Keychron K2 Pro Review: The v2, but Better

[@alphabee8171]

great vid, btw i see a lot of comments regarding whether RGB can have backlight as white. You do see an option to do that but the light is kinda bluish than white so idk if you want exactly white then it's a no.

[@dannyize]

Thanks for that, I wondered about it too. I might have gotten white backlight with aluminum rails if it were offered. I went with plastic case and white LEDs.

[@alphabee8171]

@@dannyize yea I wanted the aluminium case as well and figured I can work with or without backlight anyway. It's not shining through legends so honestly it doesn't matter much.

[@nerdgrafx]

I actually did not try the white backlight on the keyboard, but this could very well be true. I have seen people talk about that with other keyboards as well either to save battery life or the LEDs are just not capable of producing a true white

[@dannyize]

I bought the white-backlit version, no aluminum rails. I'm very satisfied. The light patterns are mostly useless; show 'em to your friends once, then go back to fully-lit. Good that they offer the white option. I don't want RGB on mine. I'm a custom keyboard newbie. There are many things I didn't realize, mostly about keycap profiles. I did not care for the stock keycaps, particularly those two red keys. Also the black F9, not good. I wish they would have included normal replacements. I ended up buying XDA profile keycaps.

[@nerdgrafx]

Nice! Welcome to the hobby, I actually am relatively new and I have found to like the Cherry and XDA profile best for typing. I also don't really use the RGB backlight, so I think going with the white one is best for most people, but if someone's setup has RGB lights everywhere, it's good to know boards still offer that option.

[@nateofallnatea]

Just got my K2 Pro. Upgraded from my old Corsair keyboard. This is by far the best feeling keyboard I've used, the keys are soft and clucky at the same time.

[@nerdgrafx]

That's great to hear. Welcome to the keyboard community! What switches did you get?

[@nateofallnatea]

@@nerdgrafx reds, which were a pleasant surprise going from 10 yo browns.

[@nerdgrafx]

@@nateofallnatea that’s a great choice. I really liked the reds sound profile on the K2 pro, even though I’m usually going for the tactile switches

[@Seadweed]

Hi nerdgrafx, I have no question, I just want to thank you for being so communicative to al the responses on your video! I seldomely see it this way! Your video is very instructive and clear!

[@nerdgrafx]

Thank you my friend, I appreciate your support!

[@nerdgrafx]

What’s one feature that you didn’t like from the K2v2 that the K2 Pro solved? For me, it’s the VIA compatibility 💾

[@dannyize]

Yeah, to me VIA compatibility is the main benefit. I don't consider myself to be super-picky, but I don't like the keycaps from either model. The Pro caps seem rounder, more organic. What I really want is a V-series that adds bluetooth and gives us the choice of white backlighting. The all-plastic body is fine - isn't that better for bluetooth anyway?

[@nerdgrafx]

@@dannyize Yes actually, with an aluminum or just metal build, bluetooth signals don't get through so if you are getting a bluetooth keyboard, it's best to go with a plastic build. The V-series are not bluetooth though, you might have to stick with the K-Pro Series for now. The Q-Pro is supposed to be metal and have a way to get good bluetooth signal, but we'll see how good that is once it is out

[@nerdgrafx]

@@BurntPlaydoh I tried VIA and now I can't go back to any other keyboard that is not custom. I like the interface and everything is so simple to setup, I now use macros in my editing work flow all the time

[@dannyize]

@@nerdgrafx You've probably seen this already - furthermore - I don't remember where I saw it, but there's a new(ish) Keychron with a black plastic "window" on the back wall of the metal base. It looked kinda dorky TBH but at least it's in back.

[@nerdgrafx]

@@dannyize Yes, those are actually going to be the new Q-Pro line up. I believe the Q1Pro is available for preorder but won't release until June. At least the window is to the back and rarely seen

[@richardzhang2773]

Hey, I just decided to get the K2 Pro with K Pro Red Switch, do you think its worth lubing the stabs and individual switches for a better sound profile? Thanks in advance.

