Keychron K2 HE vs WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80Gaming Tech vs Premium Build
Choose the Keychron K2 HE for advanced gaming features and switch customization, or the WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80 for a premium, acoustically-tuned typing experience.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
4.8 (49)4.8 · 49 reviews
from$129at Keychron
No reviews
from$159at WhatGeek
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K2 HE
Gaming Tech
Build quality in the top 5% of 75% boards under $150.
- Advanced magnetic switches with adjustable actuation point (0.2-3.8mm) and rapid trigger.
- Extensive layout compatibility including multiple ISO regional layouts.
- Multi-layer sound dampening with EVA foam, EPDM foam, and a silicone pad.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No numpad.
Get the
WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80
Premium Build
Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $200.
- Large 8000mAh battery for extended wireless usage.
- Gasket mount construction with a five-layer acoustic filling structure for sound tuning.
- Unique 270° side halo RGB lighting and music-reactive light system.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- No numpad.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you value cutting-edge gaming performance, deep per-key customization, and a more portable size, the Keychron K2 HE is the focused tool. If you prioritize a luxurious typing feel, marathon battery life, and standout aesthetics for your desk, the WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80 is the premium centerpiece. Be aware that both models may face availability challenges.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Keychron K2 HE
WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80
Layout size
75%
80%
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Rapid trigger
Yes
No
Faster resets help in games and not in normal typing
Battery
4,000 mAh
8,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Resin, Wood
Aluminum
- Keychron K2 HE
- WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80
- Performance
- 9381
- Build quality
- 9186
- Productivity
- 9795
- Customizability
- 9889
- Portability
- 8188
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- QMK
- VIA
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron K2 HE is the clear choice for gamers and travelers, thanks to its magnetic switch features and more compact form. The WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80 wins for office use and content creation, leveraging its massive battery and unique aesthetic lighting. For programming and general typing customization, both keyboards are equally capable with their hot-swap sockets and firmware support, leaving the choice to personal preference on layout and feel.
Pick the Keychron K2 HE
- Features adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8mm and rapid trigger for competitive play.
- Includes gaming-specific features like Last Key Priority (LKP) and Analog Mode.
- Offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes.
Keychron K2 HE vs WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
14 of 29 specs differ
Keychron K2 HE
WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron K2 HE
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-CH
In stockShips to you
Input Gear
ISO-DE
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-CH
In stockDoes not ship to you
WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
- Check on Amazon
Amazon
Check price
Keychron K2 HE vs WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80: your questions
The WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80 has a significantly larger 8000mAh battery compared to the Keychron K2 HE's 4000mAh battery. Manufacturer testing for the K2 HE suggests up to 110 hours of wireless use, but the Aurora 80's larger capacity should provide longer runtime between charges.
No, not interchangeably. The Keychron K2 HE is compatible exclusively with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches due to its Hall effect technology. The WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80 uses a standard hot-swappable socket, allowing compatibility with a wide range of typical 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switches.
The WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80 is likely better acoustically for an office. Its gasket mount design and flagship five-layer acoustic filling structure, including IXPE foam, are engineered to dampen metal ping and cavity resonance. The K2 HE also has foam, but its magnetic switches and aluminum plate may produce a different sound signature.
Yes, both the Keychron K2 HE and the WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80 list Mac and Windows support. The Keychron K2 HE specifically includes an extra set of keycaps for macOS and a system toggle switch, according to its product description.
The feel is fundamentally different due to the mounting style. The Aurora 80 uses a gasket mount, which typically provides a softer, more cushioned typing experience. The K2 HE uses a tray mount, which is generally firmer, but its magnetic switches offer a unique smooth, contactless press with customizable actuation.
The WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80 offers a distinctive lighting system with 270° side halo RGB, underglow, and a music rhythm feature that syncs lights to audio via its client software. The Keychron K2 HE features north-facing RGB with over 22 backlight modes configurable through its web app, but lacks the dedicated audio-reactive mode.
Yes, both keyboards have removable keycaps. The Keychron K2 HE comes with either OSA profile or Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps depending on the edition. The WhatGeek Aurora 80's keycap material is not specified in the provided details, but it includes a keycap puller for removal.
The WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80 includes a Type-C cable, a 2.4G receiver, a dust-proof cover, a keycap and switch puller, and a user manual. The Keychron K2 HE listing does not detail included accessories beyond the assembled keyboard, but vendor pages show optional palm rests and cables sold separately.
Yes, both keyboards support full key reprogramming. They are compatible with the open-source QMK firmware and the VIA configurator for remapping keys, creating layers, and setting up macros without needing proprietary software running in the background.
The Keychron K2 HE is more portable. It has a smaller 75% layout, is significantly lighter (1743g vs 2300g), and has a lower profile. The WhatGeek Aurora 80 is a heavier, larger TKL keyboard, making it less convenient to transport regularly.
Yes, both keyboards offer a wired USB-C connection in addition to 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth. This allows for reliable use when gaming or when the battery needs charging.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.