As a keyboard enthusiast, I was more than eager to get my hands on the Keychron K8 Pro. This wireless mechanical keyboard has been making some serious waves in the gaming community and comes highly recommended by many of my coworkers. With its robust features and hot-swappable capabilities, it promises an elevated typing experience that’ll have you feeling like a pro at your desk.
Unboxing Experience
Let’s start from the beginning. The Keychron K8 Pro arrives in a sleek, minimalist packaging that sets the tone for what’s inside. Once you slice through the seal and lift the lid, you’re greeted with the keyboard itself, nestled snugly within foam padding to ensure it reaches you in perfect condition. Along with the keyboard, you’ll find a braided USB-C cable, a keycap puller, and some extra keycaps to switch between Windows and Mac layouts.
Design and Build
The first thing you notice about the K8 Pro is its sturdy build. It’s chunkier than your average keyboard, thanks to its aluminum frame and solid steel plate. But don’t let that fool you – this keyboard is far from being a clunky piece of machinery. The design includes two different feet angles for varied typing experiences, catering to your comfort as you battle it out in your favorite game or type up an important report.
One interesting design element is the right-angle connector for its cable, perfect for side connectors. And if you’re not a fan of wires? Well, no worries there because this keyboard also supports Bluetooth 5.1 wireless connection with up to three devices.
Keycaps & Switches
The Keychron K8 Pro comes with Gateron G Pro Brown Switches that promise a lifespan of 50 million keystrokes – now that’s some serious durability! Plus, these switches are hot-swappable, meaning you can customize the feel of your keys without breaking out the soldering iron.
The PBT keycaps add to the premium feel but note they are not shine-through. So if you’re someone who often finds themselves gaming or working in low-light conditions, this may be something to consider.
Light and Sound
The K8 Pro offers 22 types of RGB settings, including a static white option for those who prefer a more subdued look. The keyboard also features a unique sound-absorbing foam and a thick silicone dampening bottom pad that not only enhances the typing experience but also produces this distinct ‘thock’ sound with each keystroke. Personally, I found it oddly satisfying, especially when hitting the space bar.
Connectivity & Battery
The K8 Pro supports both Windows and Mac operating systems out of the box – all you have to do is toggle the switch on the side. And with its robust 4,000 milliamp hours battery, you can enjoy up to 100 hours of usage with Bluetooth and RGB on.
Customization
For those who love to tinker around with their gear, the K8 Pro won’t disappoint. It’s fully programmable with QMK & VIA – so go ahead and set up your custom keys and macros. The keyboard even comes with a handy guide for open-source customization; perfect for those new to this aspect of gaming keyboards.
Silicone Bottom Pad & Stabilizers
The Keychron K8 Pro features an innovative silicone bottom pad that not only aids in dampening sound but also adds stability to your typing or gaming sessions. This is a feature typically found on enthusiast-level boards, so it’s great to see on this higher-end option. Additionally, PCB-mounted screw-in stabilizers further enhance the keyboard’s stability, ensuring each keystroke feels solid and secure.
Programmability & Customization
One of my favorite aspects of the Keychron K8 Pro is its programmability. With QMK and VIA compatibility, this keyboard allows you to customize your keys and even set up macros for complex commands – a feature that can be invaluable during intense gaming sessions or workflow optimization. The open-source customization guide provided by Keychron makes this process even more accessible to beginners.
Battery Life & Connectivity
Keychron didn’t skimp on battery life when designing the K8 Pro. With its 4,000 mAh battery capacity, you can use this keyboard for up to 100 hours with Bluetooth and RGB lighting turned on! That’s more than enough for several days of heavy use before needing a recharge. The option of using either wireless Bluetooth 5.1 or USB-C wired connection adds flexibility to how you use your keyboard.
FAQs
Does the Keychron K8 Pro come with a warranty?
Yes, the Keychron K8 Pro comes with a one-year limited hardware warranty.
Can you use the keyboard while it’s charging?
Absolutely! You can continue to use the keyboard in wired mode while it’s charging.
What kind of switches does the Keychron K8 Pro have?
The K8 Pro features hot-swappable Gateron G Pro Brown Switches.
Can I customize the RGB backlight settings?
Yes, the keyboard offers 22 types of RGB backlight settings, plus a static white option.
Is there a version of the Keychron K8 Pro without the aluminum frame and full RGB backlight?
At this time, Keychron only offers the K8 Pro with an aluminum frame and full RGB backlight.
Conclusion: Keychron K8 Pro Review
All in all, I found the Keychron K8 Pro to be an excellent balance between quality and cost. Priced at $110 for the version with an aluminum frame and full RGB backlight, it offers great value compared to other major brands offering similar features.
Sure, it has its quirks – like its chunky build that may require a wrist rest for some or the metal edge that might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But what it does offer is a premium typing experience that’s customizable down to each keypress.
If you’re looking for more options in hot-swappable TKL keyboards or want to compare the Keychron K8 Pro against other brands, check out this guide on the best TKL hot swappable keyboards.