Keychron k4 reviews: Keychron K4 Review – RTINGS.com

Keychron K4 v2 Honest Mechanical Keyboard User Review

When my third cheap-ass $10 keyboard in two months n key refused to work again, I knew I had to find a better sustainable option. At first, I thought I was just having a bad run with keyboards, but when the same keys start to break down consistently, it’s hard to ignore a trend.

Being a programmer and writer means that I spend the majority of my working hours typing. While I’ve managed to survive so far on your typical membrane-based keyboards, there’s just something about the clickity-click of mechanical keyboards that eventually drew me in.

After hours of research, asking around, and finally taking the plunge, I ended up with a Keychron K4 v2 with brown Gateron switches.

Everything you need to know about mechanical keyboards

The price range of mechanical keyboards usually starts at $100, give or take depending on shipping fees. The option ranges from your usual known brands like Logitech, Corsair, and Razer. However, these brands tend to market their mechanical keyboards to gamers.

While I do play a couple of games of League of Legends here and there, I’m not what you’d consider a hardcore gamer. The point of getting a mechanical keyboard is work-related rather than leisure. I was after something compact, durable, and isn’t going to charge you an extra $100 just because it has LED lights.

In my search, I encountered the following:

There are seven keyboard sizes

It turns out that there are multiple keyboard sizes — not just the physical size — but also the number of keys available. The typical keyboard that you often see is a full-sized one, with all the 104 keys. This is the defacto standard for most manufacturers.

The next one down is the 1800 compact keyboard — also known as the 96% or 96 keyboard — is similar to the 100% keyboard, but everything is smushed together to save space. Due to its compact size, it gives the versatility of having all the keys but smaller and portable. It is the smallest size keyboard that contains a full number pad, which can make it work quite well for data entry work.

If we go down a size, the next keyboard on the list is a TKL — or tenkeyless keyboard. It’s like having a full keyboard with the same layout, but just without the number keypad on the side. You still have access to numbers in the top row but it can be cumbersome to use if you work a lot with digits.

The 75% keyboard is similar to a tenkeyless keyboard but has a more compact design. The arrow keys and home cluster is often placed right next to each other to save space. Because everything is much smaller and 75% keyboards are not as common, finding customized keycaps can be a bit of a pain.

Eventually, the keyboard sizes go down to 65%, 60%, and then 40%. With each 10-ish percent loss in keyboard size, the smaller it becomes and the more keys you begin to lose. By the time I found myself looking at 40% keyboards, the number of keys available starts to go into the realms of layered keyboards — where special key combinations need to be pressed in order to get to letters you may need whilst typing.

In my search, it turns out that 60% keyboards are actually more common and popular than 75% and 96% keyboards due to accessibility of parts such as PCBs and cases.

Staggered vs. Orthogonal

In addition to keyboard sizes, there is also how the keys sit in relation to one another. All the keyboards we see uses the staggered layout — where the keys are placed in staggered rows.

However, there is an underground group of keyboards where the keys are placed in an ortholinear layout. What this means is that the keys are stacked in neat rows. Apparently, this is supposed to make it easier to use and better for achieving higher typing speeds because the keys are placed closer together.

While I haven’t used an ortholinear keyboard before (apart from the number pad keys), I suspect that it might take a bit of time to adapt for alphabet-based typing. Most of us grew up with staggered keyboards and there’s the thing of muscle memory as well. However, ortholinear keyboards do make better conversions into steno machines, where words are typed out as ‘key cords’ rather than letter-by-letter typing.

Switches: Gateron and Cherry MX

From what I’ve discovered, Gateron and Cherry MX are essentially two major competing brands for mechanical switches. Cherry MX switches tend to be scratchier in feel but are said to be more durable, slightly louder, easier to find, and generally more expensive.

In contrast, Gateron switches are smoother, more budget-friendly, and generally quieter.

The Keychron K4 I’ve got has Gateron brown switches. In comparison to my partner, who uses a Cosair with Cherry reds, his keys feel much more sensitive and quieter to press than mine. But then again, I am comparing two different types of keys and brands. The Gateron browns feel more tactile to work with and the sound level makes good ASMR background noise if you’re into that kind of thing. I did find some Cherry blues in the shops and those ones do feel a lot more clicky than the Cherry reds.

Overall, switches are just one of those things that you have to try out for yourself to figure out what your preferences are. Nevertheless, switches are much are tactile to work with than membrane-based keyboards. You can feel each keypress, they can make good background noise if you work from home, or really annoying for your colleagues if you’re in an office setting.

