K8 TKL Layout Mechanical Keyboard

I bought one of these to use with the MacBook Pro I use for work after I got sick of typing on the built-in keyboard or trying to use a PC keyboard on a KVM with my Windows desktop. In general it seems to be difficult to find decent keyboard options for Macs that don't cost an arm and a leg, and Keychron seems to be the only mechanical keyboard manufacturer offering proper Mac support. The hot swappable switches are a plus as well.The current keyboard on my desktop at home is a HyperX Alloy FPS Pro TKL model with Cherry Red switches in it and single color red backlight. Comparing the Gateron red switches in my K8 to the Cherry red switches, the Gaterons are definitely quieter than the Cherry reds, although so far I think I might like the overall feel of the Cherry switches a bit better than the Gaterons. The nice thing about the hot swappable model is that I can customize as needed.The packaging and presentation of the Keychron board are very good. It comes in a nice box with plenty of padding, and comes with a number of extra keycaps (Windows and ALT keys, plus an orange version of the backlight key if you want to match the orange ESC key), a nice looking USB-A to USB-C cable and two separate tools for removing keycaps and switches. Note that the the keyboard does come with the orange version of the ESC key and the Mac Option and Command keys pre-installed, so depending on your preferences and what operating system you'll be using the keyboard for you might need to swap some keycaps straight out of the box.One of the nice things about the K8 is that you have lots of options for connecting it to things. It can be used both as a wired (USB-C) keyboard and as a wireless keyboard via Bluetooth. As is now standard for many Bluetooth keyboards you have the option to swap between three different devices with the FN+1-3 keys. There is a switch on the side of the keyboard to swap between Mac and Windows/Android/Linux modes (don't know for sure what that does but I'm guessing it mostly just remaps some keys) and another switch to toggle between wired mode and Bluetooth mode, with an OFF switch option in between. The manual claims that the K8 can operate for a month on a battery charge in Bluetooth mode with the backlight off, but I haven't had it long enough to determine for sure how long it would last. That said, I can easily get 6 months+ on two AAA batteries with some of the wireless Logitech keyboards I use, so that does seem a bit short. For some people, the fact that the USB-C port is on the side of the keyboard next to the switches may also be an issue if they plan to use the keyboard in wired mode. I also found that if I plugged the keyboard into my MBP in wired mode I got a "USB device using too much power" error (presumably because it was charging the battery), so I ended up switching to the Bluetooth connection. Bluetooth seems to work fine on a Mac so far, although in my experience Windows is just terrible at supporting Bluetooth devices, so it wouldn't surprise me if it didn't work as well there.The white backlight on my K8 is, admittedly, a bit on the dim side, which is something I've seen as a common complaint about these in reviews. Even at its maximum setting it is noticeably dimmer than the backlight on my HyperX keyboard (which I don't think is even at max brightness), and the keycaps that come with the K8 don't seem to help much. I don't think the relatively dim backlight would matter as much if there was just a bit more contrast between the keycaps and the letters but it's a fairly minor complaint. As is typical of these types of keyboards there are a number of backlight effects available, but I plan to keep it in solid color mode.Another complaint I've seen is that the K8 is a bit on the thick side for a mechanical keyboard. Comparing it to my HyperX with the feet retracted on both, I find that the tops of the keys on the HyperX are at the same level as the top of the K8's base. I tend to prefer having a bit of height to my keyboard so this isn't a big deal for me, but some people might want wrist rests. Keychron sells matching wrist rests, but they are on the pricey side ($28 for a wooden model.) If you want a thinner keyboard Keychron sells the K1 model in both full and TKL layouts with low profile switches, but doesn't offer a hot swappable version of that.Although I don't currently have any switches besides the ones built into the keyboard to test with, in a quick test it appeared to be rather easy to pull and replace a switch with the provided tool. At some point I'll probably experiment with some different switches, which is why I wanted the hot swappable version.Overall I'm liking this keyboard so far, although the height compared to my other keyboards will take a bit of getting used to. The main issue with these right now is that the hot swappable modes seem to be frequently out of stock, and even if you can find one, finding one with the particular key switch you want can be a bit of a crapshoot. Still getting used to the Gateron switches, but if I decide I don't like them I can always switch back to my preferred Cherry Reds.

