Differences Between Keychron vs. Other Gaming Keyboards
There are many reasons to choose a mechanical keyboard for gaming. Mechanical keyboards come in various designs, offering a vast range of features. One of the most sought-after features that make mechanical keyboards highly demanded is their fast actuation time. This can be achieved by creating a pressure-sensitive switch that provides tangible and acoustic feedback when the key is pressed. Features like this are what make the difference between Keychron vs. other gaming keyboards more obvious.
Compared to other mechanical gaming keyboards, Keychron mechanical keyboards have lower latency, a compact layout, RGB backlights with the option to choose colorful static backlights, and an ergonomic design for comfortable gaming.
This post by Keychron explains more about the features of this brand of keyboard.
Our tips for choosing the right e-gaming keyboard layout could be a great resource to help you choose the right keyboard for your needs.
Reasons Why Keychron Keyboards Are Good for Gaming
Keychron is a company that specializes in manufacturing heavy-duty keyboards for professional office and IT workers. Nevertheless, later models have been designed with gaming in mind. Consequently, their keyboards are housed in an aluminum chassis, have customizable mechanical or optical switches, are mostly wireless, and have a backlight (RGB or static). All keyboards are compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android. Moreover, they offer all layouts and sizes (from 60% to 100%) at reasonable prices, in return for such features while high-class mechanical gaming keyboards can cost over $220.
Reasons for Keychron keyboards being good for gaming are that they have a sturdy construction, slim design, interchangeable switches, the option of both mechanical and optical switches, RGB or constant backlight, and pleasing aesthetics.
Check out our gaming keyboard recommendations to know more about what you may need for your type of gaming. You may also be interested to learn what a gaming keyboard is exactly, so be sure to read our related article for more information.
We explain the reasons why Keychron keyboards are good for gaming, in detail:
Reason 1. Keychron Keyboards Have Gateron Brown Switches for Faster Actuation
One of the key differences between a Keychron vs. other gaming keyboards are the Gateron browns. Due to the evenness and high sensitivity of the mechanical switches, using a mechanical keyboard like this in gaming may greatly increase your winning chances. In addition, tactile switches contain a bump that makes it easier to determine when a keystroke is actuated, allowing you to leave the key and quickly press the next one without the previous switch being bottomed out. The Brown Gateron switch, which is tactile (and has a bump on it) but still pretty smooth and responsive, is a good choice if you prefer a little feedback when you hit a key while playing games.
Reason 2. Keychron Keyboards Have Ergonomic and Compact Designs
Anyone who works a lot on a PC knows that this can be a burdensome task for our wrists, elbows, and shoulders. A good keyboard can help eliminate this negative effect. Keychron 65%, 75%, or even 96% keyboards like these, have a compact design. The keys are easy to press and you can also place the mouse closer to the keyboard. This is all to minimize tension in muscles to prevent future pain. Furthermore, if you need additional relief while working or gaming, you can buy a Keychron resin palm support like this.
As a matter of interest, if you find that one or more of your keyboard’s keys are not working check out our list of gaming keyboard testers to see which one you can use to fix the problem.
Reason 3. Keychron Keyboard’s RGB Backlight Offers Aesthetic Appeal
It’s understood that adding RGB lighting is a matter of personal taste. However, gamers and streamers love RGB lighting as it makes them feel more immersed in the atmosphere of the game.
Accordingly, Keychron keyboards like this offer the gamer the chance to select either a white LED backlight or, with a small additional cost, 18 preset RGB lightings that can be optionally turned off. Make sure to check out our article that offers tips to find a gaming keyboard that lights up.
Reason 4. The Hot-Swappable Sockets Are Compatible With Most Mechanical Switches
At the heart of their design, Keychron keyboards like this are meant to be fully customizable and offer their users the freedom to conceive a typing experience tailored to their own choice. They frequently add tools to help facilitate this customization, distinguishing them as a great passageway for the enthusiasts, with relatively acceptable cost, and beginner-level craftsmanship. This video tutorial by ShortCircuit explains more about Keychron keyboard features.
Types of Keychron Keyboards
Even though Keychron is a newcomer to the keyboard market, they already have a great variety of keyboards with layouts for all tastes and have quickly established themselves as “the workshop of the customization world”.
