Keychron
K2 HE
AUTHOR:Onie T.
TESTED BY:James L.
Published:

The Keychron K2 HE (Hall Effect) Wireless Magnetic Switch Keyboard is a 75% keyboard designed with exclusive support for Gateron Double Rail Magnetic switches. It is available in several variants: Special Edition in black or white, Standard Version in black, and Special Edition ISO layouts for specific regions including Nordic, German, and UK formats. Labs tested the Special Edition in black (SKU K2H-F1), which features a compact layout familiar to Keychron K2 fans and incorporates Hall Effect magnetic switches alongside some gaming-oriented features.

The Special Edition versions have wooden side panels, adding a refined, minimalist aesthetic that contrasts with the more traditional "gamer" style. The keyboard is priced at $140 USD for the Special Edition and $130 USD for the Standard Version, offering a solid choice for users who want a sleek, fast, and responsive keyboard for both productivity and gaming.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

THE GOOD

  • Typing Feel

    Offers a premium typing experience with a smooth, satisfying feel and thick “keeb” sound. There is no board flex, which contributes to its stable typing performance.

  • Price

    Priced at $140 USD, this Hall Effect (HE) keyboard is on the affordable side for magnetic switch keyboards, providing value above typical entry-level options.

THE BAD

  • Switch Compatibility

    While the K2 HE is technically hot-swappable, it is only compatible with Gateron’s Double-Rail Magnetic switches. Standard Gateron magnetic or other mechanical switches cannot be used.

THE REST

  • Overall

    The K2 HE is a solid choice for those who value a streamlined aesthetic combined with powerful typing and gaming features. Its Hall Effect magnetic switches and programmable options make it suitable for both productivity and gaming setups.

Hardware
HardwareNotes

In the Box, the K2 HE includes a braided USB Type-C to Type-A cable, a keycap and switch puller, extra keycaps, a mini screwdriver and hex key, a 2.4 GHz receiver, and a receiver adapter. Although no physical user manual is provided, comprehensive documentation is available on Keychron's website.

The keyboard's construction combines a removable aluminum bezel with a plastic chassis and wood accents on each end. The Special Edition keycaps are rounded OSA-profile, double-shot PBT, but they are not shine-through, which limits RGB lighting effects. For those who prefer illuminated keycaps, the Standard Version offers shine-through capabilities. Labs found that there was no board flex, and the factory-lubed switches contribute to a smooth typing experience. The multiple layers of acoustic foam and silicone pad creates a satisfying typing sound.

The keyboard also includes a physical reset button located beneath the spacebar, enabling a hard reset if the device requires factory resetting or encounters malfunctions.

In the Box

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Front of the box.

Dimensions
The keyboard is placed on a 900 x 400 mm desk pad next to a Logitech MX Master 2S mouse.

The keyboard is placed on a 900 x 400 mm desk pad next to a Logitech MX Master 2S mouse.

Height
Width Max
Depth W/ Palm Rest
Depth
Weight
Construction
The right side of the keyboard containing the navigation keys.

The right side of the keyboard containing the navigation keys.

Chassis Material
Base Plate Material
Base Plate Color
Stabilizers
Keycaps
The left side of the keyboard.

The left side of the keyboard.

Keycap Material
Lettering
Shine Through Keycaps
Connectivity
The keyboard can be connected by a USB Type-C to Type-A detachable cable.

The keyboard can be connected by a USB Type-C to Type-A detachable cable.

Wireless
Wired
Bluetooth
Bluetooth Version
Multi-Device Pairing
Receiver
Receiver Storing
Battery Type
Computer Side Connector
Keyboard Side Connector
Cable Length
Detachable Cable
USB Passthrough
Features & Software
Features & SoftwareNotes

The K2 HE is QMK compatible via Keychron Launcher, which allows extensive customization options. Users can adjust actuation points, rapid trigger sensitivity, create up to three profiles, define macros, and personalize lighting effects. Firmware updates and key testing are also available within the software.

Compatible across Windows, macOS, and Linux systems, this keyboard supports Adjustable Actuation Points with precision settings from 0.2 to 3.8 mm in 0.1 mm increments, providing tailored control for each key. Additionally, features like Last Keystroke Prioritization (LKP) and Snap Click prioritize specific key presses, while Dynamic Keystrokes (DKS) allows up to four distinct actions per key based on press depth. The keyboard also includes Analog Mode and Rapid Trigger settings for enhanced responsiveness.

Software
Software
Mandatory Registration
Number Of Profiles
Onboard Memory
Cloud Sync
Macro Programming
QMK Firmware Compatible
VIA Key Configurator Compatible
Windows Compatible
MacOS Compatible
Backlighting
RGB Software
Backlighting
Backlighting Color
Per Key Illumination
Performance
PerformanceNotes

Equipped with Gateron Double Rail Magnetic Switches in the Nebula variant, the K2 HE only supports this specific type of magnetic switch, limiting compatibility with other mechanical or magnetic switches. Additional Double Rail Magnetic switch options include, Dawn, Nebula, and Aurora, each offering linear designs with varied starting and ending forces.

The K2 HE features a 1000 Hz polling rate, which contributes to low latency and quick responsiveness, ideal for gaming and fast-paced typing tasks. Labs tested the Nebula switches. In terms of latency, the keyboard provided good performance with 8.4 ms in wireless mode, and 6.3 ms in wired mode.

Keystroke
Latency
Sound Sample
Productivity & Efficiency
Productivity & EfficiencyNotes

The K2 HE provides three adjustable typing angles (5°, 10°, and 12°) but does not come with a wrist rest, although Keychron offers wrist rests separately on their website. The keyboard’s relatively high profile may make it less comfortable for extended use without a wrist rest.

Ergonomics

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The keyboard ergonomics at an angle of 5 degrees, with the adjustable leg in.

Board Size
Board Type
Palm Rest Included
Low Profile
Incline Angles
/ /
Key Alignment
Numpad
Dedicated Function Row
Dedicated Arrow Keys
Key Spacing
Ghosting & Rollover
KRO Wired
KRO Receiver
KRO Bluetooth
Ghosting
Test Configuration
Tested Settings
Firmware Version
Software Version
Polling Rate (Wired)
Polling Rate (Wireless)
Debounce Time

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