The Keychron K2 Version 2 is the newest iteration of an already super popular keyboard.
The K2 took the keyboard world by storm when Keychron released one of the first easily available 75% keyboard layouts. The keyboard was packed with features such as wireless connectivity, aluminum frame, RGB lighting, Mac compatibility and more.
While the keyboard was wildly popular, there were some complaints about the ergonomics of the design. To address these issues, Keychron released a new version that made some significant improvements.
Let’s take a look at the K2 v2 and see if it’s better than the predecessor.
The Verdict
The Keychron K2 Version 2 (K2v2) is a 75% keyboard that is absolutely loaded down with with awesome features such as an aluminum build, 3-color keycaps, and more.
We enjoyed how easy it was to configure the wireless connection and swap seamlessly between the wired/wireless connection. Not to mention the battery life of the K2 is very impressive.
The RGB lighting really pops and brings life to your desk setup. You can’t deny the K2v2 would look great right along with your Mac components. The keyboard works great with both Windows and Mac, you can interchange between both operating systems with the slider button on the side of the keyboard.
The new ergonomic design is angled instead of the original flat design. This makes the keyboard a bit easier on the wrists and the feet come with two different adjustment settings so you can get the perfect typing angle.
The only downside to the K2 v2 is the keyboard sounds a little hollow, but that’s just a nitpick. I had to come up something I didn’t like about the keyboard, right?
To be honest, for the price and the number of features inside this keyboard, it makes it really hard to pass up on this keyboard.
The Keychron K2 was already an awesome keyboard, Keychron just made it 10% better with the latest version. You can check out the K2 v2 on the Keychron website or on Amazon for a good price.
If you want to make the keyboard even more comfortable to use, check out the K2 wrist rest as well. It’s very stylish and comes in a wooden design.
Unboxing the Keychron K2
Unboxing the Keychron K2 was quite exciting, it felt similar to opening a present on Christmas morning. The keyboard comes packed delicately along with a few very useful add-ins.
The first thing you see is the plastic dust cover which will protect your keyboard from dust and other debris when the keyboard is not in use. This is very nice to have and hand. Other companies don’t usually include this, so it’s a nice added bonus.
A neatly packed USB-C cable is also included. This is used to charge/power the keyboard and comes in a braided design. The braided cable makes it more durable and the textured feel is nice. The head of the USB-C cable is also at 90 degrees so you can easily plug it into the side of the keyboard.
The K2 is compatible with Mac and Windows, so in the box you get extra keycaps so you can switch between the Mac & Windows modifier keys. The K2 is one of the few keyboards that is so easily compatible with both operating systems.
On top of all these parts, you also get a detailed operating manual in several different languages so you can easily configure the keyboard for usage.
Build Quality
The K2 version 2 comes in a variety of different builds, so depending on what your budget is you can get varying levels of quality. The base model has a plastic case – and is also the cheapest option. The plastic build feels very nice and does not flex very much.
The next level up is the aluminum frame which costs a little extra. The aluminum frame adds a nice bit of sturdiness and weight to the build. If you have the budget, I would definitely recommend going for the aluminum frame, but the plastic is also quite nice. You can’t go wrong with either, but if you have the money, aluminum all the way.
The original Keychron K2 (version 1) came with a completely flat case that sat at 0 degrees. There was a few complaints about how the keyboard was uncomfortable to type on due to this build. Not to mention the case was a bit on the thick side.
The K2 version 2 addresses these issues with a redesigned case that comes at a slight angle. This makes it easier on the wrists and more ergonomically-friendly. In addition, the keyboard also has multi-level adjustment settings instead of just one that was found on the K2 version 1.
Overall, the build quality and ergonomics of the keyboard is massively improved. I would recommend you try getting the wooden wrist rest as well. It makes the keyboard much more comfortable to type on.
I really need to compliment Keychron for going back and tweaking their designs. The fact that they are willing to listen to customer feedback and make changes accordingly is quite impressive.
