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Keychron K Pro Series [K2 Pro, K3 Pro, K4 Pro, etc.] Keyboard Review

Tested using Methodology v1.1
Reviewed Jul 05, 2022 at 10:07 am
Latest change: Writing modified May 19, 2023 at 01:33 pm
Keychron K Pro Series [K2 Pro, K3 Pro, K4 Pro, etc.] Picture
8.4
Gaming
6.9
Mobile/Tablet
7.2
Office
8.1
Programming
6.6
Entertainment / HTPC

The Keychron K Pro Series is a lineup of keyboards manufactured by Keychron. These keyboards are an upgrade from the standard Keychron K Series and feature noticeable build and design differences but retain the same wireless functionality. Namely, the K Pro lineup uses PBT keycaps with a unique rounded and tapered shape and departs from the gray and orange color scheme found on the K Series. Most of the variants in this series are also hot-swappable, meaning you can change out the switches, but they also include a toolkit so you can further modify the interior of the board.

Our Verdict

8.4 Gaming

The Keychron K Pro Series are great for gaming, though they're better suited for casual gaming rather than competitive or fast-paced reaction titles due to their latency. Otherwise, they're solidly built boards with full RGB backlighting. Since they have a hot-swappable PCB, you can change the stock switches without having to solder. Also, every key is macro-programmable, and the companion software is available on all major operating systems. Unfortunately, they don't include a wrist rest, which would improve the overall comfort as the keyboards have a high profile, except for the Keychron K3 Pro, which is a low-profile keyboard.

Pros
  • Excellent build quality.
  • Full RGB backlighting.
  • Hot-swappable PCB.
Cons
  • No included wrist rest.
6.9 Mobile/Tablet

The Keychron K Pro series are adequate boards for mobile devices and tablets. They connect with up to three devices using Bluetooth and are compatible with mobile operating systems, though a few function hotkeys don't work. Typing feels nice, and these keyboards feel well-built thanks to the premium materials used. However, some sizes, like the TenKeyLess Keychron K8 Pro, may be too big to use comfortably in tight spaces.

Pros
  • Excellent build quality.
  • Outstanding compatibility across operating systems.
Cons
  • No included wrist rest.
  • Not very portable due to its weight.
7.2 Office

The Keychron K Pro Series are decent office keyboards. They're wireless models that connect with up to three devices over Bluetooth. They offer great typing quality and have a layer of sound-dampening foam inside to reduce noise. However, the noise levels with the clicky Gateron G Pro Blue switches are louder than they will be for linear or tactile ones. Overall, the keyboards feel very well-built and are fully compatible with Windows and macOS, thanks to the toggle on the top left side to change operating systems. Also, the software is available on all major operating systems. Unfortunately, they lack an included wrist rest, which could lead to some discomfort if you type on them for long periods.

Pros
  • Excellent build quality.
  • Hot-swappable PCB.
Cons
  • No included wrist rest.
  • Not very portable due to its weight.
8.1 Programming

The Keychron K Pro Series are great keyboards for programming. They feel well-built and offer a nice, satisfying typing experience. You can connect them with up to three devices using Bluetooth, and they're fully compatible with both Windows and macOS, and only a few function hotkeys don't work on Linux. The companion software is available on all major PC operating systems, so you can program macros and customize the key mapping regardless of your setup. They also have full RGB backlighting, though the key legends aren't shine-through. Unfortunately, they lack a wrist rest, which would improve the overall comfort during use as they're high-profile keyboards, except for the low-profile Keychron K3 Pro.

Pros
  • Excellent build quality.
  • Full RGB backlighting.
  • Hot-swappable PCB.
Cons
  • No included wrist rest.
6.6 Entertainment / HTPC

The Keychron K Pro Series are decent keyboards to use with a home theater PC setup. They connect wirelessly via Bluetooth with up to three devices, meaning you can easily switch between a laptop or HTPC. They have media hotkeys along the function row for easy control, and there's full RGB backlighting to help make your keys easier to see in the dark, though the legends aren't shine-through. While they're very well-built, they, unfortunately, lack a trackpad for on-screen navigation, so you'll have to use an additional peripheral.

