You do have to get used to the arrow and navigation key placements, but they are logically positioned so it's not too bad. This keyboard is absolutely loaded with features and is the first tenkeyless board from Keychron to come with hot-swappable switches. No cherry-picked units sent by brands. it is the same color scheme as plastic frame version of K4. On the other hand, the Keychron can be used wirelessly via Bluetooth with up to three different devices, which is nice. 1 year ago 36 Comments. There are media control hotkeys, as well as buttons to control the backlight's brightness and to cycle through the various lighting effects. The keyboard has multi-device pairing capability, which lets you pair up to three devices at the same time, allowing you to switch between them easily for better multitasking. Both keyboards can be configured with your preferred type of mechanical switches, and neither of them has software support for customization. … The Poor Man Can Afford Only The Very Best. ( Log Out / Facebook. Keychron K2/K4: 3.4 cm: 3.6 cm: GMMK Compact: 3.0 cm: 3.9 cm: HyperX Alloy Origins Core: 2.6 cm: 3.2 cm: As you can see by the table above, the K6 is shorter than the K2 by about 0.6 centimeters and is shorter than the GMMK compact as well. These are not completely silent, but the sound level is entirely subjective to the typing speed and force. Unfortunately, there are no macro programmable keys or dedicated macro keys for MMO games. Despite having no incline settings or wrist rest, it's a comfortable keyboard to type on when compared to the Keychron K4, which has a higher profile. I thought this keyboard is right for me, so I bought it. This layout shrinks the overall footprint of the board without sacrificing any important functionality. (Yay, more hobbies!). The LK Optical switches are available in Blue, Red, and Brown, and the non-optical Gateron switches are available in Blue, Brown, Red, and Yellow. Our unit of the K4 has a plastic frame; however, you can get one with an aluminum frame if you prefer. Customers Review from 1910 reviews I like this keyboard. I'm using this keyboard for 30 days, and I'm very satisfied. Close. To relate it back to pens (as I so often find a way to do), Reds are like the soft Schmidt rollerball pen clicker, and Blues are like the Parker Jotter. It's fully compatible with both Windows and macOS; however, there are a few issues when using the keyboard with Linux and mobile operating systems. However, some may find the keyboard's high profile uncomfortable and it doesn't come with a wrist rest. Hype vs Reality – Keychron K2 Keyboard Review. Some third-party ones are recommended by Keychron and they provide links to them, but they're not officially supported. This is a pre-order product, we plan to start shipping in early January, 2021. However, the K4 is full-sized and is available with optical switches. Also, there's no customization software. ( Log Out / It's available on Amazon and Newegg; however, Keychron's website offers the most configuration options. The USB-C cable that comes with the keyboard is braided and the quality of the cable is okay. This is a 96% mechanical keyboard with Bluetooth connectivity, full RGB back lighting, and Gateron brown switches. There were many contenders, but in the end I decided on the Keychron K4. The K2 wireless is their most successfully funded keyboard on Kickstarter and … Compare (2) Keychron K4 Wireless Bluetooth/USB Wired Gaming Mechanical Keyboard, Compact 100 Keys RGB LED Backlit Gateron Yellow Switch N-Key Rollover, Aluminum Frame for Mac Windows. It's worth mentioning that due to the extremely low initiation force (the amount of force required to initiate key movement), it may be bothersome to people who like to rest their hands on the keys, as it can cause unintended keystrokes to be registered. Gadgets. Our unit has white backlighting only, but you can get the keyboard with full RGB backlighting. By Amber Neely | 1 year ago. The keyboard is charged via a USB-C cable and can be used wired too. I can’t even put into words how excited we are to finally get our hands on the newest keyboard from Keychron, the K8. so that you can compare the results easily. The Blue switches are clicky, both in sound and feel. That said, you can also purchase this keyboard with Gateron Red or Blue switches. Most of these issues have to do with the function keys and the escape key, which either don't work at all or don't perform the appropriate function. The Logitech has software support, which the Keychron doesn't have, and it produces less typing noise, which is better for quiet offices. The Keychron K4 has outstanding compatibility. It has a multi-device pairing feature, and it has good compatibility with mobile operating systems. We’re all spending a lot of time at our computers, you may as well have some fun with it! A few weeks ago, we reviewed one of those options: the Keychron K2. It's a keyboard that can be configured with your preferred type of switches. @eberantony Share: The interesting product that I’m going to review today is the K2 wireless keyboard from Keychron. The LK Optical Brown switches on our unit provide a great typing experience. Logitech ERGO K860 Wireless Split Keyboard, SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Be the first to start a discussion about Keychron K4. Although we don't test for wireless input lag, the Bluetooth latency may not be suitable for games that require precise timing, so it's best to use it wired when gaming. The hot-swappable option with preinstalled Gateron Mechanical switches offers the freedom to