Review Keychron K8 Pro Review: Not So Professional

[Admin]

Keychron’s K8 Pro brings some enthusiast-tier features to a more subtle design, but it suffers from quality control issues.

Keychron K8 Pro Review: Not So Professional : Read more

 

[BillyBuerger]

Compared to other PBT keycaps I’ve used from other companies, these ones from Keychron felt slick like brand new ABS caps, which is unusual for PBT

While PBT keycaps are usually made with a texture, that isn't a requirement for PBT. I'm typing right now on some oMo Blank PBT Alps Keycaps which are smooth and not textured. Great keycaps and one of the few modern options for Alps/Matias switches.

 

[fleurdelis]

While PBT keycaps are usually made with a texture, that isn't a requirement for PBT.

I suspect that the surface finish is the same as Keychron's ABS keycaps.

I have 3 of their keyboards but the stock keycaps are (IMO) awful. The surface texture is unique: it's not rough but is in an uncanny valley with a very very fine surface texture that's almost but not quite smooth. Swapping them out for even the cheapest OEM caps is preferable as the keyboards themselves are otherwise great.

 

[Sleepy_Hollowed]

Well that's certainly a choice for a "Pro" keyboard.

I can understand the bluetooth issues, it's hard to implement well, especially in peripherals, but if that's the case.... man just make it wired and save yourself and us the cost.

I'm pretty certain that it's because for high speed or "reliable" low power transmission, it uses 2.4G frequencies which are so saturated I just use cables for everything really, at least that way I only have to worry about EMI.

 

[Fiv3Score]

I feel the review is a little harsh. It's a great starter board for the price. I've been using the K4v2 for some time, and I've had no issues with the Bluetooth function at all. So probably more of a QC issue, or just a bad unit. The OSA profile PBT keycaps are great to me. A lot of people like how they look and feel. I even bought two sets (black/grey) to replace the stock ABS ones on my K4. They don't have a well-defined texture, but it's definitely not smooth or garbage.

I do agree with the USB C placement on the left side. It's one of the things I hate about my K4, as you will need to find a 90 degree adaptor if you want to use aviator style cables or other aftermarket options. The other thing that I don't really like, is how the aluminum frame makes the board look recessed, although I expected this from having the K4.

 

[warpdriver]

I think this review was too harsh too.

Connectivity issues aside (could be prototype board issue), I think this is a good keyboard choice in this price range.

I own a Keychron K8 and the Q1V2. The Q1 is their most premium build, and there is now a Q1 Pro which is wireless. I expect they will be adding "Pro" versions to the other models in the Q line. So it didn't really make sense to say the K8 Pro lacks gasket mounting because the Q series is their "upgrade" option if you want gasket mount. The K series is their budget wireless line, and it's been upgraded to be QMK/VIA and with more dampening, new keycaps, all worthy upgrades to justify "Pro". I know that "Pro" is often misused marketing term, but Keychron is not the first maker to do so. I have the regular K8, and definitely I feel it would worthwhile to pay a bit more for this K8 Pro for all the enhancements it offers over the regular model.

Also, you said the G Pro switches were unlubed, which is false. (https://www.keychron.com/products/gateron-switch-set). The switches work fine, maybe a bit pingy, but it's a pretty good sounding keyboard (judging by other sound-test videos I've seen).

Lastly, I feel it's better to pay a few bucks to get the full kit over the barebones. The keycaps are fine IMO and Red switches are a good choice, so why not pay the $20 more? And another $10 gets you the aluminum frame version. Out of the box, I'm pretty sure most people will feel this to be a nice upgrade from their Razer or Logitechs.