Keychron K8 HE All-Wood Special Edition costs $199.99, adds walnut wood and aluminum to magnetic keyboard

Keychron is changing the material mix for its popular K8 HE gaming keyboard with a new special edition that swaps plastic for walnut wood. The K8 HE All-Wood Special Edition is designed for users seeking the aesthetic of natural materials while retaining the high-speed magnetic switch technology characteristic of the HE series. The combination of walnut wood and CNC-machined aluminum increases the weight to 1,009g while providing a unique aesthetic for users who value both design and performance.

Walnut wood frame and CNC-machined aluminum sides join magnetic switches

The K8 HE All-Wood Special Edition retains the tenkeyless layout but replaces the standard case with a walnut wood frame and bottom. Keychron pairs this natural wood with CNC-machined aluminum side panels finished in brown to complement the wood grain. The keyboard uses pre-lubed Gateron double-rail magnetic Nebula switches that sit underneath the keycaps.

Specifications

• Switch Type: Gateron double-rail magnetic Nebula switches
• Case Material: Walnut wood frame and bottom case, CNC-machined aluminum side panels
• Connectivity: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C wired
• Polling Rate: 1,000Hz (wired/2.4GHz), 125Hz (Bluetooth)
• Battery: 4,000mAh

Technical specifications include a 4,000mAh battery that supports up to 110 hours of use with the RGB backlight turned off. Connectivity options cover 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.2 for connecting up to three devices, and a wired USB-C mode. The unit weighs 1,009g and measures 365.94 by 133.13mm, making it a substantial peripheral for any setup.

The keyboard features open-source QMK firmware and allows users to adjust the actuation point of each key between 0.2mm and 3.8mm in 0.1mm steps. It supports Rapid Trigger, Dynamic Keystrokes with up to four actions per key, and an analog mode for racing and sports games. However, the sensor layout is proprietary, which means the keyboard is incompatible with many third-party magnetic switches, including those designed for Wooting keyboards.

Keychron lists the K8 HE All-Wood Special Edition at $199.99, which is $60 more than the previous wood-trimmed Special Edition. US orders begin shipping from the company's warehouse on October 2, while global orders start on October 7 due to holiday customs closures.

This model follows previous K8 HE versions that utilized plastic or aluminum chassis constructions. Priced at $199.99, the new wood edition targets enthusiasts who prioritize unique materials and customizable magnetic actuation ranging from 0.2mm to 3.8mm. The integration of walnut wood, aluminum side panels, and Gateron magnetic Nebula switches results in a distinct configuration within the gaming keyboard market.

Source: Keychron, NotebookCheck