NZXT Function Keyboard FAQ

Updated September 09, 2024 07:55

With the release of our NZXT Function series of customizable mechanical keyboards, there are a number of features that you may have questions about. This FAQ will serve to cover a few of the more common questions we see with the Function keyboard, as well as troubleshooting issues.

Is NZXT CAM required for the NZXT Function Keyboard?

Out of the box, the NZXT CAM software is not required to use the NZXT Function Keyboard, however certain functionality will be limited without this software. The following features are not available when not using the CAM software:

Macros
RGB Customization
Key Remapping
Firmware Updates

To download the latest version of the CAM software, please see the link below:

NZXT CAM - PC Monitoring and Configuration Software

Does the Function Keyboard support macros?

The NZXT Function Keyboard does carry support for macros through the NZXT CAM software. To add a Macro, scroll to the bottom of the Keyboard panel to find the Macros section and choose Add Macro.

Once in the Add Macro window, you'll be able to assign a key or key combination to the macro as well as define the function itself. For our example, we'll be doing the classic CTRL + C macro under FN + 1.

Start with clicking the Use FN for Activation Key checkbox, then set the Activation Key to FN + Digit 1 by pressing the 1 key on the keyboard.

Under Macro Functions, we'll manually set the button presses using the Add Function button. The first function will be Left Ctrl, KeyDown, 20 ms, with the second being C, KeyPress, 20 ms.

KeyDown will treat the key as if it is being held for the duration of the macro. Alternatively, KeyUp will be used in cases where you need to release a key as part of a macro.
KeyPress will treat the key as if it is being pressed normally.

For all delays, the smallest available delay is 20 ms.

All macros created through the CAM software are single activation and cannot be looped or toggled.

Does the Function Keyboard support re-mapping keys?

Yes! The Function Keyboard's keys can be remapped easily by using the Remap Keys switch in the top right corner of the Keyboard panel in NZXT CAM.

Once in the Remap Keys mode, simply drag the Key or Macro you want to use to the keyboard on the right. Keys can be remapped to the Base Layer of the keyboard, or to the Function Layer which can be accessed by holding the FN key on the keyboard.

For more details on remapping keys on the Function Keyboard, please see our guide below:

NZXT Support - How to Remap Keys on the NZXT Function Keyboard

Can I customize the lighting on the Function Keyboard?

All lighting on the NZXT Function keyboard can be easily adjusted using the NZXT CAM software. Make sure that the Lighting switch is selected in the top-right corner of the Keyboard panel and you'll gain access to all of the lighting features of your Function keyboard.

There are a number of features available for customizing your keyboard which include:

Setting your standard base color from either a static color, gradient, or pre-configured animations.
Setting your reactive color which triggers whenever a key is pressed. This includes effects such as flashing a line outward from the key being pressed or a ripple effect, or simply fading the light of a pressed key.
Setting your keyboard to dim to a lower brightness after going inactive.

For more details on customizing the lighting on the Function Keyboard, please see our guide below:

NZXT Support - How to Customize Lighting on the NZXT Function Keyboard

Can I remove and replace the Keycaps and Switches on the Function Keyboard?

One of the key features of the Function Keyboard is the ease of swapping out your switches to best fit your typing style. The Function Keyboard comes with Gateron Red Linear Switches out of the box, but is compatible with any 3-pin or 5-pin Cherry-MX style key switches as well as most Cherry MX profile keycaps.

Please note: All switches on the Function Keyboard are North Facing, which may result in some keycap fitment issues when using Cherry MX profile keycaps.

For more information on replacing keycaps or switches, please see our guide below:

NZXT Support - Building your Function Keyboard

What switches come with the NZXT Function Keyboard?

All standard NZXT Function Keyboards will come with Gateron Red Linear Switches. A key feature of these switches is their smooth, quiet action while typing.

What colors does the Function Keyboard come in?

All standard NZXT Function Keyboards will come in either White or Black with Black keys. We currently do not have any other options available for the standard version of the NZXT Function Keyboard.

I see three different versions of the Function Keyboard, which one is right for me?

The Function Keyboard is available in three different size options:

Full Size, which features a full 104 key layout (English ANSI) or 105 key layout (UK English, French, and German ISO)
Tenkeyless or TKL, which features an abridged 87 key layout (English ANSI) or 88 key layout (UK English, French, and German ISO)
MiniTKL, which features an abridged 88 key layout (English ANSI) or 89 key layout (UK English, French, and German ISO)

The perfect keyboard for you will depend entirely on your personal preference, however there are a few questions you can ask yourself to pick out the right keyboard.

Are you using this keyboard for both gaming and work, and does your gaming or work benefit from the ability to use a full 10-key keypad? If so, the Full Size will be the perfect fit for you.

Is this strictly your gaming keyboard and you're looking to maximize your mouse area on your desk? If so, the Tenkeyless will be a great fit.

Do you travel with your keyboard, or do you prefer an ultra-minimalist desk setup? If so, then the MiniTKL is the board for you.

What layouts does the Function Keyboard come in?

All Function Keyboards sold in the United States will ship in either US English (ANSI), while Function Keyboards sold internationally will be available in UK English, French, and German ISO formats.

Does the MiniTKL have a wrist rest option?

At this time, the wrist rest included with the Function Keyboard is limited to the Full Size and Tenkeyless versions of the keyboard and is not available for the MiniTKL.

Does the MiniTKL require different keycaps?

Due to the compact layout of the MiniTKL, some 3rd party keycaps may not have the proper shape and sculpt to support the keycaps and generics blanks or novelty caps may need to be used in their place.

F13 Key (Row 4)
End Key (Row 3)
Page Up Key (Row 2)
Macro/NZXT Key (Row 2)

All keys on the Space Row (Row 1) use standard sizing for all keys, so no worries about needing special keycaps for this row.

For more information, please refer to your keycap manufacturer's page.

My Function Keyboard is stuck with the M, B, I, O, and S keys blinking. How do I fix this?

A special feature of the Function Keyboard is the Legacy BIOS Mode for use with older PCs, also known as MBIOS Mode. If you accidentally trigger MBIOS mode, simply hold the M, B, I, O, and S keys for 3-5 seconds and they keyboard should restart in Standard Mode.

What is the Polling Rate of the Function Keyboard?

The NZXT Function Keyboard has a polling rate of 1ms.

Does the Function Keyboard have onboard profile storage?

The Function Keyboard does include support for storing onboard profiles. This allows you to save macros, lighting effects, and key remaps done in the CAM software directly to the keyboard for use on other PCs with or without access to the NZXT CAM software.

What is the polling rate of the Function Keyboard?

The NZXT Function has a polling rate of 1ms, which is lightning fast. Zoom!

Does the Function Keyboard have onboard profiles?

Yes! The function supports onboard profiles. This allows you to save macros, lighting effects, and key remapping to your keyboard for use on other computers with or without NZXT CAM software.

To save a profile directly to the keyboard, simply press the Copy Profile to Device button in the top-right corner of the CAM software.

Do you have any questions not covered by this FAQ? Please feel free to reach out to our Customer Support team or join the Official NZXT Community Discord to keep up to date on our latest products, upcoming sales, and join in on discussions on everything from PC hardware to gaming.