Keychron’s K2 HE is a compact 75% layout Hall-effect keyboard that breaks the mould in a few ways. For starters, it doesn’t have the same garish design as something from big gaming brands, like Logitech, Razer, or SteelSeries, but it also packs convenience features, like on-board macro support and wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz. Both of the latter are out of the ordinary for Hall-effect keyboards, with brands like Wooting forgoing macros and wireless entirely, despite the reputation for excellent customisation. 

For Keychron’s Prime Day Deal, the K2 HE is on sale for $103.99 for the plain black version with shine-through keycaps or $109.99 for the Special Edition, which has the unique OSA profile keycaps and the rose wood accents on the side. This pricing just beats out the Amazon Prime Day deal ($111.99) for the same keyboard, but there is no subscription required for the Keychron deal. Of course, there are other benefits to a Prime membership, and Keychron’s shipping will vary depending on where you are, but most of the US is covered by free shipping from Keychron, and there

When we reviewed the Keychron K4 HE, which is identical to the K2 HE in every way except for the layout, we praised the keyboard for its easy-to-use customisation software, solid build quality, and exceptional quality-of-life features. The plastic case, aluminium frame, and wood accents give the keyboard a robust build and unique looks, and the internal sound damping materials help stem any echoes or reverb in the case. Battery life was also a standout, with our testing putting the estimated battery life at around the 90–100 hours of constant use, even when connected to the 1 kHz-polling 2.4 GHz mode and with the backlighting enabled. The Keychron K HE series also has remarkably well-tuned stabilisers, and we noticed almost no ticking or rattling in our review. 

Keychron Launcher, which is the browser-based customisation software for the K2 HE, features all the bells and whistles typically found in Hall-effect keyboards — adjustable actuation distance, SOCD with LKP, DKS, and even an analogue mode for controller emulation. 

The accessory package also includes all the tools you’ll need to disassemble and modify the keyboard, including an Allen key and screwdriver, alongside a high-quality USB-C cable and extra keycaps if you aren’t a fan of the brown accent keys. On the topic of convenience features, the K2 HE has both a macOS and Windows mode and a toggle switch to swap OS modes, as well as a toggle for connectivity mode selection. 

The only downsides with Keychron’s K HE series in general are the lack of switch options, the stiff tray-mount design, and the aluminium plate. While the Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula switches are very smooth and stable, and are a nice middle-ground, offering 40–60 gf actuation force, they don’t have the cleanest sound profile. The down stroke is pleasant and deep, but the return stroke exhibits a bit of characteristic HE muddiness. Additionally, the K2 HE is only compatible with switches from the Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic family, meaning the options for customisation are limited to the three switch weights on offer. 

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Julian van der Merwe – Senior News Writer – 1177 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2022

A lifelong techie with a love for open-source and an irresistible urge for tinkering and cracking stuff open to see how it ticks. Julian covers anything tech-related but has a particular fascination with mechanical keyboards, gaming, and quirky camera gear. With background in industrial design, Julian is familiar with the ins and outs of ergonomics, manufacturing, and materials, and he firmly believes that any tech not designed for people shouldn’t exist.