Latest news with #Keychron
Irish Daily Mirror
02-08-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Keychron K2 HE Special Edition test: wireless magnetic switch keyboard surprise
The Keychron K2 HE is a compact, wireless gaming keyboard that doesn't look like it's aimed at gamers. This is due to its premium aluminium frame and rosewood side panels. You will get the best ergonomic experience using it with a supportive wrist rest, which you can buy as an optional accessory from the company. READ MORE: Microsoft Surface Laptop 13in review: the best everyday ultra-portable notebook I've tested in 2025 READ MORE: Ugreen Nexode Retractable Chargers review: ideal power bank for festivals such as All Together Now Keychron K2 HE everyday use It is excellent used as a gaming keyboard but also suits productivity tasks thanks to its great build quality and impressive performance. It has a standard high-profile design with flip-out feet on the base that offer two additional incline settings. The keyboard has rubber pads to keep it stable on your desk and its 1kg weight helps too. The K2 HE offers Bluetooth 5.2, 2.4GHz wireless and USB-C wired connections. Switching between my MacBook, Windows laptop and iPad was fast and fluid. It supports macOS, Windows and Linux and includes both Windows and Mac keycap sets in the box. It's a 75 percent keyboard layout,. (Image: Keychron) Gamers will love the Gateron double-rail magnetic switches (also known as Hall Effect switches) at the heart of this keyboard as they offer great fine-tuning options. Through web-based software you get in-depth customisation with accurate actuation and reset distances, as well as more advanced features that can provide advantages in games like FPS or rhythm titles. You can also save multiple profiles tailored for your different use cases. I found these linear switches pleasing to use for both gaming and typing. Battery life is excellent too. The firm said you get up to 72 hours of run time with the backlight switched on and 240 hours with it off. There are lots of lighting effects to choose from incidentally, but bear in mind they keys aren't transparent so the lighting effects are a subtle glow under the keys. The firm includes a braided cable in the box, along with a hex wrench for taking off the wood side panels and a small screwdriver for getting access to the interior of the keyboard. Keychron K2 HE verdict Keychron K2 HE keyboard comes as both a standard black edition (which has more of a gamer aesthetic and RGB lighting) and a Special Edition that comes in black or white with wood grain styling on either side of the case. I tested the black Special Edition and it looks fantastic - probably the most stylish looking keyboard I've ever used. Pricing and availability Keychron K2 HE costs €178 from Price comparison Apple Magic Keyboard and Mouse costs €204 from Apple . Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Tom's Guide
01-08-2025
- Tom's Guide
Only $54 and perfect for gamers and typists alike — the Keychron C1 Pro 8K is my new favorite mechanical keyboard
The Keychron C1 Pro 8K mechanical keyboard looks exactly like the one that came with my family computer back in the 2000s. But don't worry, it performs like one of the best mechanical keyboards on the market. It feels incredibly nostalgic to type on, but with RGB backlighting, strong ergonomics and some hefty gaming performance, it adds its own modern twist. It may be wired only, and the Keychron Super switches proved a little tricky to remove in testing, but everything else is ideal. This is the most comfortable I've ever been while typing. The typing angle is adjustable with the board's retractable feet, and the OSA profile keycaps make for an effortless typing experience, so I was typing faster and easier than ever. It's lightweight, too, thanks to its ABS case and wired-only design (meaning no battery), for easy positioning on your desk. Keychron has typically been a productivity brand, with the sub-brand Lemokey making gaming keyboards. However, with a polling rate of 8,000Hz, the C1 Pro 8K is also perfect for pro-tier gamers, demonstrating Keychron's desire to blend the productivity and gaming spheres more than it ever has. You can find out more about my experience by reading this full Keychron C1 Pro 8K review. Price $54/£75 Switches Keychron Super Switch Layout TKL 80% Mount type Tray Mount Keycap material Double-Shot PBT Keycap profile OSA Backlight South-facing RGB LED Case material Plastic Supported operating systems MacOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux Connectivity Wired Type-C Polling rate 125Hz - 8,000Hz Measurements 5.15 x 14.07 x 1.13 inches Weight 1.83lbs The Keychron C1 Pro 8K mechanical keyboard is perfect for typists and gamers alike. The typing is incredibly smooth, with OSA profile keycaps that rake beautifully out to the edges of the keyboard, making it easy for your fingers to find the right keys. And with a polling rate of up to 8,000Hz, it's perfect for low-latency gaming — as