Keychron K2 HE Review: The Affordable Hall Effect Keyboard That’s Shaking Up The Market
If you’ve been following the world of mechanical keyboards, you’ve probably noticed the increasing buzz around Hall Effect switches. Once considered niche and primarily used in industrial applications, Hall Effect switches are now becoming mainstream, especially in gaming keyboards. These switches offer durability, customization, and superb responsiveness. Enter the Keychron K2 HE—an affordable keyboard featuring Hall Effect technology, magnetic switches, and customizable actuation points, all in a sleek, compact design.
At just around $130, the K2 HE offers high-end functionality without breaking the bank. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive deep into its features, performance, and overall user experience.
What Are Hall Effect Switches?
Hall Effect switches use magnetic sensors to detect keypresses, which differs from traditional mechanical switches that rely on physical contact between metal parts. Because they are contactless, Hall Effect switches are more durable and allow for greater customization—most notably, the ability to adjust the actuation point (the point at which a keypress is registered).
Unlike traditional switches, where you need to fully release the key before pressing it again, rapid trigger technology in Hall Effect switches allows for faster reactivation. In simpler terms, the switch can re-register input almost instantly as soon as you start releasing the key, which is particularly useful for fast-paced gaming where split-second reactions matter.
Build Quality and Design
The Keychron K2 HE follows a 75% layout, meaning it retains essential keys like function keys and arrow keys while being more compact than a full-sized keyboard. This makes it a great choice for people who want a smaller form factor without losing usability.
The frame is a combination of aluminum and plastic, offering a sturdy yet lightweight feel. It doesn’t feel like a brick on your desk, but it’s stable enough not to slide around during intense typing or gaming sessions. The RGB lighting adds a visually appealing touch, and while it’s not groundbreaking, it’s customizable and looks great in low-light environments.
One minor design issue is with the non-locking middle feet. The larger feet lock into place, but the middle feet can collapse under pressure, especially if you move the keyboard around frequently. I personally found the middle height to be the most comfortable, so this was a noticeable flaw for me.
Typing Experience
Typing on the K2 HE is a unique experience due to the springy feedback of its Hall Effect switches. Unlike mechanical switches, where the feel is determined by physical components, Hall Effect switches rely on magnetic sensors, which offer a more bouncy, responsive feel. The switches are rated at 40g of actuation force, but they feel a bit heavier due to the springiness.
This takes some getting used to, but after a short adjustment period, it becomes a game-changer. The springiness made me feel more connected to the keyboard, and my typing speed was just as fast—if not faster—than with traditional mechanical switches.
One of the standout features of the K2 HE is the ability to customize the actuation points of each key using the Keychron Launcher. For example, I set my actuation point to 2.3mm, which I found perfect for both typing and gaming. If you prefer a lighter touch for rapid typing, you can lower the actuation point to 1.0mm. On the other hand, if you want a deeper press, you can adjust it up to 4.0mm.
Gaming Performance
The Keychron K2 HE isn’t just a great productivity keyboard—it’s also an excellent choice for gaming. The rapid trigger functionality is particularly useful for fast-paced games, as it allows for faster key reactivation. You don’t need to fully release a key for it to register again, making quick movements and inputs smoother.
I tested the keyboard in Valorant, Battlefield, and other game, and the difference was noticeable. My movements felt more fluid, and I experienced less delay between keypresses, which is crucial in competitive gaming.
Additionally, the analog mode is another fantastic feature. In games like racing simulators, where gradual input is key, the keyboard can mimic the behavior of a joystick. This allows for fine-tuned control based on how far you press the key. While not every game supports this, it’s a great feature for titles that do.
Software: Keychron Launcher
The Keychron Launcher software is intuitive and powerful. It allows for deep customization of the keyboard, including actuation points, macros, key remapping, and RGB lighting adjustments. You can also create multiple profiles and switch between them easily based on your needs, whether for gaming, typing, or programming.
While VIA isn’t supported on the K2 HE, the Keychron Launcher more than makes up for it. The user interface is easy to navigate, and the customization options are robust enough to satisfy both casual users and enthusiasts. It gives Wooting’s industry standard a run for it’s money!
Sound Profile
Hall Effect keyboards often have a reputation for sounding pingy or scratchy, but Keychron has gone to great lengths to address this issue. The K2 HE features layers of EVA foam and a silicone acoustic pad, both of which dampen unwanted noise and create a clean, thocky sound.
Whether you’re typing or gaming, the sound is crisp and satisfying. The Keychron K2 HE easily outperforms many other Hall Effect keyboards in its price range when it comes to sound quality.
Connectivity and Extras
The K2 HE supports wired, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity options, making it versatile for different setups. In my testing, all connection modes were stable, and switching between devices was seamless. The inclusion of a right-angled USB-C cable is a thoughtful touch, especially if your desk setup is a bit tight.
Additionally, the keyboard comes with some handy extras, including a keycap puller, a screwdriver for disassembly, extra keycaps for both Mac and PC, and a wireless dongle. These extras add even more value to an already affordable keyboard.
Pros:
- Customizable Actuation Points: Adjust the actuation point for each key, perfect for both typing and gaming.
- Rapid Trigger: Register keystrokes faster, a big advantage in fast-paced gaming.
- Analog Mode: Excellent for racing games and other applications that require gradual input.
- Affordable Price: At around $130, this is one of the most affordable Hall Effect keyboards available.
- Great Sound Profile: The dampening layers give the K2 HE a clean, satisfying sound.
- Keychron Launcher Software: Easy to use, with plenty of customization options.
- Wireless & Wired Support: Stable connections in both modes.
- Multiple Color Options: Coming in Aluminum Black with shine through, wooden accents in black and white. This appeals to many!
- Lightweight but Durable: A great balance of aluminum and plastic makes it portable but sturdy.
Cons:
- Non-Locking Middle Feet: The middle height adjustment can collapse under pressure when moving the keyboard.
- Middle Feet Stability: The middle height option can be less stable due to the non-locking design.
- No VIA Support: Some users may miss VIA integration, although the Keychron Launcher is a good alternative.
Final Thoughts
The Keychron K2 HE is a triumph in the world of Hall Effect keyboards. Its customizable actuation points, rapid trigger, and analog mode make it versatile enough for gaming, programming, and everyday typing. Combine that with a price tag of around $130, and you have a keyboard that punches far above its weight.
While it has a few minor flaws—like the non-locking middle feet—these issues pale in comparison to the overall experience. Whether you’re gaming, coding, or typing up documents, the K2 HE delivers a responsive, satisfying experience. For anyone looking to try out Hall Effect switches without breaking the bank, and one of the best sound profiles on the market, the Keychron K2 HE is a fantastic option.