Types of Keychron keyboards include the Q Series (Q0 - Q10), K Series (K1 - K14), V Series (V1 - V4), and C Series (C1 and C2).
Here we explain some of the different Keychron keyboards in more detail:
Type 1. Keychron Q1
This Keychron Q1 is the spearhead product of the Keychron taskforce. It has s a 75% format, made with a steel frame with an even thicker CNC aluminum base, and once unboxed, you’ll feel its sheer mass. This article by GeoSpacial World explains why CNC is used in manufacturing. Weighing slightly over 1.8 Kg, the Q1 could be the sturdiest modular hot-swappable, wired keyboard on the market, so far. Although originally intended for writers and programmers, the Q1 is a very practical keyboard for casual gamers, with its low click latency and compact size.
Finally, the Q1 price might be intimidating and, in fact, there are other mechanical "barebone" keyboards selling for the same price.
Type 2. Keychron K2
This Keychron K2 is a rugged wireless/wired mechanical keyboard. It offers many features for an appreciably affordable price as we show below. This is another reason why keyboards from Keychron vs. other gaming keyboards are unique. It comes in a 75% design, which means it’s a TKL keyboard and houses only essential keys. Therefore, Keychron K2 allows for more desk space, without sacrificing vital switches. Besides that, the K2 is equipped with the biggest battery (4000mAh) for a mechanical keyboard.
Type 3. Keychron K3
This Keychron K3 keyboard is one of the few ultra-thin and light keyboards from Keychron. The user can purchase it with Gateron mechanical (or optical) low-profile switches and keycaps. These switches are also replaceable with Keychron switches. The K3, like other members of the Keychron family, comes with an aluminum body frame and is compatible with Android/Windows or Mac/iOS. Like all Keychron keyboards, users can connect 3 different devices via Bluetooth. The only downside of the K3 is its relatively limited battery life at 1550 mAh. Despite this, K3 works smoothly for Mac users. Should you find that this is not the case check out our quick fixes if your gaming keyboard is not working properly.
Type 4: Keychron K4
The Keychron K4 keyboard is based on the K2 platform but has a numeric pad in a highly compact and unique 96% layout. The K4 is ideal for intensive work users who need to manage space at home, while traveling, or at the office. It offers high wireless compatibility with PC, Mac, Linux, and Android systems. Additionally, the K4 is equipped with Gateron switches, which are currently considered the most flexible on the market.
Keychron vs. Gaming Keyboard From Logitech
Although being high-priced, Logitech gaming keyboards are still gaining positive reviews in terms of ergonomics and quality of construction.
Keychron keyboards differ from Logitech keyboards in that they are not full-sized keyboards, they are intended for different use - not just gaming. They are similar in that they can be used for work and gaming and they are both wireless and wired.
An example of a Logitech gaming keyboard is this mechanical G915 which has a chassis made of hardened aluminum and comes with a low-profile switch design. Our article that compares gaming keyboards vs. regular keyboards explains the differences between these two types of keyboards. And the experts at Lenovo provide some great guidelines to follow, in this article, when looking for a gaming keyboard.
Let's do a quick comparison between Keychron and 3 Logitech keyboards.
1. Logitech MX Keys vs. Keychron K4
This Logitech MX is a full-size keyboard and Keychron K4 is almost full-size with "FN" and "System" keys, as well as a numeric pad. Both boards can connect to 3 different devices simultaneously, regardless of the operating system.
Despite the similarities, the following table shows several noticeable differences.
| Keychron K4 | Logitech MX Keys | |
| Keys | Mechanical | A variation of membrane switches and scissor-switches (pantograph switches) |
| Keys | Swappable (compatible with all Gateron switches) | Reprogrammable dedicated keys |
| Key mapping | QMK compatibility and VIA | Logitech software |
| Typing experience | Keys have depth, tactile response and clicker sound | Shorter travel distance |
| Typing experience | A palm rest is necessary | A palm rest is not necessary |
| Dimensions | 96% format, shorter and full-height | Full-size, longer with a thin profile |
| Weight | 0.77 Kg | 0.80 Kg |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1 (can connect from farther) | 2.4GHz via USB-A receiver |
| Connectivity | FN + 1, 2, or 3 to connect | Independent button for each device |
| Flowcross | N/A | Flowcross comp control for file exchange |
| Price | ~ $100 - ~ $110 | ~ $120 - ~ $180 |
2. Keychron Q1 vs. Logitech G613
While the Q1 and this Logitech G613 are 2 mechanical keyboards, they’re intended for different market segments. Logitech advertises the G613 as a "Gaming Mechanical Keyboard", whereas the Q1 is meant for professional writing and IT. A key difference between such keyboards from Keychron vs. other gaming keyboards is that they’ve generalized them not only for gaming, but also for office work.