long as your CPU can put up with it. I'm going to say it. This is the nicest keyboard I have ever typed on. The keycaps are made out of double-shot PBT and use Keychron's OSA profile. OSA key caps have a standard, medium-tall profile with sloped, bevelled tops and rounded edges that cradled my fingers as they hit the keys. This is different from the previous C1 and C1 Pro models that used OEM profile keycaps. The rake of the keys varies from the back to the front of the keyboard — the top row is the tallest, therefore requiring less stretch to hit them from a neutral typing position. This made it easy for my fingers to quickly find keys, giving me the fastest typing experience of any keyboard I have tested, as you can see below. MacBook Air M2 built-in 61 96.19% Lenovo Multi Device Keyboard 59 99.66% Seenda Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard with Touchpad 54 89.63% Keychron B2 Pro 60 94.60% Keychron C1 Pro 8K 64 95.21% The PBT key caps offered enough grip without stunning my typing, and were smooth but not slippery. If I were Goldilocks, this would be the keyboard that's just right. There are also adjustable feet on the underside of the keyboard that offer ergonomic support. The keyboard can be used at an angle of 4.8°, which is the lowest setting, 8.5° with the small feet deployed and 10.7° at the highest angle. The 10.7° setting was the most comfortable for me. The keyboard is available with three types of Keychron Super Switches: red (linear), brown (tactile), and banana (tactile, Panda-style). I used the Banana switches, which use a relatively long 21.5mm spring for a bouncy typing experience. I'll discuss the other switches in more detail later. The C1 Pro 8K uses a tray-mounted PCB, which means the PCB is screwed into the bottom case. This results in a very firm bottom-out when typing, similar to a top-mounted PCB. This is nowhere near as comfortable as softer gasket-mounted keyboards like the Keychron Q1 Pro or Keychron K2 HE. However, as the C1 Pro is intended to be a responsive, efficient gaming keyboard, it's understandable that Keychron has employed this mount. If you don't mind the firmness, you'll be fine with the red linear switches, although if you prefer a softer experience, I would recommend the longer-sprung banana tactiles, which mitigate this somewhat. If you're mostly using your board for typing, though, I would suggest a gasket-mounted board like the Q1 Pro or, well, most of Keychron's lineup. There is also a switch on the back to alternate between macOS and Windows with ease if you use different operating systems for games and work like I do. The board comes with macOS keycaps installed, but there are Windows keycaps included in the box that are easy to swap out. This keyboard has a retro sound to go with its retro styling. It sounds amazing — just like an old-school Macintosh keyboard from the 90s. The case is made from strong ABS plastic to give that retro clack, while two layers of sound-absorbing foam layer and several layers of cushioning foam and film dampen the sound to remove unwanted rattles or pings. Since the metal plate is fixed to the bottom plate, there is also a nice clicking sound when the keys bottom out, although it doesn't sound unpleasantly metallic like the Keychron Q6 or Keychron Q3 Max. I love the sound of this keyboard, and it takes me right back to playing video games on the shared family computer in the early 2000s — super nostalgic. The Keychron C1 Pro 8K is perfect for anyone who enjoys customizing their keyboard. With hot-swappable switches, meaning they can be swapped without the need for soldering, I found it incredibly easy to simply pop off the keycaps using the supplied keycap/switch puller, but the switches were a different story entirely (more on that later). It is compatible with most three-pin and five-pin switches on the market. Although the setup of the keyboard when you get it is slightly better suited to productivity — OSA keycaps, Keychron Super switches — the switch compatibility and 8K polling give the C1 Pro a lot of potential for enthusiasts looking for a solid platform to build a custom high-performance gaming/productivity hybrid deck. And it isn't just about hardware. The C1 Pro 8K uses open-source QMK firmware, which is customizable via the fantastic Keychron Launcher web app. Launcher can be used to remap the keyboard and assign macros to streamline workflow, or create essential binds and shortcuts. And there's no need to download companion software to your computer, so you can tweak your board from any computer, as long as you have access to a browser. Keychron also offers 3D printing diagrams of the C1 Pro 8K's plate on its website, so modders can print their own if they have a preferred plate material. The C1 Pro uses a metal plate by default. There are three switch options from Keychron at checkout. The C1 Pro uses Keychron's Super pre-lubed switches: red (linear), brown (tactile) and banana (tactile, panda-style), with varying characteristics to choose from