This video is sponsored by Aura! 🛡 Use link aura.com/Ahnestly for a FREE 14-day trial to get COMPLETE digital security. Using my link REALLY helps support this channel and you can rest assured Aura has your back. ============================= 🛒 Products from Video - Using My Links Helps This Channel a LOT!!! Ty!! ============================= 🛒 Keychron K8: geni.us/UAWi7 🛒 Keychron K8 Pro: www.kickstarter.com/projects/keytron/keychron-k8-pro-qmk-via-wireless-mechanical-keyboard 🛒 Glorious GMMK Pro: shrsl.com/3gqfn 🛒 Glorious Panda Switches: shrsl.com/3gqfe 🛒 Coiled Cables: shrsl.com/3gqfp 🛒 Blue Keycaps: geni.us/kBNrH *In the Background* 🛒Tall HM Eames Lounge Chair: geni.us/IV8Xy 🛒Stick Lamp: th-cam.com/video/AIF7Ixvhyf0/w-d-xo.html 🛒Red Stool - qor360.com/shop-active-chairs/?ref=49 ^Get 5% off using my code "Ahnestly"!
I was looking into DIY mechanical keyboards a couple of weeks ago and figured it was time to replace my 10+ year old Corsair K70, one of the first iterations which just featured plain old red LEDs. After looking into it, the prices of things immediately put me off. Upwards of $300 to $400 for a DIY kit from most popular places, and these weren't even group buys! I thought "there's no way this is the minimum cost of entry, something has to be wrong here." Not to mention, I would still have to put in several hours building it, lubing the switches and stabilizers, adding tape and foam, etc. It seemed excessive to pay that much, and this was just for 65% keyboards! After doing further research, I stumbled into Keychron. It kind of blew my mind that I could get RGB, aluminum case and plate, hot-swappable switches, and get all of this _pre-lubed and pre-assembled,_ along with a handful of nice additional features like bluetooth and even sound dampening in the form of a silicon pad shaped to the interior of the case. I could get all of this for approximately $130, and all of this in a TKL package? I did order another set of keycaps, because I love the look of MT3s and it reminded me of old terminal-style keyboards that I grew up typing on. So all-together, I spent about $130 on the K8 Pro, and about $100 on a set of MT3 keycaps. So about $230. When the K8 Pro arrived, I was actually blown away at how nice it felt to type on, and this was with stock keycaps. I only have two complaints with the K8 Pro: the spacebar could stand to be equipped with a heavier switch. I swapped the switch it uses for a Kailh Box Yellow, it needs about 20g more force to activate than the rest of them. This made it feel and sound much better to type on. The other issue I have is the location of the USB-C port. I do not like that it's on the side of the keyboard, rather than the rear. I have no intention of ever using coiled cables, but unless you use an angled USB-C cable, it doesn't look as clean or as nice as it could. Props to Keychron for shipping a decent angled cable with the keyboard, but unfortunately it is quite short. All-around I see Keychron keyboards as an excellent purchase if you are looking to get into the world of building custom keyboards. You can either buy a kit and build it yourself for a very reasonable price, or just get it pre-assembled. Either one is a great option and they are extremely affordable. Like I said, all together I spent about $230 on mine, and $100 of that was a custom set of keycaps which I definitely did not _need._ I spent as much on this as I did on my Corsair K70 back in 2012. If I was able to squeeze a decade of life out of a non-customizable keyboard, I imagine I can get much more out of one that is actually customizable. These keyboards are a fantastic bargain and you get some great quality with them.
I saw dimensions for a V1 and a V4 on Keychron’s website a couple of days ago. The picture of the V1 makes it look like a polycarbonate version of the Q1 (including the knob). I’ve held off on ordering the K8 Pro because of the case profile, and I’m hoping the V1 will be a better fit for me. And maybe them launching a more premium wireless design means we’ll finally get 2.4ghz. 😮
Nice video had the K8 Pro and sent it back to upgrade to the Q3. A few thoguhts. The cable connection on the left is good for someone like me who does production as I have many things behind the keyboard (drawing tablet, midi controller, stream deck) so it lets me fit everything on the desk easier. Also for that left side connection you can get a tiny 90 degree usb adapter (I use one for my Steam Deck) to make it not stick out the side very far and work better with your CableMod cable.
