Keychron K8 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Review

Bigger isn't always better. When it comes to computer peripherals, compact equipment often gets the upper hand. In the world of keyboards, these peripherals can include tenkeyless keyboards such as the  Keychron K8 wireless mechanical keyboard.

Renowned within the keyboard community for its wireless versatility, hot-swappable switches, and vibrant RGB lighting, the Keychron K8 has garnered a loyal following among both productivity enthusiasts and gaming aficionados.

Let's check out the capabilities and intricacies of the Keychron K8, exploring its design, performance, ergonomic features, and customization options. Let's see if it's the right keyboard for you.

Overview

The Keychron K8 is a tenkeyless wireless mechanical keyboard designed and manufactured by Keychron, a company known for producing mechanical keyboards that cater to various needs, including productivity and gaming. It is designed to optimize your creativity with an efficient TKL layout, which means it does not have a numeric keypad at the right side of the keyboard.

The tenkeyless wireless keyboard promises a comfortable typing experience with the option to easily personalize your keyboard without undergoing a complex process of altering the keyboard.

Let's check out the Keychron K8 Wireless keyboard.

Features

The Keychron K8 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard is known for its versatile features designed to cater to a wide range of users.  However, here are some common features you can expect to find in the Keychron K8:

1. Mechanical switch and optical options: The Keychron K8 typically offers a variety of mechanical and optical switch options, allowing users to choose switches based on their preferences. Options often include Gateron and Keychron's custom switches, with choices for tactile, clicky, or linear switches. The keyboard features Gateron G Pro mechanical switches as the default.
2. Wireless connectivity: The K8 is known for its wireless capabilities via Bluetooth technology to connect wirelessly to a variety of devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This wireless functionality provides flexibility and reduces cable clutter on your desk.
3. Wired option: In addition to wireless connectivity, the Keychron K8 often includes a USB-C port, allowing users to use the keyboard in a wired mode when a stable and low-latency connection is required, such as for gaming.
4. Hot-swappable switches: The Keychron K8 features hot-swappable switches. Hot-swappables means you can change the switches without soldering or desoldering. Simply pop them in. The hot-swappable design allows easy customization options and maintenance. 
5. Compact layout: The K8 typically has a compact design, often featuring a tenkeyless (TKL) layout, which lacks the numeric keypad on the right side. This design is popular for those seeking a more compact and portable keyboard.
6. RGB backlighting: The Keychron K8 comes equipped with RGB backlighting. Users can customize the colors and lighting effects to suit their preferences.
7. Compatibility: Keychron keyboards, including the K8, are designed to be compatible with macOS, Linux, and Windows operating systems, making them versatile options for users of different platforms.
8. Battery life: The K8's battery has a rechargeable battery that can offer extended usage between charges. The k8 has a 4000mAh battery, which can last up to 240 hours with the backlight off.
9. Keycap options: The Keychron has different keycap materials and designs, allowing users to further customize the keyboard's look and feel.
10. Smart assistant: The Keychron K8 has a dedicated Cortana or Siri key so you can easily access your Smart Assistant.
11. Bluetooth compatibility: The keyboard can connect to multiple Bluetooth devices, allowing users to seamlessly switch between them.

Build Quality

Don't underestimate the solid and sturdy frame of this Keychron K8. With its sleek floating keycap design and high-profile aluminum bezel, it ensures a professional and stylish look. It's built not just to impress, but to last.

1. Aluminum frame: The keyboard's frame is often constructed from aluminum, which not only adds durability but also gives the keyboard a premium and sturdy feel. Aluminum is known for its lightweight yet robust properties.
2. Plastic housing: While the frame is aluminum, other parts of the keyboard, such as the base and the keycap housing, are typically made of high-quality plastic. The choice of materials ensures a balance between weight and durability.
3. Stability: The Keychron K8 often features rubberized feet or pads on the bottom to provide stability and prevent the keyboard from sliding on your desk during use.
4. Keycaps: The keycaps on the Keychron K8 are typically made from high-quality materials, often double-shot ABS plastic. This material is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. Some versions of the K8 may also offer PBT keycaps, which are even more robust.
5. Switch mounting: The K8 has a hot-swappable switch design, which ensures a secure and stable fit for the switches without requiring soldering. Not only does this hot-swappable version allow easy customization and maintenance, it also prevents damage from customization. 

Connectivity

The Keychron K8 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard has versatile connectivity options, which enable users to connect the keyboard to a wide range of devices. 

