Disclosure: DeskGearReviews is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
The Keychron K2 is the $89 mechanical keyboard we recommend to anyone buying their first mechanical board. 75% layout (all the keys you use, none you don’t), hot-swap PCBs so you can change switches without soldering, wireless or wired over USB-C, and mainstream Gateron switches that cost pennies to replace when you want to experiment.
Why not the Q1 instead
The Keychron Q1 at $199 is the better keyboard in every measurable way — gasket mount, metal case, QMK firmware. But it’s twice the price and three times the commitment for a first mechanical. The K2 lets you figure out whether you actually prefer tactile, linear, or clicky switches before you spend $200.
The limitation
The plastic case and tray mount make it sound hollow compared to the Q1. RGB backlighting is aggressive by default (turn it off). Battery life is 70 hours with RGB off, 10 hours with RGB on full.
Bottom line: Best $90 mechanical keyboard, period. Buy this before buying the Q1.