Pros
  • Excellent build quality.
  • Full RGB backlighting.
Cons
  • No included wrist rest.
  • No trackpad for on-screen navigation.
  • 8.4 Gaming
  • 6.9 Mobile/Tablet
  • 7.2 Office
  • 8.1 Programming
  • 6.6 Entertainment / HTPC
  1. Updated May 19, 2023: Added details regarding the Keychron K9 Pro, Keychron K12 Pro, and Keychron K13 Pro to the Difference Between Variants section of this review.
  2. Updated May 19, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update adds several new tests addressing Hardware Customization, Macro Keys And Programming, and Wireless Mobile Compatibility. We've also added new objective evaluations to the Typing Noise test, and we've simplified several tests and removed several others that were no longer relevant. For an in-depth look at all our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
  3. Updated Mar 28, 2023: We've added details regarding the Keychron K1 Pro and the Keychron K5 Pro to the Difference Between Variants section of this review.
  4. Updated Feb 27, 2023: We've added details regarding the Keychron K7 Pro and the Keychron K10 Pro to the Difference Between Variants section of this review.
  5. Updated Jan 12, 2023: We've updated this review to include details on the Keychron K4 Pro in the Differences Between Sizes and Variants section of this review.
  6. Updated Dec 15, 2022: Revised the review to discuss the Keychron K Pro Series lineup of keyboards as a whole rather than individual products. Added available variants to the variant box.
  7. Updated Jul 05, 2022: Review published.
  8. Updated Jun 29, 2022: Early access published.

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Differences Between Sizes And Variants

There are quite a few variants available in the Keychron K Pro Series. We've outlined the many variants and configurations in the chart below. We bought and tested the fully assembled Keychron K8 Pro with RGB backlighting, an aluminum frame, and Gateron G Pro Blue switches installed. You can see the label of our unit here.

 As Keychron releases more keyboards in this series, we will update our list of variants. If you have a variant you don't see listed here, let us know in the discussions.

Normal Profile Variants

 We expect our test results to broadly apply to the following normal profile variants:

Name Size Assembly Options Backlighting Options Aluminum Frame Option Switches Switch Options Hot-swappable
Keychron K2 Pro    Compact (75%)   Barebones, Fully Assembled White, RGB   Yes Keychron K Pro Mechanical   Red, Blue, Brown   Yes/No
Keychron K4 Pro  Compact (96%)     Barebones, Fully Assembled  White, RGB    Yes  Keychron K Pro Mechanical   Red, Blue, Brown    Yes/No
Keychron K6 Pro   Compact (65%)   Barebones, Fully Assembled   White, RGB    Yes  Keychron K Pro Mechanical   Red, Blue, Brown    Yes/No
 Keychron K8 Pro TenKeyLess (80%)   Barebones, Fully Assembled White, RGB   Yes Gateron G Pro Mechanical  Red, Blue, Brown  Yes/No
Keychron K10 Pro  Full-size (100%)    Barebones, Fully Assembled  White, RGB    Yes  Keychron K Pro Mechanical   Red, Brown Yes/No
Keychron K12 Pro Compact (60%)   Barebones, Fully Assembled   White, RGB  Yes   Keychron K Pro Mechanical    Red, Brown Yes/No

Low-Profile Variants

We expect most of our test results within this review to broadly apply to the low-profile variants below. However, we expect these low-profile variants to have build quality differences due to their thinner construction. These keyboards also use low-profile switches, which have a shorter pre-travel and produce a different typing quality.

If you have any of the low-profile variants below and feel there are other differences or issues we should mention in our review, let us know in the discussions.

Name  Size Assembly Options  Backlighting Options Aluminum Frame Option Switches Switch Options Hot-swappable
Keychron K1 Pro  TKL (80%) Fully Assembled  White, RGB No Low Profile Gateron Mechanical    Red,Brown Yes/No
Keychron K3 Pro  Compact (75%) Fully Assembled White, RGB No Low Profile Gateron Mechanical  Red, Blue, Brown Yes/No
Keychron K5 Pro Full-size (100%) Fully Assembled  White, RGB No Low Profile Gateron Mechanical  Red, Brown  Yes/No
Keychron K7 Pro Compact (65%)  Fully Assembled  White, RGB  No  Low Profile Gateron Mechanical  Red, Brown Yes/No
Keychron K9 Pro Compact (60%)  Fully Assembled    White, RGB No   Low Profile Gateron Mechanical   Red, Brown  Yes/No 
Keychron K13 Pro "Numpad TKL" (80%)   Fully Assembled   White, RGB   No   Low Profile Gateron Mechanical   Red, Brown Yes/No

Compared To Other Keyboards

The Keychron K Pro Series are the upgraded versions of the Keychron K Series. Overall, they perform very similarly to their predecessors, and they still use Bluetooth to connect with up to three devices. However, they feature notable upgrades to the build quality, the most important of which is the PBT keycaps with the OSA profile, the same keycaps found on the more premium Keychron Q Series boards. The K Pro Series also takes a few more pages from the Q Series, including a hot-swappable PCB, screw-in stabilizers, and compatibility with the VIA companion software. Like other Keychron keyboards, you can use this board for gaming, but its latency isn't as low as dedicated gaming keyboards.

