Review of Keychron K8 HE Special Edition: Embodying magnetic mid-century design
Keychron K8 HE Review: A Premium Gaming and Typing Companion
The Keychron K8 HE is a compact 80% mechanical keyboard that offers a unique blend of gaming and typing performance. With its aluminium top plate, plastic, and wood construction, the keyboard feels and sounds premium compared to other keyboards in its class.
One of the standout features of the Keychron K8 HE is the use of Gateron Nebula Linear K8H-F1 Magnetic switches. These switches are the nicest linear switches the reviewer has used for both gaming and typing, providing a smooth and quiet typing experience.
The keyboard also boasts a USB-C port for charging or wired use, switches for Windows, Android, or Mac connectivity, and switches for 2.4GHz, wired, or Bluetooth modes. This versatility makes the Keychron K8 HE an excellent companion for a variety of devices.
If lighting is important to you, you might want to consider the Standard Edition model of the Keychron K8 HE, which uses shine-through caps to give it a more traditional gaming keyboard look. On the other hand, the Special Edition versions have metal top and bottom frame pieces and solid-wood sides, giving them a retro look.
The Keychron K8 HE has a cluster-free number row, a function row with media controls, and a cluster on the right for page up/down keys, insert, delete, home, and end. The keyboard layout includes a spread-out F-row, a cluster on the right for page up/down keys, insert, delete, home, and end, and moved arrow keys to the right.
The smaller keys on the Keychron K8 HE have plastic rails to keep them stable, and the keyboard has a dual-rail system for stability. The keys remained mapped to volume control across multiple devices, but the reviewer could not map a light press of the PgUp button to volume up and a full press to volume down.
The Keychron K8 HE has a 4000 MAh battery, claimed to provide up to 110 hours of run time with the backlight off. The keyboard also has onboard storage for three locally stored profiles. The cable for the Keychron K8 HE is USB-C to USB-A, and the keyboard has a USB-C port for charging or wired use.
The keyboard has a web app for controls that the reviewer finds refreshing, and it uses a double-shot PBT keycap set. The Keychron K8 HE does not have a game mode, a volume knob, dedicated media keys, or additional ports.
Overall, the Keychron K8 HE is an excellent companion that felt comfortable and familiar during gaming and typing. It doesn't feel overpriced at $139, and its versatile connectivity options, high-quality switches, and premium feel make it a great choice for gamers and typists alike.
For those who prefer a Keychron keyboard with a volume knob, the Keychron Q11 and V6 Max are recommended options. The Q11 provides a highly customizable knob integrated into a compact design, while the V6 Max offers a full-sized layout with dedicated media controls including a volume dial.
The Keychron K8 HE's premium feel, reinforced by its aluminum top plate and unique Gateron Nebula Linear K8H-F1 Magnetic switches, makes it an exceptional tool for both gaming and typing, showcasing the fusion of technology and gadgets. This versatile keyboard, equipped with diverse connectivity options and a USB-C port, can seamlessly partner with a range of devices, demonstrating its value as a technology companion.