I feel like I'm one of the few people who actually prefer the sound of the case resonance in the original K8 over most other keyboards. All that foam and padding just makes them sound dead and dull to me.
Thanks for the video! I ordered mine through their kickstarter and can’t wait til it comes! I was curious and worried about the Bluetooth latency but noted about getting a usb Bluetooth adapter with an antenna
Getting really annoyed with essentially every company moving to south facing RGB boards. They just don't shine through when you use keycaps actually meant for RGB. The original K8 is literally the only one that I can find that still has north facing and wireless connectivity that is compatible with Gaterons. I thought tecware phantom was going to do the trick but I am currently finding out the hard way that their board is using the older Outemu sockets that are not compatible with almost anything. AKKO CS worked but those are all out of stock and probably discontinued. The new AKKO V3s don't work. Gaterons don't work. It's really depressing.
First of all great video ! Can you tell me how is this keyboard for Gaming? Do you have any issues like latency/input lag even when it's wired? Do you recommend it, please share your thoughts!
So basically, foam and silicon pad, different staps, different keycaps and qmk/via support is all that's changed right? Worth upgrading from k8? Or should I just mod my k8 by adding lubed black inks, pbt keycaps and re-lube the stabs and ofc foam mod with the foam they included in box with my k8?
Nice review! A question though, is the old K8 also compatible with Mac and Windows? or is it just K8 pro? Is it also compatible with QMK/VIA like K8 pro?
Thx for the nice review. Just want to confirm again, will it be possible for us to set RGB for each individual key with VIA/QMK in this keyboard? I am confused because at 6:44 you said it is impossible, but Keychron claimed this keyboard is QMK/VIA supported...
Hm that's a good question. In the preset rgb settings, you cannot control the keys individually, but I did not try using the QMK/VIA software, as I was under the impression it was just macros/reassigning keys!
I don't know if your question was ever answered, but no, there is no per-key RGB. VIA gives you a wide selection of various lighting modes to choose from, such as responsive lighting where each key lights up when pressed, and a variety of effects based around that like splash/rain etc. But you can't, for example, say you want certain keys to be certain colors. HOWEVER, the source code for the keyboard IS available. I am sure it would be possible to program the ability, you just need to know how to modify the source code. Each LED is entirely capable of cycling through tons of different colors, there is just nothing in VIA that lets you tell each key to be specific colors. You can either use a full RGB spectrum or just set them to a solid color.
Ordered the FEKER IK75 today instead, has double the battery at 8000mah, cost less, comes with better accessories and doesn't need a Kickstarter order at risk of losing you're money as you do currently for the K8 Pro, sorry Keychron, I did however order your wooden wrist rest, as this goes nicely with the Feker 👍
I HATEEEE the 75% layout. I have used it for a while and can’t get used to it. I love the way the gmmk pro sounds but I refuse to use it bc I cannot get used to it unfortunately :(
No offense, but the half and half keycap layout was a bad choice.. at least for the sake of the video. One, it's ugly. Two, it's confusing when you show K8 and K8 pro side by side. There's no distinction.
I made the mistake of buying a Keychron K7. What I received was NOT wireless (no dongle included) and, when connected by USB cable, many keys did not work. Keychron ignored all my requests for an RMA and a refund. Before buying anything from Keychron, think! Do you want to give your money to a company that treats its customers this way?
Thats a real shame! I’ve bought 3 keyboards from keychron with my own money and the k8 pro was the first one I received from them for free. No issues so far…
This video is sponsored by Aura!