1. Wireless Bluetooth: One of the standout features of the Keychron K8 is its wireless Bluetooth connectivity. Users can typically connect the keyboard to their devices including laptops, tablets, smartphones, iPAds, and more, via its Broadcom Bluetooth 5.1 chipset. This wireless capability provides flexibility and eliminates the need for a physical cable connection. Up to three devices with Bluetooth profiles may be supported, allowing users to switch between connected devices seamlessly.
2. Bluetooth Range: The keyboard has a reliable Bluetooth range of up to 10 meters, allowing users to connect from a reasonable distance.
3. Wired USB-C: In addition to wireless connectivity, the Keychron K8 often includes a USB-C port for a wired connection. This is especially useful for scenarios where a stable and low-latency connection is required, such as gaming or when the keyboard's battery is running low and needs charging. The USB-C cable provided with the keyboard is typically of good quality.
4. Compatibility: The Keychron K8 is a mechanical keyboard for Mac and Windows users. It can be run using any standard operating system including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This cross-platform compatibility makes it suitable for users with different devices and preferences.
5. Indicator Lights: The keyboard has indicator lights or LEDs that provide information about the current connection status, battery life, and charging status.

Battery Life

The K8 is equipped with a rechargeable li-polymer battery. Having a battery capacity of 4000mAH, the battery life won't disappoint, ensuring you're always ready to type away without worrying about frequent recharges. The Keychron K8 boasts a whopping 72-hour battery life that keeps you connected and productive.

With the backlight off, it can provide 240 hours of typing before the battery needs to be recharged again. 

This keyboard has an intelligent power-saving mode. It sleeps after 10 minutes of inactivity, preserving that precious battery life. 

Design and Aesthetics of the Keychron K8

Let's delve into the design and aesthetics of the Keychron K8. You'll appreciate its sleek, professional look that harmoniously combines function and style.

RGB Lighting

The RGB lighting of the Keychron K8 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard is a notable feature that adds a touch of aesthetics and customization to the keyboard. RGB lighting on the Keychron K8 typically offers various customization options to cater to users' preferences. 

1. RGB Backlighting: The Keychron K8 often features per-key RGB backlighting, which means each key can be individually illuminated with different colors. This allows for a wide range of lighting effects and color combinations.
2. Customizable Lighting Effects: Users can customize the RGB lighting effects to create their preferred visual experience. Common lighting effects may include static colors, color cycling, breathing effects, ripple effects, and more. The K8 has 15 different lighting presets.
3. Brightness Control: Users can adjust the brightness of the RGB backlighting to suit their preferences, whether they prefer vibrant and bright lighting or a more subtle and dimmed ambiance.
4. Color Customization: The keyboard allows users to choose from a wide spectrum of colors, enabling them to create unique and personalized lighting profiles. Some versions may also offer preset color profiles.

Keycap Options

For the Keychron k8, you have got plenty of options for keycaps. This makes it easy for you to personalize your keyboard to reflect your unique style. 

When you buy a brand new keyboard, the included keycaps of your unit will be ABS plastic keycaps with an OEM profile. They are set in an ANSI keyboard layout.

Typing Experience of the Keychron K8

Let's dive into the heart of the matter---your typing experience. With the Keychron K8, you're not just typing, you're engaging in a smooth, responsive interaction with your device. Use the K8 for working on your reports, writing your dream novel, and more.

Switch Choices

There's a variety of switch choices for your Keychron K8. The great thing about the Keychron K8 is that it is hot-swappable. That means you don't need to desolder or solder components just to change switches. Simply take out the switches with a switch puller, put on your new switches, and type away. 

When you buy a brand-new Keychron K8, you can choose between three kinds of switches:

Gateron G Pro Switches

Each of these durable Gateron G Pro mechanical switches has a 50 million keystroke lifespan. You can choose between Gateron Red switches for a quiet, smooth, and linear feel; Gateron Brown switches if you want to feel a tactile bump for each key press; or Gateron Blue switches for a satisfying clicky sound.  

Gateron Optical V2 Switches

Gateron Optical Version 2 switches are hot-swappable.  Unlike mechanical switches, they don't have moving parts. As such, they can outlast mechanical switches; they can endure 100 million keystrokes before wearing them out. They are available in linear red, clicky blue, or tactile brown.

Note that Gateron Optical switches are not compatible with Cherry MX switches or Keychron optical switches.

Keychron Optical Switches

Keychron Optical switches are designed for exemplary speed and accuracy, which is crucial in competitive gaming. Each switch has a latency of 0.2 milliseconds, giving players that important competitive edge. Keychron optical switches have a lifespan of 100 million keystrokes and are available in linear Red, tactile Brown, and clicky Blue switches.

Like Gateron Optical Switches, Keychron Optical switches are not compatible with MX-style mechanical switches.

Ergonomics

You'll appreciate the ergonomic design that keeps your comfort in mind during those long hours of typing or gaming. The Keychron K8's thoughtful construction makes it feel like a natural extension of your hands. Its tenkeyless layout frees up valuable desk space, giving more room for your mouse. 

The two adjustable rubber feet allow you to find that perfect typing angle that puts your wrist, forearm, and shoulders in a relaxed, rested, and neutral position while typing or gaming. It's all about ensuring you're part of the Keychron community, where comfort and functionality go hand in hand. 

Sold separately are wooden or resin armrests that can further enhance your typing and gaming comfort. 

