Keychron K8 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless - Review

Introduction

The Keychron K8 Pro is an outstanding wireless mechanical keyboard that provides a fluid workflow for multiple operating systems. With QMK/VIA programming, PBT keycaps, hot-swappable Gateron G Pro Brown Switches, and customizable RGB backlight, this keyboard provides endless possibilities for keyboard layouts, shortcuts, backlight effects and more. This keyboard is a game-changer for mechanical keyboards and offers an excellent typing experience.

Design and Features

The Keychron K8 Pro has an aluminum frame that makes it sturdy and ensures long-lasting use. It has a tenkeyless (TKL) design, which means it has 87 keys and a compact layout that saves space on the desk. It also has an OSA profile double-shot PBT keycap, which has a high degree of restoration, heat resistance, toughness, fatigue resistance, self-lubricating, and low friction than ABS keycaps.

The hot-swappable Gateron G Pro Brown Switches provide tactile responsiveness with up to 50 million keystroke lifespan. These switches are pre-lubed and have a unique sound and feel when typing. The hot-swappable sockets are mounted on the PCB, which makes it easy to install or change the switches without soldering. This feature is useful for those who like to customize their typing experience and experiment with different switches.

The Keychron K8 Pro comes with Bluetooth 5.1 wireless and USB-C wired connectivity options. It can connect up to three devices and switch between them easily, making it ideal for those who use multiple devices. The built-in battery has a capacity of 4000mAh, which provides up to 72 hours of typing or up to 7 days of normal use (count 8 hrs per day).

Typing Experience

The Keychron K8 Pro provides a redesigned typing experience that includes PCB-mounted screw-in stabilizers for a smoother typing experience with less wobbliness on the big keys such as space bar, shift, enter, and delete. The added sound-absorbing foam, a thick silicone dampening bottom pad, and steel plate provide responsive feedback and a peaceful typing sound, while added weight enhances the stability when the K8 Pro lays on the desk.

The south-facing RGB backlight design better illuminates the keyboard backlight from the typist’s angle and comes with more than 22 types of RGB backlight settings as well as a static white backlight option. You can further fine-tune the RGB hue, saturation, brightness, effect speed with ease.

Programming Options

The Keychron K8 Pro is unique because of its QMK and VIA programming options. With QMK/VIA, you can intuitively remap your favorite keys and create macros with any key on any operating system (macOS, Windows, or Linux) for a fluid workflow. The possibilities are endless for keyboard layouts, shortcuts, backlight effects, and more. The K8 Pro is the world’s first out-of-the-box QMK/VIA wireless mechanical keyboard paving the way for a new era for mechanical keyboards.

Pros

- QMK/VIA Programming options

- Bluetooth 5.1 wireless and USB-C wired connectivity

- Compact and sturdy aluminum frame design

- South-facing RGB backlight design

- Hot-swappable Gateron G Pro Brown Switches

- Responsive feedback and typing experience

Cons

- A bit expensive for some customers

- Lacks a dedicated number pad

Conclusion

The Keychron K8 Pro is the ultimate wireless mechanical keyboard that comes with a vast number of features and options. The QMK and VIA programming options provide an endless amount of possibilities, while the hot-swappable Gateron G Pro Brown Switches give users the freedom to customize their typing experience. The south-facing RGB backlight adds an aesthetic touch and enhances the user experience. Overall, the compact and sturdy design, along with a responsive typing experience, makes the Keychron K8 Pro the perfect choice for all types of users.

Keychron K8 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless

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