I used to use full-sized keyboards like the ones in college computer labs or internet cafes, complete with a numpad. However, let's be honest, the numpad is mainly useful for entering passcodes or using the calculator. A keyboard is essential in my daily life, especially when my work, hobbies, and leisure activities revolve around using a computer.
While browsing the internet for prebuilt keyboards in 2022, I was captivated by the Keychron series, particularly the K series. Its elegant design and positive reviews caught my attention. A close friend of mine has the K2 series with brown switches, but since we live in different cities, I couldn’t try it out. He said it is a great prebuilt keyboard and recommended it, so I ended up purchasing the K8 Pro series. That’s how I came to own it.
After using it for two years, here are my reviews:
Build Quality / Specification
Frame
The Keychron K8 Pro is one of the few keyboards that feature an aluminum frame. As a result, it is quite hefty, weighing in at approximately 1146 g (2.5 lbs). This makes it heavier than typical keyboards with plastic frames or even those with partial aluminum material. It makes the keyboard feels solid and has a premium quality.
Switch
The keyboard also offers hot-swappable switches. I opted for red switches, which are great for prolonged typing sessions and gaming, as they don’t tire my hands. The prebuilt switches are already lubricated. I noticed this when I attempted to lube the switches myself and found they already had some lubrication,. Additionally, the switches have customizable RGB lighting, which can be adjusted using the VIA application.
Connectivity
Keychron provides two ways to connect: via cable or Bluetooth. The Bluetooth connection supports up to three devices, allowing seamless switching between them. I tested this with my computer and laptop, and the transition was smooth. The keyboard is compatible with both Mac and Windows systems. For my usage, the battery lasts about a week with 2-3 hours of use on weekdays and 8 hours on weekends, with the RGB lighting set to the brightest level.
Typing Feel
The red switches feel light and sound satisfying, partly due to the aluminum frame and the pre-installed foam inside the keyboard. The foam isn't just a single block; it's pre-cut to fit perfectly. The K8 Pro is a relatively large keyboard, and for the first 1-3 months, I made quite a few typos because of its height, which ranges from 3.5 to 4.2 cm (1.37 to 1.65 inches). Most people are used to laptop keyboards with a height of 0 cm, as their wrists rest directly on the laptop. However, once you get accustomed to it, the height feels normal.
Real-Life Use Case
I primarily use this keyboard for coding and gaming. For coding, the feature allowing three Bluetooth connections is incredibly convenient when using both a laptop and a desktop simultaneously. Switching between devices takes only about 2-4 seconds, making it seamless to code in two different environments.
For gaming, I highly recommend using a cable instead of Bluetooth. Occasionally, there's a delay when pressing buttons, although it's unpredictable. During a two-hour gaming session, sometimes there's no delay at all, and other times it happens 2-3 times. I'm not sure if it's due to my Bluetooth receiver or the keyboard itself. To be safe, stick to using the cable for gaming.
Durability
The keyboard itself is very durable, thanks to its aluminum frame, which is more robust than plastic. The switches have also held up perfectly after two years of constant heavy use. The only durability issue I've encountered is with the braided cable that came with the package—it has already broken open. The cable was quite stiff from the start, and since I often move my keyboard around without disconnecting the cable, this likely contributed to its wear and tear. However, if you handle it gently or replace it with a custom coil cable, it should be fine.
Final Verdict
For $120, you get an 80% keyboard layout with an aluminum frame, pre-lubed Gateron red switches, and Bluetooth connectivity for both Windows and Mac. It also supports customization using the VIA application. While you can find similar features at a lower price, there are also more expensive options than the Keychron. I think the main selling points are its distinctive frame and unique keycaps, and I like it.
If you're looking for a keyboard that's easy to use, durable, and packed with features, it's worth the price. It's excellent for typing and gaming, depending on the switch you choose. However, if you want a top-tier gaming keyboard, it might be worth saving up for something like the Wooting 60HE with rapid trigger switches, even though it costs twice as much.