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 Pro $60–$90 “K8 Pro, 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 | 2022 |
| 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) | About 990 g (ABS), 1146 g (aluminum frame) |
| Dimensions , different | 354.21 x 124.18 mm (ABS), 359.20 x 129.20 mm (aluminum frame) | 355 x 123 mm (ABS), 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 | Double-shot PBT | Double-shot PBT |
| PCB | Hot-swap | Hot-swap |
| Plates | Not listed | Not listed |
| Battery , different | 4000 mAh, up to 190 hours | 4000 mAh, up to 260 hours (backlight off) |
| Compatible switches | MX-style | MX-style |
| Software | QMK, VIA, Keychron Launcher | QMK, VIA, Keychron Launcher |
| 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, QMK/VIA |
| 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 | QMK/VIA users who want a TKL and will mostly use wired mode Buyers who want PBT keycaps and a steel plate Mac and Windows users who need an 80% board |
| 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 depends on stable Bluetooth Typists who dislike the stiff tray-mount feel Buyers who want a dongle (see the K8 Max) |
| 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 | QMK/VIA firmware with the Launcher web app (maker) Hot-swap sockets and a range of Gateron G Pro options Double-shot PBT keycaps Compact TKL at about 990 g Bluetooth for three devices plus wired |
| 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) | Tom's Hardware found Bluetooth poor Tom's Hardware found the OSA keycaps slick Tray-mount typing was stiff with inconsistent sound Not a substantial step up from the K8 according to Tom's Hardware Wireless polling is 90 Hz over Bluetooth, and there is no 2.4 GHz option |
| Research take , different | The most balanced K8 for most buyers, reviewed positively by MakeUseOf. | Spec-sheet upgrades over the K8 that Tom's Hardware found only modest in use. Consider the Max. |