I'm really impressed with this keyboard. It's not my first mechanical keyboard, but it's my first hot-swappable board. I got this because I wanted to dive a little deeper into the mechanical keyboard world but didn't want to screw with soldering and all that hassle.The version I bought has Gateron red switches and I'm very impressed with them. My old daily driver has Cherry MX Browns, and while I love tactile switches these Gaterons are super smooth. I might switch them out when I eventually get sick of them and want to try something new, and that's the awesome thing about a hot-swappable board. I've already replaced the stock caps lock switch with a heavy clicky switch and the space bar's for a slightly heavier linear switch.The board is nice and quiet, the stabilizers seem to be lubed from the factory which in my opinion is a nice touch for this price point. The factory keycaps feel well made and don't make a ton of noise on their own.The board looks awesome, it has a nice industrial orange/gray look to it with the stock keycaps. The model I'm reviewing has a white adjustable backlight but they also make RGB hot-swappable versions that cost a bit more. For this board I wanted the keycaps to do the talking instead of RGB so the white backlight was a good price compromise.This keyboard can switch between Windows and Mac on the fly and comes with keycaps for both.This model/price point has a plastic outer frame with the switches mounted into a metal plate for rigidity. It's really well constructed. I'm not trying to twist it into a pretzel, but I don't see any noticeable deck flex on it.The Bluetooth works well, I use it to sync up with my work laptop so I can run that off my big 27" monitor without moving anything around on my desk. It does have a bit of a delay when it's reconnecting after sleep and there is some slight input lag (I think) compared to wired mode. Not a huge deal to me when I'm doing low-intensity work stuff, but I wouldn't try gaming on it on Bluetooth mode.I would really like to see some kind of volume knob/roller on this board. Right now volume is controlled via the function + F10/F11/F12 keys. It's not the end of the world but it's a downgrade compared to similarly priced "gaming" keyboards. I get it's tenkeyless and comprises had to be made, but I would ditch the Cortana button, move the backlight mode button over to the left and put a volume knob at the top right corner of the board.Overall I'm super impressed with this keyboard for the price point. I think this is an awesome value for anyone looking for a hot-swappable, Bluetooth, Mac and Windows-friendly mechanical keyboard.

This is great for a first Mechanical keyboard. You don't know what switches and keycaps you really like yet, and switch testers feel different than a full keyboard. Hot-swappable switches let you completely change the feel of the keyboard, if you are not satisfied. Even better, they are 5 pin hot-swappable, so you don't have to trim legs off 5-pin switches, which hurts their resale value. I love the feel after I swapped in Gazzew Boba U4 Silent tactile switches!Also, TKL layout makes it easy to find replacement keycaps, compared to everything else in Keychron's K series lineup.The main con is that the Bluetooth disconnects if you don't type for a few minutes, and reconnecting is slow. I am thinking of getting a KVM USB hub to switch between my laptop and desktop instead of using bluetooth for the laptop.Consider the Keychron C1 and C2 instead, if you won't use bluetooth. They aren't as tall and they are cheaper. Just be sure to get the hot-swappable version. The keycap legends are lower quality, but you will likely need to replace any of Keychron's ABS keycaps in a few years, anyway. Also, the spacebar stabilizer on the C series isn't as good, but that can be replaced also. The USB Type-C connector is place on the back for the C series instead of on the side like the K series, and the back is a better spot.

