Keychron K2 HE Review
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Keychron K2 HE
3.5/5 Buy from Keychron
The Keychron K2 HE is a mechanical keyboard with magnetic switches that have adjustable dots actuation that can be used for incredible control while gaming, running macros, and more.
Keychron continues to impress with a wide range of keyboards aimed at every conceivable user. The company has even spun off into another organization called Lemokey with gaming keyboards and peripherals.
The latest model from Keychron is the K2 HE, which uses a magnetic switch for each key. This means that the user can program the actuation distance of each key and add multiple actions based on the actuation distance.
Unlike other mechanical keyboards, you won’t have to choose from a bunch of switches with different sounds and actuation distances. The only option is the Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula switch.
However, this single magnetic switch is like packing a nearly infinite number of switch options into each key. Instead of hot-swapping another switch, you simply change its settings in the software.
The Keychron K2 HE is another great option from the keyboard maker. It’s especially good for gamers, but automation enthusiasts can also take advantage of the extensive programming options.
However, iPad users don’t need to apply first. More on that in a bit.
Keychron K2 HE Review – Features and Design
HE stands for Hall Effect, a technology I’ve seen in gaming controllers. It’s used in game controller triggers for more accurate analog input, or in joysticks to eliminate drift.
Keychron K2 HE Review: A Mechanical Keyboard with Magnets
The keyboard uses magnets to detect the exact distance a key has traveled. Software in the keyboard and programming for each key determines which command to send to the computer based on the actuation distance.
Aside from the magnetic switches, the Keychron K2 HE has all the features you’d expect from a premium Keychron keyboard. It has north-facing RGB lighting and can connect via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz.
The special edition is made of metal and wood with genuine rosewood accents. Aluminum makes the keyboard heavier but stronger.
Keychron K2 HE Review: Hot-Swap Switches
The magnetic switches are hot-swappable, but you’ll need to use compatible dual-rail magnetic switches. So you’re likely limited to the switches sold on Keychron’s website.
Keychron has even included improved stabilizers with reinforced sidewalls. This makes typing on the spacebar, shift, enter, and delete keys more comfortable.
I’ve been using the Keychron K2 HE for a few months now, and it types like a dream. The key actuation, feedback, and sound are all completely enjoyable.
Keychron K2 HE Review: Another Excellent Keyboard from Keychron
So even if you don’t want to go all out with all the options a magnetic-mechanical keyboard has to offer, it’s still a top-notch typing experience. Although, perhaps you could take a look at other excellent Keychron mechanical keyboards that don't cost as much.
I've said a thousand words about Keychron keyboards. I don't have much more to say than what I've already said.
Keychron makes great keyboards that don't stray too far from traditional layouts. However, users can replace every switch and keycap and reprogram every key to transform it from a simple, featureless rectangle into a gamer's dream come true.
Infinite Programmability
I'll admit that the real reason you'd buy a magnetic-mechanical keyboard isn't my typical use case. Programmers, automation engineers, and gamers might benefit from the range of options offered by variable actuation distance, while I'm just happy to have a comfortable typing experience.
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Each key on the keyboard can be programmed to have multiple press and release points. For example, in a video game, you might press lightly to initiate forward movement, press hard to initiate a sprint function, and then release halfway to stop sprinting.
The full actuation distance of the keys is easy to achieve. I typed with the default sensitivity and actuation point and did not encounter any issues with keys missing or not pressing hard enough.
I played with the Launcher app and found that I was pressing the full distance of the key while typing, so there’s no real need to change that. Plus, since this is a K2 layout, only a few keys can be considered “extra” for automation or triggering actions.
Keychron K2 HE Review: An Incredible Range of Input and Customization Options
Adjust the actuation point from 0.2mm to 3.8mm, with 0.1mm sensitivity. Set the last keypress priority for smoother in-game control, such as when moving your character, and set Snap Click to prioritize deeper keypresses if two keys are pressed at the same time.
Users can even set the key to have an analog response for racing games. So, when driving a car, how far you press is how hard the accelerator is pressed.
In short, it works. People who want this functionality will buy this keyboard, and no matter the price, it's worth it.
Keychron K2 HE Review: Standard Remapping Options Also Available
I find that if I were a Mac user with Keyboard Maestro or similar, I would happily program all sorts of actions for different types of keystrokes. However, I am primarily an iPad user and do not have the ability to program system-wide shortcuts.
It is also possible to treat a half-press as a keyboard shortcut trigger. For example, I could program a half-press of the pgup key to execute the “option + shift + l” command I use to create links in drafts.
The Keychron K2 HE is endlessly customizable with its intuitive Launcher software.
Using the Keychron K2 HE
I am a fan of Keychron, there is no hiding it. After years of using various keyboards and configurations from the company, I can say that they are a step ahead of the competition and regularly deliver good results.
Keychron K2 HE review: Wired mode is reserved for Macs and PCs
Like I said, the keyboard feels great to use, and the magnetic switches glided under my fingers. I have no complaints about the form factor, design, or usability of this keyboard.
There is a compatibility issue with the Keychron K2 HE, though. It doesn’t work in wired mode with the iPad.
I contacted Keychron to check this out, and they confirmed that the Keychron K2 HE doesn’t work in wired mode with the iPad, but does work over a 2.4GHz connection or Bluetooth. There was no explanation as to why, but that’s the situation.
So I used it plugged into my Thunderbolt Dock so it stayed powered but connected via a 2.4GHz dongle. That would be fine if it didn’t mean using up two USB-A ports on my Thunderbolt Dock for one keyboard.
Keychron K2 HE Review: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and Wired Options
If you plan on using the Keychron K2 HE wirelessly anyway, this isn’t a huge deal. However, I tend to use my keyboards via a dock on my desktop so I can easily switch between my Mac and iPad when needed, so a wired connection is preferable.
There’s not much else to say about the Keychron K2 HE in my opinion. I like that it has magnetic actuation and reprogrammability, but I don’t need them for my current workflow.
If you’ve read my other Keychron reviews, the same applies to this one. It’s a well-made keyboard that will appeal to enthusiasts and gamers, but the lack of a wired connection for the iPad isn’t ideal for my setup.
Magnets for the Win
Despite its incompatibility with my workflow, the Keychron K2 HE is a well-made keyboard. Once I connected it to the device I use, it was a solid typing experience that didn’t lag or drop out — wireless or not.
Keychron K2 HE Review: Wood Accents and Colorful RGB Backlighting
I believe Hall-effect systems are taking over gaming products due to their efficiency, durability, and analog nature. Keychron is smart to make premium keyboards with their signature magnetic switches, and the Launcher software makes it easy to customize.
I can safely recommend the Keychron K2 HE to Mac and PC users who have no issues with wired connectivity. Bluetooth worked as expected with iPads, Apple Vision Pro, and other products.
Keychron K2 HE Review – Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Bright backlighting with lots of RGB options
- Wood accents are a nice touch
- Magnetic switches are comfortable to type on
- Nearly endless customization with multiple options for each key
Keychron K2 HE Review – Cons
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
The Keychron K2 HE is great in every way, except for the lack of wired iPad compatibility. However, it is an expensive model with a narrow target audience, so the overall rating reflects that.
Where to Buy the Keychron K2 HE
Buy the Keychron K2 HE special edition with wood sides for $140 from the Keychron website. The standard version without wood sides costs $130.
At the time of publication, this was a pre-order product. The first shipments will begin in early December.
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