Compare
Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Keychron Keychron K8 Max $95–$125 “TKL with 2.4 GHz, QMK and a 4000 mAh battery” |  Keychron Keychron K8 $60–$90 “K8, from Keychron's store” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $95–$125 | $60–$90 |
| Size | TKL | TKL |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2024 | 2020 |
| Mounting , different | Integrated Plate | Tray Mount |
| Case | ABS, or ABS with aluminum frame | ABS, or ABS with aluminum frame |
| Colors , different | Black, White | See the store |
| Weight , different | 1158 g (ABS), 1308 g (aluminum frame) | 740 g +/- 10 g (plastic frame), 887 g +/- 10 g (aluminum frame) |
| Dimensions , different | 354.21 x 124.18 mm (ABS), 359.20 x 129.20 mm (aluminum frame) | 355 x 123 mm (plastic frame), 359 x 127 mm (aluminum frame) |
| Typing angle | Not listed | Not listed |
| Front height | Not listed | Not listed |
| Switches | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT | OEM Double-Shot ABS keycaps |
| PCB | Hot-swap | Hot-swap |
| Plates | Not listed | Not listed |
| Battery , different | 4000 mAh, up to 190 hours | 4000 mAh, up to 68 hours |
| Compatible switches | MX-style | MX-style |
| Software , different | QMK, VIA, Keychron Launcher | None (no QMK/VIA) |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB | No | No |
| Features , different | TKL layout, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA | TKL layout, Bluetooth 5.1 + USB-C, Hot-swap |
| Good for , different | Buyers who want QMK and a dongle in a TKL Casual customizers who want a heavy, ready-made board Users who switch between a Mac and a PC | Buyers who want an inexpensive TKL mechanical keyboard Mac and Windows users who switch with Bluetooth People who plan to swap keycaps and switches |
| Skip if , different | Enthusiasts who want the most advanced sound tuning Gamers who want Hall-effect or 8 kHz features Anyone who needs to carry the board often | Anyone who wants 2.4 GHz wireless or Hall-effect features Buyers who want PBT keycaps out of the box Users who rely on long battery life |
| Pros , different | 2.4 GHz at 1000 Hz, Bluetooth and wired (maker) Good value, with a thocky sound on brown switches (MakeUseOf) PBT keycaps and a heavy, sturdy frame QMK with hot-swap sockets and three switch choices 4000 mAh battery rated up to 190 hours with the backlight off | 80% layout with arrow keys and a full function row (maker) Hot-swappable Keychron Super or optical switch versions (maker) Aluminum-frame version is considerably heavier and firmer Bluetooth for three devices plus wired Simplest specification in the K8 line |
| Cons , different | Plastic base limits advanced customizers (MakeUseOf) RGB customization is wide but shallow (MakeUseOf) Adjustable feet could be larger (MakeUseOf) Heavy for travel Battery drops to about 100 hours with the backlight on low (MakeUseOf) | ABS keycaps rather than the PBT on the Pro and Max Bluetooth and wired only, with no 2.4 GHz dongle Battery is rated at only 68 hours (maker) Tray-mount feel is stiff according to Tom's Hardware on the K8 Pro No independent review of this exact revision was found |
| Research take , different | The most balanced K8 for most buyers, reviewed positively by MakeUseOf. | A basic, reliable K8. The Pro adds little over it (Tom's Hardware); the Max adds a dongle. |