Switches: Hot-swappable vs. soldered

One surprise that I got from research is that not all mechanical keyboards come with the ability to swap out switches. These keyboards have their switches soldered into the PCB, meaning that it may be impossible, or require extra tools to change out broken switches, or change switch colors/brands.

The ones where you can swap switches out are called hot-swappable. This is something to look for if you want to be able to customize your mechanical keyboard in the future.

Build your own vs. prebuilt

Once you get past the usual mainstream brands, there’s a whole other world for mechanical keyboards. There is a plethora of kits and instructions online on how to build your own mechanical keyboard from scratch.

Building your own offers the most for customization — but harder to figure out what would be the ‘perfect’ mechanical keyboard if you’re a complete newbie.

Prebuilds pricing can range, depending on the brand. Sometimes, the build your own approach ends up cheaper. However, what I found is that the bulk of your budget is generally determined by the keyboard’s casing. Metal cases tend to sit on the higher end. PCB pricing is not too bad and you will need to pay a little bit more for hot-swappable compatible PCBs. However, prebuilds are easier because it comes ready out of the box.

Custom keycaps

Turns out there’s a ton of custom keycaps available online. The point of custom keycaps is a mix between cosmetic look and feel, and tactile sensory enhancements.

You can get different colors and keycap bodies with different types of letters, and opacities to pair with any LEDs you may have on your PCB. Using custom keycaps is more an add-on than a requirement. There are a few funky-looking ones I encountered, with a strong indie market for custom keycaps on Etsy.

Why I ended up with a Keychron K4

During my research, I encountered multi mechanical keyboard brands.

IQUNIX has a good selection of 96% keyboards that comes in a variety of colors and themes. However, they do sit on the pricier end of 96 keyboards for their most basic configuration. At $199, you can get a wired, non-backlit with cherry switches. If you want the option of wireless, then the price gets bumped up to $229. Add an extra $20 if you want RGB LEDs.

The drawback for IQUNIX is that their keyboards are not hot-swappable, unless otherwise stated in the name. This means that you’re stuck with whatever switch you selected. However, it is fully programmable, meaning that you can set up your own key mapping if required.

The Anne Pro 2 is another keyboard that kept coming up. It’s a 60% keyboard, making it a petite little thing. The keys are fully programmable and it runs with Gateron switches. Because of how small it is, you start getting into the realms of layers and macro keys to get to the additional buttons you may need.

At the end of it all, I ended up with a Keychron K4 v2 for the following reasons:

  • price — for a basic Keychron K4 v2 keyboard with no frills, it’s only $69. If you want to go full spec with RGB Backlight Aluminium frame and hot-swappable switches, the price only jumps up to $99.
  • 96 keyboard — it’s like having a full keyboard but more compact. I’ve got little hands and as a developer, the less key travel I have to deal with, the faster I can put my thoughts down on digital ink. I also like to have access to a number keypad when required.
  • Easily switchable between Bluetooth and wired — the trick is to press fn and 1 to pair with your device. The battery life is also pretty good. I have done an entire three weeks of constant usage without having to plug it in.
  • iPad compatible — not all Bluetooth keyboards will work with your iPad. Keychron works just fine.
Using a Keychron K4: experience and sound level

Don’t get me wrong — the shipping is crazy fast for this keyboard. I live all the way at the bottom of the world in Auckland, New Zealand. Things usually take 2 weeks to get here. I ordered the keyboard on Thursday and it got delivered the following Tuesday.

When it comes to usage, it didn’t take too long to get used to the more compact size. One thing I did find lacking is the inability to re-map certain unused keys to something more useful. However, a keyboard remapper program did the trick. I ended up changing the bottom right control key over to an end key to make coding more efficient.

The Gateron brown switches were a last-minute decision. I originally had red switches selected in the cart but changed it to brown as a gamble. It turns out that the gamble worked out well because I like the tactile feel of typing over the featherly-ness of red switches. In short, you have to press a little bit more rather than have your fingers glide over the keys. I didn’t go for blue switches because based on the YouTube videos I watched, they’re a bit too clicky and much louder.

While I haven’t taken apart the keyboard just yet to try out other switches, I liked the option of it being a hot-swappable keyboard. In part, it’s because I’ve had a track record of ruining the n key on almost every keyboard I’ve used for work. 6 months in, the n key is still going strong.

