Our profound Keychron K8 review features the keyboard’s critical criteria ratings, unique specifications, and advanced technologies.
Although customers can find many wireless mechanical keyboards with similar specs and features to the Keychron K8, we assure you this unit deserves all the credits due to its high-end materials.
In addition, customers will experience a fantastic typing experience because the Keychron K8 uses top mechanical switches and keycaps.
Henceforth, reading our pro review would be best because this will help you learn everything about the Keychron K8 keyboard and its supreme capabilities.
Contents
Pros and Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
| The durable build quality and low-profile case boost performance and design | The keyboard only includes a white backlight without per-key RGB features |
| The long battery life is ideal when traveling or taking the keyboard outside | The PBT keycaps have weird typing angles and curves that do not fit your fingers well |
| The hot-swappable version allows beginners to replace the stock switches | Several customers reported several Bluetooth connections issues |
| The Keychron K8 keyboard offers QMK and VIA support for smooth gaming |
Product Highlights
Although the Keychron K8 mechanical keyboard is an excellent unit, as proven by the previous pros and cons table, you must discover the real specs and features.
As a result, we highly recommend reading the following bullet list because it features the most refined highlights and product details:
- Compatible devices: Computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones
- Operating systems: Windows, Mac OS, and Linux
- Connectivity technology: Wired and wireless
- Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.1
- Number of keys: 87 pieces
- Keyboard layout: Tenkeyless layout
- Switch type: Gateron switches
- Switch lifespan: 50 million keystrokes
- Battery capacity: 4,000 mAh
- Product dimensions: 13.9 x 4.8 x 1.5 inches
- Product weight: 2.49 pounds
– Keychron K8 Review
The Keychron K8 has qualities similar to the HyperX Alloy Origins Core keyboard, but the critical criteria prove the K8 model has excellent performance capabilities. For instance, the Keychron K8 mechanical keyboard features a clean, low-profile design without many details, which is ideal for professional writers and office workers.
Furthermore, this fantastic unit also includes wired and wireless connections, thanks to Bluetooth 5.1 technology, which is sufficient for most common tasks and operations. As a result, our experts believe that a final rating of 9.5 out of 10 for the design criterion is adequate.
The Keychron K8 keyboard has Gateron G Pro red switches that are excellent for gaming and typing but are not as potent as any Cherry MX units. The Gateron G Pro red switches have an actuation force of 45g, which is typical for linear regulators because they are silent and require less pressure to work.
Manufacturers developed the Gateron G Pro red switches with a lifespan of 50 million keystrokes, but customers can quickly replace them using the hot-swappable sockets. Therefore, there is nothing else we can do but provide the Keychron K8 keyboard with a 9 out of 10 rating for the switch type criterion.
The Keychron K8 mechanical keyboard’s weakest feature is the RGB lighting because customers can only enjoy a single color without per-key RGB effects.
Although the white RGB LED lighting is sufficient for dark computer setups because beginners can see the buttons and functions clearly, the keyboard does not look exciting or unique.
However, the low-profile layout introduces more distance between the plastic case and keycaps, allowing the more white LED light to reach the user’s vision. Henceforth, the Keychron K8 keyboard receives its worst rating of 7.5 out of 10 for the RGB LED backlights critical criterion.
All professional gaming and typing keyboards must have adequate keystroke sensitivity to help customers carry out their responsibilities and tasks. The Keychron K8 product has a typical actuation force, as explained in the previous paragraphs, which is standard for mechanical keyboards at this cost.
However, the Gateron G Pro red switches offer minimal actuation travel that is ideal for fast typing because the keyboard registers the strokes faster than some Cherry MX switches, proving its strengths. As a result, our team believes the Keychron K8 keyboard merits a final rating of 9 out of 10 for the keystroke sensitivity criterion.
So, the Keychron K8 keyboard is a great overall gaming unit without many flaws, but our experts believe manufacturers should have included more RGB LED lighting features.
Nevertheless, we are confident you will enjoy its impressive performance and design technologies, so you should not worry about feel and durability.
As a result, our experts highly recommend the Keychron K8 keyboard and its impressive specs and features.
– How Has This Product Evolved?
The Keychron K8 keyboard has mainly improved the switches and connectivity technologies, but the case sustained substantial upgrades too.
For example, this gaming unit overperforms similar keyboards because it is more affordable and includes advanced Gateron G Pro red switches that are excellent for fast typing and professional gaming.
Customers can also use the hot-swappable sockets to quickly replace any broken or stiff switches, a characteristic that previous versions did not have. Although more advanced keyboards with better controls exist, the Keychron K8 keyboard is ample for most everyday tasks and office applications.
The second most prominent change from former models is the introduction of wireless connectivity technologies that boost performance. For instance, customers can use this keyboard indoors and outdoors without cables, which looks clean and straightforward thanks to the 4,000 mAh battery.
