Keychron K8 QMK V2

Keychron Announces K8 QMK V2 Mechanical Keyboard

Keychron, a popular brand known for its customizable and affordable mechanical keyboards, has unveiled the second version of the K8 QMK. This new TKL (80%) keyboard features updated internal materials to enhance sound dampening. The K8 QMK V2 offers a variety of mechanical switch options and two different frame designs to cater to different market segments. Compared to the original K8 Wireless, the K8 Wireless V2 boasts improved Bluetooth connectivity, QMK support, and new custom Keychron switches.

The Keychron K8 QMK V2 maintains a $99 starting price, making it an attractive option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. One notable change is the switch from shine-through OEM profile ABS keycaps to shine-through double-shot Cherry profile PBT keycaps. While this change may divide enthusiasts, the Cherry profile is known for its comfort and ergonomics. Internally, the K8 QMK V2 offers impressive upgrades, including QMK firmware and Keychron Launcher customization support.

Despite the enhancements, the new K8 QMK V2 has slightly lower battery life when connected wirelessly, lasting up to 190 hours on Bluetooth without backlighting and up to 100 hours with the backlight at its lowest brightness. The keyboard also features new inner foam layers for sound dampening, providing additional customization options.

Key Specifications:

  • ABS case or ABS case with aluminum frame
  • 1000 Hz polling rate over USB type-C, 90 Hz polling over Bluetooth
  • 4,000 mAh battery
  • Cherry profile double-shot keycaps
  • Keychron Super mechanical switches (Red, Brown, Banana)
  • White or RGB backlight
  • Arm Cortex-M3 MCU with 256 KB flash

The Keychron K8 QMK V2 is available for purchase directly from Keychron, with pricing varying based on the configuration:

  • White backlight, plastic case, plastic frame, non-hot-swap: $79
  • RGB backlight, plastic case, plastic frame, non-hot-swap: $89
  • RGB backlight, plastic case, plastic frame, hot-swap: $99
  • RGB backlight, plastic case, aluminum frame, hot-swap: $109