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 HE $130–$140 “Wireless 80% Hall-effect board with Rapid Trigger” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $95–$125 | $130–$140 |
| Size | TKL | TKL |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2024 | 2025 |
| Mounting , different | Integrated Plate | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | ABS, or ABS with aluminum frame | Aluminum |
| Colors | Black, White | Black, White |
| Weight , different | 1158 g (ABS), 1308 g (aluminum frame) | Approx. 1185 g |
| Dimensions , different | 354.21 x 124.18 mm (ABS), 359.20 x 129.20 mm (aluminum frame) | 359.2 x 129.2 mm (Special Edition: 363.2 x 129.2 mm) |
| Typing angle | Not listed | Not listed |
| Front height | Not listed | Not listed |
| Switches , different | Mechanical | Hall Effect |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT | Cherry Profile Double-shot keycaps, shine-through |
| PCB | Hot-swap | Hot-swap |
| Plates | Not listed | Not listed |
| Battery , different | 4000 mAh, up to 190 hours | 4000 mAh, up to 110 hours |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style | Keychron magnetic switches |
| Software , different | QMK, VIA, Keychron Launcher | QMK, Keychron Launcher |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB | No | No |
| Features , different | TKL layout, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA | TKL layout, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Hall effect |
| 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 | Gamers who want a TKL Hall-effect keyboard with a dongle Typists who like a heavy, solid-feeling board Users who want to tune actuation per key |
| 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 tactile or clicky switches Buyers who want a plastic, lighter build People who need a wireless-only software setup |
| 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 | Rapid Trigger and adjustable actuation (maker) Aluminum case; Windows Central praised the typing and gaming feel 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired connection Balanced 80% layout (Windows Central) Shine-through keycaps |
| 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) | Limited to compatible Hall-effect switches (Windows Central, maker) Software needs a wired connection and the included cable is short (Windows Central) Heavy at about 1185 g Battery rated at 110 hours, below the Max boards No independent review beyond Windows Central was opened |
| Research take , different | The most balanced K8 for most buyers, reviewed positively by MakeUseOf. | A well-regarded TKL Hall-effect board. Choose the K8 Max if you want ordinary switches. |