In addition, this unit can keep the keyboard running for several days without the RGB LED lighting or for a single day with the white RGB LED lighting turned on. Although customers can purchase keyboards with greater battery capacity, no product can match the Keychron K8 keyboard’s cost.
Unlike previous versions, the Keychron K8 keyboard experienced significant case changes, making the unit more durable and flexible. For example, plastic is top quality and can take a beating, but there is a solution for customers wanting better units.
In addition, the Keychron K8 keyboard comes in aluminum, which keeps the unit lightweight without compromising performance. So, the Keychron K8 keyboard is everything gamers, and writers need.
Product Features Breakdown
Customers will never fully experience the Keychron K8 keyboard without understanding its real-life benefits and capabilities.
Although the previous paragraphs captured this unit’s unique specs and features, they are insufficient, and we highly recommend our in-depth explanations in the following chapters.
We will help you process the information correctly by providing straightforward explanations and examples, so stick around for more.
– Unique Rubber Feet and Adjustable Legs
High-end mechanical keyboards must be stable and adjustable because professional users need various typing and gaming angles. The Keychron K8 keyboard enables these features because it includes several rubber feet that keep the unit in place and a few adjustable legs that help you change the typing angle.
Instead of having two thin rectangular rubber feet similar to previous models, the Keychron K8 keyboard has a few more prominent and rounded feet that keep the board from sliding around. Although the rubber feet do not feel as premium as the other keyboard’s components, they do their job.
The Keychron K8 keyboard also includes two adjustable kickstands with rubber feet, allowing customers to choose the typing angle that feels the most comfortable.
In addition, the board has two angle options to opt for a steep or shallow typing experience.
Although manufacturers installed this feature on previous Keychron K6 models, we are happy to see the K8 includes them too. The more adjustability options the keyboard has, the better the overall user experience, especially during professional gaming and typing.
These two critical aspects allow customers to understand a practical gaming unit, so you should not worry about taking out and using the keyboard when traveling.
In addition, the floating keycap design and the RGB LED backlighting look clean, but the high-profile aluminum bezel overhauls the complete visual experience and reinforces the case. However, our experts believe manufacturers should have included more colors.
– Impressive Wireless Connectivity
Our team believes the Keychron K8 keyboard is one of the most refined products regarding connectivity and compatibility at this cost. This unit has wired and wireless connections that feel incredibly smooth in any surrounding, especially in clean gaming setups or offices.
In addition, the latest Bluetooth 5.1 technology is incredible and allows customers to connect up to three devices to pair external headphones, a mouse, and other gaming gadgets. Connecting devices using Bluetooth is easy because you have to use the function and the first three number keys.
In addition, the Keychron K8 keyboard has little to no delay when using three external devices and registers all keystrokes flawlessly. Customers can use this keyboard up to 25 feet away because our experts tested its capabilities and confirmed the keyboard records the keystrokes at this distance.
Manufacturers claimed the Keychron K8 keyboard would hold up to 33 feet away, so we can conclude their claims are accurate. Customers can also switch between the paired devices using the number keys without delays or interruptions.
For instance, you can switch between your personal computer and laptop without needing a second unit, which is an excellent choice for working from home.
The Keychron K8 keyboard package includes a detachable USB Type-C cable that you can use in case the wireless connections fail or do not work correctly.
However, we believe you will rarely use the cable except for charging, which should not happen too often. This keyboard is a superb choice.
– Windows and Mac OS Compatibility
Modern gaming products must be compatible with Windows and Mac OS, the two most commonly used operating units by users worldwide. The Keychron K8 keyboard is one of those units that support both systems, a feature that sets the product apart from its competition.
Customers can also change between both systems quickly without issues by using the dedicated toggle switch inside the package. For instance, the Keychron K8 keyboard includes a side-mounted control that customers can use to change between Windows and Mac OS, a handy tool that no other units have.
Therefore, using the unique control, you can connect two devices using the wireless Bluetooth technology and switch between your PC or iPad. However, the Keychron K8 keyboard has another critical aspect, unlike most products at this cost.
Customers can use the latest multimedia key that enables the virtual assistant on Windows and Mac OS, which helps beginners navigate the keyboard and use the devices without problems.
Therefore, they have to press the key to activate Cortana or Siri and follow the steps to complete the setup which does not take more than a few minutes.
Customers can try this unique feature when their device is connected to a smartphone using the latest Bluetooth 5.1 technology.
For instance, they can open the contacts menu using the virtual assistant when using Windows or Mac OS. However, our experts recommend using the keyboard with the dedicated USB Type-C cable while gaming or they can opt for the wireless technology.
