I’ve used a Keychron K8 Pro keyboard for a couple of years now, and for a while I’ve been considering getting another one for my desktop PC, especially considering that I plan on getting a new computer and want to be able to use one keyboard/mouse set for two computers. I wanted another TKL (tenkeyless) keyboard as this is a layout that I like a lot – all keys in the usual space, but more compact with the mouse closer by.
I considered one of the 8BitDo offerings. I like the retro look, especially of the M model, but these come with clicky switches only, and support only one Bluetooh connection.
K8 Pro availability has been spotty, with the only available models usually not having the switches that I want. I then realized that Keychron also sell a K8 Max model, with the difference to the K8 Pro being that it adds the option to use a 2.4GHz wireless link to the Bluetooth and wired connection options. I like Bluetooth for use with laptops (no additional dongles required), but Bluetooth has a lower update rate and higher latency than proprietary 2.4 GHz links.
I then found the K8 Max in the configuration that I wanted (red, i.e. linear switches, and white lighting) for €90, which is a pretty good price. It’s almost identical to the K8 Pro, the only visible difference is slightly thinner chassis edges and orange instead of red Escape and Enter keycaps. These are also provided in grey, as are both Windows- and Mac-specific keycaps. Also included are a cable, a screwdriver, a keycap and switch puller, and of course the 2.4 GHz dongle, including an adapter to USB-C female.
It also feels just like the K8 Pro did before I switched from the included red switches to Gateron Silent Whites. The typing feel is very smooth, but there’s quite a bit of thock noise. As I use this keyboard in a room where I don’t bother other people, I’m fine with it and have no plans for replacing the switches.
To keep it short, I’m very happy with this purchase, and at €90 I think it’s great value for money for a very solidly built hot-swappable mechanical keyboard with multiple connection options. Battery life is great, too – I don’t use the lights on the K8 Pro and need to charge it only every couple of months.
I of course also needed a new mouse. I’ve been using Logitech for close to forever, but wanted to give Keychron a try here, too. My choice fell upon the M2, which lacks the lighting of the M3. Like the K8 Max, it offers wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz connections – though only one Bluetooth host, where the K8 Max (and K8 Pro) can connect to three different ones. I paid €60 for the model with 1 kHz maximum polling rate (versions with up to 8 kHz are available). Both USB-A and USB-C Bluetooth dongles are included, as is the same USB-A to USB-C female adapter that comes with the keyboard.
I was a bit disappointed when unpacking the mouse. It is rather bland and very lightweight, which does not feel premium, although I’ve read that lightweight mice are currently the hotness among gamers. The clicking noise of the buttons is quite loud, which took a bit of getting used to since my regular Logitech mouse has silent switches. The wheel is relatively stiff, which I don’t mind.
The underside has switches for connection mode, polling rate, and resolution (dpi) setting, which also controls how fast the mouse moves. I use it at the medium resolution setting and the medium (500 Hz) polling rate, which makes for much smoother mouse movement than via Bluetooth – it’s really noticeable.
I haven’t been able to test battery life yet. Advertised battery life is only 70 hours, which is quite short in my opinion.
Compared to many Logitech options, the M2 doesn’t look like it’s particularly good value for money. There’s not much here in terms of style. But technically it’s a good mouse, and I think that the PixArt 3395 sensor that it uses is a bit of a benchmark in gaming mouse land, and not available in cheap mice. So if you don’t mind the bland styling, I can still recommend it based upon its performance. The more fancy looking light-equipped M3 is available at approx. the same price.
One thing to keep in my is that, unlike with Logitech, there’s no option to use the same USB receiver for both keyboard and mouse. This mean’s that you’ll need two USB ports. I use a USB hub on my desk that not only deals with the short cable of my webcam, but also keeps the distance between keyboard/mouse and receiver short and unobstructed.
