I’ll say it right from the top: I’m a huge fan of the Keychron K2 HE. For those looking to buy a gaming keyboard that is equipped with the latest must-have tech, but without it looking overly “gamery,” Keychron has released a fantastic option. Let’s get right into the review.
The main highlight
The feature rundown of the K2 HE should make it immediately clear why I’ve been having such a good time with it. For a reasonable price, Keychron is offering a board with the Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Swiches, which use magnetic sensors to detect key presses. What’s so great about this? Well, users can fine-tune how far each key needs to be pushed down in order to register, from 0.2 mm all the way to 3.8 mm. This makes a significant difference in response time when gaming, especially in competitive titles where players need to strafe back and forth quickly, to dodge enemy fire while dishing out their own damage.
The combination of Snap Click, Dynamic Rapid Trigger, and Dynamic Keystrokes offer ultimate customization for games. Once you play a competitive shooter with these features enabled, it is super tough to go back. Additionally, the Analog Mode helps provide a game controller-esque mode, which is particularly effective in racing games.
Subtly stylish
Despite being a gaming beast, the K2 HE’s aesthetic is surprisingly subtle. The Standard Version is a stealthy black, with a touch of teal on the ESC key. As for the Special Edition, which is what I’m typing on right now, the added wooden material makes it appear very stylish. This is a gaming keyboard? You could have fooled me!
Considerations
An obvious downside to the K2 HE is the limited capability with other switches. This keyboard only works with Gateron’s own Double-Rail Magnetic Switches which, though unsurprising, could be disappointing.
The RGB lighting is also lackluster, though I honestly disable it at any and every opportunity. If great RGB is a deal-breaker for you, then you may need to look elsewhere.
Disclosure: Review sample provided by Keychron.
Final Verdict
At $130 for the Standard Version and $140 for the Special Edition, the Keychron K2 HE is a strong contender for anyone seeking a versatile, high-performance keyboard. With innovative features, solid build quality, and a sleek design, it’s an excellent choice for both gaming and everyday use—though its switch limitations and modest RGB might not suit everyone. Overall, it’s a compelling option at a reasonable price.
Positives and Negatives
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Adjustable key actuation
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Advanced gaming features
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Minimal, stylish design
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Competitive pricing
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Versatile use
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Limited switch options
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Weak RGB lighting