🛡 Use link aura.com/Ahnestly for a FREE 14-day trial to get COMPLETE digital security.
Using my link REALLY helps support this channel and you can rest assured Aura has your back.
=============================
🛒 Products from Video - Using My Links Helps This Channel a LOT!!! Ty!!
=============================
🛒 Keychron K8: geni.us/UAWi7
🛒 Keychron K8 Pro: www.kickstarter.com/projects/keytron/keychron-k8-pro-qmk-via-wireless-mechanical-keyboard
🛒 Glorious GMMK Pro: shrsl.com/3gqfn
🛒 Glorious Panda Switches: shrsl.com/3gqfe
🛒 Coiled Cables: shrsl.com/3gqfp
🛒 Blue Keycaps: geni.us/kBNrH
*In the Background*
🛒Tall HM Eames Lounge Chair: geni.us/IV8Xy
🛒Stick Lamp: th-cam.com/video/AIF7Ixvhyf0/w-d-xo.html
🛒Red Stool - qor360.com/shop-active-chairs/?ref=49
^Get 5% off using my code "Ahnestly"!
I was looking into DIY mechanical keyboards a couple of weeks ago and figured it was time to replace my 10+ year old Corsair K70, one of the first iterations which just featured plain old red LEDs. After looking into it, the prices of things immediately put me off. Upwards of $300 to $400 for a DIY kit from most popular places, and these weren't even group buys!
I thought "there's no way this is the minimum cost of entry, something has to be wrong here." Not to mention, I would still have to put in several hours building it, lubing the switches and stabilizers, adding tape and foam, etc. It seemed excessive to pay that much, and this was just for 65% keyboards!
After doing further research, I stumbled into Keychron. It kind of blew my mind that I could get RGB, aluminum case and plate, hot-swappable switches, and get all of this _pre-lubed and pre-assembled,_ along with a handful of nice additional features like bluetooth and even sound dampening in the form of a silicon pad shaped to the interior of the case. I could get all of this for approximately $130, and all of this in a TKL package?
I did order another set of keycaps, because I love the look of MT3s and it reminded me of old terminal-style keyboards that I grew up typing on. So all-together, I spent about $130 on the K8 Pro, and about $100 on a set of MT3 keycaps. So about $230. When the K8 Pro arrived, I was actually blown away at how nice it felt to type on, and this was with stock keycaps.
I only have two complaints with the K8 Pro: the spacebar could stand to be equipped with a heavier switch. I swapped the switch it uses for a Kailh Box Yellow, it needs about 20g more force to activate than the rest of them. This made it feel and sound much better to type on.
The other issue I have is the location of the USB-C port. I do not like that it's on the side of the keyboard, rather than the rear. I have no intention of ever using coiled cables, but unless you use an angled USB-C cable, it doesn't look as clean or as nice as it could. Props to Keychron for shipping a decent angled cable with the keyboard, but unfortunately it is quite short.
All-around I see Keychron keyboards as an excellent purchase if you are looking to get into the world of building custom keyboards. You can either buy a kit and build it yourself for a very reasonable price, or just get it pre-assembled. Either one is a great option and they are extremely affordable. Like I said, all together I spent about $230 on mine, and $100 of that was a custom set of keycaps which I definitely did not _need._ I spent as much on this as I did on my Corsair K70 back in 2012. If I was able to squeeze a decade of life out of a non-customizable keyboard, I imagine I can get much more out of one that is actually customizable. These keyboards are a fantastic bargain and you get some great quality with them.
I saw dimensions for a V1 and a V4 on Keychron’s website a couple of days ago. The picture of the V1 makes it look like a polycarbonate version of the Q1 (including the knob). I’ve held off on ordering the K8 Pro because of the case profile, and I’m hoping the V1 will be a better fit for me. And maybe them launching a more premium wireless design means we’ll finally get 2.4ghz. 😮
Ugh yes, not sure why people don't make more wireless keyboards...
