Mechanical keyboard support
RK R99 User Guide: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, RGB Controls, and Battery Tips
Connect the keyboard, switch between devices, check battery level, customize lighting, and restore factory settings with clear, practical steps.
3
Connection modes
3
Bluetooth device groups
10,000
mAh built-in battery
RGB
Key and side lighting
On this page
The RK R99 supports USB-C wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless connections. To get started, choose a connection mode with the keyboard’s physical switch. You can then pair up to three Bluetooth devices, check the battery with Fn+Enter, adjust the key and side lighting, or restore factory settings by holding Fn+Spacebar for three seconds.
This guide brings the main RK R99 setup and everyday controls into one place, with practical notes for charging, reconnecting, and customizing the keyboard.
Choose the Right Connection Mode
Each R99 connection mode serves a slightly different setup:
- USB-C wired
A direct connection for a desktop or laptop, without relying on battery level or wireless pairing.
- Bluetooth
A cable-free option that can store three device connections on Fn+Q, Fn+W, and Fn+E.
- 2.4GHz wireless
A receiver-based connection for a compatible computer. The keyboard and receiver are paired at the factory.
The mode switch uses the center position for wired operation, B for Bluetooth, and G for 2.4GHz wireless.
How to Use USB-C Wired Mode
- Move the connection switch to the center position.
- Connect the keyboard’s USB-C port to your computer with the supplied cable.
- Wait for the operating system to recognize the keyboard.
If the keyboard does not respond, reconnect the cable and try another USB port on the computer. A direct computer port is a useful first check when troubleshooting an unrecognized connection.
How to Pair the RK R99 With Bluetooth
The R99 can store three Bluetooth device groups, making it possible to move between compatible devices without pairing from scratch each time.
- Move the connection switch to B.
- Hold Fn+Q, Fn+W, or Fn+E to select a device slot and enter pairing mode.
- When the selected letter key flashes quickly, open Bluetooth settings on your computer, phone, or tablet.
- Select RK R99 from the available devices.
- Repeat the process with another letter key if you want to save a second or third device.
A slowly flashing letter key indicates that the keyboard is attempting to reconnect. Once your devices are saved, press Fn+Q, Fn+W, or Fn+E briefly to switch between their corresponding device groups.
If RK R99 does not appear in the device list, confirm that the switch is set to B and that the selected key is flashing quickly. Also check whether the keyboard is currently reconnecting to a previously paired device nearby.
How to Use and Re-Pair 2.4GHz Wireless Mode
For normal use, move the switch to G and insert the 2.4GHz receiver into your computer. Because the receiver and keyboard are paired at the factory, manual pairing is not normally required.
If you need to pair them again:
- Move the switch to G.
- Hold Fn+P to enter pairing mode.
- Insert the receiver while the P key flashes rapidly.
- Wait until the P key stops flashing, which indicates successful pairing.
Do not repeat this procedure merely because the keyboard has been switched off or the receiver has been removed. Factory pairing remains stored; re-pairing is intended for a connection problem rather than everyday setup.
Check Battery Level and Charge the R99
The keyboard has a built-in 10,000mAh battery. In Bluetooth or 2.4GHz mode, hold Fn+Enter to display the battery level through the number keys. The row represents the charge in 10% increments, from 1 for 10% through 0 for 100%. Illumination across the row from 1 to 0 indicates a full charge.
The charging indicator stays red while the battery is charging and turns off when charging is complete. It flashes when the battery is low.
RK recommends a 10W (5V/2A) or higher charging source. When charging through a PC’s USB port, the manual advises pressing Fn+Esc to turn off all keyboard lighting or charging while the keyboard is in Sleep Mode. Actual charging time and wireless runtime can vary with the power source, lighting, connection mode, and usage.
Control the Key Backlight and Side Lighting
The R99 separates key backlight controls from its upper and lower side-light controls. These are the main shortcuts for everyday adjustment:
- Fn+Esc: Turn the lights on or off.
- Fn+Up Arrow / Fn+Down Arrow: Increase or decrease key-backlight brightness.