when ordering the keyboard. The red linear switches have the lightest operating force and a 19.5mm spring, so they are great for responsive, fast gaming performance. As for the brown tactile switches, expect 'bump' feedback when typing. These have a gentle sound but use a very short 15.2mm single-stage spring and require a firm 55g actuation force, so this won't be as comfortable as the banana. The banana super switches are the ones I tested and, as someone who spends all-day-every-day typing, I can say with certainty that they are great to work with. These switches have a much lighter operating force of 47g versus the browns, and a longer two-stage spring, for a bouncy, comfortable feel that somewhat mitigates the firm tray-mounted PCB. While the previous C1 and C1 Pro boards polled at 1,000Hz, the Keychron C1 Pro 8K has a polling rate of up to 8,000Hz, reducing latency and making this a viable keyboard for serious gaming. Although the high polling rate is an option, it can prove a drain on system resources. Luckily, you can customize it for your preferred typing or gaming experience. The polling rate can be altered from 125Hz to 8,000Hz in Keychron Launcher. It means you don't need a keyboard specifically for typing or gaming; this one can do it all. You can also set different profiles in the Keychron Launcher, so you could have one configuration for gaming, and one for work. I played Counter-Strike 2 using the keyboard, and I didn't notice any latency issues. The C1 Pro 8K is incredibly lightweight, which isn't necessarily a must for a mechanical keyboard, but I was able to take it with me on the train in my work bag, and it didn't weigh me down at all. It weighs just 1.83 pounds, which is far lighter than the 3.91-pound Keychron Q3 HE that I usually use. The lightweight nature of the board means you can move it around your desk with ease and get the best positioning super quickly. But this difference in weight is down to the C1 Pro 8K's ABS case and having no battery or wireless hardware, as it's wired-only. As if it weren't already good enough, priced at only $54, the Keychron C1 Pro 8K is a total budget dream. For the money, this keyboard is a great starting point for customization. It has all the potential to be an ideal gaming keyboard with the right switches and keys. But equally, it could be kitted out to be one of the best productivity keyboards. The downs of this keyboard are very minor, but the wired-only connection may prove annoying to anyone who enjoys a wire-free workspace. The switches can also be hard to remove without the right technique. The Keychron C1 Pro 8K is a wired-only keyboard, which can prove slightly cumbersome. One of the perks of having a wireless keyboard such as the Keychron Q1 Pro is that you don't have wires cluttering your desk. That being said, this does have its perks, such as the lack of battery, helping make the C1 Pro 8K a lighter keyboard. And you don't have to worry about polling rates decreasing over wireless connections (as there are none). Despite being hot swappable, the C1 Pro 8K's switches were tricky for me to remove, to say the least. After pulling for 15 minutes, I could not get the switches to budge. Tom's Guide Staff Writer Nikita Achanta, who is well-versed in the world of keyboards, also had trouble with these switches, so it's not just my lack of muscle. Just to make sure we weren't losing our minds, we removed the switches of the Gamakay TK75 Pro, and they came out with ease. However, our Reviews Editor, Peter (who I'm sure is a keyboard whisperer), got the switches off without a hitch — this required him to unclick one of the fastening clips, then lever the switches down before the second fastening clip could be undone. In his words, it was fiddly. I scratched the plate slightly in my attempts, and while this doesn't affect the performance or look of the keyboard itself, it was annoying. The Keychron C1 Pro 8K has very easily become my favorite mechanical keyboard. Once you look past the wired-only design and the slightly fiddly switches, it's totally dreamy. It's perfect for any typist, with an ergonomic key rake and adjustable angle. My wrists weren't straining when I was typing, and the OSA keycaps guided my fingertips to each key with ease. This is the fastest typing result I have had with any keyboard, and that is also largely down to the bouncy and responsive switches. With 8,000Hz polling, it's also ideal for anyone who wants to use the same keyboard for office work and serious gaming. And since there is no battery, the keyboard is extremely light, meaning it can be positioned on any gaming desk with ease. For the price, the customization potential is insane. With Keychron Launcher, it is easy to get the right setup for your ideal productivity use, but the hot swappable switches mean this could become one of the best gaming keyboards, too. I would recommend this keyboard to literally anyone, and the retro look with the signature Keychron lighting is the cherry on top of the cake for me.
