Feed aggregator

We played an hour of Square Enix’s latest HD-2D RPG that trades in turn-based combat for real-time action.

Here are the best Windows laptops most similar to Apple's MacBook Neo, Air and Pro models, tested and reviewed by CNET's experts.

Spotify was offline for a few hours earlier this month, with users reporting the app and web player inaccessible.

Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K: two-minute review

The premium keyboard space is weird, man. I've been reviewing PC hardware long enough to know that you can usually get a pretty darn good product without spending top dollar, but that's arguably not always the case with keyboards. The bottom end of the market is awash with crappy membrane keys and cheap mechanical switches that fail at the drop of a hat, so I find myself frequently more likely to recommend more premium offerings like the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K.

Priced at $229.99 (around £170/AU$320), it's certainly aiming to be one of the best keyboards on the market, and it does a lot to justify that admittedly rather steep price of admission. Straight out of the box, this feels like a high-end keyboard: the chassis is crafted from CNC-machined aluminum, weighing almost two kilograms in total, with doubleshot PBT keycaps.

For typing, it's a dream; the Keychron Silk POM Banana key switches have an immensely satisfying thwock to them, sitting somewhere between the quiet linear actuation of traditional red switches and the loud clickiness of tactile brown switches. The whole user experience feels great, with multiple connectivity modes and great battery life for wireless use.

(Image credit: Future)

I would hazard that, despite featuring the obligatory RGB key backlighting, this likely won't be the ideal option for gamers seeking the best gaming keyboard — at least, not with the Banana key switches in my review model. There is a linear red option available, which offers slightly greater key travel and significantly reduced actuation force, and high-intensity gamers will probably find that better.

While the Q1 Ultra 8K's namesake 8,000Hz polling rate is ostensibly aimed squarely at PC gamers, offering ultra-fast responsiveness and near-zero input lag, it's frankly a bit of a gimmick. All but the twitchiest pro gamers are unlikely to notice any real-world difference; in fact, I used the Q1 Ultra 8K for almost two days before realizing that the 8K polling mode was switched off by default, and I'd been playing Marathon with the regular 1,000Hz polling — and I didn't notice the slightest bit of input latency, so this is a somewhat milquetoast complaint on my part.

Overall, this is a very good keyboard that doesn't quite reach all-around perfection, but will still prove a worthy purchase for anyone who spends a lot of time typing at their PC. If you're looking for something compact but still satisfying to type on, the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K is a solid choice. If you want a compact keyboard to take on the go, though, look elsewhere — this one is far too heavy for that!

Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K review: Price & release date

• Costs $229.99 (around £170/AU$320)
• Available now in the US
• Sits at the upper end of the market price-wise

At the time of writing, it appears that the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K isn't available to shoppers in the UK and Australia — potential buyers in those regions will have to settle for the Q1 Max, which offers a similarly premium design but uses slightly cheaper key switches and lacks the 8K polling rate feature.

If you're in the US (or willing to import), you can pick up the Q1 Ultra 8K for $229.99 (around £170/AU$320) – a fairly steep price, though one that puts it in the same bracket as the similarly great SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3. Looking at the wider premium mechanical keyboard market, this pricing is reasonably competitive.

(Image credit: Future)

Inside the box, you get a set of alternate keycaps for switching between Windows and macOS compatibility, along with a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, USB-A adapter, and a small set of tools for hot-swapping both the keycaps and key switches.

• Price score: 3.5/5

Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K review: Specs

Layout

75%

Switch

Keychron Silk POM Banana (Linear Red and Tactile Brown also available)

Programmable keys

Yes

Dimensions

12.9 x 5.7 x 1.3 inches / 328 x 145 x 32mm

RGB or backlighting

Yes (customisable)

Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K review: Design & features

• Robust machined aluminum chassis
• Comfortable concave PBT keycaps
• Great degree of customization

My review unit of the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K uses the black colorway, and I really like it. Almost the entire unit has a matte black finish, with dark gray used for accenting for keys around the edge of the board and a bright cyan tone for the Esc and Enter keys.