– RGB LED Lighting and Power Cable
The Keychron K8 keyboard’s base model includes white RGB LED lighting that looks interesting in dark computer settings. In addition, the low-profile design helps customers experience the lighting visually.
Still, our experts believe the keycaps must have been shorter and curvier to allow more LED light to penetrate.
The white RGB LED lighting is ideal for clean office setups because the design is not flashy and will not bother your colleagues. However, the Keychron K8 keyboard includes different RGB LED lighting features that cost more.
The Keychron K8 keyboard supports RGB LED lighting with 15 preset configurations with different color combinations, which overhaul your complete computer setup. Although the RGB LED lighting is not incredibly bright and potent, it does the job thanks to the grey layout and design.
Therefore, we believe that an all-white Keychron K8 keyboard would be better to experience the RGB LED lighting. In addition, the package includes a durable USB Type-C cable because a custom cable is challenging to use.
Customers can use the port on the left to connect the Keychron K8 keyboard at a 90-degree angle, atypical for modern gaming products. Although the cable does the job and works fine, many customers prefer having a power port on the back, which is more practical.
Still, we are confident users will not experience any issues with the Keychron K8 keyboard and its connectivity and compatibility functions.
– Complete Switch Choices
The Keychron K8 keyboard includes Gateron G Pro red controls that work great for casual and professional applications. However, this is not the only choice customers can make before purchasing the unit because Gateron offers other colors with different properties.
For instance, users can buy blue and brown switches, but our experts believe the red controls have the best properties . Although Gateron G Pro switches are not as potent as Cherry MX units, they will do the job.
However, changing the stock switches inside the Keychron K8 keyboard is easy because the unit support hot-swappable sockets. As a result, customers can use the dedicated keycap and switch pullers inside the package to remove the old switches and install new ones.
In addition, the Keychron K8 keyboard switches have standard pins, so purchasing a replacement set is straightforward. Therefore, beginners do not have to take the keyboard to a professional to desolder broken switches.
The 5-pin connectors are ideal for modern gaming units because almost all switches support these pins. So, the Gateron G Pro buttons are excellent for your Keychron K8 keyboard and are more affordable than most Cherry MX controls. Purchasing this keyboard with the Gateron G Pro red switches might be your best option.
– Clean Stabilizers and Keycaps
Although the Keychron K8 keyboard does not have exceptional keycaps and stabilizers, our experts had nothing wrong to say. The everyday ABS plastic keycaps are smooth and thin but are more extensive than most modern buttons.
The switches are the Keychron K8 keyboard’s most significant drawback because they wear down quickly and develop a shine, especially the controls customers use the most.
As a result, our experts recommend cleaning the keycaps often, although they cannot do anything against the wear down.
However, the package includes several extra keycaps that customers can swap with the Windows or Mac OS profiles, which is an excellent addition to the box. Therefore, users can customize the keyboard without affecting or altering its functions.
Keycap stabilizers allow customers to experience the keyboard in its purest form because the buttons will not wobble or rattle during everyday use. The Keychron K8 keyboard includes plate-mounted and pre-lubed stabilizers, which is superb for a product at this cost.
Although customers can wipe the factory lube and apply their own, our experts do not recommend doing this if you are a beginner. As a result, the typing and gaming experience feels smooth, and the large keys do not rattle as much.
FAQ
What differentiates the Keychron K8 from other mechanical keyboards?
The Keychron K8 is a tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical keyboard that stands out for its wireless capability, Mac/Windows compatibility, and its option for hot-swappable switches. The keyboard also offers customizable RGB or white backlighting and an aluminum frame for added durability.
Is the Keychron K8 suitable for both macOS and Windows users?
Yes, the Keychron K8 is designed with dual compatibility in mind. It comes with additional keycaps specifically for Mac layout and has a switch on the side allowing users to choose between macOS, Windows/Android, and iOS operating modes, ensuring smooth functionality across different platforms.
How does the battery life of the Keychron K8 compare to other wireless keyboards?
The Keychron K8 boasts a robust 4000mAh battery, which allows for up to 240 hours of typing without the backlight. When using the backlight, battery life will be shorter, depending on the brightness level. This makes its battery life competitive when compared to many other wireless mechanical keyboards on the market.
Conclusion
The Keychron K8 keyboard includes several unique technologies for casual and professional use, so the unit works well at home or in your office.
However, the keyboard’s most prominent feature is the wired and wireless connections using the USB Type-C cable and Bluetooth 5.1, meaning you can take the product anywhere.
In addition, the Keychron K8 keyboard includes modern switches that are not as potent as Cherry MX units but will do the job for extreme applications.
However,customers can replace the stock set using the hot-swappable sockets and the special keycap and switch pullers that are easy to use.
Therefore, our experts highly recommend the Keychron K8 keyboard and its capabilities, although the RGB LED lighting is not ideal.