Geeky Gadgets
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geeky Gadgets
Black Myth Wukong Keyboard : CNC Machined Deluxe Edition with Custom Keycaps $259
Keychron has released their new awesome Black Myth Wukong Deluxe Edition wireless mechanical keyboard this week for $259, for enthusiast gamers and fans of the popular action RPG. The collaboration between Keychron and Game Science represents a deeper approach to themed peripherals than typical gaming merchandise. Rather than superficial branding, the keyboard integrates authentic design elements from Journey to the West mythology and the game's visual language into a mechanically sound foundation. After testing the board extensively across gaming sessions, productivity work, and customization scenarios, it's clear this isn't a typical gaming peripheral—the combination of premium materials, custom components, and game-specific design elements creates something distinctly different in the mechanical keyboard space. Build Quality and Construction The Deluxe Edition centers around a 6063 aluminum body processed through CNC machining, polishing, and sandblasting across 24 manufacturing stages. The result is a solid, dense keyboard with premium fit and finish that immediately differentiates it from standard gaming boards. The aluminum construction provides both durability and thermal management, preventing the flexing common in plastic gaming keyboards during intense sessions. Two components define the Deluxe Edition upgrade: the Ebongold Spaulder keycap crafted from solid brass, and a gourd-shaped functional knob made from durable resin with smooth painted finish. The brass keycap serves as both a decorative element and functional key, typically replacing the escape key with substantial weight and visual impact. The gourd knob handles volume, brightness, and other system controls while maintaining the authentic shape of Wukong's signature accessory from the game. Both components draw directly from Wukong's armor and accessories, but function as integral parts of the keyboard rather than mere decoration. The brass component alone likely accounts for significant manufacturing cost, as solid brass requires specialized machining and finishing processes. Ebongold Spaulder Esc Keycap The themed backplate features laser-etched artwork depicting the Dragon Palace scene from Journey to the West, providing visual depth beyond typical keyboard aesthetics. The etching quality shows fine detail work that maintains clarity even under various lighting conditions. Custom keycaps use a game-inspired font that matches the original interface typography, manufactured through PBT dye-sublimation for durability and color retention over extended use. Gourd Knob The golden paint keycaps and jade paint gourd accent keycap complete the aesthetic package, using colors that reference traditional Chinese design principles rather than arbitrary gaming color schemes. The Cherry profile design maintains ergonomic typing angles while supporting the visual theme. Technical Specifications and Performance Layout and Form Factor The 75% compact layout removes the number pad while retaining function keys and arrow cluster, optimizing desk space for gaming while maintaining productivity functionality. This form factor has gained popularity among enthusiasts for balancing compactness with functionality—you lose the numpad but keep essential navigation and function keys. The reduced footprint allows greater mouse movement range, critical for FPS and competitive gaming where low sensitivity settings require extensive mouse pad real estate. Connectivity Performance Three connection modes provide flexibility across different use cases: 2.4 GHz wireless with 1000 Hz polling rate for gaming Bluetooth 5.2 supporting up to three simultaneous device connections USB-C wired mode with 1000 Hz polling rate The wireless performance maintains consistent 1000 Hz polling in both 2.4 GHz and wired modes, ensuring competitive gaming viability without latency concerns. I tested input lag extensively using dedicated measurement tools and found no detectable difference between wired and 2.4 GHz modes during gaming sessions. Battery life extends well beyond typical usage patterns. The USB-C charging port supports standard cables, eliminating proprietary connector concerns. Bluetooth device switching works seamlessly between computer, tablet, and phone connections. The transition lag averages under two seconds, making it practical for users who switch between devices frequently throughout their workflow. Switch Technology and Customization Keychron includes pre-lubricated TTC mechanical switches in two variants: Bluish White: Tactile switches with crisp, definitive feedback and clear actuation point Golden Pink: Linear switches with strong rebound, soft actuation, and smooth travel Both switches come factory-lubricated with appropriate grades of lubricant, eliminating the scratchy feel common in gaming keyboards and providing smooth operation immediately. The lubrication quality matches what enthusiasts typically apply in custom builds, suggesting proper attention to switch preparation. The hot-swappable design supports 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches without soldering, enabling easy customization across virtually any mechanical switch on the market. During testing, I swapped in Cherry MX Browns, Gateron Yellows, and Kailh Box switches without issues. The switch sockets maintain solid connections