Keychron Launches Kickstarter Campaign For Its Affordable K2 HE Keyboard

One of Keychron’s best-selling mechanical keyboards, the K2 HE, is about to get a major upgrade with a variant that uses Hall Effect magnetic switches. The K2 is a compact keyboard with a 75% layout and will soon be available via Kickstarter and will include fully customizable HE magnetic switches, making it ideal for gamers, programmers and writers who want to personalize the physical feel and behavior of their keyboard’s keys.

The original Keychron K2 keyboard was a big success and put a high-quality mechanical keyboard within reach of gamers but with a more affordable price than a custom design. The K2 is the brand’s most popular model and now, with the option of HE magnetic switches, the keyboard’s feel can easily be tweaked.

Keychron has used top-of-the-range Hall Effect Gateron double-rail magnetic switches, giving users the option to fine-tune actuation points down to sub-millimeter precision. Dynamic rapid trigger boosts the responsiveness of the keys, making it a perfect choice for gamers who are looking for a competitive edge.

The K2 HE Premium Edition is available in black or white finches with wooden end pieces that elevate … [+] the look and feel of this mechanical keyboard.

Keychron

Compatible with Mac, Windows and Android computers, the new K2 HE is being launched as a Kickstarter campaign. Manufacturers are increasingly looking to crowdfunding to gauge demand and finance tooling so consumers can get new products at a keener price.

With its compact 75% layout, the K2 HE is a dream to type with but if you don’t like the way the keys react, you can change them. Magnetic Hall effect switches can be programmed using Keychron’s Launcher software which offers complete control over the keyboard’s actuation levels, lighting effects and even key mapping.

Because it’s aimed primarily at gamers, the K2 HE offers a great choice of connectivity options. Users can opt for wired mode via USB-C cable or use the supplied 2.4 GHz wireless dongle for an ultra-low latency wireless connection with a 1,000Hz polling rate. And for those of us who don’t necessarily need that level of low latency, there is the option to connect with a maximum of three devices via Bluetooth.

The Hall effect magnetic switches can be adjusted and programmed with variable actuation points and … [+] up to four different Dynamic Keystrokes.

Keychron

Another handy feature with the K2 HE is something called Dynamic Keystrokes. With DKS, users can assign up to four actions to each key based on how far the key is pressed. This can be used to enhance fine control in games or to boost efficiency in various applications.

The K2 HE is available in three editions. Firstly, there is the basic Standard Edition with aluminum frame and plastic body which offers an affordable entry point into the world of HE keyboards. Then there are two special Premium Editions available in white or black keys and Fram, featuring a endpieces of natural rosewood to offset the aluminum frame with plastic body. The wooden end pieces on the Premium version look so cool and they set the K2 HE apart from other mechanical keyboards.

The keycaps on the new K2 HE feature a double-shot PBT construction for longevity and a premium feel. They certainly give the K2 HE a classy feel and the excellent gasket design beneath the keys provides a superbly solid tactile feedback with very little vibration.

Like the original K2 mechanical keyboard, the K2 HE has flip out legs that offer two different … [+] heights and typing angles.

Keychron

I tried out a prototype model of the Keychron K2 HE Premium and also had a play around with the Keychron Launcher web app. This app recognizes the keyboard you are using and then enables updating of firmware, adjustment of all the settings of the HE switches, plus remapping of any keys.

The Launcher web app can also be used to personalize the keyboard with macro commands, shortcuts, set key combinations and customized RGB backlighting of the north-facing LEDs. I’m not a serious gamer so I don’t know that I have the kind of digital dexterity that can fully appreciate the tiny incremental settings that can be applied to the HE settings, but I’m sure competitive gamers will love the app.

The K2 HE comes with a selection of Mac and Windows modifier keys and the keyboard also features a physical toggle to switch layout from Windows to macOS. The RGB backlighting can also be set via the keys with a range of 22 different backlight modes and fine tuning of the hue, saturation and brightness of the LEDs. The lightshow can also be turned off completely.

The K2 HE keyboard will be available in three versions: Standard and Premium White and Premium … [+] Black.

Keychron

Verdict: The Keychron K2 HE is a great keyboard with the very best magnetic HE switches that money can buy. It also sells for a reasonable price. This is new technology and HE keyboards fetch a premium at the moment. And speaking of premiums, the real wood finish of this keyboard on the Premium models is stunning and will appeal to coders and writers looking for a little desk flourish. If you fancy having the flexibility provided by HE technology, then the K2 HE is a no-brainer. Of course, not everyone needs that level of customization but I think I’d like to have one just to have a great mechanical keyboard with those gorgeous wooden endpieces.

Pricing & Availability: The Keychron K2 HE is available on Kickstarter with prices starting at $125 for the Standard Edition. You can order yours now at Keychron’s Kickstarter page.

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