Combined with the tall, blocky keycaps, simple lettering, and the highly satisfying physical volume knob in the top-right corner, it's all got a distinctly retrofuturist feel to it. The white colorway rocks a similar vibe with gray and red accent keys that would make it look right at home aboard the USCSS Nostromo.

Indeed, I was almost loath to turn on the RGB lighting, because it almost detracts from the clean, retro vibe this keyboard has going for it. Fortunately, those RGB LEDs are addressable on a per-key basis, and Keychron's free software gives you a wide degree of customization. Personally, I was a lot happier with the aesthetic of the Q1 Ultra 8K after setting the backlighting to a cool blue that matched the accent keys.

(Image credit: Future)

The all-metal construction means there's virtually no flex or sponginess in the chassis whatsoever, with every keypress feeling very solid. However, it also means that this keyboard weighs a whopping 1.73kg – quite literally more than many of the laptops I've reviewed for TechRadar, and far too heavy to be practical as an on-the-go keyboard despite its compact design.

The Silk POM Banana switches require quite a bit of actuation force, which takes a bit of adjusting to if you're coming from a non-tactile keyboard with either linear or membrane switches. They also have less travel distance, which might be an issue for some mech keyboard purists, but didn't bother me in the slightest once I got used to typing on it.

Both the keycaps and the key switches themselves are hot-swappable, and the box includes a puller tool, a hex key, and a mini screwdriver for making your own adjustments should you want to do so. It also comes with a set of alternate keycaps to swap it over to Windows compatibility mode (the default keyboard layout is for macOS), and there are two switches on the rear edge for switching OS and connectivity modes along with a standard USB-C charging port, a cable for which is included in the box.

Given the degree of available customization and the robust, high-quality design of the surrounding board, the Q1 Ultra 8K could be a solid choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who want to tweak their hardware. The larger keys also feature new screw-in PCB stabilizers, which help make the space bar in particular feel a lot less wobbly than it does on some mechanical keyboards, especially when hitting it at either end with your thumb. The double-gasket key switch design uses two separate silicone pads (as well as an acoustic pad on the bottom of the keyboard) to reach a deliberate and very satisfying typing sound that takes me right back to the early 2000s.

(Image credit: Future)

In terms of the aforementioned connectivity modes, you've got a few options. Wired will be the way to go for most gamers, as it ensures minimal input latency hand-in-hand with the 8K polling rate feature. This can be done directly via USB-C to USB-C using the included cable, but there's also a USB-C to USB-A adapter in the box in case you don't have any free USB-C ports.

If you prefer a wireless connection, the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K supports both Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.4GHz connectivity, both of which I found to be highly effective in my tests. The 2.4GHz option is probably a little more reliable in terms of input latency, particularly in environments with heavy Bluetooth signal traffic (I was testing this keyboard in the privacy of my own very rural home, not a busy office!), but I didn't experience any noticeable problems with the Bluetooth mode.

(Image credit: Future)

The last unique design feature I'll touch on is hidden on the underside of the keyboard: a wide gold 'art plate' with a sort of astronomy-themed pattern engraved on it. What purpose does this serve? None, as far as I can tell, and you won't even be able to see it when actually using the keyboard. It looks fairly nice, I guess, but it feels slightly like a pointless addition.

Completely absent from the base of this keyboard, however, are any sort of adjustable feet. For a $200+ keyboard, that's simply unacceptable. It won't bother some users, but as someone who prefers a steeper keyboard incline to use with my padded wrist rest, it might actually be a dealbreaker for me if I were opening my own wallet – so for that, I must dock a point from Keychron.

• Design and features: 4/5

Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K review: Performance

• Satisfying typing with sharp actuation
• 8,000Hz polling rate is nice, but sort of unnecessary
• Looooong battery life

I'm always a little dubious when keyboard companies start making their own key switches instead of using the ever-dependable Cherry and Gateron brands, but the Keychron Silk POM switches in this keyboard are really very nice to use.