customize per-key typing experience without soldering. There are no flashy logos or extraneous designs on the K4, and they used a nice sensible font for the keys. Jaewoo Chung . Update 08/07/2020: We previously reported the switch type as just 'Optical Brown'. The K2 we tested has full RGB backlighting, while the K4 we tested has white backlighting, but you can get it with RGB backlighting as well. The keyboard is compact but retains the keypad which is crucial for work. Bluetooth Device Name: Keychron K4 Compatible System: macOS/Windows/ Description; Features; Reviews (0) PHYSICAL UNIT Dimension (87-Key): 355 x 120 x 18mm Weight: About 650g / 1.43 lbs Dimension (104-Key) : 435 x 120 x 18mm Weight: About 805g / 1.77 lbs Operating Environment: -10 to 50℃ PACKAGE CONTENT 1 x Keyboard 1 x USB-A to USB Type-C Cable 1 x Keycap Puller 1 x User … It's considered a 96% keyboard since it's lacking the Insert, PrintScreen, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break keys. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Hence my choice for a bluetooth keyboard. Your email address will not be published. With the LK Optical Brown switches on our unit, this keyboard provides a great typing experience that isn't fatiguing. Change ), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). The Keychron K4 is a slightly better keyboard than the Keychron K1. When a product is discontinued or no longer popular, we sell the purchased products locally in Montreal, Canada. The Keycaps. The keycaps and body of this keyboard are made of ABS plastic, and an aluminum frame version available for an additional $10. The Keychron K4 is an overall decent wireless mechanical keyboard for most uses. Unfortunately, it doesn't have any programmable keys and doesn't have software support. The Keychron K4 is a widely available 1800 compact mechanical keyboard prebuilt. That said, the K1 has RGB backlighting and is a bit more comfortable to type on due to the low-profile design. On top of that, it's fairly safe to say that Keychron K4 is a more popular gaming keyboard, based on its 300+ reviews. The Glorious has a hotswap board that allows quick-release of the switches, so it's easier to customize to your needs. There is also an alternate orange keycap for the dedicated RGB control key, which is a nice little extra. This compact, tenkeyless keyboard is exceptionally rugged, with an internal aluminum frame and clicky … This tool will clearly show you the differences, Use our data and table to find the best keyboard for your needs, Want to see us review a specific keyboard? First let’s take a closer look at all of those features, what they mean, and why I decided on this particular model. The K4 is fully compatible with both Windows and macOS and offers a better typing experience with the tactile LK Optical Brown switches we tested. K4 version 2 has full-size functionality in a compact design with 100 necessary keys. Our unit is fitted with LK Optical Brown switches, which provide a good amount of tactility without producing much noise, making it a good option for use in quiet office settings. I selected the Brown switch option. Keychron K4 review. Good compatibility with mobile operating systems. The Keychron K1 is a TenKeyLess keyboard that's ideally suited for typing on your tablet or smartphone. On the bright side, it has a multi-device pairing feature that lets you pair up to three devices at the same time, and it comes with keycaps for Windows and macOS. Written by Jake Harrington. There's one incline setting, but sadly, it doesn't come with a wrist rest. Red switches are classified as linear and quiet, meaning they travel in a smooth straight line when pressed, with no physical tactile feedback when actuated. The Keychron K4 is a better keyboard than the Keychron K6. Keyboards Keychron K1 Keychron K2 Keychron K2 (Hot … It isn't too heavy, but it may be a bit too big to carry around. Also, the Keychron has backlighting, which the Vortex lacks. The LK optical switches are available in Brown, Blue, and Red, and the non-optical Gateron switches come in Brown, Blue, Red, and Yellow. 160 St-Viateur Est, Suite 408, Montreal, Canada, H2T 1A8. Disclaimer: This product was purchased by The Poor Penman. The Keychron has backlighting, which the Microsoft doesn't have, and it has a built-in rechargeable battery instead of using disposable batteries. The keycaps and body of this keyboard are made of ABS plastic, and an aluminum frame version available for an additional $10. Unfortunately, it doesn't have any programmable keys, doesn't come with a wrist rest, and there's no customization software. The Keychron K4 has backlighting and the keys are individually-lit. Here you can vote for our next review, Compare frequency and distortion of keyboards to make a clearer and more informed decision. 4.5. 7. Keyboard Interface: USB; Design Style: Gaming; Normal Keys: 100keys; Mechanical … I was looking for a mechanical bluetooth keyboard, and I found this K8 keyboard. That said, the K4 is fully compatible with macOS. The Keychron K4 is a wireless Bluetooth keyboard. So, like I said, there are three switch types common to most mechanical keyboard manufacturers; Red, Blue, and Brown. Honestly, it was only a matter of time. That said, it doesn't feel as high quality as the Obinslab Anne Pro 2, for example. It's well-built, and it's fully compatible with Windows and macOS. They keys appear to be a single layer of white ABS, painted or finished with a flat bronze and grey color, giving the board a dynamic and segmented look. The K6's Gateron Brown switches have a lighter actuation force than the LK Optical switches on the K4. The K4 has a great build quality. Keychron K4 review. