A Guide to the Compact Keyboard

Setup and the full FN layer for the Compact wired keyboard.

Quick Start Guide

What's in the Box

  • Compact Wired Mechanical Keyboard
  • USB-C Cable (detachable)
  • Keycap & Switch Puller

First-Time Setup

  1. Connect the USB-C cable to the keyboard and to your computer
  2. The keyboard is recognized right away. No drivers required to type.
  3. Your brightness, color, and effect choices save on the keyboard automatically, so they're there the next time you plug in.
Note: This board is wired only. There's no Bluetooth or 2.4GHz mode, and no battery to charge.

Color & Backlighting

The Compact has 18 built-in lighting effects, a separate rim light around the edge of the case, and a color palette you can set key by key.

Backlight Controls

Function Keys
Change Lighting Effect FN + Right Ctrl (18 effects)
Change Rim Light Effect FN + Left Ctrl
Brightness Up FN + Insert
Brightness Down FN + Delete
Set a Custom Color FN + Space, then press the key you want to color

Holding FN + Space opens the color palette. Pick a color, then press any key (or several) to apply it. Every key you press takes on that color, so you can build a custom layout one key at a time.

Note: Brightness steps through off, 33%, 66%, and 100%, and starts at 100% by default. There's no separate saturation control on the keyboard itself.

Function Keys

Hold FN with the key below.

Key Combination Function
FN + 1–0 F1–F12
FN + ↑ Page Up
FN + ↓ Page Down
FN + ← Volume Up
FN + → Volume Down
FN + Insert Brightness Up
FN + Delete Brightness Down
FN + Right Ctrl Change lighting effect
FN + Left Ctrl Change rim light effect
FN + Space Set a custom color
FN + Backspace (hold 3s) Restore factory settings
Note: The keyboard works with Windows, Mac, and Linux over USB. The lighting-settings app is Windows only, but you don't need it to use any of the FN combinations above.

Keyboard Care

Cleaning

  • Wipe the surface with a soft, lint-free cloth
  • Use compressed air to clear dust from between the keys
  • For stubborn marks, use a barely-damp cloth with mild soap. Never let liquid enter the keyboard.

Factory Reset

Hold FN + Backspace for 3 seconds to restore every setting to default. Your saved lighting and color choices are cleared and start over from the defaults.

Still stuck? The support team can help, and you can see the rest of the range at clawsxcode.com/keys.

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frequently asked questions

What's in the box?

The keyboard, a detachable USB-C cable, and a keycap and switch puller.

How do I connect it?

Plug the USB-C cable into the keyboard and your computer. It's recognized right away, no drivers needed to start typing.

Does it need a battery?

No. This board is wired only, so there's no battery to charge and no wireless mode to set up.

How do I change the lighting effect?

Press FN + Right Ctrl to cycle through the 18 built-in lighting effects.

How do I change the rim light around the case?

Press FN + Left Ctrl. The rim light runs separately from the key lighting, so you can set each one differently.

Can I set a custom color on specific keys?

Yes. Hold FN + Space to open the color palette, pick a color, then press any key to apply it. Repeat with a new color for a different key, building a custom layout one key at a time.

How do I adjust the brightness?

FN + Insert brightens, FN + Delete dims. Brightness steps through off, 33%, 66%, and 100%, starting at 100% by default.

Will my lighting and color choices save?

Yes. The keyboard saves your last setup on its own, so everything is exactly how you left it the next time you plug in.

Does it work on Mac?

Yes, it works with Windows, Mac, and Linux over USB. The lighting-settings app is Windows only, but none of the FN combinations need it.

How do I reset it to factory settings?

Hold FN + Backspace for 3 seconds. This clears your saved lighting and color choices and starts over from the defaults.

Is this good for long nails?

Yes. The compact layout keeps everything in reach, so your hands stay centered and your nail to key angle stays consistent, with less stretching and cleaner typing.

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