If you're interested in more options, check out our recommendations for the best wireless keyboards, the best keyboards for typing, or the best Keychron keyboards.

Keychron K2 (Version 2)

The Keychron K Pro Series is the upgraded lineup of the Keychron K Series, which includes the Keychron K2 (Version 2). The K Pro Series features a better build quality that includes an aluminum frame option and PBT keycaps. The K Pro Series is also compatible with the VIA companion software so you can make adjustments to the keyboard, and it comes with a hot-swappable PCB and a layer of sound-dampening foam to reduce typing noise, all of which are features that the K Series lacks. Otherwise, the K Pro Series and the K Series perform fairly similarly.

Keychron Q Pro Series [Q1 Pro, Q2 Pro, etc.]

The Keychron Q Pro Series and the Keychron K Pro Series are lineups of mechanical keyboards with hot-swappable PCBs and customizable hardware. The Q Pro Series are more premium wireless keyboards with aluminum cases and gasket-mounted designs. On the other hand, the K Pro Series are more budget-oriented, with plastic cases. They also have slightly better ergonomics thanks to a pair of flip-out plastic feet that provide an additional incline setting.

Keychron V Series

The Keychron V Series and the Keychron K Pro Series are similar, customizable mechanical keyboards manufactured by Keychron. They're very similar in terms of performance and features, but the K Pro Series has the option for an aluminum frame whereas the V Series only has plastic frames. Otherwise, the major difference between the two is that the K Pro Series are wireless and use Bluetooth to connect while the V Series boards are wired-only.

Keychron K8

The Keychron K Pro Series is the upgraded version of Keychron's K Series, which includes the Keychron K8. While the performance remains similar, Keychron made notable improvements to the build quality on the K Pro Series, including OSA profile PBT keycaps, screw-in stabilizers, and two additional layers of foam inside the case for better acoustics. The K Pro Series are also the first wireless keyboards from Keychron to be compatible with the VIA companion software, so you can fully customize your layout, macros, and RGB backlighting.

Keychron Q6

The Keychron Q Series and the Keychron K Pro Series are both mechanical keyboard lineups from the manufacturer Keychron. The Keychron Q6 is the full-size, and largest keyboard in the Q Series. As a whole, the Q Series features a better build quality thanks to their gasket-mounted design and solid aluminum case. On the other hand, the K Pro Series are wireless keyboards that support multi-device pairing via Bluetooth, and they have a tray-mounted design. Otherwise, both keyboards are very customizable, compatible with the VIA companion software, and have a hot-swappable PCB. 

Keychron S Series

The Keychron K Pro Series and the Keychron S Series are mechanical, hot-swappable keyboards available in a range of sizes and configurations. The K Pro series keyboards include high-profile and low-profile options and are all wireless models with mixed metal and plastic bodies. On the other hand, the S Series are low-profile, wired-only models with all-aluminum bodies.

Keychron Q3

The Keychron Q Series and the Keychron K Pro Series are both mechanical keyboard lineups from the manufacturer Keychron. The Keychron Q3 is the only TenKeyLess size available in the Q Series. As a whole, the Q Series features a better build quality thanks to their gasket-mounted design and solid aluminum case. On the other hand, the K Pro Series are wireless keyboards that support multi-device pairing via Bluetooth, and they have a tray-mounted design. Otherwise, both keyboards are very customizable, compatible with the VIA companion software, and have a hot-swappable PCB. 

Ducky One 3

The Ducky One 3 and the Keychron K Pro Series are both customizable, standard mechanical boards but they have some notable differences. The Ducky is wired-only, and has much lower latency than the Keychrons, making it better suited to gaming. The Keychrons are wireless and support multi-device pairing with up to three devices via Bluetooth.

Keychron Q1

The Keychron Q Series and the Keychron K Pro Series are both mechanical keyboard lineups from the manufacturer Keychron. The Keychron Q1 is a compact (75%) size that marks the first release in the Q Series. As a whole, the Q Series features a better build quality thanks to their gasket-mounted design and solid aluminum case. On the other hand, the K Pro Series are wireless keyboards that support multi-device pairing via Bluetooth, and they have a tray-mounted design. Otherwise, both keyboards are very customizable, compatible with the VIA companion software, and have a hot-swappable PCB. 

