At iMore we love Keychron’s mechanical keyboard choices. From the corporate’s most premium choices just like the Q1 Professional to the extra reasonably priced K2 mannequin. This time, Keychron is again with a brand new K2 HE mechanical keyboard that appears to broaden on the long-lasting design of the K2 and match completely into your desktop Mac expertise. With a lower cost level and fewer customization choices than Keychron’s flagship fashions, is the K2 HE value a spot in your desk?
Keychron K2 HE: Worth and availability
The Keychron K2 HE is offered in black and white, each choices completed with actual picket sides to enrich the metallic body. The K2 HE is presently obtainable on Kickstarter for $125 ($130 as soon as totally launched) with anticipated supply in November, and can be obtainable to buy on Keychron’s web site and Amazon later within the 12 months.
Keychron K2 HE: What I really like
The Keychron K2 HE takes all the things from its fashionable predecessor and makes it higher. Straight out of the field, you’ll discover a mechanical keyboard that not solely seems proper at dwelling subsequent to your Mac but in addition sounds and feels manner above its value bracket. The K2 HE is a improbable instance of simply how far the mechanical keyboard world has come over the previous few years. $125 luggage you among the best typing experiences underneath $150, with a full-bodied sound that you’d’ve wanted to pay a whole bunch of {dollars} for previously.
The metallic body mixed with the picket sides is a pleasant change from Keychron’s full-metal Q-series keyboards and has a welcoming design for anybody trying to buy their first mechanical keyboard. Mac customers will discover the entire acquainted keys equivalent to possibility and command, and the perform row shortcuts are similar to these discovered on the Magic Keyboard.
I really like Keychron keyboards and the K2 HE offers an expertise I’ve come to anticipate in merchandise nearer to $200 for manner much less. The whole lot you’d need in a Mac’s mechanical keyboard is right here: A pleasant sound, a clear look, RGB lighting, a premium construct, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity choices. It’s an entire bundle.
In my Keychron Q1 HE evaluation, I defined the advantages of the Gateron magnetic switches so should you’d prefer to learn extra I counsel heading over to that article. The identical switches are discovered right here, permitting you to totally customise the accentuation level (the quantity of press required to activate the important thing change). The K2 HE can be hot-swappable so should you select to make use of a unique set of switches, you may simply take away the magnetic Gaterons with the device included within the field.
Keychron K2 HE: What I don’t love
There isn’t a lot to not like on this Keychron K2 HE bundle — it ticks all the proper packing containers and provides you an incredible bang on your buck. Ideally, you wouldn’t have to attend till November for the keyboard to ship — it might’ve been good to see inventory available — however that’s simply the best way most mechanical keyboard manufacturing works.
One other difficulty you may discover should you intend to improve the keyboard at any level is the shortage of screws within the backside of the chassis. I haven’t tried to take the Keychron K2 HE aside but it surely seems such as you’ll be unable to switch the internals as a result of the underside plastic enclosure is sealed shut. That stated, should you don’t intend so as to add inner foam or make different modifications, you’ll by no means have to open up the keyboard.
Keychron K2 HE: Competitors
There are many mechanical keyboards on supply at totally different value factors. Keychron’s Q1 HE is a extra premium possibility than the K2 HE, but it surely’ll set you again nearer to $200 for a full metallic enclosure and the flexibility to open it up from the underside.
Elsewhere you may be capable to seize a Keychron Q1 Professional at a reduced value because it doesn’t have the flamboyant new magnetic Gateron switches. Nearer to the K2 HE’s $130 price ticket is our present selection for the finest mechanical keyboard for Mac, the NuPhy Halo 75.
Keychron K2 HE: Do you have to purchase it?
You should purchase this if…
- You need a mechanical keyboard that matches your Mac
- You care about magnetic switches for gaming
- You’re in search of a mechanical keyboard that feels superior to kind on
You shouldn’t purchase this if…
- You need to modify your keyboard
- You don’t just like the picket rail design
- You aren’t fussed about modifying the accentuation level of the switches
Keychron K2 HE: Verdict
I’m totally impressed with the Keychron K2 HE. It’s a really stable mechanical keyboard at a aggressive value level and it matches the Mac ecosystem completely due to its clear and considerate design. For underneath $150, you’ll be hard-pressed to discover a higher method to spend your hard-earned money.
Backside line: The Keychron K2 HE is a really stable mechanical keyboard at a aggressive value level and it matches the Mac ecosystem completely due to its clear and considerate design. For underneath $150, you’ll be hard-pressed to discover a higher method to spend your hard-earned money.