The black aluminum casing gives the keyboard a much higher class feel than your usual plastic casing ones. I suspect that it is also the reason why it adds to the overall weight of the Keychron K4. It also makes it feel much sturdier and resilient when compared to other keyboards I’ve used in the past. There is that old-school feel to it with an updated minimalistic approach to the overall design.

The color scheme looks better than the picture and the keys are much darker. While Keychron keyboards come in their standard dark and grey theme, there are custom keys that can be brought online to brighten it up. However, that’s more a cosmetic thing than a necessity.

Final Thoughts: Would I recommend a Keychron K4?

For a starter mechanical keyboard that can be used for work and a bit of side gaming, the Keychron K4 is a good entry mechanical keyboard. It won’t cost you a fortune, it’s fun to use and generally solid in terms of quality.

I’m not a gamer but for gaming purposes, it’s worked alright. While the difference can be felt between your cheap standard keyboard and the Keychron K4, skill eventually trumps hardware. This is because I go by — if you suck at the game, the most expensive and best keyboard in the world isn’t going to save you or make a major difference.

For coding and writing purposes, it’s not hard to get into a flow state with this keyboard. The tactile differences from a membrane keyboard make it fun to use and the auditory effects that come with typing can have a good ASMR effect. However, if you work in an office setting, a mechanical keyboard, in general, may get annoying for the person sitting next to you.

This post is unsponsored and I have no affiliation with Keychron. This is an honest review based on my personal experiences with the keyboard. Overall, I’d recommend a Keychron K4 if you’re in the market for a starter mechanical keyboard. So far, it’s been solid for me.

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Keychron K4 V2 review: Big functionality, small package

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(Image: © Christine Romero-Chan / iMore)

iMore Verdict

Bottom line: Keychron K4v2 is a 96% layout mechanical keyboard, so you get the full functionality of a 100% board, but in a more compact form factor. It is compatible with Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS. You can choose from white or RGB lighting, plastic or aluminum frame, Gateron Red, Brown, or Blue switches, and there’s a hot-swappable option. The K4v2 can be used wirelessly via Bluetooth or with the included cable. It uses USB-C to charge and has a battery life between 68-240 hours.

Pros
  • +

    Full-size functionality with compact layout

  • +

    Hot-swappable option

  • +

    Choice of white or RGB backlighting

  • +

    Multiple switch options

  • +

    Multi-device compatibility with Bluetooth connectivity

  • +

    Inclined bottom with kickstand

Cons
  • High body (may need wrist rest)

  • No software to customize keys

  • Layout takes some getting used to

  • Default ABS keycaps get shiny quickly

You can always trust iMore.
Our team of Apple experts have years of experience testing all kinds of tech and gadgets, so you can be sure our recommendations and criticisms are accurate and helpful. Find out more about how we test.

In the past year, I picked up quite an addictive little hobby: mechanical keyboards. I’ve said it before, but keyboards are pretty subjective, as we all have our own preferences, but I like to feel and hear my typing while I work. I have a few recommendations for the best mechanical keyboards for Mac, and honestly, for me, it all started when I got a Keychron K2.

However, while the Keychron K2 works great for me as a daily driver, it’s a 75% Ten Key Less (TKL) layout, and that’s not going to work for everyone. I know that a lot of people actually need a number pad for data entry and whatnot, so a full 100% keyboard is the best fit. However, full-size keyboards are fairly big and take up a lot of space on a desk. Keychron’s K4v2 is a 96% mechanical keyboard, so it offers full functionality in a more compact size. Even though it may not seem like much, it really does make a difference on a desk, especially smaller ones.

For this review, I have been testing the Keychron K4 (Version 2) hot-swappable with RGB backlighting, aluminum frame, and Gateron Red (linear) switches. You can get the K4v2 with just white backlighting, plastic body, and no hot-swap for less. The aluminum frame option is only available with RGB lighting.

Compact with all necessities

Keychron K4v2 review: What I like

Keychron K4 V2 Switches (Image credit: Christine Romero-Chan / iMore)

Before I dived into the world of mechanical keyboards, I often thought that full size was the way to go. However, once I got a Keychron K2 and checked out the mechanical keyboard rabbit hole, I discovered that quite a lot of people prefer smaller keyboards, myself included. But one thing that I could never give up is functionality, and while smaller keyboards can use layers to maximize efficiency, I find that they often hinder my productivity and workflow.