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Keychron K4 Wireless Bluetooth/USB Wired Gaming Mechanical Keyboard, Compact 100 Keys RGB LED Backlit Gateron Blue Switch N-Key Rollover, Aluminum Frame for Mac Windows at Amazon.com. THE KEYBOARD I REGRET BUYING | Keychron K4 "review" - YouTube Reviews (0) Crafted with premium ABS material, providing amazing ergonomic support and fits your personal style with your favorite K4 keyboard. It doesn't generate a lot of typing noise, so you shouldn't have any issues using it in a quiet office environment. Overall, the Keychron K4 is a decent keyboard. The Microsoft uses scissor switches and chiclet-style keys, while the Keychron is a mechanical keyboard that you can customize with the switches of your choice. I’ve taken my first few steps into the world of mechanical keyboards. The name has been corrected. The LK Optical Brown switches on our K4 provide a better typing experience, but the Microsoft's low profile makes it a bit more comfortable to type on without a wrist rest. The particular layout of the K4 did take a little getting used to. You can choose to have a plastic or full aluminum frame, and there's also an option with full RGB backlighting. There's a good amount of tactile feedback and the ABS keycaps feel nice to type on, albeit not as good as PBT keycaps. It requires very little force to actuate the keys and the pre-travel distance is close to the advertised 2mm. Colour: Gateron Red A 96% layout (100-key) wireless mechanical keyboard with a number pad in a compact design that’s built for peak productivity and a great tactile typing experience. So Keychron K4 tends to get more favorable ⭐ reviews than Wooting One, as seen on the chart below. The keyboard comes in a light grey/brown aesthetic, with a boxy rectangular look to it. The keychron K4 is a nice keyboard that I use to swap between office work (laptop) and gaming (pc). Each Keychron board ships with the USB Type-C to USB-A charge cable, a keycap puller, and a set of function keycaps for both Windows and Mac/iOS. If you want a keyboard with full RGB backlighting, consider the Keychron K6 or the Keychron K1. The difference in feel between standard and mechanical keyboards is immediately noticeable when you start typing. It's easy to type on and isn't fatiguing over time. Keychron K4 Wooden Palm Rest is crafted from streamlined solid wood, providing amazing ergonomic support and comfort when you’re using your keyboard. Reddit . Dimension: 14.92 x 3.15 x 0.59” (379 x 80 x 15mm) Weight: 10.58 oz (300g) Reviews There are no reviews yet. Unfortunately, it doesn't have any macro-programmable … 01/03/2021 . Our unit uses Gateron Brown switches, which offer tactile feedback without causing too much noise, making it a good fit for office use. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Keychron K4 Mechanical Keyboard, Wireless Mechanical Keyboard with RGB Backlight/Gateron Red Switch/Wired USB C / 96% Layout, Bluetooth Gaming Keyboard for Mac Windows PC Gamer at Amazon.com. I’m still learning myself, but here is what I’ve learned after intensive shopping. Brown switches fall somewhere in the middle, giving some tactile feedback when pressed, but no intentional audible noise. The plastic frame feels strong and the board doesn't exhibit any noticeable flex. Both are Bluetooth keyboards, but only the K4 has a multi-device pairing feature. The Microsoft Surface Keyboard and the Keychron K4 are very different keyboards. There aren't many extra features on this keyboard. The Glorious GMMK and the Keychron K4 are two very different keyboards. We have a lot of thoughts … Each keystroke has an audible click and a tactile bump and, as generic as that description sounds, it’s a much more satisfying experience. The cable is braided and is on the short side. If you prefer a compact option, then check out the Keychron K2. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. The LK Optical Brown switches on our unit have a low pre-travel distance, making it feel very responsive, and it doesn't require much force to actuate the keys. Combine that with the starting price tag of just $69 ($79 as configured here) and you’ve got a VERY generous first step into the world of Mechanical Keyboards. However, Keychron offers many configuration options. That said, the K8 is a TenKeyLess model (80%) that has two incline settings and full RGB backlighting. There are several switch options available, though I chose the Gateron Brown switches. When pressed, the Blues will give tactile feedback when actuated, as well as an audible click. At any point, I could pull all of these caps off and replace them with keys from any number of manufacturers, or even make my own! It's a bit odd to type without the incline setting, as it feels like the bottom portion of the keyboard is more elevated than the top. For other options, you can also check out our recommendations for the best gaming keyboards, the best wireless keyboards, and the best mechanical gaming keyboards. Thanks to its wireless Bluetooth connectivity, it can be used with a wide range of devices. White LED and non-backlit versions are available, but if you’re investing in a keyboard upgrade like this, the $10ish price difference for full color back-lighting is an easy addon. Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2020 1st the length of the palm rest is longer by 1 inch than the K4 keyboard this is supposed to be for. 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