and show no signs of wear after multiple swap cycles. Switch removal requires a standard switch puller tool (included in box), and the process takes seconds per switch. This opens extensive customization possibilities—you can optimize different sections of the keyboard for different purposes, such as linear switches for gaming keys and tactile switches for typing areas. Audio Engineering and Typing Experience The keyboard incorporates multiple dampening layers designed to enhance acoustic properties: 3.0mm EVA acoustic foam, IXPE foam, and PET film. Combined with gasket mount PCB design, these elements create deeper, more satisfying typing sounds while reducing ping and hollow resonance typical of gaming keyboards. The gasket mounting system uses compression points around the PCB perimeter rather than rigid mounting, increasing keyboard flexibility and providing cushioned feedback during extended typing sessions. This mounting style has become popular in custom keyboards for its balance of stability and comfort. During extended typing tests, the acoustic profile remained consistent and pleasant. The 'thocky' sound signature appeals to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts while remaining office-appropriate at moderate typing speeds. The dampening effectively eliminates case ping and reduces key impact noise without muffling the mechanical feedback that makes these switches appealing. PCB-mounted screw-in stabilizers minimize rattle and wobble on larger keys like spacebar, shift, and enter keys. These stabilizers come pre-lubricated and properly tuned, eliminating the sticky or rattling behavior common in cheaper gaming keyboards. The stabilizer tuning alone represents significant labor investment that many manufacturers skip. Software Integration and Customization QMK Firmware Foundation The board runs open-source QMK firmware on a WB32F3G71 MCU with 256K flash memory. This provides extensive customization possibilities including key remapping, macro programming, layer creation, and advanced lighting effects. The open-source nature means community-driven feature development and transparency in functionality. The 256K flash capacity supports complex configurations with multiple layers, extensive macro libraries, and detailed RGB programming. Power users can create game-specific layouts, productivity layers, and custom lighting schemes that activate based on application focus or time of day. Keychron Launcher Web Tool Instead of downloadable software, Keychron uses a web-based configuration tool accessible through Chrome, Edge, or Opera browsers. This approach offers several advantages: Real-time key programming and macro creation without software installation Cross-platform compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux Continuous updates delivered automatically without user intervention Secure, local configuration that doesn't require cloud connectivity or account creation The web interface provides intuitive drag-and-drop key assignment, macro recording functionality, and RGB customization tools. Advanced users can access raw QMK configuration for deeper customization possibilities. The tool successfully bridges ease-of-use for beginners with power-user functionality for enthusiasts. Visual Design and RGB Implementation South-facing RGB LEDs optimize backlight visibility from the user's perspective while maintaining compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps. This LED placement avoids interference issues common with north-facing configurations when using aftermarket keycap sets—a consideration important for users planning future customization. The RGB system integrates thoughtfully with the overall aesthetic rather than dominating it. Default lighting profiles complement the golden and jade color scheme while supporting both gaming ambiance and professional environments. Custom RGB programming allows users to create game-specific lighting that reacts to in-game events or system status. The translucent legends on the PBT keycaps provide even light distribution without hotspots or dim areas. Even users who typically disable RGB lighting may appreciate the subtle accent lighting possible with this configuration. Real-World Performance Analysis Gaming Performance Evaluation The 1000 Hz polling rate in wireless mode matches wired performance, eliminating the typical wireless gaming compromise. During competitive FPS testing, input registration remained consistent with no dropped inputs or wireless interference. The compact layout provides ample mouse space for low-sensitivity gaming preferences. The hot-swappable switches enable game-specific optimization—linear switches for WASD movement keys, tactile switches for ability keys that benefit from feedback confirmation. This level of customization typically requires multiple keyboards or expensive custom builds. Productivity and Typing Assessment The gasket mount design and premium switches make extended typing comfortable across long work sessions. The 75% layout retains essential function keys while reducing overall footprint, suitable for mixed gaming and work setups where desk space is premium. The acoustic dampening keeps noise levels reasonable for office environments while maintaining satisfying mechanical feedback. Build Durability Testing After several weeks of intensive use, the keyboard shows no signs of wear or degradation. The aluminum construction resists flex under heavy use, while the premium keycaps