The Keychron K4v2 gives you all of the functionality of a traditional, full-size keyboard (100%) but shrinks it down into a 96% form factor. While that 4% doesn’t seem like a lot, if you have a smaller desk, every little bit counts. You get a 10-key number pad on the right side of the keyboard, but since it’s 96%, placement is right next to the rest of the keys — there are no empty spaces. Keychron was able to maximize the space, but I admit, this format does take a little bit of getting used to (I’ve made more typos in the first few days with this keyboard than I have normally with my K2). I don’t use the number pad as often as others, but it is very handy when I do need to input a lot of numbers.

Like other Keychron boards, the K4v2 gives you plenty of options. I prefer having RGB in my keyboards, and the K4v2 has 15 different lighting effects that you can cycle through with the light button. If you prefer just a white LED or no backlighting at all, you can turn the backlight off or change it to a solid white color. The white backlight option for the K4v2 is only available with the plastic body — if you want the aluminum frame (more hefty and premium feel), then you’ll have to change the RGB backlight to a solid white.

Keychron K4 V2 Side Toggles (Image credit: Christine Romero-Chan / iMore)

For my K4v2, I opted to get the Gateron Red switches (my K2 had Gateron Browns), which are linear and quiet. There is no real “bump” with the Reds, as you would get with the Browns or Blues. They are also the quietest switch that Keychron offers for the K4, so if you need a keyboard that won’t annoy anyone within the vicinity (or on Zoom calls), then Gateron Reds are probably what you want.

The Gateron Reds require only 45±15gf of actuation force and have a pre-travel distance of 2±0.6mm, so you don’t need to press them down much before the keystroke registers. To compare them with the other switches, Gateron Browns need 55±15gf of actuation force and pre-travel of 2±0.6mm, while Gateron Blues have an actuation force of 60±15gf and pre-travel distance of 2.3±0.6mm. Reds are classified mostly for gaming first because of the fast response time, but they are also suitable for office work due to the quiet noise level.

One of my favorite things about the Keychron K4v2 is that it is hot-swappable. This means that you can further customize your K4 by changing out the switches entirely if you do not like them; no soldering required. For the hot-swap version, it’s compatible with almost all MX style 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches on the market, including Gateron, Kailh, and more. I originally opted for the Gateron Reds on my K4 to try them out, as my other board has Browns. However, I’m honestly not a big fan of the Reds so far, so I plan on changing out the switches at some point. Having the hot-swap option makes this process easier since you just pull the switches out and pop the new ones in.

I’ve learned from the past few months that it is hard to find a good mechanical keyboard that also has Bluetooth wireless connectivity and works with Mac out-of-the-box. The K4v2 ticks off all the right boxes. It uses a braided nylon USB-C cable that you use to charge and plug into your computer. A full charge is about three hours, and a full battery should last between 68-72 hours, depending on if you’re using a single LED or RGB backlighting. Without lighting, the keyboard can last up to 240 hours. Actual results may vary depending on your usage. I honestly prefer to just keep it plugged in all the time, which does not harm the battery. The K4v2, like the K2v2, can pair with up to three devices.

I also prefer to have my keyboards at an angle when typing, as it is more comfortable (especially with a wrist rest). The K4v2 has an inclined bottom frame, and there are two sizes of kickstand feet on the bottom to give you additional typing angles.

Those default keycaps get shiny quick

Keychron K4v2 review: What I don’t like

Keychron K4 V2 Corner Kickstand Feet (Image credit: Christine Romero-Chan / iMore)

One of the biggest complaints about Keychron boards that I have heard from others is that they’re pretty high, which may lead to discomfort when typing for extended periods. I didn’t like using my K2 without a wrist rest, so I recommend one for the K4v2 as well. Keychron sells a wooden wrist rest to go with the K4, but you can also use whatever you can get your hands on, as long as it’s around a similar size: 371-by-124-by-38mm for plastic, or 376-by-129-by-38mm for the aluminum frame version.

I’m also not sure if it’s the Gateron Red switches that I’m using or the 96% layout in general, but I have noticed I have made more typos in the first few days with the K4v2 as compared to my K2v2. Since the 96% layout crams the number pad next to the rest of the keyboard, there is a small learning curve — I am often pressing the wrong keys because I’m used to the 75% layout. The Gateron Reds also feel way too easy to press, leading to more typos as I write. Thankfully, this is hot-swappable, and I plan to buy some more tactile switches to install on this later on, as that’s what I seem to prefer.