As I mentioned further up, I think the Banana yellow switches in my review model are a bit better suited to typing than gaming, though they're certainly not bad. I used the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K to play several games, including Warframe, Marathon, and Remnant II, and didn't have any significant issues with misinputs or keypresses not registering. The higher actuation force of the Banana switches compared to the mainstream linear red switches you'll find in many gaming keyboards did take a little bit of getting used to, but I still found it to be perfectly acceptable.

(Image credit: Future)

For typing, though? This keyboard is a dream. The concave keycap tops let your fingertips slide into the center of each key for confident inputs, even when touch-typing at speed, and the reduced travel and subtle bounce on the Banana switches compared to Keychron's own red and brown switches mean that you don't feel like you're hammering the keys — even if you're a somewhat forceful typist like me.

I know I've mentioned the acoustic experience of this board already in this review, but it really does bear repeating. This keyboard just sounds so damn good to type on. It's like an old 90s Packard-Bell keyboard and a snare drum had a baby. There's no audible click like you'll see with blue switches, though, so typing gently will actually result in a fairly quiet experience — good for office environments where you don't want the loudest keyboard in the building.

(Image credit: Future)

The 8K polling rate feature (which requires either a wired or 2.4GHz connection, as Bluetooth doesn't support it) is switched off by default, since some older PCs don't support it. It's set to 1,000Hz as standard, though turning it on in the Keychron Launcher software is very straightforward — you can also use the software to adjust the default keybindings and set up macros, if you're so inclined.

Still, I honestly didn't register much, if any, difference when I turned on the 8K polling. Even in twitchy competitive games like Marathon and Valorant, I didn't feel at any point that swapping over to the 8K polling mode made my inputs feel faster or more responsive.

I should be clear at this point that I am not a 'pro gamer' by any definition of the phrase. I was Diamond-ranked in Overwatch back in the day and have the (dubious) honor of being a Legend 2 veteran in Warframe, so I'd like to think I'm at least above average, but I accept that I'm not really the target audience for a feature like this. If you are a hardcore gamer and you're primarily playing very twitchy, reaction-based games like Valorant or Counter-Strike, then the 8K polling rate may prove beneficial, but the simple fact is that most players aren't going to suddenly find themselves playing better after turning it on.

My last note here will be on the battery life of the Q1 Ultra 8K in wireless mode, which is certainly up to spec. Keychron promises up to 660 hours of use on a single charge, and while I didn't leave the keyboard running for a full 28 days (!) to test that, I will say that it didn't need charging even once after my initial wired testing, and I used it in wireless mode with the RGB lighting on for a full week. As far as wireless keyboards go, the battery life on offer here is undeniably great.

• Performance: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K?Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K scoreboard

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

The Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K is undeniably pretty costly, but it delivers a decent feature set and premium build quality that helps justify the asking price.

3.5/5

Design and features

I'm a fan of the Q1 Ultra 8K's minimalist aesthetic, and the multi-device connectivity is a solid addition. It's shockingly heavy, though!

4/5

Performance

The keyboard is extremely satisfying to type on, even if the 8K polling rate mode isn't going to make a difference to the vast majority of users.

4.5/5

Overall rating

Despite its fairly high asking price, the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K is a good choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who want a compact board that looks and feels like a premium piece of hardware.

4/5

Buy it if…

You want a great typing feel
The Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K delivers an excellent typing experience, with comfortable keycaps and weighty, satisfying actuation on the Silk POM Banana key switches.

You've got limited desk space
Although the weight means it isn't the most portable keyboard ever, this is still a pleasingly compact unit that is perfect for those working on small desks.

Don’t buy it if…

You want something portable
It's small, but it's very heavy. Users who want a keyboard they can easily drop into a backpack and take on the go should look elsewhere.

You're on a tight budget
As great as the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K is, there's no way around that $200+ price tag. If you don't want your wallet taking too much of a hit, there are plenty of more affordable alternatives out there.

Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K review: Also consider

Corsair K70 Pro TKL
This Corsair option is a little larger than the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K's 75% layout, and offers a similarly rich feature set with performance-focused HE switches, 8000Hz wired polling, and a wider range of physical controls. It has a wristrest, too! Read our Corsair K70 Pro TKL review.

Keychron V6 Max
If you want a full-scale keyboard instead, Keychron has you covered for that too: the V6 Max is one of the best keyboards on the market right now, essentially taking the Q1's great build quality and performance and expanding it into a 100% layout keyboard. Read our full Keychron V6 Max review.

How I tested the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K

• Replaced my usual keyboard for one week
• Used for daily work, personal projects, and gaming
• Close to a decade of experience testing PC hardware

As is my usual modus operandi for keyboard reviews, I swapped out my trusty Asus ROG Strix Scope RX in my home desktop setup for the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K for one week. During that period, I used it for my daily work at TechRadar, as well as personal writing projects and some gaming during my off hours.

I mostly played Marathon and Warframe during my testing period (in addition to a lot of typing), but for variety's sake, I also mixed in some Valorant, Remnant II, and Slay the Spire II – though the keyboard's use was largely relegated to hitting 'E' to end my turn in that last one. I naturally also installed and tested out the free Keychron Launcher software.

I've been a tech journalist for more than eight years, and during that time I've reviewed dozens of keyboards, mice, headsets... you name it, I've probably had my mitts on it at some point. I'm also a long-time PC gamer and self-confessed keyboard freak, meaning I have a keen eye for what works (and what doesn't) when it comes to PC peripherals.

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed: May 2026

The Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K is an incredibly versatile and premium-feeling keyboard with near-unparalleled build quality — just don't buy it expecting a portable device, because its all-metal construction makes it shockingly heavy.

CoinbaseCartel somehow obtained an access token and used it to steal files from the GitHub environment.

The hosts for this year's Future Games Show Summer Showcase have been announced as actors Troy Baker and Alix Wilton Regan.

Dutton Ranch episodes 1 and 2 are now on Paramount+, and fans are loving it. However, there could be a 'glaring plot hole' that means the Yellowstone spinoff shouldn't even exist.

The last-ever episode of The Boys will premiere later this week — here's when you'll be able to watch the Prime Video show's finale.

The streamer will offer content in one place for this year's tournament.

If you've been seeing loads of posts about a disconcerting indie game called HoverGrease 2, then you're not the only one.

It's almost time for Google I/O 2026, and we're likely to see new hardware and software, with a particular focus on AI and XR.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, who voted to convict Trump, lost the Republican primary in Louisiana. And, the WHO has declared a global health emergency over a new Ebola outbreak.

(Image credit: Tyler Kaufman)

What dare we hope for next from Microsoft? The company is clearly serious about making Windows 11 better.

All Maltese citizens can get ChatGPT Plus for free for a year, OpenAI says.

Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition: One-minute review

The Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition is one of the more unusual keyboards to land on my desk in recent memory, purely because it's made of concrete. I mean, it's right there in the name.

The popular peripherals brand has taken its already well-regarded K2 HE and encased part of it in concrete, resulting in a 75% TMR gaming keyboard that tips the scales at 3.5lbs / 1.59kg and carries an air of brutalist confidence that few peripherals can match.

The concrete bottom casing sports a pleasant speckled finish with a satisfying density to it, while color-matched gray PBT keycaps pull the whole aesthetic together into something that looks like it was hewn from a single slab. It's a genuinely distinctive design, and the fit and finish throughout is strong, sustaining Keychron's fantastic build quality, but just with a different material altogether.

Under the hood, the K2 HE Concrete Edition features Gateron's potent double-rail Nebula switches which feel excellent under finger. Paired with Keychron's clever Launcher software, it also provides access to features such as rapid trigger, analog actuation, dynamic keystroke and more besides to make this a very potent gaming keyboard indeed.

Connectivity covers Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired USB-C, allowing the keyboard to be connected to up to three devices, backed by a 4,000mAh battery rated for up to 240 hours with the lights off, which is pretty strong. The only thing more pro-grade players may not be as content with is the lack of a proper 8000Hz polling rate, although for most mere mortals, it's completely fine.

