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Lists all parts included in the fully assembled keyboard package.
Details the Type-C to Type-C cable and Type-A to Type-C adapter provided.
Lists the essential tools provided for keyboard maintenance and customization.
Lists parts for the barebone kit, excluding keycaps and switches.
Specifies the Type-C to Type-C cable and Type-A to Type-C adapter included.
Lists the tools provided for the barebone kit assembly.
Instructions for finding and replacing keycaps for different operating systems.
Guide on using the system toggle for Mac or Windows compatibility.
Instructions to download and use the VIA software for key remapping.
Explains the five layers of key settings on the keyboard.
Details how to access and use multimedia and function key combinations.
How to change lighting effects and turn the backlight on/off.
Instructions for increasing or decreasing backlight brightness using key combinations.
How to control the speed of the backlight effects.
Explains the policy for replacing defective keyboard components during the warranty period.
Advises watching a building tutorial video before assembly.
Step-by-step guide on how to perform a factory reset on the keyboard.
Identifies the Type-C port on the keyboard.
Visual representation of the Mac key layout.
Visual representation of the Windows key layout.
Details the default key layout for Mac systems, activated by the system toggle.
Details the default key layout for Windows systems, activated by the system toggle.
Details the key layout for Mac multimedia functions, activated with fn/MO(2).
Details the key layout for Windows multimedia functions, activated with fn/MO(3).
Details the key layout for function keys, activated with fn1/MO(4).
Warning about potential issues with third-party input tools.
Notes on certain fn/multimedia keys not working in Windows/Android mode.
Guidelines for safe handling, storage, and environmental conditions.
The Keychron V4 Customizable Keyboard is a versatile and high-performance mechanical keyboard designed for users who value customization, durability, and a premium typing experience. Available in both Fully Assembled and Barebone versions, the V4 caters to a wide range of users, from those who prefer an out-of-the-box solution to enthusiasts who enjoy building and personalizing their keyboards from the ground up.
The Keychron V4 serves as a primary input device for computers, offering a tactile and responsive typing experience superior to many standard membrane keyboards. Its core function is to translate keystrokes into digital signals, enabling users to type, execute commands, and interact with their operating systems and applications. What sets the V4 apart is its extensive customizability, allowing users to tailor various aspects of the keyboard to their specific preferences and needs.
At its heart, the V4 is a 60% layout keyboard, meaning it's compact and efficient, omitting the number pad, function row, and some navigation keys to save desk space. This design is particularly popular among gamers and users who prefer a minimalist setup, as these omitted functions are often accessible via key combinations or layers.
The keyboard supports multiple operating systems, specifically Mac and Windows, with a physical toggle switch to seamlessly switch between layouts. This feature ensures that users can enjoy an optimized experience regardless of their primary computer system, with dedicated keycaps provided for Windows users to replace the default Mac layout.
A significant aspect of the V4's functionality is its support for VIA key remapping software. This powerful tool allows users to remap virtually any key on the keyboard, assign macros, and customize various functions across multiple layers. This level of programmability is crucial for users who require specific key layouts for productivity, gaming, or accessibility, making the keyboard highly adaptable to diverse workflows.
The V4 incorporates five distinct layers of key settings, providing unparalleled flexibility. Layer 0 is dedicated to the Mac system, while Layer 1 is for Windows. Layers 2 and 3 are designed for Mac and Windows Multimedia keys, respectively, offering quick access to media controls. Layer 4 is reserved for Function keys, allowing users to assign F1-F12 functions to specific keys. These layers can be activated by switching the system toggle or by pressing designated function keys (fn/MO(2), fn/MO(3), fn1/MO(4)), enabling users to access a vast array of commands from a compact layout.
Beyond basic input, the V4 also features customizable backlighting. Users can adjust the lighting effect, turn the backlight on/off, and control the brightness and speed of the lighting effects. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard but also improves visibility in low-light conditions, contributing to a more comfortable and engaging user experience.
The Keychron V4 is designed for ease of use and a highly personalized experience. Upon unboxing, users are guided to switch the system toggle on the top-left corner to match their computer's operating system (Mac or Windows). For Windows users, appropriate keycaps are included to replace the default Mac-specific keys, ensuring a familiar and intuitive layout.