[@nerdgrafx]

I don't think it is worth it, but I enjoy the keyboard being a little more poppy. The switches and stabilizers were well enough lubed for them to not be a problem so I think you should be good here

[@richardzhang2773]

@@nerdgrafx Ah gotcha, do you think the factory sound dampening foam was enough? Was thinking of modding the keyboard to be THOC sounding but not sure if extra efforts are worth what's seemingly like marginal improvement.

[@nerdgrafx]

@@richardzhang2773 I see, if you would like a more muted sound, I would recommend getting some extra case foam. Especially with the red switches for me it was more like a louder popping sound when typing rather than muted. This also has to do with the plate material on the keyboard which unfortunately they don't sell extras of other material.

[@JDCreativeCo]

Great review! Would you say that the aluminum "rails" detract from the sound/typing experience?

[@nerdgrafx]

Thank you! I would say they actually add to the experience. It adds weight and a more premium feel.

[@brandons9138]

I don't like the K series because of where the USB port is. It's awkward enough having it on the left hand rear corner of the board. Having it fully on the let end/side is a non starter for me. I don't see the need for a wireless keyboard unless you are dragging it from place to place or have a set up that doesn't allow for a wired keyboard. I like the way the K2 looks, but the USB port placement is a deal breaker for me.

[@nerdgrafx]

I can see that, most of my keyboards have a center placed USB port now which makes this weird. I think a good fix could be a coiled cable that coils towards the center to center line the cable

[@andrevieirasilva6902]

Do you think we can remove the paint from the aluminium frame so it looks like aluminium (Silver)?

[@nerdgrafx]

I have not seen anyone attempt that with this keyboard. I would maybe say go with the Q2 in silver if you're looking for a silver one, I don't know if it would work with the K2 to strip off the paint

[@anuragdeshmukh1225]

in the rgb versions can they all be turned to white? i want an aluminum case but also want a more low profile lighting

[@nerdgrafx]

You can technically turn it white. It is going to be a little more on the blue side, but it still will give you a white option.

[@MnemonicCarrier]

Nice review - thanks. I bought the K8 Pro while in the UK, and that has shine-through keycaps! I just don't understand backlit keyboards without shine-through keycaps - it doesn't make any sense to me 😕

[@nerdgrafx]

Thanks for watching! I definitely agree, without the shine through, the key legends just aren't visible with the backlight

[@MnemonicCarrier]

@@nerdgrafx A couple of hours ago I found out the reason why... In Europe, it's just not cost effective to useo double-shot PBT keycaps for ISO layout keyboards, so they use ABS instead. This means the US ANSI keyboards are double-shot PBT (without shine-through), while European ISO keycaps are ABS (with shine-through). To be honest, I have absolutely no problems whatsoever with ABS keycaps - I work late at night in the dark, I like the shine-through 😄

[@jonathanvevance1963]

How does the K2 Pro compare with K8 Pro, apart from the difference in the layout?

[@nerdgrafx]

I believe the only difference is the layout itself. Both keyboards have all the foam included along with the silicone base on the inside. The sound profile should be similar in both keyboards as well since they are built out the same way for both of them.

[@jonathanvevance1963]

@@nerdgrafx I think the switches themselves are different. K8 Pro has gateron G pro switches and K2 Pro has Keychron K Pro switches, afaik

[@nerdgrafx]

@@jonathanvevance1963 Oh right, yea both of those switches are pretty much the same, with the Keychron ones being slightly lighter across the board. This mainly affects the brown switches that are pretty light from Gateron so the Keychron ones will only be much lighter.

[@nerdgrafx]

@@BurntPlaydoh This is exactly what I mean, there are so many great options out there now, not only keyboards, but you can customize with switches and stabilizers and plates to make any keyboard sound great!

[@mukkaar]

Only thing I don't like that this is really thick board. Kinda torn between this and Akko 5075s. Keycron seems like more better brand though and it ofc has wireless ability. Akko on other hand has Cherry profile switches and seems to be slimmer too on top of that, it's also bit cheaper.