Then we get to the price: $199.99. That's a hefty premium to pay for this concrete variant of a keyboard that's otherwise identical to the standard $130 K2 HE inside, especially when a similar price (or slightly less) can net you some of the other best gaming keyboards out there that are a little more performance-focused, such as the Cherry Xtrfy K5 Pro TMR Compact and Corsair K70 Pro TKL.

With this in mind, keyboards as versatile and feature-rich as the K2 HE Concrete Edition from bigger manufacturers, such as the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3, will command a higher price.

Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition Price and availability

• $199.99
• Available now
• Towards the top end of the market

The Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition is available to purchase online now from a variety of retailers, including Amazon and Keychron's own store for $199.99. It doesn't seem to be natively available in the UK, though. This puts it more towards the top-end of the gaming keyboard market, especially as it carries a bit of a premium over the standard K2 HE with purely cosmetic upgrades.

(Image credit: Future)

To be fair to Keychron, you do get a fair bit in the box, with the keyboard itself alongside a keycap and switch puller, plus cables, USB receiver and documentation. There is also a wrist rest available, although that is a separate purchase.

For a similar (or lower price), you can get other Hall effect gaming keyboards, such as the Cherry Xtrfy K5 Pro TMR Compact and the Corsair K70 Pro TKL. Other more pro-oriented products, such as the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL and the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3, cost a bit more, though.

• Value score: 4/5

Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition: Specs

Layout:

75%

Switch:

Gateron Nebula Double Rail

Programmable keys:

Yes

Dimensions:

12.7 x 5.2 x 1.41 inches / 322 x 132 x 36mm

RGB or backlighting:

Yes (customizable)

Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition review: Design and features

• Partially concrete chassis
• Immensely sturdy
• Rich software when digging into it

The talking point of the K2 HE Concrete Edition is right in the name, with some of the chassis being made of, well, concrete. Of course, the entire keyboard couldn't be comprised of the material, owing to its fragility in smaller elements, but Keychron has tried its best to put it where it matters.

For instance, the entire bottom casing of this keyboard has a pleasant speckled finish and a dense thickness to it that marks it out as concrete. Even if that's as far as the use of the material goes, I'm still a big fan of it. It's a keyboard that reminds me of the funny Roger Stevens Building from my days at the University of Leeds, with an almost brutalist finish.

Keychron's keyboards have a bit of a reputation for their heft, and I've noted in the past that the likes of the Q1 Pro and Q60 Max models in my own collection could conceivably be used as weapons with their machined aluminum finish. The concrete chassis on the K2 HE Concrete Edition takes that to another level, tipping the scales at 3.5lbs / 1.59kg – for a smaller form factor keyboard like this one, that's seriously heavy.

The fit and finish elsewhere is strong, with color-matched grey PBT keycaps that look excellent and feel pleasant under finger. PBT is a more durable plastic than the swathes of ABS I'm used to seeing on more mainstream keyboards, and is also much less resistant to the horrible keycap shine that plagues ABS-capped boards after a fair amount of use.

(Image credit: Future)

The 75% layout on offer here is a favorite, providing a good blend of functionality and the ability to save desk space. We get everything from a proper F-row to arrow keys and a single-column nav cluster, plus the usual alphanumeric keys. It's essentially a TKL layout that's been squished up a smidgen.

On the left side of the chassis is where you'll find the interface, with a USB-C port for charging and wired connectivity, plus toggle switches for both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz operation, and for switching between Windows and macOS. The only thing I think is a slight shame is that there isn't a place to store the USB receiver when it isn't in use.

Keychron's lightweight, web-based Launcher handles software and customization duties for this keyboard, providing identical functionality to the standard K2 HE models. You can fiddle with actuation points on a scale from 0.5mm to 3.8mm of the switch's travel on a per-key basis, while dealing with things such as rapid trigger, analog powers, dynamic keystroke and so on. It's a slick and feature-rich interface that I think other brands could learn something from.

