L98 Mechanical Keyboard

Royal Kludge L98 Mechanical Keyboard

The Royal Kludge L98 is a 98% layout mechanical keyboard featuring RGB backlighting, a detachable volume knob, and three connection modes: USB wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless. It supports Windows and Mac keyboard layouts, multimedia shortcuts, customizable backlighting, and connections to multiple Bluetooth devices.

The keyboard measures 408.52 × 147.02 × 44.82 mm and features mechanical switches, dedicated function keys, a numeric keypad, arrow keys, and a multifunction rotary knob. The knob controls system volume and mute and can be removed and replaced with the Home key.

The L98 supports three Bluetooth profiles, allowing users to pair and switch between three devices through Fn + Q, Fn + W, and Fn + E. The 2.4GHz wireless connection uses a USB receiver paired with the keyboard at the factory.

Technical Specifications

What’s Included in the Box

The Royal Kludge L98 package includes the keyboard and the following accessories.

Keyboard Parts and Components

The L98 includes a compact mechanical keyboard layout with a dedicated function row, numeric keypad, navigation keys, and detachable volume knob.

Main Keyboard Components

Keyboard Indicators

The keyboard includes three status indicators.

Connection Mode Switch

The L98 has a three-position connection switch located near the USB Type-C port and USB hub.

Switch Positions

The connection switch determines which operating mode the keyboard uses.

Before First Use

The keyboard supports wired and wireless operation.

Initial Setup Instructions

1. Remove the keyboard and accessories from the packaging.
2. Place the keyboard on a stable surface.
3. Select the required connection mode.
4. Connect the USB Type-C cable for wired operation, or use Bluetooth or the 2.4GHz receiver for wireless operation.
5. Select the appropriate Windows or Mac keyboard layout.

How to Connect the L98 in Wired Mode

The Royal Kludge L98 supports wired operation through its USB Type-C connection.

Wired USB Setup

1. Locate the USB Type-C port on the keyboard.
2. Connect the supplied USB Type-C cable.
3. Connect the other end of the cable to an available USB port on the computer.
4. Move the connection switch to the center position.
5. Use the keyboard through the wired USB connection.

The center switch position selects wired operation.

How to Connect the L98 Using Bluetooth

The L98 supports three Bluetooth profiles, allowing three different devices to be paired and saved.

Bluetooth Profile Shortcuts

Bluetooth Pairing Instructions

1. Move the connection switch to B.
2. Select the Bluetooth profile to be paired.
3. Press and hold Fn + Q, Fn + W, or Fn + E to enter pairing mode.
4. The keyboard displays the corresponding pairing indication, such as BT1 Pairing.
5. Enable Bluetooth on the computer, tablet, or other compatible device.
6. Search for available Bluetooth devices.
7. Select RK L98 from the device list.
8. Complete the pairing process.

After the Bluetooth connection is established, the keyboard automatically returns to its main operating interface.

Bluetooth Pairing and Reconnection

The Bluetooth shortcuts perform different functions depending on whether they are held or pressed briefly.

Reconnecting a Bluetooth Device

After a device has been paired:

1. Set the connection switch to B.
2. Briefly press the shortcut for the previously paired profile.
3. The keyboard enters linking mode.
4. The corresponding profile shows a message such as BT1 Re-Link.

Switching Between Three Bluetooth Devices

The L98 can store three groups of Bluetooth devices.

To switch between paired devices:

1. Keep the keyboard in Bluetooth mode.
2. Briefly press Fn + Q, Fn + W, or Fn + E.
3. The keyboard attempts to reconnect to the selected device.

The intended devices must be paired with their respective profiles before switching between them.

How to Connect the L98 Using 2.4GHz Wireless

The L98 supports a separate 2.4GHz wireless connection using a USB dongle.

The receiver is paired with the keyboard at the factory.

Connecting with the 2.4GHz Receiver

1. Move the connection switch to G.
2. Remove the USB receiver from its storage compartment.
3. Insert the receiver into an available USB port on the computer.
4. Use the keyboard through the 2.4GHz wireless connection.