| Keychron Q1 | Logitech G613 | |
| Keys | Mechanical Gateron Phantom | Mechanical Romer-G |
| Modular hot-swappable switches | ||
| Key mapping | All keys are compatible with QMK and VIA | 6 macro keys, plus independent media buttons |
| Typing experience | Stable and solid typing | Satisfactory |
| Compatibility | Windows/Mac/Linux/Android | Windows. It can work with other operating systems but with remapping issues |
| Case build | In all aluminum construction, the PCB is mounted on joints | All plastic construction |
| Dimensions | 75% layout | Full-size keyboard |
| Weight | 1.825 Kg | 1.4 Kg |
| Connectivity | Cable only | Wireless 2.4GHz and Bluetooth |
| Battery life | No battery | 2 AA batteries for 18 months |
| Price | ~ $170 - ~ $220 | ~ $80 |
3. Keychron K2 vs. Logitech G915
The Keychron K2 and this Logitech G915 are mechanical wireless keyboards. Actually, Logitech advertises the G915 as a gaming keyboard.
| Keychron K2 | Logitech G915 | |
| Switches | Swappable switches that are compatible with all Gateron switches | Reprogrammable dedicated keys |
| Key mapping | Needs third-party software to remap keys | Logitech G-Hub software |
| Key legends | Recognizable key legends | Translucent legends |
| Anti-Ghosting key/n-key rollover | N/A | |
| Keys stability | Rugged and stable | Fairly stable |
| Typing experience | Keys have longer travel and tactile response. Work well with Genshin Impact and even Counter-Strike, without latency issues | Muffled sound, has shorter distances, has optional tactile and clicker keys, and works well with all games |
| Case build | Plastic, but the K2 V2 has an aluminum base | Aluminum body |
| Dimensions and form | 75% keyboard with a thick profile | Full keyboard with a low profile. Even a TKL is bigger than a K2. |
| Weight | 0.794 Kg | 1.025 Kg |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1 or Type-C USB cable | LightSpeed, 2.4GHz USB-A receiver, or Bluetooth |
| FN +1, 2, or 3 to connect | ||
| Battery life | 4000 mAh allows for 72 hrs of runtime with a Bluetooth connection and 50% constant backlight | 40 hrs |
| Charging cable | C-Type USB | micro-USB |
| Price | ~ $80 - ~ $110 | ~ $150 - ~ $230 |
Make sure you also take a look at our article explaining the differences between wireless and wired keyboards to figure out which will be best for you.
Keychron Keyboards for Gaming
Keychron was primarily developed as a utility tool. Nonetheless, it won’t disappoint the average player with its performance, even in FPS games like Battlefield, and let's not forget that Keychron is selling a series of gaming keyboards. In this respect, the below table gives some examples of Keychron keyboards.
| Keychron Gaming Keyboard | Features | Keyboard Connectivity | Approximate Price on Amazon |
| Keychron K6 | 60% layout, wireless mechanical gaming keyboard, interchangeable switches without soldering, compatible with Windows/Mac/Linux/Android. | Gaming laptops and desktops that have Bluetooth | $75 |
| Keychron K10 | Full-size multitask gaming board for Windows/Mac. Wireless/wired options. 4000mAh battery. With a Siri button | Gaming on PC and Mac via Bluetooth or wired connection | $105 |
| Keychron C1 | TKL design. Wired USB gaming and office keyboard. Windows/Mac compatible | Gaming on PC and Mac via C-USB braided cable only | $75 |
| Keychron C2 | Full-size office and gaming keyboard. Mac and Windows compatible | Gaming on Mac and PC by a type-C USB braided cable only | $75 |