Keychron K2 HE vs ATK VXE ATK68Wireless vs Wired Magnetic Switch
Choose the Keychron K2 HE for wireless flexibility and extensive customization, or the ATK VXE ATK68 for a simpler, wired-only magnetic switch experience.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K2 HE
Wireless
Build quality in the top 5% of 75% boards under $150.
- Triple-mode connectivity (Bluetooth 5.2, 2.4 GHz, wired) with a 1000 Hz polling rate on wireless and wired.
- Extensive customization via QMK/VIA, adjustable actuation (0.2-3.8mm), and gaming features like Rapid Trigger and Analog Mode.
- Premium build with aluminum case, optional wood accents, and multiple sound-dampening foam layers.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No numpad.
Get the
ATK VXE ATK68
Wired Magnetic Switch
Build quality in the bottom 25% of 65% boards under $150.
- Lower price point for a keyboard with magnetic switch technology.
- Compact 65% layout saves desk space.
- Features dual-layered silicone internal padding for sound dampening.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.
The Keychron K2 HE is the recommended choice for most users seeking a magnetic switch keyboard. Its wireless capabilities, extensive customization through QMK, and robust build justify its higher cost. Only consider the ATK VXE ATK68 if your budget is strict, you exclusively want a wired connection, and you do not need the advanced features, layout options, or modding potential of the K2 HE.
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
ATK VXE ATK68
Layout size
75%
65%
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Resin, Wood
Aluminum
Switch options
Linear, Magnetic
Magnetic
Knob
Yes
No
- Keychron K2 HE
- ATK VXE ATK68
- Performance
- 9382
- Build quality
- 9148
- Productivity
- 9760
- Customizability
- 9863
- Portability
- 8171
- Hall effect (magnetic)
- Rapid trigger
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron K2 HE is the clear choice across most scenarios due to its wireless versatility, superior software support, and more feature-complete design. It wins for gaming, office, programming, and travel primarily because of its multi-mode connectivity and broader layout support. For modding, its detailed internal foam construction and firmware support are superior. The ATK VXE ATK68, being wired-only and more basic in its feature set, does not hold a distinct advantage in any specific use case presented here.
Pick the Keychron K2 HE
- Offers both 2.4 GHz wireless and wired connectivity with a 1000 Hz polling rate for flexibility.
- Supports advanced gaming features like Last Key Priority (LKP), Snap Click, and Analog Mode according to its vendor page.
- Includes adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8 mm and Dynamic Rapid Trigger.
Keychron K2 HE vs ATK VXE ATK68 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
16 of 29 specs differ
Keychron K2 HE
ATK VXE ATK68
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
ATK VXE ATK68
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron K2 HE vs ATK VXE ATK68: your questions
Yes, the Keychron K2 HE supports triple-mode connectivity. You can use it via Bluetooth 5.2 to connect to three devices, a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle with a 1000 Hz polling rate, or a wired USB-C connection.
No. According to Keychron, the K2 HE is compatible exclusively with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches. It does not support other magnetic switches like the Gateron Magnetic Jade or KS-20.
The Keychron K2 HE has a 4000mAh rechargeable battery. The manufacturer states a lab test wireless working time of up to 110 hours, though actual use may vary based on lighting and usage patterns.
Yes, the vendor description for the ATK VXE ATK68 states it features Global Rapid Trigger and Quick Reset technology, allowing independent customization of trigger points for each key.
The Keychron K2 HE is designed with Mac users in mind. It includes a system toggle and an additional set of customized keycaps for both macOS and Windows, allowing you to save a layout for each system.
The ATK68 is listed as compatible with the V Hub application for customization. It does not mention support for open-source firmware like QMK or VIA, which are available on the Keychron K2 HE.
The Keychron K2 HE Special Edition uses OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps, while its Standard Version uses Cherry profile double-shot shine-through PBT keycaps. The ATK VXE ATK68 uses OEM height PBT translucent keycaps.
Yes, both keyboards feature RGB backlighting. The Keychron K2 HE has north-facing RGB LEDs with over 22 backlight modes configurable via its Launcher app. The ATK VXE ATK68 has a full-key RGB backlight with 16.8 million colors.
Both keyboards feature aluminum in their construction. The Keychron K2 HE has an aluminum top case and an aluminum plate, with the Special Edition adding wood accents. The ATK VXE ATK68 has an aluminum alloy top cover and an aluminum alloy positioning plate.
The ATK VXE ATK68 is more compact due to its 65% layout, measuring 311mm x 102mm x 27mm. The Keychron K2 HE uses a 75% layout, which is wider to accommodate a few extra keys like function row and navigation cluster.
The Keychron K2 HE includes 3.5mm thick EVA acoustic foam, EPDM foam, a silicone pad, and a bottom case PET film. The ATK VXE ATK68 is described as having dual-layered silicone internal padding.
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