maintain their appearance and texture. The brass components develop a subtle patina that enhances rather than detracts from the visual appeal. The $259 Deluxe Edition pricing reflects several premium components: solid brass keycap, custom resin knob, laser-etched backplate, extensive manufacturing processes, and game licensing costs. The combination of materials, customization options, and authentic theming targets collectors and enthusiasts rather than mainstream gaming audiences. For comparison, the standard version at $199 includes the same technical foundation but replaces brass components with themed alternatives, providing similar performance characteristics at reduced cost. The price difference specifically pays for the premium materials and limited edition components. Final Assessment The Black Myth Wukong Deluxe Edition succeeds as a premium mechanical keyboard that integrates game theming without compromising technical performance. The solid construction, comprehensive customization options, and attention to acoustic engineering justify the premium price. Strengths: Premium materials and construction quality throughout Excellent wireless performance with true 1000 Hz polling Comprehensive customization through QMK firmware and web tools Superior acoustic engineering compared to typical gaming keyboards Authentic cultural and game design integration Hot-swappable switches enable extensive personalization Considerations: Premium pricing limits appeal to mainstream gaming market 75% layout may not suit users requiring dedicated number pads Limited availability The Deluxe Edition is available now through Keychron's website for $259, with the standard version available for $199. Limited production numbers suggest availability windows may be constrained for interested buyers. Filed Under: Gaming News, Hardware, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
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Scotsman
26-07-2025
- Scotsman
Keychron K2 HE and K3 Max review
The latest keyboards in Keychron's range bring different attributes to the party - but they both impress | Keychron This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Consumer technology writer Gareth Butterfield tests Keychron's latest keyboards, which promise to bring serious style and substance to your setup Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Keychron is a company that continues to impress me. Their range of keyboards varies from slim and compact, to hefty and robust, and I've always found them a joy to use. Their two latest launches are the K2 HE and the K3 Max. They're both wireless, both customisable, and both beautifully made. I've been testing each one for a few weeks, and this is how they performed. Compact and lightweight, the K3 Max packs a lot of features into a small space | Keychron Starting small with one of Keychron's most compact keyboards yet, the K3 Max is a minimalist's dream. Plonk it on your desk and look at it from overhead, and it just looks like a neatly laid-out cluster of keys. There are no borders. The edges of the outer keys overhang the base. It might be small, but it's still mighty, though. There's a solid feel to it, which means it's not going to slide around, and the keys are extremely slim. It's actually only 22mm in thickness at the wider end, and 17mm at the narrow end, which makes it one of the slimmest mechanical keyboards out there. Despite this size, it packs in a hefty battery, a backlighting system, customisable keys, and adjustable angles. It's incredibly slim, but still has all the features of a normal-sized premium keyboard | Keychron Priced from £89.99, it's aimed at those who look for a premium keyboard, and you'll pay more if you want more colours, or a hot-swappable version, but it really does have the features to match up to the price point. For example, the Gateron low-profile mechanical switches are weighted beautifully, with one set making some lovely satisfying noises without being in any way loud, and another set available to give you that classic clacking sound. It can link up to PCs and Macs through 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.1, and it will even support wired connections. And with a 1000 Hz polling rate, gamers are likely to be impressed. There's no numerical keypad here, and the brutal slimming process does mean the keys are at a sharp angle, which won't suit everyone. Would I use it every day at my desk? Probably not. Its compact size is a great space saver, but it's better suited to travellers. And that's where it finds its niche. If you're after a premium mechanical keyboard that can slot neatly into a bag and be ready for serious work whenever you are, this is it. There are other slim mechanical keyboards out there, but they're honestly not as good as this. The K2 HE is a design classic, and feels absolutely gorgeous in the hand | Keychron I was not ready to be quite as impressed as I was by the K2 HE, but when I got it out of the box, it was a bit of showstopper. Unlike the K3 Max, it's heavy and thick. It doesn't feel like any keyboard I've picked up before. Keychron sent me the £139.99 Special Edition version, with rosewood frames. And it felt more like a piece of furniture than a keyboard. If anything, it looks old-fashioned with this wooden bezel, but the tech built in is far from antique. It has Keychron's fabulous Gateron double-rail magnetic switches, which are just the loveliest things to type on. It connects through 2.4 