[@nerdgrafx]

Yea I don't think you can go wrong with either one that you choose. I do think though that the Keychron one is a little on the taller side. When I was using the K2, I would use it with a wrist rest

[@jithinkgeorge2237]

What would u choose between k2v2 and k2 pro. Pls explain in detail

[@nerdgrafx]

The K2 Pro. It has silicone, plate foam, QMK/VIA compatible, and PBT keycaps. If you don't have the v2, the Pro has more features at a similar price

[@jithinkgeorge2237]

@@nerdgrafx thanks so much for the kind reply. I'm planning to buy my first mechanical keyboard. So can i buy k2 pro over k2v2?

[@nerdgrafx]

@@jithinkgeorge2237 Yes, I would go with the K2 Pro, unless you want see through keycap legends. This is only essential if you work a lot in the dark, but otherwise, the K2 Pro is the better option here.

[@comodsuda]

for me thats weird that they didn't add bluetooth in Q's

[@nerdgrafx]

Same here, especially with other brands including bluetooth in their keyboards. There are now though the Pro keyboards that have bluetooth and work well, I tried the Q1 Pro and thought the bluetooth worked well through the "window" they added

[@comodsuda]

Yup. I'd buy one of the keyboard from the Q series, i really like it but I'm switching between 3 devices over and over and Bluetooth is a must have for me. So i bought K2 pro, which is a bit worse in general but has this feature. I can't understand this

[@andreww406]

do you think it's a good choice for typing mostly and casual gaming ?

[@nerdgrafx]

Yea I think so. Depending on what you like, you could go with a tactile brown or a linear red if your focus is more on gaming.

[@Bazoo099]

Can you help me understand about the key cap? So the k2 pro come with pbt keycaps whereas k2 v2 come with abs! In this case can I just replace the abs keycaps with pbt for the k2v2 ? or k2 v2 can only use with abs keycaps? I’m pretty new to this! Any help would be appreciated!

[@nerdgrafx]

Nice! Welcome to the mechanical keyboard community. You can switch the keycaps on the K2V2 to PBT if you choose to do so. The main difference between PBT and ABS is that ABS is a plastic that wears easier so you might get shiny keycaps sooner than with PBT. The sound also changes, but not enough to my ears to prefer one over the other.

[@tylerwilliams6429]

I just bought this for everyday office use is this good for that use?

[@nerdgrafx]

This is perfect for everyday office use! I personally would use a wrist rest if you're using it extensively, but if the height doesn't bother you, the keyboard is just fine

[@tylerwilliams6429]

@@nerdgrafxthank you!

[@yasserhy]

What is Version B? I found that in the Frame option

[@nerdgrafx]

I believe version B is one of two things: the colors in the keycap set change (you would be able to notice it visually) OR it is a different layout like ISO v ANSI

[@JoATTech]

Great video and useful info in the comments :D. Now I do not know which one to choose K8 Pro or K2 Pro :P

[@nerdgrafx]

Thank you! I personally would always go with the K2 Pro over the K8 Pro simply because it is more compact and I don't need many extra keys. More mouse space is always the better option for me lol

[@mobbu6527]

@@nerdgrafx but I heard k8 pro has better thock sound, now I am confused

[@nerdgrafx]

@@mobbu6527 I don't know about the sound of the K8 Pro, but from using other keychron keyboards, the sound is usually the same in all of their keyboards.

[@LeoT19]

K8 has gateron switches and not the k2 I believe.

[@nerdgrafx]

@@LeoT19 You are correct, the K8 Pro does have Gateron switches and the K2 has Keychron switches. The sound and feel from the switches is almost identical though

[@sayednab]

what's the difference between this and k3 pro? which one is better?

[@nerdgrafx]

The biggest difference is that the K3 Pro is a low profile keyboard which means the switches are shorter than a normal mechanical keyboard. I personally have tried and did not like the low profile mechanical switches, but it is all preference, some people love them. Have you had any experience with low profile switches?

