Keychron Q8 Review 2024

Discover the Keychron Q8, a compact mechanical keyboard featuring an ergonomic layout, vibrant RGB backlighting, and premium build quality perfect for gamers and professionals alike.

Keychron Q8
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About The Keyboard

The Keychron Q8 is a well-crafted compact mechanical keyboard that features an Alice layout designed specifically for ergonomic comfort. Its compact (65%) design not only saves desk space but also promotes a more natural hand position, which is especially beneficial during extensive typing sessions. With an aluminum chassis and steel baseplate, the Q8 exemplifies premium build quality, ensuring that it remains stable and reliable without any flex that may distract during use. The integrated sound-dampening foam further enhances the experience, making it an excellent choice for quiet environments, where noise levels need to be controlled.

type

Wired

compactness

Compact (65%)

switches

Hot-swappable (compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin switches)

keycap material

PBT

switch lifespan

50 million actuations

polling rate

1000 Hz

actuation point

2mm

response time

1ms

Performance & Build

Mechanical Switches
Anti-Ghosting
Media Keys
Programmable Keys
Customizable Macros
Custom Key Mapping
Profile Switching
Onboard Memory
Bluetooth
Rechargeable Battery
Detachable Cable
Usb Passthrough
Backlight
RGB Lighting
Per-Key Lighting
Layer Indicator Lights
OLED Display
Height Adjustment Feet
Wrist Rest
Swappable Keycaps
Volume Wheel
Water Resistant
Numpad

Additional Features

Functionally, the Q8 is equipped with advanced features like hot-swappable switches and individually backlit RGB keys that offer immense customization potential. Users can alter the switches without soldering, allowing easy upgrades or replacements according to individual preferences. The companion software enables the customization of key functions, making it a suitable option for gamers and professional users alike. Additionally, its fixed 5 degrees incline promotes better posture, although the lack of a wrist rest might be a drawback for those who prefer that additional support during long typing sessions.

Target Users

Gaming and Productivity

Hot-swappable switchesGasket-mounted designOS toggle for Windows and MacProgrammable volume knobCompact layout for desk spaceHigh-quality build materialsCustomizable RGB lightingPBT keycaps for durability

Build Quality

  • Frame Material: Aluminum and Steel
  • Durability: Durable construction with no flex
  • Material Details: Solid aluminum chassis and steel baseplate, sound-dampening foam

Lighting

  • RGB: Yes
  • Zones: Individually Backlit Keys
  • Modes: Color Wave, Breathing, Static
  • Sync Features:

    Ergonomics

    • Noise Level: Clicky
    • Wrist Support: None
    • Angles: 5° fixed incline

    Tuomas Jokela

    Keyboard Enthusiast & Developer