GHz wireless or Bluetooth 5.1, and there's an RGB backlighting system. There's a standard version without the wooden accents - but the special edition is so nice | Keychron As with the K3 Max, everything is tuneable and customisable, and the switches able to detect variations in travel of at least 0.1mm, so it's incredibly responsive. Despite its weight, it's fairly compact, but that does mean there's no numerical keypad. And it's fair to say if you go for a super-modern look on your desk, this won't be for you. Even the standard edition without those elegant wooden accents looks a trifle retro. But it's just so wonderfully tactile and comfortable to use, and so reassuringly well made, you can't help but relish in the experience of using it. I realise £130 is a lot of money for a 75% keyboard but, trust me, there are far more expensive options out there. And, unlike some of its competitors, this one feels like it's worth every penny. 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Scotsman
26-07-2025
- Scotsman
Keychron K2 HE and K3 Max review
The latest keyboards in Keychron's range bring different attributes to the party - but they both impress | Keychron This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Consumer technology writer Gareth Butterfield tests Keychron's latest keyboards, which promise to bring serious style and substance to your setup Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Keychron is a company that continues to impress me. Their range of keyboards varies from slim and compact, to hefty and robust, and I've always found them a joy to use. Their two latest launches are the K2 HE and the K3 Max. They're both wireless, both customisable, and both beautifully made. I've been testing each one for a few weeks, and this is how they performed. Compact and lightweight, the K3 Max packs a lot of features into a small space | Keychron Starting small with one of Keychron's most compact keyboards yet, the K3 Max is a minimalist's dream. Plonk it on your desk and look at it from overhead, and it just looks like a neatly laid-out cluster of keys. There are no borders. The edges of the outer keys overhang the base. It might be small, but it's still mighty, though. There's a solid feel to it, which means it's not going to slide around, and the keys are extremely slim. It's actually only 22mm in thickness at the wider end, and 17mm at the narrow end, which makes it one of the slimmest mechanical keyboards out there. Despite this size, it packs in a hefty battery, a backlighting system, customisable keys, and adjustable angles. It's incredibly slim, but still has all the features of a normal-sized premium keyboard | Keychron Priced from £89.99, it's aimed at those who look for a premium keyboard, and you'll pay more if you want more colours, or a hot-swappable version, but it really does have the features to match up to the price point. For example, the Gateron low-profile mechanical switches are weighted beautifully, with one set making some lovely satisfying noises without being in any way loud, and another set available to give you that classic clacking sound. It can link up to PCs and Macs through 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.1, and it will even support wired connections. And with a 1000 Hz polling rate, gamers are likely to be impressed. There's no numerical keypad here, and the brutal slimming process does mean the keys are at a sharp angle, which won't suit everyone. Would I use it every day at my desk? Probably not. Its compact size is a great space saver, but it's better suited to travellers. And that's where it finds its niche. If you're after a premium mechanical keyboard that can slot neatly into a bag and be ready for serious work whenever you are, this is it. There are other slim mechanical keyboards out there, but they're honestly not as good as this. The K2 HE is a design classic, and feels absolutely gorgeous in the hand | Keychron I was not ready to be quite as impressed as I was by the K2 HE, but when I got it out of the box, it was a bit of showstopper. Unlike the K3 Max, it's heavy and thick. It doesn't feel like any keyboard I've picked up before. Keychron sent me the £139.99 Special Edition version, with rosewood frames. And it felt more like a piece of furniture than a keyboard. If anything, it looks old-fashioned with this wooden bezel, but the tech built in is far from antique. It has Keychron's fabulous Gateron double-rail magnetic switches, which are just the loveliest things to type on. It connects through 2.4 GHz wireless or Bluetooth 5.1, and there's an RGB backlighting system. There's a standard version without the wooden accents - but the special edition is so nice | Keychron As with the K3 Max, everything is tuneable and customisable, and the switches able to detect variations in travel of at least 0.1mm, so it's incredibly responsive. Despite its weight, it's fairly compact, but that does mean there's no numerical keypad. And it's fair to say if you go for a super-modern look on your desk, this won't be for you. Even the standard edition without those elegant wooden accents looks a trifle retro. But it's just so wonderfully tactile and comfortable to use, and so reassuringly well made, you can't help but relish in the experience of using it. I realise £130 is a lot of money for a 75% keyboard but, trust me, there are far more expensive options out there. And, unlike some of its competitors, this one feels like it's worth every penny.