The Keycaps
The keycaps on the K2 come in an ABS plastic material and come in different shades of grey with a few orange keys to accent everything. The keycaps look very sleek although the material is not the best.
The top row keycaps also have media keys that you can access on a lower layer. This makes it easy to change the sound settings and adjust brightness settings without needing to change it on your PC directly.
ABS is typically considered a lower quality of plastic when used for keycaps. It can lead to the legends wearing down quickly and leaving a glossy shiny residue from your fingers. For this reason, most people recommend PBT instead.
Luckily, the K2v2 comes with an additional option where you can upgrade the keycaps to a PBT set instead. This is really cool as it’s incredibly hard to find keycap sets that are compatible with the unique 75% layout.
You do need to pay a little bit extra, but if you will get a higher quality feel and durability out of the PBT keycaps.
The Stabilizers
The stabilizers on the Keychron K2 are nothing to write home about. They are acceptable and feel pretty good, they just aren’t phenominal by any means.
The spacebar and other larger keys slightly rattle on each keystroke, but it’s not too noticeable. I would like to see Keychron give the stabilizers a little bit of extra love, but at the end of the day, most people don’t really even notice the stabilizers.
The stabilizers come in the typically Cherry style design, which makes them compatible with almost any other keycaps. They are colored black and it matches the aesthetic of the rest of the build.
The Switches
The switches on the Keychron K2 come in several different Gateron switch options. You have the option between the following switches:
- Gateron Blue: A clicky switch that makes a loud audible noise on each keystroke. Not the best for the office or working around others. Great audible feedback for typing.
- Gateron Red: A very fast and responsive linear switch. Typically preferred for gamers because of the consistent actuation and lack of tactile bump. Not the best for typing as it can lead to bottoming out.
- Gateron Brown: A relatively quiet switch that has a small tactile bump on each key. This gives you tactile feedback and lets you know when a switch has been actuated. Great for typists.
Gateron switches are considered a Cherry MX clone switch and have a lifespan of 50 million keystrokes. You can use these switches for a long time before they start to break down. Gateron switches also tend to feel smoother than Cherry MX switches, so they are an excellent option to come in a keyboard.
If you’re planning using your K2v2 for gaming, we can’t recommend the Gateron Red switches enough.
Wireless Connectivity
The Keychron K2 Version 2 connects to your PC, phone, or tablet through Bluetooth 5.1 connection. You can easily pair the device to your keyboard by following along with the instructions in the box.
You can connect up to three devices so you can switch between multiple devices with the press of a button. Great for those who like to take notes on their phone and then send a quick email out with your computer.
Did I mention you can use the K2 with Mac and Windows?
The battery inside of the K2 is also massive. The keyboard can last a long time between charges, so you don’t need to worry about it dying in the middle of your work day. Without the RGB lighting turned on, the keyboard can easily last for a week at a time.
Conclusion
The Keychron K2 is an excellent keyboard that comes in an efficiently-shaped 75% layout. Without the number pad or traditional navigational cluster, you can really save on desk space without sacrificing comfort. The wireless connectivity also make it super easy to take on the go, so you can get some work done at your favorite coffee shop.
The K2 works with almost every operating system, so you don’t need to worry if it will work with your Windows PC or iPad tablet. Just plug and play and you’re ready to go.
The keyboard comes in a variety of different packages that you can tailor to your keyboard budget. If you enjoy RGB, there’s an option for that. If you want a sturdy build, thrown in the aluminum frame. If you want high-quality keycaps, bump up to the PBT option. There is a package for every budget.
The Gateron switches make the typing experience of the keyboard very enjoyable, although the stabilizers could use a little bit of work.
The second version of K2 really addresses a lot of the pain points the initial round of customers had with the version 1 design, so you end up with a even stronger offer from Keychron. The reason not to buy this keyboard are slowly dissappearing.
You can check out the Keychron K2v2 on Amazon for a really good price or check it out on the Keychron website.