Best Keychron Keyboards: Which K is the Key?

November 2, 2023

The world of mechanical keyboards is a competitive one. In this world, Keychron has emerged as a significant player, capturing the attention and affection of both keyboard connoisseurs and those in search of an exceptional typing experience. With its array of K series keyboards, Keychron offers a keyboard for every taste and purpose.

But the question remains: Which of the K series is for you?

That's what we will help you answer. From compact and portable designs to hot-swappable switches, from wireless marvels to full-sized workhorses, each "K" has its own unique allure and promise. We'll also include their technical specifications, discover their standout features, and guide you in finding the perfect Keychron keyboard companion tailored to your unique needs and wants.

About Keychron

Keychron is a keyboard company that specializes in wireless mechanical keyboards designed to meet the needs and preferences of various user profiles. Founded in 2017, this brand is recognized for its commitment to delivering quality, innovation, and compatibility in the world of mechanical keyboards.

What sets Keychron apart from other competitors is its focus on creating wireless mechanical keyboards that can seamlessly transition from the desk of a professional to the gaming setup of an enthusiast. These keyboards blend the precision and durability of mechanical key switches with wireless functionality, catering to the needs of those who value flexibility, portability, and aesthetics.

Keychron's product line features a range of keyboard models, each catering to different preferences and use cases. 

About the Keychron Series

Keychron offers a variety of keyboard series, each tailored to different needs and preferences. Here are some of the notable Keychron series:

Keychron K Series

The K series is Keychron's most diverse and popular lineup, designed to cater to a wide range of users. It includes both tenkeyless (TKL) and full-sized layouts to accommodate different desk setups. These keyboards come in various models, including the K6, K8, K4, and K12, featuring a mix of switch options, keycap materials, and backlighting to suit different user requirements.

The sleek and minimalist design of the K1 appeals to those who appreciate simplicity, while the K2 is known for its efficiency and high-quality keycaps.

For a personalized typing experience, the K4, K6, and K8 offer customization options. Whichever model you choose, you'll become part of a community of Keychron users who value functionality, style, and affordability.

Keychron Pro Series

The Keychron K series is already an excellent lineup of keyboards. But if you're looking for even more functionality and customization, the keyboards of the Keychron K Pro Series keyboards are the perfect choice. With features like hot-swappable keys and compatibility with multiple operating systems, it caters to the needs of keyboard enthusiasts.

Keychron B Series

The B series lineup is all about backlighting. These Keychron keyboards feature vibrant RGB or single-color backlighting to enhance your typing or gaming experience. Keychron K6 and K8 models are available with RGB backlighting.

Keychron S Series

Combining functionality with a sleek design are the keyboards of the S series. This series offers an unparalleled typing experience

Each keyboard in the S Series is meticulously crafted with attention to detail. The durable construction, smooth keystrokes, and customizable backlighting create an amazing typing and gaming experience.

Keychron R Series

The Keychron R Series builds upon the success of the S Series, offering even more advanced features and improvements to cater to your keyboard needs. With its meticulous attention to detail and sleek design, the R Series delivers a satisfying typing experience.

Keychron Q Series

For a more discreet typing experience, check out the Keychron Q series. These designs are provided with quiet and tactile switches. These keyboards are great for shared workspaces or quiet environments. The Keychron K6, K8, and K3 models are available with these quiet switches.

Keychron Q Pro Series

The Keychron Q Pro Series is an upgraded version of the Q Series that is geared to revolutionize your keyboard experience. This series offers enhanced versatility with the inclusion of hot-swappable switches, allowing you to customize the feel of your typing. The Q Pro Series also has wireless connectivity, RGB lighting, and a minimalist design.

Keychron V Series

The V series keyboards combine a retro aesthetic with modern functionality. These keyboards are known for their typewriter-style keycaps, which add a touch of nostalgia to your typing experience. The Keychron K8 and K6 are available in this series.

Keychron C Series

The C series focuses on compact and ultra-portable keyboards, making them perfect for those on the move. The Keychron C1 and C2 are wireless mechanical keyboards that are both sleek and efficient, offering a balance between mobility and functionality.

Keychron M Series

The M series is for those who crave versatility and customization. These keyboards come with hot-swappable switches, allowing you to change out the switches without soldering. The Keychron K6 and K8 are available in this series, offering hot-swappable switches and a wireless connection.

Keychron K1 vs K2 vs K4 vs K6 vs K8

The K Series is among Keychron's most popular keyboard lineups. These keyboards are available in different models. Which one is for you? How do they differ in terms of design, functionality, and user experience? Let's discuss the details and explore the differences between these keyboards.

Keychron K1

The Keychron K1 is the first model you'll come across in the Keychron lineup. It offers a tenkeyless or full-sized low-profile keyboard with both wired and wireless capabilities.

The K1 is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems, making it a versatile choice for all users. You'll enjoy the tactile feedback provided by the Gateron Low Profile Red/Blue switches. Additionally, you have the option to choose between white backlighting or full RGB lighting to suit your personal style.

Technical Specifications

Switch Options: Gateron Low-Profile Red, Gateron Low-Profile Brown, and Gateron Low-Profile Blue
Keycap Material: ABS keycaps
Keycap Profile: sculpted, low-profile
Connectivity: wired and wireless connectivity. It can connect to your devices via Bluetooth 5.1 or USB-C cable. 
Backlighting: customizable RGB backlighting
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It even features specific Mac and Windows layouts.
Layout Options: tenkeyless (TKL) and full-sized layouts

Keychron K2

The Keychron K2 is a keyboard with a 75% layout that doesn't include a number pad. It has all the necessary keys without any unnecessary extras. The K2 is a wireless keyboard that can connect to three devices and has a long-lasting battery. Its high-contrast keycaps are not only easy to read but also visually appealing. 