How to Pair the 2.4GHz Receiver

If pairing is required again:

1. Move the connection switch to G.
2. Press and hold Fn + P.
3. The keyboard enters pairing mode and displays 2.4G Pairing.
4. Insert the USB receiver into the computer.
5. Wait for the pairing process to complete.

Note: The 2.4GHz receiver is paired with the keyboard at the factory, so pairing is normally unnecessary.

Receiver Storage

The L98 includes a dedicated storage compartment for the 2.4GHz USB receiver.

The receiver can be placed in this compartment when not in use.

Detachable Rotary Knob Functions

The L98 includes a removable rotary knob positioned in the upper-right corner.

The knob provides volume control and can be replaced by the Home key.

Rotary Knob Controls

Increasing Volume

Rotate the knob clockwise to increase the system volume.

Decreasing Volume

Rotate the knob counterclockwise to decrease the system volume.

Muting Audio

Press the knob to activate the mute function.

Replacing the Knob with the Home Key

The detachable knob can be replaced by the Home key.

The keyboard provides this interchangeable control arrangement.

RGB Backlight Controls

The Royal Kludge L98 features RGB backlighting with controls for brightness, lighting-effect speed, color switching, and lighting modes.

Backlight Shortcut Table

Adjusting Backlight Brightness

The brightness is controlled through the vertical arrow keys.

• Fn + Up Arrow: Increases backlight brightness.
• Fn + Down Arrow: Decreases backlight brightness.

Adjusting Backlight Effect Speed

The speed of the active lighting effect can be adjusted using the horizontal arrow keys.

• Fn + Left Arrow: Decreases the effect speed.
• Fn + Right Arrow: Increases the effect speed.

Changing Backlight Color

Press Fn + Comma/Less-Than (<) to switch the backlight color.

Switching Backlight Modes

Press Fn + Backslash (\) to change the active backlighting mode.

Custom Backlight Recording

The L98 supports recording a custom illuminated key arrangement.

How to Set Custom Backlighting

1. Press Fn + 1 to select custom backlighting.
2. Press Fn + Backspace to enter backlight recording mode.
3. The keyboard backlight turns off, indicating that recording has started.
4. Press the keys to be included in the custom lighting arrangement.
5. Continue selecting the required keys.
6. Press Fn + Backspace again to save the settings and exit recording mode.

Custom Backlight Shortcuts

Secondary Function Keys

The L98 provides additional keyboard functions through Fn combinations.

Secondary Function Shortcut Table

Print Screen

Press Fn + Page Up to activate Print Screen.

Scroll Lock

Press Fn + Delete to activate Scroll Lock.

Insert and Pause

Home and End

Windows and Mac Keyboard Modes

The keyboard supports separate Windows and Mac system layouts.

Operating System Mode Shortcuts

Switching to Windows Mode

Press Fn + A to select the Windows keyboard layout.

Switching to Mac Mode

Press Fn + S to select the Mac keyboard layout.

The selected operating system mode determines the keyboard’s multimedia function assignments.

Windows Multimedia Shortcuts

The keyboard provides application, playback, and volume controls when Windows mode is selected.

Windows Multimedia Shortcut Table

Windows Application Shortcuts

The first five multimedia shortcuts provide access to common computer applications.

Music Playback Controls

The keyboard supports media playback through the F6–F9 function combinations.

Windows Volume Controls

These shortcuts provide an alternative to the detachable rotary knob.

Mac Multimedia Shortcuts

When Mac mode is selected, the keyboard provides display brightness, keyboard backlight brightness, multimedia playback, and volume controls.

Mac Multimedia Shortcut Table

Mac Display Brightness

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

Keyboard Backlight Brightness in Mac Mode

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

Windows Key Lock

The L98 includes a Windows key lock function.

How to Lock the Windows Key

Press Fn + Win.

The keyboard’s Win indicator displays a bright white light when Windows Lock is active.

How to Restore Factory Settings

The L98 supports a factory reset through an Fn shortcut.