Compatibility

Switching between your Mac and Windows operating systems has never been easier. The K8 is compatible with both Windows and macOS. It's one of the few keyboards that come with Mac multimedia layout for Mac users.

Users who use Linux need not worry. Keychron has a dedicated group for Linux users.

Performance and Gaming of the Keychron K8

Now, let's shift gears and delve into the performance and gaming capabilities of the Keychron K8. We will cover all those aspects in detail next.

Latency

With a latency of 0.2 milliseconds and anti-ghosting capabilities, you'll certainly appreciate the instantaneous response and absence of missed keystrokes. This makes it an ideal gaming keyboard. You won't have to worry about lag disrupting your workflow, which provides a sense of seamless interaction that's hard to find in many other keyboards. You'll feel right at home with the K8's reliable performance.

Moreover, its wireless connectivity allows for a range of up to 10 meters (or 33 feet), giving you the freedom to move around your game space with ease. 

Key Rollover

We understand the frustration of missed keystrokes. It causes inaccuracies and can make you miss that crucial action in gaming. 

That's why the Keychron K8 has got you covered. The keyboard has anti-ghosting capabilities to ensure each key press is registered. This works even if multiple keys are pressed at the same time. 

Software Customization

Keychron had introduced limited software customization for some of its keyboards. Its software customization is not as extensive as software customization options offered by some other keyboard manufacturers. The availability and functionality of software customization for the Keychron K8 may vary depending on the specific model and firmware updates; check the Keychron website for details and updates.

Here are some aspects of software customization that are typically available for keyboards from Keychron, including the K8:

1. Key remapping: Users could remap keys using Keychron's software to assign different functions or macros to specific keys. This allows for customization of the keyboard layout to suit individual preferences.
2. Macro recording: Some Keychron keyboards, if supported by the firmware and software, allow users to record and assign macros to specific keys. Macros are sequences of keystrokes that can be triggered with a single keypress.
3. Custom lighting profiles: Users can create and customize RGB lighting profiles for their keyboards using Keychron's software. This included choosing colors, lighting effects, and adjusting brightness.
4. Firmware updates: Keychron may release firmware updates that can be installed using the software. These updates can improve keyboard functionality, fix bugs, and potentially introduce new customization options.
5. Bluetooth settings: Depending on the keyboard model, users may be able to adjust Bluetooth settings such as connection profiles and power-saving features, using the software.

Alternatives to the Keychron K8

Though the Keychron K8 has impressive features, there are also good keyboards to consider if it doesn't meet all your specific needs. Here are some popular ones:

1. Ducky One 2 Mini: The Ducky One 2 Mini is a compact mechanical keyboard known for its high build quality and customizable RGB lighting. It features a tenkeyless layout and various switch options, making it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

2. Anne Pro 2: The Anne Pro 2 is a wireless mechanical keyboard that offers Bluetooth connectivity and customizable RGB lighting. It's compact, portable, and comes with a variety of switch options. It's often praised for its value for money.

3. Varmilo VA87M: Varmilo is known for producing high-quality mechanical keyboards with a focus on aesthetics. The VA87M is a tenkeyless keyboard with a range of switch options and customizable keycap designs.

4. Keychron K6: If you like the Keychron brand but prefer a more compact layout, consider the Keychron K6. It's a 65% compact wireless mechanical keyboard with similar features to the K8, including hot-swappable switches.

5. Leopold FC750R: Leopold keyboards are praised for their minimalist design and excellent build quality. The FC750R is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard known for its reliability and wide switch selection.

6. Drop ALT: The Drop ALT is a highly customizable mechanical keyboard available in a compact 65% layout. It features hot-swappable switches and customizable RGB lighting. It's a popular choice for enthusiasts who want to tailor their typing experience.

7. Drevo Calibur V2: The Drevo Calibur V2 is a budget-friendly wireless mechanical keyboard with Bluetooth connectivity and customizable RGB lighting. It's available in various switch options and offers good value for the price.

8. SteelSeries Apex Pro: If you're looking for a gaming-focused mechanical keyboard, the SteelSeries Apex Pro is a popular choice. It features customizable mechanical switches with adjustable actuation points, customizable RGB lighting, and dedicated media controls.

9. Vortex Pok3r: The Vortex Pok3r is a compact 60% mechanical keyboard known for its build quality and programmability. It's a favorite among enthusiasts who prefer a minimalistic layout.

10. Logitech G Pro X: Logitech's G Pro X is a gaming-focused mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable switches, customizable RGB lighting, and programmable macros. It's often praised for its performance and versatility.

Conclusion

You've been looking for it, and now you've found it---a comprehensive mechanical keyboard review of the Keychron K8.

With its stylish design, great features, cool sound and feel, and impeccable wireless connectivity, this Keychron mechanical keyboard the perfect fit for both work and play.

Whether you're a Mac or Windows user, gaming enthusiast, or typing pro, the K8 has you covered.

Don't just take our word for it. It's a good mechanical keyboard. Try the Keychron K8 and experience the difference yourself.