Keychron C1

The Keychron K Pro Series keyboards are much better than the Keychron C1. The K Pro Series are wireless keyboards with a much higher build quality thanks to their aluminum frames and PBT keycaps. They also have sound-dampening foam inside the case to reduce typing noise. Plus, they're all hot-swappable, meaning you can change the stock switches. That said, the C1 does have a hot-swappable variant, but it's more expensive than the base version.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Dimensions
Size
TenKeyLess (80%)
Height
1.7" (4.3 cm)
Width 14.1" (35.8 cm)
Depth
5.1" (13.0 cm)
Depth With Wrist Rest
N/A
Weight
2.95 lbs (1.336 kg)

The Keychron K8 Pro is the largest available size in the K Pro Series. It lacks a Numpad, but it still takes up quite a bit of space on your desk.

8.5
Design
Build Quality
Keycap Material PBT

The Keychron K Pro Series keyboards have excellent build quality. The outer frame and base plate are solid metal, while the bottom of the keyboard is hard plastic, so it exhibits no flex. The keys feel stable with only a bit of wobble in the larger keys, but as the stabilizers are screw-in, you can easily change them if you want. Like the original K Series, these keyboards keep the plate-mounted switches, but they now add a layer of sound-dampening foam and a silicone bottom pad for better acoustics. Another notable upgrade is the OSA-profile PBT keycaps, the same keycaps found on Keychron's more premium Q Series boards. Overall, these boards feel higher quality than the original K Series since they use many of the same materials and features as the customizable boards in the Keychron Q Series.

6.5
Design
Ergonomics
Board Design
Straight
Minimum Incline
4°
Medium Incline
8°
Maximum Incline
10.5°
Wrist Rest No

The Keychron K Pro Series keyboards have mediocre ergonomics. There are two incline settings to improve comfort, but they don't include a wrist rest. While most of the lineup consists of high-profile boards, there is a variant, the Keychron K3 Pro, that has a low profile that is better ergonomically as you don't have to tilt your wrists upwards to type, and you can rest them directly on your work surface.

9.7
Design
Backlighting
Backlighting Yes
Color
RGB
Individually Backlit Keys
Yes
Color Mixing
Ok
Effects
Yes
Programmable
Yes

The Keychron K Pro Series keyboards have individually-lit RGB backlighting. The LEDs are south-facing, so they're more compatible with a wider range of keycaps should you want to change your keycaps out. Although the key legends aren't shine-through, you'll still get adequate lighting to read them in a dark environment. You can use the companion software to customize the brightness, colors, effects, and effects speed.

Design
Cable & Connector
Connectivity Wireless
Detachable
Yes (Wired Mode and Charge)
Length 3.9 ft (1.2 m)
Connector (Keyboard side)
USB type-C

The Keychron K Pro Series keyboards come with a detachable braided USB-A to USB-C cable. It's on the shorter side and retains some kinks from the packaging but feels nice overall.

10
Design
Wireless Versatility
Bluetooth
Yes
Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing
3
Proprietary Receiver
No
Battery Type
Rechargeable

Most of the Keychron K Pro Series use a 4000mAh rechargeable battery that offers up to 300 hours of use with the backlighting off, and up to 100 hours with the backlighting on the lowest brightness. However, the Keychron K3 Pro has a smaller battery, and only offers 100 hours of battery life with the backlighting off, and 33 hours with the backlighting on the lowest brightness.

10
Design
Hardware Customizability
Replaceable Cherry Stabilizers
Yes
Stabilizer Fixation
Screw-in
Spacebar Stabilizer Size
6.25u
Size Of Right Mod Keys
1.25u
Hot-Swappable Switches
Yes
Switch Stem Shape
Cherry MX Style
Switch PCB Socket
5-pin
North-Facing Cherry MX Interference
No
4.0
Design
Macro Keys And Programming
Dedicated Macro Keys Count 0
Onboard Macro Programming
No
Macro Programming With Software
Yes
Design
Extra Features
Media Keys
Non-Dedicated
Trackpad / Trackball No
Scroll Wheel
No
Control Knob
No
USB Passthrough
No
Numpad No
Windows Key Lock
No
Lock Indicator Caps Lock

The Keychron K Pro Series don't have too many extra features. The media keys and backlighting controls are accessible through hotkeys outlined in the user documentation. Like most other Keychron boards, these keyboards have a toggle to switch between Windows and macOS systems. Next to the operating system toggle, there's the charging port and the power switch. There are three small lights above the arrow keys that light up to indicate when Caps, Scroll, or Numlock are enabled. Additionally, these keyboards are hot-swappable, so you can swap out the stock switches for any 3-pin or 5-pin switch you want.

