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Review on ๐Ÿ’ป Experience Ultimate Typing with Keychron K8 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard - Gateron Red Switch, RGB LED Backlit, Aluminum Frame - Perfect for Mac and Windows by Ross Decoteau

Revainrating 3 out of 5

Great keyboard with some compromises

I really enjoy using this keyboard. I have the version with blue switches. Every key press is pleasantly tactile and audible. It replaces the full-size Corsair keyboard with Cherry MX Brown switches. The reason I made the switch is to position my Wacom Intuous tablet which I use as a mouse pad (best ever) and still free up desktop space. The switch to the K8 was a success on both counts. However, there are some things I definitely don't like. The Keychron doesn't have a palm rest and is a must-have given the height of the keyboard. If I type a lot and keep my wrists above the keyboard, it becomes less noticeable. That's when I'm working in Photoshop or Premiere and I need to get to those keys that I have to strain. Unfortunately, this is the most common. Keychron sells the wrist rest separately. It almost always sells out and turns out to be the wrong height. Another problem is the missing multimedia keys. To be honest, if my Intuous tablet didn't have programmable keys that could do this, the K8's lack of multimedia keys would be a deal killer. In this regard, the overpriced Logitech G915 TKL is far superior. (I don't understand why everyone doesn't use the volume controls. They're amazing.) Finally, I'll write a few words about using any keyboard without a numeric keypad. This is PITA. I'm still trying to decide if it's worth the compromise. For example, if you're using financial software like Quicken, using the top row of numbers instead of the keyboard is PITA - slow and awkward. And if you regularly use alt-codes to access hyphens, copyright symbols, bullet points, and the like, you can't do without a numeric keypad. The numbers on the top row of the keyboard are not interchangeable with the numbers on the keyboard. (You also can't buy a separate keyboard to fix this problem. The alt key and number pad must be on the same device.) I bought a separate keyboard that I don't use until I need it. I'd rather reach for it than my mouse. And I had to learn how to use (and script) the free AutoHotkey utility to regain access to alt codes. All in all, I recommend the K8, but with major caveats. If you know you need a keyboard without a number pad for some reason, and you don't mind the height, lack of media controls, and palm rest, you won't be disappointed with the K8's quality or performance. BUT I think most people will be happier and better off with a keyboard that includes a number pad and media controls. If I wasn't using my Wacom tablet for that much work, I'd have no hesitation in going back to my full-size Corsair keyboard.

Pros
  • Everything great!
Cons
  • Nothing