Keychron K2 HE: A magnetic marvel for gamers and typists alike
Keychron K2 HE Keyboard. Pictures: Keychron.
The new Keychron K2 HE is a joy to type on and relatively quiet for a mechanical keyboard. As someone who spends equal time buried in writing and dabbling in gaming, I found the K2 HE to be a nearly perfect middle ground between productivity and play, wrapped in a beautifully designed package.
The K2 HE is a 75% layout keyboard with a premium aluminium frame and natural rosewood side panels (light or dark, depending on your model). It’s the kind of desk accessory that catches the eye, whether in a minimalist setup or a gaming den.
The keycaps are double-shot PBT in the OSA profile, which means you get that satisfying, textured feel and excellent durability. I’ve typed reviews and used it for long work days without a hint of shine or wear. It’s heavier than some competitors, but that heft helps keep it rock steady on the desk.
If you’re used to typing on a laptop or a low-profile membrane keyboard, the deeper travel and greater keystroke force required by the K2 HE will take some adjustment. It’s not uncomfortable, but it does feel noticeably different at first, especially for fast typists or those switching back and forth between devices.
The show's real star is under the hood: Gateron double-rail magnetic switches. Unlike traditional mechanical switches that rely on physical contact, Hall Effect magnetic switches detect keystrokes using magnets. Swapping them out is simple, as long as you use compatible Hall Effect switches.Â
They offer adjustable actuation points and dynamic rapid triggers. Translation? You can customise how far each key needs to travel before it registers and how quickly it resets — a dream setup for both speed typists and FPS gamers. Even better, you can adjust the actuation distance for individual keys. While most users might not need that level of granularity, it offers serious potential for competitive gaming or specialised workflows.
I experimented with actuation settings via Keychron’s Launcher web configurator, and the flexibility is genuinely impressive. For fast-paced gaming, I dialled in a hair-trigger setting for lightning-quick response. I raised the threshold slightly for a more deliberate feel for writing sessions.
The K2 HE has Bluetooth 5.2, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C wired connections. Switching between my MacBook, Windows PC, and iPad was quick and seamless, making it a versatile workhorse for multi-device users. Battery life was excellent, lasting several days with moderate RGB use and wireless connection.
It also supports macOS, Windows, and Linux, and includes both keycap sets in the box. Out of the box, it had the macOS keycaps, but it’s quick and easy to change them.
The only minor issue with the keyboard was the slider that switched between Bluetooth, wired, and adapter modes. It wasn’t exact, and I found it took some fiddling to ensure it was aligned correctly with the mode I wanted.
The Keychron Launcher is a web-based configuration tool that allows powerful customisation of the K2 HE without software installation. Through the app, you can fine-tune key actuation points, assign multi-action key commands, and enable dynamic rapid trigger functionality, all with an intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate.
You can also tweak RGB lighting effects, adjust brightness, and save multiple profiles tailored for different use cases, whether gaming, coding, or working. It’s surprisingly responsive and versatile for a browser-based tool, giving even first-time users access to advanced features usually reserved for enthusiast-level gear.
Keychron gives you 22 RGB modes and complete control over brightness, speed, and colour profiles. You can go full gamer glow or keep it low-key. I preferred a soft white glow for focus mode, but the lighting options can be as flashy or as subtle as you like. The keycaps aren’t transparent, so the RGB lighting is more nuanced, especially in bright environments, since the illumination only glows from beneath the keys rather than through them.
The Keychron K2 HE offers features that rival — and sometimes outshine — much more expensive keyboards. Its magnetic switch tech, rich customisation, and solid design bridge the gap between enthusiast and casual user.
€178 Keychron K2 HE
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