Talk about timing Ahnestly! I was just in the market and looking at the Keychron line up
You didn't know I could read minds??? :-) thanks for the love and hope you're able to find the one that fits best! Happy to answer any questions
I bought the k8 about 2 weeks before the k8 pro was available and I thought I missed out. I now realise I didn't. so same same
What if you’re not a keyboard nerd? Turn into a keyboard nerd.
Lolll it’s so damn expensive and the well is too deep. I can’t.
Basically sums up my experience with this product.
Nice video had the K8 Pro and sent it back to upgrade to the Q3.
A few thoguhts.
The cable connection on the left is good for someone like me who does production as I have many things behind the keyboard (drawing tablet, midi controller, stream deck) so it lets me fit everything on the desk easier. Also for that left side connection you can get a tiny 90 degree usb adapter (I use one for my Steam Deck) to make it not stick out the side very far and work better with your CableMod cable.
I feel like I'm one of the few people who actually prefer the sound of the case resonance in the original K8 over most other keyboards. All that foam and padding just makes them sound dead and dull to me.
Same. It sounds so dull and dead.
The beauty of these sorts of mods are that it’s subjective. K8 Pro strikes a great balance between muted sounds and clackiness imo.
Great video, nice quality content and approach. Keep up the good work. Comparison at the end was nice touch
If anyone has an issue with the height of the K8, I would recommend the Red Dragon wrist rest. It fits so well, you'd think it was made for it
Which red dragon wrist rest did you get?
@@smc2232 I got the P036 Meteor M
@@Andrew-fr1tp thanks for ur reply
yo your review is so good, this channel deserve more recognition. Keep it up!
Thank you!!
Thanks for the video! I ordered mine through their kickstarter and can’t wait til it comes! I was curious and worried about the Bluetooth latency but noted about getting a usb Bluetooth adapter with an antenna
Nice!!!
ohhhh nice. I was just searching for a Keychron K8. Nice feedback on this.
Nice! Glad it helped!!
im geting that one im 100% sure it sounds just amazing
I'm getting the Keychron K8 non pro version, it cost 30% less than the k8 pro.
LOVE that keyboard drawer!
Haha it’s an all purpose tool drawer!
@@Ahnestly want one, also for all my mtb stuff. But they are pretty expensive.
I have the K8. Is the K8 Pro worth the upgrade?
I love my k8, but the k8pro feels more premium. That's about it!
@@Ahnestly Ok thanks. I put Glorious Panda switches in my K8 and it sounds amazing.
You should be able to individually change the RGB leds with the QMK firmware
I have a Lenovo/IBM vibes with those keycaps also sounds really good
Getting really annoyed with essentially every company moving to south facing RGB boards. They just don't shine through when you use keycaps actually meant for RGB. The original K8 is literally the only one that I can find that still has north facing and wireless connectivity that is compatible with Gaterons. I thought tecware phantom was going to do the trick but I am currently finding out the hard way that their board is using the older Outemu sockets that are not compatible with almost anything. AKKO CS worked but those are all out of stock and probably discontinued. The new AKKO V3s don't work. Gaterons don't work. It's really depressing.
First of all great video !
Can you tell me how is this keyboard for Gaming? Do you have any issues like latency/input lag even when it's wired? Do you recommend it, please share your thoughts!
Keep making Videos Like This
Can you explain what you like about this one? Would love to know more!
@@Ahnestly Plain simplicity and high quality
nice video ! is the side switches tight ? because i don't want accidently change the switch from WIN to MAC lol
Very very tight! You won't ever change it by accident!
@@Ahnestly nice ! thank you so much !
Why do you put your phone down on the screen? Do you not damage the display?
Cool intro man
So basically, foam and silicon pad, different staps, different keycaps and qmk/via support is all that's changed right? Worth upgrading from k8? Or should I just mod my k8 by adding lubed black inks, pbt keycaps and re-lube the stabs and ofc foam mod with the foam they included in box with my k8?