• Design and features score: 4 / 5

Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition review: Performance

• Brisk and responsive TMR switches
• Rapid trigger powers, plus more advanced software choices
• Versatile wireless connectivity

As much as Keychron has fiddled with the outside of the K2 HE Concrete Edition, the inside remains unchanged from the original keyboard. That means we're getting Gateron's double-rail Nebula switches, which are a linear TMR switch with a smooth and brisk keypress and lots of customization to make this a powerful gaming keyboard.

You actually have to dig into the spec sheet to find that these are TMR switches, rather than Hall effect, which is something we're seeing become more common with gaming keyboards in 2026. Without getting too much into the weeds, TMR stands for Tunnel Magneto-Resistance, and is a technology we've mostly seen applied to game controllers rather than keyboards. It's essentially designed to offer a greater degree of precision and general responsiveness over the litany of Hall effect products we see in controllers and keyboards.

It's also meant to be more power efficient, theoretically helping the rated battery life of wireless keyboards such as the K2 HE Concrete Edition.

These Gateron double-rail Nebula switches, on their own, are a 40g linear switch that felt surprisingly responsive for general productivity tasks. Sometimes magnetic switches such as these can feel a little soulless for extended periods, but that isn't the case here. Being pre-lubricated, they also benefit from being especially smooth under finger, helping both their acoustics and perceived responsiveness.

(Image credit: Future)

Technically, the K2 HE is also hot-swappable, although much like a lot of other TMR and Hall effect gaming keyboards out there, the choice of switches you can swap in is minuscule. Not even all of Gateron’s other Hall effect switch models are compatible.

As much as this is a keyboard you can use for general day-to-day stuff, it's most at home when you're in games, and when you've fiddled about in software for a little bit. It's here where I chose to set the actuation and reset points as high as they'd go for the WASD and weapon select keys in Counter-Strike 2, essentially turning those switches into hair trigger. It meant inputs required very little effort, which becomes very handy in quick-draw scenarios where you need to bring a weapon out or throw a grenade as quickly as possible.

Configuration in Keychron's Launcher software for this is easy, as it's possible to select a few switches, and then set actuation and reset points with one slider in one fell swoop. It can also be done globally if you want it across all switches.

The software also opens up much more advanced means, such as dynamic keystroke and multiple actuations per key, so you can go through one switch's travel and do everything from walking to running, and even crouching without moving a finger to a neighboring switch. It's a handy addition for FPS titles, preventing you from needing to stretch across the keyboard for other controls, depending on how you have it mapped.

Also hidden in the software are analog powers, unlocking this keyboard's ability to be used with controller-like precision. This makes playing racing games such as my customary Forza Horizon 5 much easier with a keyboard, although I still prefer the intuitiveness of a controller, or even better, a proper wheel and pedals setup.

(Image credit: Future)

Keychron provides its own flavor of SOCD tech with the K2 HE Concrete Edition. This allows you to activate one key while holding down the other for especially quick actions. In this instance, it works based on the most recent one pressed; for instance, if mapped to the A and D keys, it can allow for unnaturally quick side-to-side movement. It's very clever, although not something you'll probably use too much in online games, given Valve wields the ban hammer for anyone who uses it in online Counter-Strike 2 games.

As with the Cherry Xtrfy K5 Pro TMR Compact I tested recently, the key thing with this keyboard is whether you'll notice the purported step up in precision and responsiveness against more 'normal' Hall effect choices. Even as someone rather well-versed in these types of products, it isn't necessarily something I can appreciate as much as the pro-grade players this keyboard is arguably designed for. I want to believe it's making a difference, of course, although it's hard to scientifically judge without turning this review into more of an engineering paper.

The K2 HE Concrete Edition connects via Bluetooth, a bundled 2.4GHz or over wired means, and will work on up to three devices. I've found pairing and connectivity to be stable and easy in my week of testing. It is a shame that more pro-grade players don't get an 8000Hz polling rate wired or wireless for even brisker input reporting, although for most folks, the standard 1000Hz will be more than fine.