Design
In The Box

  • Keychron K8 Pro
  • USB-A to USB-C cable
  • 4x Windows-specific keycaps
  • Keycap puller
  • Switch puller
  • Screwdriver
  • Hex key
  • User documentation

Typing Experience
Typing Experience
Keystrokes
Key Switches
Gateron G Pro Blue
Mechanical
Yes
Feel
Clicky
Operating Force
57 gf
Actuation Force
43 gf
Pre-Travel
2.3 mm
Total Travel
4.5 mm

The pre-assembled version of the Keychron K8 Pro comes with your choice of Gateron G Pro switches in linear Red, clicky Blue, or tactile Brown. It's also hot-swappable, so you can swap out the stock switches without having to solder. The clicky Blue switches are light to type on with a smooth tactile bump, and the pre-travel distance is a good length for avoiding typos. However, the Keychron K8 Pro is the only K Pro Series keyboard that uses Gateron G Pro switches. The Keychron K2 Pro and the Keychron K6 Pro use Keychron's proprietary switches, which feel very similar to the Gateron G Pro switches as they're also pre-lubed. The Keychron K3 Pro uses Gateron Low-Profile switches, which have a shorter pre-travel distance than the standard-sized switches.

8.0
Typing Experience
Typing Quality

The Keychron K Pro Series keyboards provide a very good typing experience. The double-shot PBT keycaps have a smooth texture that feels nice on the fingertips. The keys have a standard placement, so they don't feel cramped to type on. There's a bit of wobble in the keys, but it's not too noticeable or distracting during use. The tactile bump of the clicky Gateron G Pro Blue switches feels very smooth throughout the keypress. However, except for the Keychron K3 Pro, you're likely to experience wrist fatigue while using these keyboards as they have a high profile. You can offset this discomfort by purchasing a wrist rest separately.

4.3
Typing Experience
Typing Noise
Average Loudness
55.9 dBA
High Pitch Clicks
Yes

With clicky Gateron G Pro Blue switches installed, typing is loud. The noise will be similarly loud if you purchase a variant with clicky Blue Keychron K Pro switches or Low Profile Gateron Blue switches. However, the typing noise will be quieter with tactile or linear switches installed.

7.4
Typing Experience
Latency
Latency Wired
11.2 ms
Latency Receiver
N/A
Latency Bluetooth
22.1 ms

The Keychron K Pro Series keyboards have decent latency. With a wired connection, they're fast enough for casual gaming or daily use. Although Bluetooth isn't recommended for gaming, you won't notice a delay using it for daily typing or productivity tasks.

Software and Operating System
Software and Operating System
Configuration Software
Software Name VIA
Software Windows Compatible
Yes
Software macOS Compatible
Yes
Onboard Memory
Yes
Profiles
6+

The Keychron K Pro Series keyboards use VIA software, and they're QMK-supported. You can download the software and all necessary files directly from Keychron's website. The VIA software is easy-to-use and allows you to remap keys, set macros, and customize the RGB backlighting. There are four layers of profiles. Layers 0 and 1 are for Mac systems, while layers 2 and 3 are for Windows, and you'll have to have the toggle on the left set to the correct operating system to access the layers.

10
Software and Operating System
Computer Compatibility
Windows
Fully Compatible
macOS
Fully Compatible
Linux (Ubuntu 22)
Fully Compatible
Media Key Compatibility
Windows, MacOS & Linux

The Keychron K Pro Series keyboards have outstanding compatibility. The VIA software is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and every key works as intended on Windows and macOS, as long as you have the toggle on the left side set to the proper operating system. On Linux, only the brightness hotkeys and the FN+F3 toggle didn't work.

10
Software and Operating System
Wireless Mobile Compatibility
Android
Fully Compatible
iOS
Fully Compatible
iPadOS
Fully Compatible
Media Key Compatibility
Android, iPhone & iPad

On all mobile operating systems, the F3 hotkey doesn't work. On iOS and iPadOS, the F4 hotkey also doesn't work.