Mac mini M1 - installing drivers from 3rd Party - Cmd+R not working

Hi. Looking for help.

I have a Mac mini M1. I have a Caldigit TS2 hub connected to my M1 using a TB3toTB2 adapter. My Caldigit TS2 works well. I have a TB monitor hooked up, and it works. USB connections also work (i.e. thumb or usb HD). I have a SoundBlaster Omni 5.1 that somewhat works (I believe SB is still trying to fully update M1 drivers). So I want to use my Apple SuperDrive (USB),. Connected to the Caldigit TS2 hub there is no power. Conneted to the back of my M1 SD works fine. I spoke to Caldigit and they stated that I need to change my enable Third Party KEXTs using Recovery Mode. So I need to push Cmd+R during startup. Here is my issue:

I use a wireless keyboard from Matias (love it). It seems like the startup screen (when Mac Logo appears) is SOOOOOOO Fast that when I hot Cmd+R the logo is gone. I can't tell if it's my keyboard slow connection, or my ability to hit Cmd+R quick enough.

Is there any way to enter recovery mode reliably? Is there a way to enable Third-Party KEXTs other than recovery mode? I need to get to the "Startup Security Utility” screen. Is the only way doing so is by Cmd+r?

Has anyone installed latest drivers from Caldigit? I really want my Apple SD to work with the TS2. I wanted to link the CD doc but I don't have it.

Please help me gurus :-)