Could this be the best all-rounder ever?
I certainly think so.
If youre into custom keyboards, the Keychron K2 should need no introduction.
(Image credit: Future)
Its affordable, offering plenty of customization potential without too steep of an initial outlay.
For some time now, its easily been one of thebest mechanical keyboardson the market for the money.
Then a third and fourth time with the K2 Max and K2 Pro.
Now, Keychron has made the K2 again, again (again, again).
But if Keychrons magnetic boards are proving anything, its that those winds are achanging.
Gaming brands, you better watch out: the custom upstarts are out to get ya.
Is this board worth the money?
And if I couldve replaced bloody for something stronger, I wouldve.
Read on for my full Keychron K2 HE review.
And it does it all without sacrificing the things that made the K2 great in the first place.
Pro-tier features
But it doesnt stop there.
Note that I said multiple actuation points, not just dual and this is a real kicker.
This makes counter-strafing in FPS games much easier and requires less precise timing.
it’s possible for you to simply hit the W key and auto walk.
Well-connected
Thered be no point in all that gaming gubbins if the K2 HE didnt poll properly.
1,000Hz over wired and 2.4G, with polling naturally dropping to 90Hz overBluetooth.
Effortless design
The K2 HE is available in two guises.
The K2 HEs looks are backed up by excellent build quality, even on our pre-production unit.
Its noNuPhy Halo75 V2($149) in the sound sense, tis for sure.
The K2 HE doesnt disappoint.
The OSA profile keycaps feel lovely under my fingers, with a smooth, comfortable bezel.
Ive tested a lot of keyboards, and this is the best Ive ever used for typing.
Keychron Launcher is the Gold standard of easy-to-use software for QMK boards.
In short, the K2 and K2 V2 were very much humble heroes.
(Image credit: Future)
Keychron K2 HE review: The downs
Wowee, so whats the catch?
Well, theres only really one, which is the switch choices (or lack thereof).
This isnt a death knell, but is definitely worth considering before you buy.
(Image credit: Future)
That leaves you with the three linear switches mentioned above: Dawn, Nebula and Aurora.
Aside from actuation force, theres very little to separate the three switches, giving precious little variation.
But right now (which is what matters), choice and hot-swap-ability is restricted.
(Image credit: Future)
The K2 HE is like a Camry with a tune up and a fat supercharger.
It still does everything to all people, but now this sleeper can drag muscle cars at the lights.
Yet it still keeps almost all the magic of the original K2.