Nice review! A question though, is the old K8 also compatible with Mac and Windows? or is it just K8 pro? Is it also compatible with QMK/VIA like K8 pro?
Both are compatible but I do not believe the older k8 is QMK/VIA compatible!
Do you happen to know if I can use the o ring mod to make this board gasket-mount like?
Thx for the nice review. Just want to confirm again, will it be possible for us to set RGB for each individual key with VIA/QMK in this keyboard? I am confused because at 6:44 you said it is impossible, but Keychron claimed this keyboard is QMK/VIA supported...
Hm that's a good question. In the preset rgb settings, you cannot control the keys individually, but I did not try using the QMK/VIA software, as I was under the impression it was just macros/reassigning keys!
@@Ahnestly I got it, thanks.
I don't know if your question was ever answered, but no, there is no per-key RGB. VIA gives you a wide selection of various lighting modes to choose from, such as responsive lighting where each key lights up when pressed, and a variety of effects based around that like splash/rain etc. But you can't, for example, say you want certain keys to be certain colors.
HOWEVER, the source code for the keyboard IS available. I am sure it would be possible to program the ability, you just need to know how to modify the source code. Each LED is entirely capable of cycling through tons of different colors, there is just nothing in VIA that lets you tell each key to be specific colors. You can either use a full RGB spectrum or just set them to a solid color.
Please tell if we can swap gateron pro switches with Chery mx
Can you switch the RGB lights to all be a solid color like purple OR white?
Is the light intensity adjustable?
If you answer thank you
Ya you can switch to a solid color! And yes you can adjust light intensity as well!
Your answer is an absolute godsend to me rn, thank you!!!!!
Is there any input lag associated with wireless vs wired? I've noticed that the niche keyboard community still stick with wired.
I personally haven’t noticed any. Check out my original k8 review where I ran some basic tests and was accused of hacking while gaming with the k8 lol
Keycaps letters dont get any gain from rgb.
God damn it, WHY IS PER KEY RGB ADJUSTMENT SO HARD FOR THESE COMPANIES TO FIGURE OUT
this keyboard has qmk firmware so it should be able to do it
Ordered the FEKER IK75 today instead, has double the battery at 8000mah, cost less, comes with better accessories and doesn't need a Kickstarter order at risk of losing you're money as you do currently for the K8 Pro, sorry Keychron, I did however order your wooden wrist rest, as this goes nicely with the Feker 👍
It’s not a tkl though…and barebones (no switches no keycaps) costs $90 on Amazon here in the USA
@@Ahnestly I'd happily buy durock switches any day over the keychron switches, 75% isn't really that much smaller than TKL
I HATEEEE the 75% layout. I have used it for a while and can’t get used to it. I love the way the gmmk pro sounds but I refuse to use it bc I cannot get used to it unfortunately :(
@@Ahnestly each to their own, I'm going off TKL
@@Ahnestly can you confirm when the K8 pro won't be on kickstarter?
$30 more than the epomaker.. hmmm i dont know if its work it.
Pro = less thack.
Its mAh not MAH. Its Physics not English Language.
You sure are pleasant! The nature of the font I use only uses upper case letters.
No offense, but the half and half keycap layout was a bad choice.. at least for the sake of the video. One, it's ugly. Two, it's confusing when you show K8 and K8 pro side by side. There's no distinction.
I get that it's ugly, but I did it so that you could clearly see the distinction...the keys go in different ways!
I made the mistake of buying a Keychron K7. What I received was NOT wireless (no dongle included) and, when connected by USB cable, many keys did not work. Keychron ignored all my requests for an RMA and a refund.
Before buying anything from Keychron, think! Do you want to give your money to a company that treats its customers this way?
Thats a real shame! I’ve bought 3 keyboards from keychron with my own money and the k8 pro was the first one I received from them for free. No issues so far…
not that expensive just 10$ more expensive than normal k8