Keychron expands its hall-effect keyboard lineup with the Q5 HE and J2 HE keyboards

Keychron is growing its already enormous keyboard lineup with a couple more entries. In addition to the Q5 HE 8K, the latest addition to the Q HE 8K-series, the company is also introducing its cheapest HE 8K keyboard, the J2 HE 8K.

Priced at $239.99, the Q5 HE 8K (via TechPowerUP) targets gamers who require a Numpad but prefer a more streamlined footprint than a traditional full-sized board. The Q5 HE 8K is currently available in black and white and features a compact 1800 layout, which condenses the board to 408 mm in length. Despite its smaller size, it retains a full-sized zero key on the numpad and adds a programmable knob and a row of dedicated macro keys. The board uses Keychron's Magnetic Lime switches and OSA double-shot PBT keycaps, and features south-facing RGB lighting and an 8K polling rate. Because this is a wired-only model, Keychron was able to reduce the front height to 20.6 mm, improving ergonomics for long gaming sessions.

On the software side, the Q5 HE 8K is fully compatible with the Keychron Launcher web app, enabling advanced analogue features such as Rapid Trigger, adjustable actuation points, Snap Click, Last Key Priority (LKP), and Dynamic Keystrokes (DKS). The keyboard also features hardware-level toggles for OS switching (macOS/Windows) and profile selection, ensuring that your custom macros and settings are accessible across different systems without needing background software. As per usual for a keyboard at this price, the Q5 HE is hot-swappable.

Moving on to the J2 HE 8K, this is a 75% wired keyboard that aims to democratise high-end magnetic switch technology. Priced at just $99.99, the J2 HE 8K brings the performance of its premium Q HE series to a much more accessible price bracket. While the flagship Q-series models feature heavy CNC aluminium chassis, the J2 HE 8K utilises a more streamlined plastic construction to maintain its competitive edge without sacrificing the core internal hardware that defines the 8K experience.

Like the Q5 HE 8K, the J2 HE also comes with hot-swap sockets, double-shot PBT keycaps, and Lime Magnetic switches, allowing it to offer some of the analogue features of the more expensive model, including adjustable actuation points. Also like the Q HE 8K series, the J2 HE 8K is a wired-only device with an 8K polling rate. This design choice ensures the stability and bandwidth required to maintain a consistent 8K signal while keeping the front height lower for better ergonomics.

Customisation is handled through the Keychron Launcher web app, removing the need for bloatware and allowing users to rebind keys, program macros, and configure other settings directly in a browser. The keyboard also features the signature Keychron hardware OS switch, enabling seamless transitions between macOS and Windows layouts. Despite the budget-friendly price, it still includes high-end features like south-facing RGB lighting and the ability to emulate controller inputs.

KitGuru says: Of the two new Keychron keyboards, which one looks the most interesting to you?

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