The core of the V4's customization lies in its hot-swappable PCB (Printed Circuit Board). This feature allows users to easily change switches without soldering, providing the freedom to experiment with different switch types (e.g., linear, tactile, clicky) to find their preferred typing feel and sound. This is a significant advantage for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who enjoy fine-tuning their setup. The Barebone version, in particular, encourages this, as it comes without pre-installed switches or keycaps, inviting users to select and install their own.
Key remapping is a standout usage feature, facilitated by the VIA software. This intuitive graphical interface allows users to drag and drop key assignments, create complex macros, and save multiple profiles. For instance, a user might create a layer optimized for video editing, another for gaming, and a third for general productivity, switching between them effortlessly. The ability to remap keys across five layers means that even with a 60% layout, users can access all necessary functions without compromising on compactness.
Multimedia and function keys are easily accessible through key combinations. For multimedia keys, users press the "fn" key along with the desired multimedia function. Similarly, function keys (F1-F12) are accessed by pressing "fn1" in combination with specific keys. This layered approach ensures that essential functions are readily available despite the compact form factor.
The backlighting system offers several usage benefits. Users can quickly change the lighting effect by pressing "fn + Q," toggle the backlight on or off with "fn + tab," and adjust brightness using "fn + W" (increase) and "fn + S" (decrease). The speed of the lighting effect can also be controlled with "fn + T" (increase) and "fn + G" (decrease). These on-the-fly adjustments allow users to adapt the keyboard's aesthetics and visibility to their environment or mood without needing to access software.
The inclusion of a Type-C to Type-C cable and a Type-A to Type-C adapter ensures broad compatibility with various devices, making it easy to connect the keyboard to modern laptops and older desktops alike.
The Keychron V4 is designed with maintenance and longevity in mind, emphasizing its customizable and rebuildable nature. This approach not only extends the keyboard's lifespan but also empowers users to perform repairs and upgrades themselves.
One of the most significant maintenance features is its highly customizable and rebuildable design. The manual explicitly states that if any keyboard components go wrong during the warranty period, only the defective parts will be replaced, not the entire keyboard. This policy underscores the modularity of the V4, making it easy to replace individual components like the PCB, plate, or case if needed.
The hot-swappable switch sockets are a prime example of this modularity. If a switch becomes faulty or a user simply wants to try a different type, they can easily remove the old switch using the provided switch puller and insert a new one without any soldering. This significantly reduces repair time and cost, as users don't need specialized tools or expertise for switch replacement.
Similarly, keycaps can be easily removed and replaced using the included keycap puller. This is useful for cleaning, replacing worn-out keycaps, or customizing the keyboard's appearance with different keycap sets. Regular cleaning of keycaps and the area beneath them can prevent dust and debris buildup, which can affect typing performance and hygiene.
The manual provides clear instructions for factory resetting the keyboard, which is a crucial troubleshooting step. If users encounter issues such as incorrect key mappings or unexpected behavior, a factory reset can often resolve the problem by reverting the keyboard to its default settings. This process involves a specific key combination ("fn + J + Z" for 4 seconds) and, if necessary, a more advanced procedure involving removing the space bar keycap to access a reset button on the PCB, followed by flashing firmware using QMK Toolbox. This detailed guidance empowers users to self-diagnose and fix common software-related issues.
The availability of firmware updates on the Keychron website is another important maintenance aspect. Firmware updates can introduce new features, improve performance, and fix bugs, ensuring the keyboard remains up-to-date and functions optimally over time. The process of flashing new firmware is clearly outlined, including steps to enter DFU (Device Firmware Upgrade) mode.
The manual also includes essential safety precautions to ensure the longevity of the keyboard. Users are advised to keep the product dry to avoid corrosion and to avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures (below -10°C or above 50°C). These guidelines help prevent physical damage and preserve the internal components, contributing to the keyboard's overall durability.
For users building the Barebone version or performing significant modifications, Keychron provides a building tutorial video on their website. This resource is invaluable for ensuring correct assembly and understanding the internal structure of the keyboard, which is vital for both initial setup and future maintenance.
In summary, the Keychron V4 is not just a keyboard but a customizable platform designed for a long and adaptable life, with features that support both personalized use and straightforward maintenance.
General| Type | Mechanical |
|---|---|
| Switch Type | Gateron |
| Keycap Material | PBT |
| Backlight | RGB |
| Connectivity | Wired Type-C |
| Operating System Compatibility | macOS/Windows |
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