The 4000 mAh battery inside is also rather large for a keyboard of this size, and powers it for up to 72 hours with the vivid backlighting on. Turn it off, and that rises to 240 hours, which is excellent endurance.

• Performance score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Design and features

The K2 HE Concrete Edition ticks the right boxes when it comes to offering a unique and solid build, not least with its use of concrete. The fit and finish elsewhere is strong, too, and we've also got versatile wireless connectivity and software to go with it.

4 / 5

Performance

The K2 HE Concrete Edition is a very responsive keyboard with smooth and brisk TMR switches, complete with extensive rapid trigger and software configuration. It lacks an 8000Hz polling rate, although how useful this is to mere mortals remains to be seen, though.

4 / 5

Value

The K2 HE Concrete Edition sits towards the top end for such a potent gaming keyboard, and offers a beefy set of features and construction. There is quite the premium for a purely cosmetic upgrade, though.

4 / 5

Buy it if…

You want a concrete keyboard
If you've always wanted a feature-rich gaming keyboard that looks and feels like a brutalist building, then the K2 HE Concrete Edition is perhaps one of your only options. It nonetheless provides a stylish and very different look that few rivals can equal.View Deal

You want a feature-rich gaming keyboard
Gateron's double-rail Nebula switches inside feel excellent with a smooth and snappy keypress, while Keychron's Launcher software unlocks rapid trigger, analog actuation, dynamic keystroke, and more, making this a seriously capable gaming board beneath its striking exterior.View Deal

Don’t buy it if…

You're performance-focused on a budget
At $199.99, you're paying a significant premium over the standard $130 K2 HE for a material upgrade that doesn't touch the internals. Rivals at a similar price point, like the Cherry Xtrfy K5 Pro TMR Compact, offer a more purely performance-oriented package at the sacrifice of some versatility.View Deal

You need an 8000Hz polling rate
If you're a competitive player who demands the absolute highest polling rate, the K2 HE Concrete Edition will leave you wanting. It's perfectly fine for most players, but enthusiasts chasing peak responsiveness should look elsewhere.View Deal

Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition review: Also consider

Corsair K70 Pro TKL
This Corsair choice is down on price and versatility against the K2 HE Concrete Edition, but it comes with creature comforts such as more physical controls and a wristrest. It also comes with an 8000Hz wired polling rate if that's important to you, although it is quite loud. Read our Corsair K70 Pro TKL review.View Deal

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3:
This SteelSeries option is up on Keychron's choice in price by a fair margin, but provides the backing of a bigger brand if that's important to you, plus versatile wireless connectivity and feature-rich software. Its switches aren't quite as powerful as those featured here, though. Read our SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3 review.View Deal

How I tested the Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition

• Tested for around a week
• Used for gaming and productivity across Windows and macOS
• A decade of experience as a journalist and mechanical keyboard hobbyist

I tested the K2 HE Concrete Edition for around a week, using it as my main keyboard for work and play during this time with both Windows and macOS.

I played various games, including Counter-Strike 2 and Forza Horizon 5, to best gauge its optical switches for speed, precision, and the benefit of its TMR switches. I also made sure to use Keychron's web-based Launcher software to test every facet of the keyboard.

I've been a tech journalist for the best part of a decade, and have reviewed plenty of keyboards in that time from brands big and small. I'm also a mechanical keyboard enthusiast, so I have a keen eye for peripherals and have been involved with the hobby before it hit the mainstream.

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed: May 2026

The Keychron K2 HE Concrete Edition is one of the more unusual keyboards to land on my desk in recent memory… because it's made of concrete

Take-Two CEO Strass Zelnick has discussed the success of Grand Theft Auto 5 in a new interview.

The Ring 2026 Battery Doorbell Pro has more features than any doorbell I've tested, but it tries to do too much at once.

The long-awaited Beth and Rip Yellowstone spinoff is officially off and running. But when does Dutton Ranch episode 3 land on Paramount+?