Keychron’s mechanical keyboards are up to 60 percent off
Keychron makes some of the best mechanical keyboards available, whether you’re something of an enthusiast who intends to hotswap switches or someone who doesn’t want to pay a lot to get a well-built clickity, clackity board. Thankfully, Keychron, Walmart, and Amazon are all discounting a swath of Keychron keyboards through March 31st as part of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. Keyboards of many sizes (including both 65 and 100 percent boards) are on sale, with the more recent models receiving a 10 to 20 percent discount.
For some even bigger discounts, Woot is offering a selection of wired and wireless Keychron keyboards on a first-come, first-served basis (including a unique ergonomic model mentioned below) through April 4th. In case you didn’t know, Amazon Prime members get free shipping when logged in at Woot.
There are a bunch of excellent models available, but we have a few favorites to recommend.
If you’re looking for a great, entry-level wired mechanical keyboard, there might be no need to look further than Keychron’s V1, which is just $44.99 at Woot (originally $74.99). Like pricier options below, this model features remappable keys through the Via web-based software, plus customizable RGB backlights, and hot swappable switches if you want a different click feel and sound than what comes with the keyboard. If all you want is a solid, wired-only keyboard, this is a fantastic pick.
If you like the look of the V1, but want the flexibility of going wireless, Keychron’s V1 Max is a great bang-for-your-buck pick that costs a bit more. It comes in various sizes (though, only the 75 and 100 percent layouts are discounted) and supports Bluetooth, wired connectivity via USB-C, and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity — with one USB-C receiver and one USB-A receiver included. My colleague Antonio G. Di Benedetto lovingly referred to the V1 Max as the “Toyota Corolla of keyboards” in The Verge’s buying guide because it’s reliable and likely to be good enough for most people. It now starts at $84.99, down from $115, at Amazon and $97.99 from Keychron’s online storefront.
If you’re curious about the handful of perks that Hall effect switches bring to a keyboard, Keychron’s K2 HE is available for 20 percent off from Keychron, dropping the starting price to $103.99 ($26 off). It’s slightly pricier at Amazon, where it costs $110.99. That’s the cost for the all-plastic model; the model with wood panels on its side is $111.99. Although the 75 percent board was already somewhat affordable given its specs, the barrier to entry is now even lower.
The aforementioned switches allow for adjustable, per-key actuation points and rapid trigger support, letting you execute commands incredibly quickly. You can also set dynamic keystrokes (the ability to trigger several different functions depending on how far you press or release a key) and RGB backlighting through Keychron’s browser-based app (or with the open-source QMK firmware). The good-looking keyboard also supports 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity.
It’s worth noting that, while the K2 HE supports hot-swappable switches, there aren’t many candidates out there that you can swap into this model. As of right now, it’s only compatible with the double-rail magnetic switches sold through Keychron.
Keychron K2 HE keyboard
Where to Buy:
The aluminum-clad Keychron Q Max is one of the company’s nicest — and priciest — models, as it typically sells for over $200. The smaller 75 percent option is selling for 20 percent off at Keychron’s online storefront, where you can grab one for $183.90. It costs $195.49 at Amazon. While the aesthetics of the Q Max look similar to the company’s other keyboards, its all-metal design feels like it’s built a bit better. No matter which Gateron switch you opt for, the Q Max lineup is hot-swappable with other three- and five-pin switches on the market. No soldering experience is required, either; just pull them out and slot in your preferred switches.
Keychron Q1 Max
Where to Buy:
One of Keychron’s most unique-looking keyboards, the Q8, is a 65 percent wired mechanical model with the Alice layout. It has an ergonomic key arrangement; Instead of lining up keys in even rows, there’s a slant that might work great for people who regularly experience wrist pain from typing. This model ships with Gateron G Pro switches, but it’s hot-swappable with many 3- or 5-pin mechanical switches. You can grab this model from Keychron for $79.99, or $89.99 from Woot for $89.99.