Keychron K2 HE review

The Keychron K2 HE combines two interesting things in a keyboard: magnetic switches and wood. Alright, that may seem like an odd combination, but that’s at least part of what makes this ‘board such a compelling choice for its $140 asking price. 

First of all, let me address the wood on the sides of the K2 HE. This is part of the special edition package which I have here, and by jove is it lovely. It’s a natural rosewood that feels excellent if you’re weird and stroke the sides of your keyboard, and adds an aesthetic that I didn’t know I needed. Far too often, mechanical boards offer a very similar design with a mean black metal or plastic case, so to see something different with this K2 HE is especially welcome. 

It’s got an almost Scandinavian quality to it, and come to think of it, would pair beautifully with a Fractal Design North, the makers of whom are, of course, Swedish—hej to you, too.

Besides the gorgeous rosewood edges, the K2 HE’s build quality is sublime. It is otherwise plastic, but offers some of the sturdiest I’ve tested on a keyboard at its price point. It’s solid and rigid, while also coming with no deck flex even if you tried to tear it to pieces. A 966g weight also keeps it especially hefty for a board with this small of a form factor, and it dwarfs the older K2’s sub 700g mass.

Switch type: Gateron HE Double Rail
Keycaps: PBT, double-shot
Lighting: RGB, dimmable on keyboard and controllable in software
Onboard storage: None
Extra ports: USB-C for charging
Connection type: Wireless — Bluetooth/2.4 GHz receiver
Cable: USB Type-C/USB Type-A, detachable
Weight: 966 g/2.13 lbs
Price: $140

The keycaps here are also lovely, with their taller OSA profile leaning into a more retro aesthetic that matches the rosewood finishing nicely. They’re comfortable to type on, being slightly rounded, and are comprised of doubleshot-moulded PBT plastic for an extra dose of quality finishing. I should also shout out the beige accent keycaps for the Esc and Return keys, which