- Fn+Right Arrow / Fn+Left Arrow: Increase or decrease backlight animation speed.
- Fn+\\: Switch the key-backlight mode.
- Fn+.>: Cycle upper side-light modes.
- Fn+;: Cycle lower side-light modes.
- Fn+M: Change the upper side-light color on supported effects.
- Fn+'": Change the lower side-light color on supported effects.
Additional shortcuts control side-light brightness, speed, and direction. Color and direction commands only apply to lighting effects that support those adjustments.
Record a Custom Key-Backlight Pattern
- Press Fn+1! to select the customizable backlight slot.
- Press Fn+Backspace to enter recording mode. The backlight turns off when recording begins.
- Press each key you want to illuminate, repeating this step until your pattern is complete.
- Press Fn+Backspace again to save the pattern and exit recording mode.
The Fn+2@ and Fn+3# effects are fixed and cannot be replaced through this recording process.
Switch Between Windows and macOS
Press Fn+A for Windows mode or Fn+S for Mac mode. The corresponding function-row shortcuts then provide system-appropriate controls, such as media playback and volume adjustment.
To open the web driver, press Fn+Right Shift. On a Mac, open the browser manually if it does not launch automatically. The web driver and available downloads can also be accessed through the RK Download Center. Available options depend on the current software and firmware.
What Gasket Mounting and Hot-Swap Support Mean
Beyond its setup controls, this R99 version uses a gasket-mounted design. In a gasket mount keyboard, the plate assembly is supported through gasket material rather than relying only on a rigid mounting arrangement. This can influence typing feel and sound, although switches, keycaps, desk surface, and typing style also affect the result.
The keyboard also supports compatible 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. As a hot swap mechanical keyboard, it allows supported switches to be replaced without soldering. This gives owners a way to change switch feel later, but replacement-switch compatibility should be confirmed before installation.
Basic Troubleshooting and Factory Reset
Before changing settings, identify the affected connection mode:
- Wired mode
Check that the switch is centered, the cable is fully connected, and the computer recognizes the USB port.
- Bluetooth
Confirm that the correct device slot is selected and the keyboard is in pairing mode rather than reconnecting to another device.
- 2.4GHz
Confirm that the switch is set to G, the receiver is inserted, and the receiver is detected by the computer. Use Fn+P only when re-pairing is necessary.
- Lighting
Press Fn+Esc to check whether all lighting has been switched off. Side lighting and key backlighting also have separate mode and brightness controls.
If settings become difficult to isolate, hold Fn+Spacebar for three seconds to restore factory settings. Use this deliberately: a factory reset can remove customized settings, so it is better treated as a final troubleshooting step than as a general reconnect command.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bluetooth devices can the RK R99 store?
It can store three Bluetooth device groups through Fn+Q, Fn+W, and Fn+E. Press the corresponding shortcut briefly to switch between saved devices.
Does the R99 need to be paired with its 2.4GHz receiver before first use?
No. The keyboard and receiver are paired at the factory. Hold Fn+P to pair again only if the wireless connection requires it.
How do I check the R99 battery percentage?
In Bluetooth or 2.4GHz mode, hold Fn+Enter. The number row displays the charge in 10% increments, with 1 through 0 representing 10% through 100%.
Can I customize only certain keys in the backlight?
Yes. Select the customizable slot with Fn+1!, enter recording mode with Fn+Backspace, choose the keys to illuminate, and press Fn+Backspace again to save.
How do I restore the RK R99 to factory settings?
Hold Fn+Spacebar for three seconds. Because this can remove customized settings, use it after simpler connection and lighting checks.
Conclusion
Most RK R99 setup tasks come down to choosing the correct connection mode and learning a small set of shortcuts. Bluetooth supports three saved device groups, 2.4GHz arrives factory-paired, and USB-C provides a direct wired option. Battery checks, lighting controls, system switching, and factory reset are all accessible from the keyboard itself.
For software access and available downloads, visit the RK Download Center.
