customers can contact Royal Kludge customer support.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I connect the Royal Kludge C96HE keyboard?

Connect the keyboard to a compatible computer using its USB cable. The C96HE operates through a wired USB connection.

2. How do I adjust the RGB backlight settings on the C96HE?

Press Fn + Up Arrow or Fn + Down Arrow to adjust brightness. Use Fn + Left/Right Arrow to change effect speed, Fn + Delete for monochrome switching, and Fn + Print Screen to change the backlight mode.

3. How do I control volume on the C96HE keyboard?

Scroll the volume roller upward to increase volume or downward to decrease it. The dedicated mute button provides a short-press mute function. Volume can also be adjusted using the multimedia shortcuts.

4. How do I reset the Royal Kludge C96HE to factory settings?

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

5. How do I switch the C96HE between Windows and Mac modes?

Press Fn + A to select Windows mode or Fn + S to select Mac mode. The keyboard provides corresponding multimedia functions for each system.

6. How do I calibrate a replaced magnetic switch on the C96HE?

Install the replacement switch’s shaft body with its N-pole facing downward. After replacement, open the keyboard driver and perform the required calibration.

7. How do I lock the Windows key on the C96HE?

Press Fn + Win to activate the Windows Lock function. The Win Lock indicator identifies the keyboard’s lock status.

8. Where can I download the Royal Kludge C96HE driver?

The keyboard driver is available through Royal Kludge’s driver website at https://drive2.rkgaming.com/.