Keychron K4 V2 Keycaps (Image credit: Christine Romero-Chan / iMore)

My biggest gripe with the K4v2 are the keycaps that it ships with — they’re ABS plastic, and it doesn’t appear to be double shot either. This means that the plastic is a little thinner, and the tops are smooth with no texture like PBT sets that I’ve purchased. The default K4v2 keycaps will get shiny quickly, which means it won’t take long before they get worn out, and you’ll need to replace the keycaps. I plan to replace these keycaps as soon as some of the group buy keycap sets I have purchased come in.

While there isn’t really a need for it with the K4, Keychron doesn’t have software that lets you customize individual keys, lighting effects, or even macros.

The competition

Das Keyboard 4 Professional Hero (Image credit: Christine Romero-Chan / iMore)

Since the Keychron K4v2 is a 96% keyboard, it’s fairly unique in terms of size. However, if you are looking for a full-size keyboard, I reviewed the Das Keyboard 4 Professional for Mac, which could be a good contender if that’s what you’re seeking. This is a full-size board that is best suited for office environments, and it comes with Cherry MX Brown or Blue switches. There is also a volume knob with dedicated media control keys for convenience, as well as an integrated USB hub. Unfortunately, I didn’t care too much for it because it doesn’t have backlighting of any kind, but if you don’t need lighting and want a full size, then the Das Keyboard 4 Professional is a decent option, though it’s a little pricey compared to the K4v2.

Keychron K1 V4 Rgb (Image credit: Christine Romero-Chan / iMore)

Another good option for a full-size board is Keychron’s K1v4, which I gave a 4-star rating in my Keychron K1v4 review. This is a low-profile style board, so it’s more like a hybrid between an Apple Magic Keyboard and a mechanical. It comes in an 87-key TKL size or full 104-key size, has white or RGB backlighting options, and you get to choose between Gateron Low Profile Red, Blue, or Brown switches. This is a good board to consider if you want full size but aren’t satisfied with Apple’s keyboard and want something with a little more tactility and choice.

Keychron K4v2 review: Should you buy

Keychron K4 V2 Desk Setup (Image credit: Christine Romero-Chan / iMore)

You should buy this if …

You want full-size functionality in a smaller package

The Keychron K4v2 packs in a full-size keyboard into a more compact 96% form factor. You’ll be getting all of the functionality you need from a 100% board, but with more room left to spare on your desk for your mouse and other peripherals.

You want a wireless mechanical keyboard that works with Mac

One of the strongest selling points of Keychron is that its keyboards are all designed to work out-of-the-box with Mac and iOS, though you can also use them with Windows and Android if you need to. It also has Bluetooth wireless connectivity, which can be hard to find in a good mechanical keyboard.

You want the ability to customize

Mechanical keyboards are all about customization and flexibility, and the K4v2 offers exactly that. You have the choice of the plastic body or aluminum frame, white or RGB backlighting, and Gateron Red, Blue, or Brown switches. Since the K4v2 has a hot-swap option, you can change out the switches for a different typing experience later on. But if you don’t want or need to change out the switches, there’s also a non-hot-swap version. Gateron switches are also compatible with any keycaps out there that fit on Cherry MX stems (+ shape).

You should not buy this if .

..

You don’t need a number pad

If you can live without a number pad, then you should look into some of the other Keychron boards, like the K2v2 (my current favorite), K6 (65% format, no function key row), or even the K8 (80% TKL layout).

You don’t need backlighting

A lot of mechanical keyboard folks like to have backlighting, whether just white or RGB, because it makes typing away at night easier (not everyone is a touch typist). But if you don’t care for keyboard lighting at all, then the Keychron K4v2 (and other Keychron boards) may not be for you.

You don’t like mechanical keyboards

Again, keyboards are subjective. If you don’t really care for mechanical keyboards and prefer chiclet-style boards like Apple’s Magic Keyboard and similar alternatives, then the Keychron K4v2 won’t be for you.

If you’re someone who wants to get into mechanical keyboards and needs something with a number pad but still want to save some desk space, then the Keychron K4v2 is a great option to consider. It gives you the functionality of a full size 100% keyboard but with a smaller footprint, which is always welcome, especially on smaller desks. Plus, it has the option for hot-swap, three choices of Gateron switches, white or RGB backlighting, and plastic or aluminum frame.

However, the 96% form factor does require some time to get used to, so if you’re familiar with other layouts, you may make more typos than usual in the first few days. The default keycaps are ABS plastic, which gets shiny quickly, so you’ll want to look into getting a better set of keycaps for this board eventually (I recommend PBT double shot).