One minor drawback is the awkward placement of the USB-C port. However, with the right positioning, you can connect most devices with little or no inconvenience.

Technical Specifications

Switch Options: Gateron low-profile and hot-swappable switches
Keycap Material: ABS plastic, with some models offering PBT keycaps for enhanced longevity
Keycap Profile: sculpted, low-profile style
Connectivity: wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.1 or wired using a USB-C cable
Backlighting: customizable RGB backlighting
Compatibility: compatible with multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS with specific Mac and Windows layouts

Keychron K4

The Keychron K4 is a 1800 compact mechanical keyboard that offers a unique set of features and specifications. With wireless connectivity and compatibility with both Windows and Apple devices, the K4 allows for error-free switching between devices.

You can personalize your typing experience by choosing from a selection of Gateron Red, Blue, Yellow, or Brown switches. The added RGB LED lighting adds a stylish touch to your setup, making you feel part of the Keychron community.

One standout feature of the K4 is its horizontal home cluster layout, which makes you type faster and with more precision. 

Technical Specifications

Switch Options: Gateron Red, Gateron Brown, Gateron Blue, and other mechanical switch variants. The K4 is known for its hot-swappable key switches, allowing users to easily replace switches without soldering.
Keycap Material: ABS plastic, but some models may offer PBT keycaps 
Keycap Profile: low-profile keycaps
Connectivity: The wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.1 and wired using a USB-C cable
Backlighting: programmable RGB backlighting
Compatibility: various operating systems including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS

Keychron K6

If you want a keyboard that is compact, lightweight, portable, and customizable, then the Keychron K6 is for you.  As a 65% keyboard, the K6 is smaller than the K2 and doesn't have a function row. It does offer a more ergonomic design that's kinder to your wrists. It's also slightly thinner than the K4, giving it a sleek profile. You also have the option to choose between a lighter plastic base or a sturdier aluminum base.

Recently launched on Kickstarter, the Keychron K6 invites you to enjoy comfortable typing whether you're at home, in the office, or on the go.

Technical Specifications

Switch Options: Gateron, Keychron Optical, and other mechanical switch variants. Hot-swappable key switches
Keycap Material: ABS plastic, with some models offering PBT keycaps
Keycap Profile: low-profile keycaps 
Connectivity: wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.1 and wired using a USB-C cable
Backlighting: RGB backlighting that can be personalized
Compatibility: cross-platform compatibility with different operating systems

Keychron K8

The Keychron K8 is a versatile tenkeyless keyboard that offers both wired and wireless capabilities. With the convenience of hot-swappable switches, you can easily personalize your typing experience to fit your needs and preferences.

The K8's wired and wireless features offer flexibility whether you're working from a home office or on the go. If you're a programmer, writer, or gaming enthusiast, the K8 is an excellent choice that bridges the gap between your needs and the technology at your fingertips.

Technical Specifications

Switch Options: Gateron, Keychron Optical, and other mechanical switch variants. Hot-swappable layout
Keycap Material: ABS plastic or PBT
Keycap Profile: low-profile
Connectivity: wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.1 and wired using a USB-C cable
Backlighting: RGB backlighting can be tailored
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS with specific Mac and Windows layouts

Which One Is For You?

The choice of a Keychron K series keyboard depends on your specific needs, preferences, and how you plan to use the keyboard. We included a quick guide to help you decide which Keychron K keyboard might be the best fit for you:

  1. Keychron K1: Standard Keyboard User
    • Choose the K1 if you prefer a full-size keyboard with a low-profile design.
    • It's known for its sleek aesthetics and portability.
    • Ideal for those who value a modern look and maximum productivity.
  2. Keychron K2: More Compact and Versatile
    • Opt for the K2 if you want a compact and versatile mechanical keyboard.
    • It features both wireless and wired modes, making it adaptable to different setups.
    • Great for users who value a balance between portability and functionality.
  3. Keychron K4: Full Size But Space Saving
    • Consider the K4 if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard with a compact design.
    • It has all the keys in a full-sized keyboard but is compressed to save space
    • A great choice for those who need a versatile, wireless keyboard for everyday use.
  4. Keychron K6: Compact and Portable
    • Choose the K6 if you value portability and a compact design.
    • It's great for on-the-go use as it's smaller and easy to carry.
    • Ideal for users who want a versatile keyboard for different devices and layouts.
  5. Keychron K8: Hot-Swappable and Versatile
    • Opt for the K8 if you want the flexibility of hot-swappable switches.
    • Hot-swappable switches make it easy to customize your typing experience.
    • Ideal if you don't need to work on a lot of numbers or encoding numeric data.

Conclusion

The Keychron K series is a pro lineup that speaks volumes about ingenuity and adaptability. If you want a keyboard that complements a confined workspace, one offering hot-swappable switches for an entirely personalized typing experience, or perhaps a sleek and ultra-slim model for your on-the-go productivity, there's a Keychron K keyboard that boasts a solution.

Chris Greiner, a Mechanical Keyboard specialist, boasts a solid educational background with dual bachelor's degrees in Computer Science and Business Management from Lewis University. His additional certification in Mechanical Keyboard Design showcases his dedication to staying on the forefront of keyboard technology. Chris primarily writes for keyboard enthusiasts and has been featured on platforms like Jestik, solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in the mechanical keyboard community.
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