X-Bows Nature - User Manual

X-Bows Nature Ergonomic Mechanical
Keyboard Operating Instructions
Web: www.x-bows.com
Mail: support@x-bows.com

Summary

Product Introduction and Contents

Product Overview

Details the ergonomic benefits and features of the X-Bows Nature keyboard for improved typing experience.

Keyboard Package Contents

Lists all components included in the keyboard package, such as the keyboard, PCB, and accessories.

Keyboard Specifications

FN Function Key Guide

FN Quantum Key Functions

Explains FN key combinations for Quantum layout specific functions like reset and application launching.

FN Media Key Functions

Details FN key combinations for controlling media playback, volume, and mute functions.

FN Keyboard Settings Key Functions

Describes FN key combinations for adjusting RGB lighting modes, hue, and effect speed.

Flashing Your Keyboard

Keyboard Flashing Process

Guides users through selecting the correct firmware configurator and using QMK Toolbox for flashing.

Important Flashing Notes

Provides crucial information and methods for putting the keyboard into DFU mode for firmware updates.

Overview

1. Technical Specifications
2. What's in the box?
3. Usage Features
4. Quantum Functions (Fn+)
5. Media Functions (Fn+)
6. Keyboard Settings (Fn+)
7. Flashing Your Keyboard
8. Steps for Flashing
9. Entering DFU (Bootloader) Mode
10. Maintenance Features

The X-Bows Nature is an ergonomic mechanical keyboard designed to enhance typing experience by improving posture and reducing finger travel. It is a fully customizable device, supporting QMK and VIA for extensive key remapping, shortcut creation, and backlight effect adjustments.

Technical Specifications:

• Model: Nature
• Layout: US Layout (86 Keys)
• Backlight: RGB LED
• Switch Support: Hot-Swappable
• Firmware: QMK firmware
• MCU: High Performance, Low Power AVR® ATmega32U4
• Connectivity: Type-C
• Keyboard Size: 345.7 x 128 x 38.4 mm
• Working Voltage: 4.7-5.3V
• Working Current: <350mA
• Build Quality: ABS Plastic + Aluminum

What's in the box?

The product comes with a fully assembled keyboard, including:

• 1 × PCB
• 1 × ABS Plastic + Aluminum Build Quality
• 8 Set × Stabilizers
• 1 Set × Keycaps (OEM Double-Shot ABS)
• 1 Set × Switches (Gateron Switches 3Pin)
• 1 × Type-A to Type-C Cable
• 1 × Switch Puller
• 1 × Keycap Puller

Usage Features:

The X-Bows Nature keyboard offers a wide range of function keys and settings accessible via the Fn key, categorized into Quantum, Media, and Keyboard Settings.

Quantum Functions (Fn+):

• ESC: Resets the keyboard.
• Delet: Toggles NKRO (N-Key Rollover) on or off.
• PrtSc: Resets EEPROM state.
• Backspace: Activates NUMLOCK.
• Pgup: Navigates to Home.
• Pgdn: Navigates to End.
• F9: Launches Calculator (Windows).
• F10: Launches My Computer (Windows).
• F11: Launches Media Player (Windows).
• F12: Launches Mail (Windows).

Media Functions (Fn+):

• ↑ (Up Arrow): Increases volume.
• ↓ (Down Arrow): Decreases volume.
• ← (Left Arrow): Skips to the previous track.
• → (Right Arrow): Skips to the next track.
• R-shift: Mutes audio.
• R-ctrl: Plays/pauses media.

Keyboard Settings (Fn+):

• Tab: Toggles RGB lighting on or off.
• Q: Cycles to the next RGB mode.
• E: Increases hue.
• W: Increases value.
• S: Decreases value.
• D: Increases RGB effect speed.
• A: Decreases RGB effect speed.

Flashing Your Keyboard:

The keyboard supports QMK and VIA for custom firmware. To flash custom firmware, the keyboard must be put into DFU (Bootloader) Mode. It is crucial not to unplug the keyboard or interrupt the flashing process.

Steps for Flashing:

1. Select Keyboard Model: Open the QMK configurator and select the appropriate web page for your X-Bows Nature model: https://config.qmk.fm/#/xbows/nature/LAYOUT.
   • Note: When updating firmware, connect only the keyboard to be updated and disconnect other keyboards from your computer.
2. Download QMK Toolbox: Download the QMK Toolbox from https://github.com/qmk/qmk_toolbox/releases.
3. Consult Manual: Refer to the QMK keyboard manual for detailed instructions: https://x-bows.com/blogs/blog/how-to-use-qmk-keyboard.

Entering DFU (Bootloader) Mode:

There are three methods to put your keyboard into DFU mode:

1. Press "Fn+Esc": Simultaneously press the Function (Fn) key and the Escape (Esc) key.
2. Unplug and Replug with Esc: Unplug your keyboard, hold down the Esc key, and then plug the keyboard back in.
3. Press the "RESET" Physical Button: Locate and press the "RESET" button on the underside of the PCB.
   • Note: If you update the keyboard with the wrong firmware, you can use the third method to get the keyboard into DFU mode again.

Maintenance Features:

The hot-swappable switch support allows for easy replacement of switches without soldering, enabling users to customize their typing feel or replace faulty switches. The inclusion of a switch puller and keycap puller in the box facilitates these maintenance tasks. The robust ABS Plastic + Aluminum build quality contributes to the keyboard's durability.

X-Bows Nature Specifications

General

Brand	X-Bows
Model	Nature
Category	Keyboard
Language	English