Keychron K4v2

Bottom line: Keychron’s K4v2 is a great keyboard that offers full-size functionality in a smaller form factor. You get a lot of choices and flexibility in terms of customization as well.

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Christine Romero-Chan was formerly a Senior Editor for iMore. She has been writing about technology, specifically Apple, for over a decade at a variety of websites. She is currently part of the Digital Trends team, and has been using Apple’s smartphone since the original iPhone back in 2007. While her main speciality is the iPhone, she also covers Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac when needed.

When she isn’t writing about Apple, Christine can often be found at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, as she is a passholder and obsessed with all things Disney, especially Star Wars. Christine also enjoys coffee, food, photography, mechanical keyboards, and spending as much time with her new daughter as possible.

5 models worth paying attention to / Sudo Null IT News

Me and many of my colleagues really like mechanical keyboards. We wrote about some of them – quite detailed reviews based on personal experience. But every year there are new models. And in this collection there are different keyboard options that you should pay attention to if you often work with text. Whether you are an editor or a programmer, the keyboard should be comfortable. The selection is, of course, subjective, so if you have your own options, tell us about them in the comments. In the meantime – let’s go!

Keychron Q1 V2

This is one of Keychron’s newest models. The base is made of aluminum, with a special noise-insulating gasket, which somewhat reduces the noise level when typing. Keychron Q1 V2 is compatible with both Windows and Mac. Size – 75% of the standard.

Switches are hot swappable. You can choose keycaps at your discretion – if you don’t like the ones provided by the manufacturer, you can order without them and install your own. But keep in mind that the manufacturer provides keycaps for Mac layouts, which is quite convenient if you are a fan of Apple technology.

Software-wise, the keyboard supports both QMK and VIA. In general, it can be called universal, the model is suitable for representatives of various professions related to typing.

It costs about $200.

ASUS TUF Gaming K3 Red

This is probably the largest keyboard of all that are presented in the selection. The number of keys is 104, the keyboard is positioned by the manufacturer as universal. It is suitable for both gaming and typing.

There is a USB port for connecting external devices. There is also a wrist rest, it is removable, with magnets. The keyboard is wired, it connects to a laptop or PC using a 2-meter cable.

There is also a backlight, adjustable using the Armory Crate software. If there are other devices from ASUS with adjustable backlight, then they can be synchronized.

It costs about $80-100, but I saw this keyboard on Aliexpress for only $35. True, it is not entirely clear whether this is the original or not. It may well turn out not to be.

Drop Signature Series TKL

But this model is positioned as a premium keyboard. It is quite heavy, so it will not slide on the table in the process. PC connection via USB-C cable. At the same time, the model has two USB connectors at once. One of them can be used to connect third-party devices, which is very convenient.

Made from quality materials, including a CNC machined aluminum base and quality plastic. Number of buttons – 87.

The manufacturer gives a three-year warranty on it at once. The package includes a case for storage/transportation. The model is compact, does not take up much space on the desktop, which is important for many of us. There is never enough work space.

There is also a backlight, the configuration of which can be changed. Well, the switches can be replaced during operation without disconnecting the keyboard from the PC or laptop.

Well, yes, its cost is somewhat high – about $350.

ErgoDox EZ

This is not a new model, it is well known to many fans of custom ergonomic keyboards. The developers have made it modular, maximally customizable for a specific user.

Keyboard comes with ABS keycaps and Cherry MX Brown mechanical switches. This is a split keyboard, so the halves can be set apart from each other at a distance sufficient to put a cup of coffee or tea between them (I personally do this, though not with ErgoDox EZ, but with Lily58).

There is an additional wrist support, which reduces the load on the hands during work. Hands get tired much less, despite the fact that the angle of the stand can be changed.

The cost of the model is about $300, which, of course, is too much. But it is a versatile tool that will work for many years. The manufacturer also gives a two-year warranty on this keyboard.

By the way, if you are used to monolithic models, you won’t be able to work with a split keyboard right away – you’ll have to get used to it. The adaptation process can be quite long, everything, of course, depends on the user himself. But if you are not afraid of difficulties or have already worked with split keyboards (which is like riding a bicycle – once you learn and then you will not forget), then ErgoDox EZ is an excellent choice.

Nuphy Air75

A very bright and multi-OS compatible keyboard. It is wireless – the connection is made via Bluetooth. It can be connected to 4 devices at the same time.