[@sayednab]

@@nerdgrafx yes, I have currently logitech g815, but I don't like cos it gets easily dirty under the switches. typing is ok. haven't tried k3 pro or k2 pro. only thing is, with k2 pro, I might need a palm rest. what about mx mini mechanical, is it better than k3 or k2 pro?

[@nerdgrafx]

@@sayednab That's great! I think the K3 Pro and the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini are comparable in terms of typing feel. It really comes down to software at that point, Logi Options+ allows you to customize some of the F-Row keys, but with the K3 Pro you can customize all the keys and add layers with VIA. The K2 Pro is a great option, but you're right and a palm rest might be needed since you are first not used to a higher keyboard.

[@Mrozek93]

k3pro is low profile and has 1550 mAh battery, k2pro has 4000 mAh battery - its almost triple with the battery time. how nobody mention this lol

[@sayednab]

@@Mrozek93 I don't really care about the battery size, however the customizibility is limited on k3 in regards to keycaps. also, do you know why the ISO versions are not PBT keycaps but ABS shine through?

[@40fps143]

Which is better k2 pro or k8 pro.

[@nerdgrafx]

They are very similar keyboards and I do not think one is necessarily better than the other. It depends on what keyboard layout you prefer between these two keyboards.

[@jonestse]

Is k2 pro’s height good for typing? As a programmer 😮

[@DS-bz4mz]

As with any mechanical keyboard, it's good to have a wrist pad to make it a better experience. As a fellow programmer, I bought one from HyperX and been using it with K2 Pro for 4 months now and it's a great experience

[@nerdgrafx]

I am going to echo what D S said about being great to have a wrist pad, especially if it's your first keyboard and you are not used to the height. I used an Aothia wooden one from Amazon with my keyboards.

[@siddheshrokde2956]

Hey, what’s the difference between K_Version_2 versus K_Pro_Series? Which series sounds better?

[@nerdgrafx]

Hey there! The difference would be that the Pro series allows for VIA/QMK customization, it comes with added foam and double shot pbt keycaps. Personally for sound, they sound basically the same, but you can adjust a little more easily with the Pro by removing some of the foam that is included with the keyboard.

[@thecasualdad84]

Nice video! Random question. I got my K2 Pro 75% recently and when I tried to use my coiled USB C to USB A cable it didn’t work. Lights would come on, but no typing. If I used the generic cable that came with it, then everything worked. Do you use a coiled cable? If so which brand? My coiled cable works with all my other keyboards, but not this one. It’s weird.

[@nerdgrafx]

Thank you! That is definitely weird, especially with the lights coming on. I am using this CableMod one from Amazon and it was working fine with this one: amzn.to/46HxSbD I would check your computer settings to see if you have to set the keyboard up for some reason.

[@spaciovs]

Does this require a wrist rest?

[@nerdgrafx]

I do think that you should get one for this one. It’s a little too tall for me

[@sidworlds]

I am not fully agree with you, if you are reviewing a product pleae be fare with the question -why you picked. your dislikes about a product cannot be everyone's dislike. use the word - how i felt and fully my opinion and if others want to share ask them to put in comment section. everything canno be provided right thats why they have aluminium frame and plastic frame to let customer choose which one to buy. next review time, please keep this in your review.

[@nerdgrafx]

Thank you, I'll keep this in mind

[@bin4889]

i've never seen a more confusing video

[@E_Proxy]

Non-see-through keycaps have no reason to exist on this planet. It makes no sense and i hate them (and the people buying them together with companies keep making stupid non-seethrough bs should get diarrhea). Stop this madness

[@NenadSapungin]

Hey man keep up the great work! Your videos are super high-quality. New sub👍🏼out here supporting smaller channels like mine!

[@nerdgrafx]

Thanks a lot for the support! Just subbed to your channel as well. Great reviews all around🔥

[@NenadSapungin]

@@nerdgrafx Sweet! I appreciate that