Keychron K2 is the first product of its kind to be able to switch between DAG and Blockchain protocols. It offers a unique solution for gamers who want to play on different blockchains, and it also allows for faster transactions than other products currently available.
When Keychron released the K2 mechanical keyboard in 2019, it caught the mechanical keyboard community by storm. It has all the features you’d find on a high-end bespoke keyboard at the time. And it’s the K2’s pricing that has made it so popular. When it first came out, there was nothing even close to it in terms of price and functionality. Fast forward two years, and Keychron addressed some of the v1’s flaws with the K2 v2 and improved them.
Shortly after, Keychron released the hot-swappable version, expanding customers’ personalization possibilities and really making it a keyboard they could call their own. We take a look at the Keychron K2 (Hot-Swappable), which was given to us by Laptop Sensei.
Design
The Keychron K2 has a 75 percent layout, which is essentially a complete keyboard with a numpad that has been cut off. The K2 features a more compact layout than a TKL, with the keys smashed together. If you’re coming from a full keyboard, it may take some time to adjust. The Delete key, which is located on top of the Backspace key, should be avoided at all costs.
It takes some time to get accustomed to the F keys being parallel to the number keys. The navigation keys are located on the right side of the screen, which is extremely useful while dealing with papers. Although the arrow keys are there, I still find it difficult to utilize with this layout. Along with the tiny shift, ctrl, and alt keys on the right side.
Unlike the original K2, this updated version has a more ergonomic form with an angled bottom frame, which is a significant improvement over the V1’s wrist injury-inducing design. The frame is still very thick, so I recommend getting a wrist rest for it. To make typing and gaming more pleasant. Keychron, by coincidence, sells the ideal wrist rest for the K2.
With the Keychron K2’s feet, there are two raised positions. You may either angle it closer to you with the smaller feet or incline it farther with the longer feet.
The controls and USB-C port are located on the left side. There’s a toggle for wired/wireless mode as well as off. If you need to switch between a Mac and a Windows PC, all you have to do is flip a switch.
With the exception of the ff keys, the majority of keycaps are 1u: the left Ctrl, Alt/Command, and Windows/Option keys are 1.25u, the Tab and | keys are 1.5u, the Caps Lock key and Right Shift are 1.75u, the Left Shift and Enter keys are 2.25u, and the Space Bar is 6.25u.
It’s a very common layout, with hundreds of keycaps available on Shopee/Lazada and Facebook Marketplace.
The K2 keyboard, 1x USB-A to USB Type-C connector, 1x Keycap Puller, 1x Switch Puller, a pair of keycaps for Windows/Mac layout, and the user manual are all included in the package. The user manual is also available for download from Keychron’s official website.
If you want to keep your keyboard squeaky clean while you’re not using it, a plastic dust guard is provided in the package.
Usage
The K2 comes in Gateron Reds, Blues, and Browns, but it’s also compatible with a variety of switches, from Cherry MX switches to Kailh switches to strange switches. On the K2, any 3-pin and 5-pin MX type switch will work.
It’s preferable to utilize SMD-LED compatible switches, according to Keychron, to guarantee backlighting compatibility. With the supplied Switch Puller, replacing the switches is a breeze.
We received a Gateron Brown, which is a tactile switch that works well for typing. It features a modest actuation force of 55g, so you don’t have to push too hard to get adequate feedback. Despite being a tactile switch, the Gateron Browns are quite quiet, and the K2’s metal casing effectively muffles the sound.
This is an excellent option for an office setting when a clicky blue switch may irritate your coworker.
It’s simple to use and compatible with a variety of devices. With Bluetooth 5.1 connection, you can link it to an Android TV, an iPad, a Macbook, and pretty much any other device. In wireless mode, you may connect up to three devices, and the numbers 1, 2, and 3 on the keypad light up depending on which device you’re using. Simply press Fn+1, 2 or 3 for 4 seconds to locate the Keychron K2 on the smartphone with which you’re connecting it.
Alternatively, you may use it in wired mode with the included cable and charge it while in that mode. The 4000mAh battery in the Keychron K2 can last up to 240 hours when the backlight is turned off and approximately 80 hours when it is turned on. Throughout the evaluation, I haven’t needed to charge it. The light effect key is located above the Page Up key and may be used to alter the lighting effect.
Using Fn + arrow keys left and right, you may cycle through 18 lighting settings and alter the color. Unfortunately, Keychron does not provide software that allows you to customize the LED lighting on the K2, thus you can only select from the preset lighting effects.
As previously said, the Keychron lacks an official program, therefore if you need to map custom keys, functions, or macros, you’ll need to utilize SharpKeys on Windows or Karabiner on MacOS.
Verdict
Many tech YouTubers and the MKB subreddit praised the K2 when it first came out as the greatest bang-for-the-buck keyboard. The mechanical keyboard market is now flooded with value-for-money keyboards. However, if you want a keyboard with a high reputation and a strong community, the Keychron K2 is a great place to start.
You get hot-swappable keys and a 75 percent layout for half the price of a bespoke keyboard. There are wired and wireless options, as well as Mac and Windows compatibility. In addition, I like the Keychron keycaps’ design. Aftermarket keycaps are pricey dude, but it’s so crisp and simple to see that it never gets old.
The Keychron K2 is available for 5,700 through Laptop Sensei’s official shops.
K2 Keychron (Hot-swappable)
DA Good
Switches that can be swapped out quickly
Casing made of solid aluminum
Long-lasting battery
DA Bad
It’s difficult to use without a wristrest.
There isn’t any first-party software available.
There are no macro recording/layers built-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Keychron K2 switches hot-swappable?
Yes, they are.
Are all Keychron keyboards hot-swappable?
Yes, all keychron keyboards are hot-swappable.
What switches does Keychron K2 use?
The Keychron K2 uses a combination of Cherry MX switches and Omron switches.