Highly recommend as a mod-able platform for beginners in the mechanical key board world!I bought this as a quick way to test out gateron key switches and was VERY surprised at the great quality, stock key caps, sturdy ness and integrated features.(Note: I don’t use Bluetooth, I used wired and most of the negative reviews are about that so please read further, other wise this is my personal review as a gamer, streamer and keyboard enthusiast)First off, it came in one day which was very impressiveAnd once opening the package I was met with a very nice keyboard and thick breaded cable.It’s a plastic shell but to my surprise it has absolutely no deck flex and feels very weighty which I learned was due to its nice thick metal plate over the hot swap pcbAlthough the key cap set it comes with is not the prettiest in the world {at least in my opinion} it is easily changeable and is very good quality, featuring curved edges for a perfect typing experienceThe key switches are exposed and there is a noticeable gap between the shell and the key switchesIt has a spacious layout having the F() keys spaced out and the arrow keys a bit removed along with the media keys.It has different modes like windows or mac and Bluetooth or wired which is helpful for tuning your experience and the keyboard works on both platforms {I tested}Although most of my keyboards don’t have rgb I very much enjoy the white lights coming through the key switches and in between the keys because it really brings out the cap set I bought especially for this keyboard (in the pictures)- The rgb has different modes {which are very unique, some including: breathing, a wave, key by key, and others}But in my opinion the best feature is the sheer customizability:Like I said before it is great for testing new switches and it features a high quality hot-swap pcb that I had no issues putting in and taking out multiple sets of switchesThe fact that you can visibly see what switches you have in currently is not only great for a collector but also displays and testersI plan to use this keyboard to test key cap sets and key switches———————————-—————————Over all very good and comparable to brands on Amazon like Akko which I also recommended, good luck-romu567

This keyboard is junk. I know a lot of people like keychron and I decided to give this a shot to replace my aging GMMK 1, while I looked for something better. I wasn't expecting excellent quality, but good. At the least average.This keyboard is cheap. It's build quality is less than the generic Anker or whatever I got two years ago for 20. The keys wobble, the keycaps don't stay on. There's a good bit of squish and flex.The wireless is basically useless. The latency is so bad on it you can't type 40wpm. When I get going it's a word behind or more when I start typing -and I'm not the fastest typist. If you keep typing it just never catches up and will drop characters even if you wait for it to catch up. This means you are stuck with wired.But the problem with wired is that it doesn't work. It misses keys, it refuses input sometimes. And even for light gaming, often find myself where random keys don't work. Can't move left, right, can't dodge with space...Finally, I don't like the recessed plate. I know it's how a lot of keyboards work these days, but man, is it going to be a nightmare to get dust out of those gaps around the recessed plate.I'm returning it. It's not worth what I paid and I have other wireless keyboards that I can use but don't have the same issues.

I was looking for a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard and really wanted to love the k8 as so many of my friends recommended Keychron as one of the best first mechanical keyboards for their price and quality. Granted the version my friends purchased was the K2, I wanted dedicated arrows and opted for the K8.First off, if based on typing alone... out of the other keyboards I've tried, I've mistyped the least on the K8. I actually truly enjoyed typing on here and loved that there was an option to level the keyboard. My fingers felt pretty natural typing and I haven't had to look down on my keyboard yet. The simple white backlight is nice, nothing too fancy like the RGB (which is nice to look at but my eyes will be glued to the screen and wouldn't be able to enjoy it anyways). My main intended use for the K8 was to be able to one day bring it to work and use it as my dedicated work keyboard.Now for the bad... as much as I love how my hands fall naturally on the keyboard... out of the box there is a persistent ping and/or squeaking on certain keys, wobble or rattle on larger keys like the space bar. Also a little wonky connection when using Bluetooth. Unfortunately for this keyboard set for the price, I was hoping to have a better experience. Unfortunately, it seems like I would have to do a lot of work on the keyboard to fix a lot of these QA issues. Another thing to note, although the keycaps feel nice to touch, with the matte finish you can clearly see your finger oils on them. Which again, is a bit unfortunate.Overall, I'm sure what I received could be a dud, I wouldn't take it out of the running completely. Still could be a worthy contender for an 87 keyboard. It would just require more time, effort, and money to get the keyboard where I need it to be. Maybe next time Keychron.