Factory Reset Instructions

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

Bluetooth and 2.4GHz Troubleshooting

The connection shortcuts and pairing indications can help identify the keyboard’s current wireless state.

Bluetooth Pairing Versus Reconnection

A long press on Fn + Q, W, or E activates pairing mode for the selected profile.

A short press starts reconnection to the corresponding previously paired device.

2.4GHz Receiver Pairing

The 2.4GHz receiver is paired at the factory.

If pairing is required again, move the switch to G, hold Fn + P, and insert the receiver.

Battery Safety Instructions

The keyboard contains battery-powered wireless equipment that must be handled carefully.

Battery Precautions

• Do not expose the battery to excessive heat, including direct sunlight or fire.
• Do not replace the battery with an incorrect type.
• Do not dispose of the battery in fire or a hot oven.
• Do not crush or cut the battery.
• Do not expose the battery to extremely high temperatures.
• Do not expose the battery to extremely low air pressure.

Incorrect battery replacement or handling can cause an explosion or leakage of flammable liquids or gases.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning helps keep the keyboard comfortable to use.

Keyboard Care

• Clean the keyboard regularly to remove dust and dirt.
• Keep liquids away from the keyboard.
• Avoid excessive force when pressing mechanical keys.
• Maintain a suitable working environment without extreme temperatures or humidity.

Comfortable Keyboard Use

Maintain proper posture during typing and avoid pressing keys with unnecessary force.

Take regular breaks during extended keyboard use to reduce hand fatigue.

USB Receiver Storage

When not using the 2.4GHz wireless receiver, place it in the keyboard’s designated storage compartment.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance

The Royal Kludge L98 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 could affect its operation.

The keyboard has been tested against the applicable Class B digital device limits.

Reducing Radio Interference

If the keyboard causes radio or television reception interference, the following actions are recommended:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the distance between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a different electrical circuit.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician.

Unauthorized changes or modifications may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Radio-Frequency Exposure

The equipment complies with the applicable FCC and ISED radio-frequency exposure limits for uncontrolled environments.

The transmitter should not be placed or operated together with another antenna or transmitter.

ISED Compliance

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

The device must not cause prohibited interference and must accept interference that may affect its operation.

Royal Kludge L98 Driver Download

The L98 manual identifies the following driver download address:

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

The manufacturer’s download resource provides software support for compatible Royal Kludge keyboard products.

Manufacturer and Customer Support

Royal Kludge provides assistance for product issues and questions.

Manufacturer Information

Customers requiring assistance with product operation or problems can contact Royal Kludge through its customer support channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I connect the Royal Kludge L98 using Bluetooth?

Move the connection switch to B and press and hold Fn + Q, Fn + W, or Fn + E to enter Bluetooth pairing mode. Enable Bluetooth on the host device, select RK L98, and complete pairing.

2. How do I connect the L98 using the 2.4GHz USB receiver?

Move the connection switch to G and insert the factory-paired USB receiver into the computer. If pairing is required again, hold Fn + P to enter 2.4G Pairing mode before inserting the receiver.

3. How do I use the Royal Kludge L98 in wired mode?

Connect the USB Type-C cable to the keyboard and computer. Move the connection switch to the center position to select wired USB operation.

4. How many Bluetooth devices can the L98 keyboard store?

The L98 supports three Bluetooth profiles: BT1, BT2, and BT3. The corresponding shortcuts are Fn + Q, Fn + W, and Fn + E.

5. How do I change the L98 RGB backlight settings?

Use Fn + Up/Down Arrow to adjust brightness, Fn + Left/Right Arrow to change lighting-effect speed, Fn + Comma to switch color, and Fn + Backslash to change the lighting mode.

6. How do I control the volume on the L98 keyboard?

Rotate the detachable knob clockwise to increase volume or counterclockwise to decrease it. Press the knob to mute audio. The knob can also be replaced with the Home key.

7. How do I switch the L98 between Windows and Mac modes?

Press Fn + A to switch to Windows mode or Fn + S to switch to Mac mode.

8. How do I reset the Royal Kludge L98 keyboard?

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