In 2023 there are now a number of Keychron K8 options and this is our second. Due to how much we enjoyed another version when I saw an "overstock" on this model with blue switches I wanted to give it a try.This is the one with white north facing lights. They are very nice and bright and the included key caps were very impressive. Nice shine though and they feel great as well.I did not like the switches as this older model doesn't come with the more expensive pro pre-lubed switches. They worked just great but they were definitely scratchy.As this is a 5 pin hot swapable board that is an easy fix. I know some people that want these and a louder board. If that is the case you are good to go out of the box but if you do want to change them it's very easy and almost any switch you want will work.Very happy with this purchase as it took up primary duty on my Mac Studio and has been a great addition.I'm not sure if it's because of the single light or because of the battery saving features but with moderate use the battery life seems to go on forever, exactly what we needed.

First of all, I'm no mechanical keyboard aficionado. It's just that I was looking towards mechanical keyboards because the keyboard I had been using had seen its better days behind it (Logitech K740), I was having trouble typing accurately on it, and I had heard so much about mechanical keyboards these days.What appealed to me about the K8 was that I could replace the keys and switches (I opted for Gateron browns), that it was backlit (I opted for the model with white lighting), the 10-keyless layout, and that it had Bluetooth support for up to 3 devices. This would allow me to easily switch between my Mac and my PC. The combination of this keyboard and my MX Master 3 mouse (which has the same ability to pair with multiple devices) has been a winning combination.I only use the keyboard for office type work (documents, programming) and also some creativity apps (Lightroom, Photoshop, Premiere). No gaming to speak of.Things that I like:* The general feel of the keyboard. I can't explain it, but I find myself getting a certain satisfaction from typing on this keyboard. I find it strangely pleasurable. That may have more to do with the current state of my previous keyboard but the feeling is there nonetheless.* Backlighting. I often like to work with little light, so it is convenient.* Bluetooth. See above.* Comes with both Mac and Windows keys.* The fact that I can replace both they keycaps and the switches means that it should have a longer life, and I have more room for customization if I desire.* Has the ability to have the back of the keyboard sit at 3 different heights.Things I don't like:* It's very thick. I just got it and I haven't done any marathon typing sessions yet, so it remains to be seen whether I'm going to want to have a wrist rest. (My old keyboard had a bit of one built in, although it was really an "edge of palm" rest.)* It's really dumb the way the recharge cable is on the left side of the keyboard instead of the back of the keyboard. That just doesn't make any sense, especially considering how much room is inside this thing - they surely could have place some electronics in back and kept the switches (for OS and for communications between Bluetooth and USB) on the side.

Die Tastatur weist überall Kratzer auf, ist mit fettigen Fingerabdrücken übersät und der USB C Port an der Tastatur sieht ziemlich ramponiert aus. Finde sowas in dem Preis Segment extrem frech und würde bei Keychron nie wieder etwas kaufen. Einfach die Tatsache vorher benutzte Sachen für den Neupreis zu bekommen absolutes nogo!!!

Keeping F7 on-click, too bad for that price

Advertised as the US layout, came as the German layout, with a short shift and a tall enter key. Came in perfect condition.

As advertised it's hot-swappable with white LED backlights and brown Gateron switches.This is my first mechanical keyboard so everything about it is very new to me. I have nothing to compare it to, other than my laptop's keyboard, which is very different. The transition to a mechanical keyboard took getting used to, especially since this is much more raised and clicky. It give me wrist fatigue during long hours of typing, which I'm considering a wrist rest for that. The keycaps look and feel nice and typing has become a bit more satisfying, so my first impression of a mechanical keyboard has been great.I also don't have a desk pad so it gets quite loud. I don't mind the sound, since it's different for me and a little satisfying. I might end up getting sick of it though. Just make sure the people around you, (in person or in call,) don't hate you for it, unless you're alone.

the point of this is to buy a us layout keyboard and its using a german layout. what a scam