Keychron K4 HE vs K4 ProMagnetic Switches vs Value Pick
Choose the K4 HE for cutting-edge magnetic switch features and premium materials, or the K4 Pro for broad mechanical switch compatibility and a lower cost.
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4.2 · 10 reviews
from$118at MK
4.7 · 7 reviews
from$69at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K4 HE
Magnetic Switches
Build quality in the top 10% of 96% boards under $150.
- Features advanced Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points (0.2-3.8mm).
- Includes gaming-specific features: Rapid Trigger, Analog Mode, and Last Key Priority.
- Premium construction with an aluminum frame and optional natural rosewood accents.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the
Keychron K4 Pro
Value Pick
Build quality in the top 10% of 96% boards under $100.
- Highly affordable relative to its feature set.
- Hot-swappable PCB supports almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches for maximum compatibility.
- Available in a barebone kit version for custom builds.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Missing ISO-CH. The other board is sold in those layouts.
Your budget and desired switch technology are the deciding factors. If you want the latest in switch customization with features like adjustable actuation, rapid trigger, and analog control for gaming, the Keychron K4 HE is worth the investment. If you prefer a traditional mechanical keyboard experience with unparalleled switch compatibility for modding, all at a more accessible price, the Keychron K4 Pro is an exceptional value.
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 K4 HE
Keychron K4 Pro
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
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic, Wood
ABS, Plastic
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Magnetic, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- Keychron K4 HE
- Keychron K4 Pro
- Performance
- 9282
- Build quality
- 8784
- Productivity
- 9495
- Customizability
- 8996
- Portability
- 5654
- Layout size: 96%
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Mount style: Tray Mount
- QMK
What will you mostly use it for?
The K4 HE is the clear choice for gamers and creators who can leverage its unique magnetic switch capabilities like adjustable actuation and analog input. For modders and travelers, the K4 Pro's broader mechanical switch compatibility, barebone option, and slightly more portable design are advantageous. For office work and programming, both keyboards are equally capable, sharing core productivity features like programmability and a compact layout with a numpad.
Pick the Keychron K4 HE
- The K4 HE features Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8 mm.
- It includes gaming-focused features like Rapid Trigger and Analog Mode for variable input.
- Its 2.4 GHz wireless connection offers a 1000 Hz polling rate for competitive play.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K4 HE
10 owner reviews
“So far it have met my expectations for the use i wanted it for, had a small hic up the first day i started ysing it but got easily resolved with the provided user manual”
“The keyboard is smooth to the touch, and has the nice feel. For me, it's almost an ideal keyboard but the one thing that gets me and it's a hard issue is that when connected, it takes away input from my controller when I game, especially for live service…”
Keychron K4 Pro
7 owner reviews
“I previously had a normal K4 and i love the new one, the only thing is that the stabilizers lube work is kinda bad and the space bar was very rattly but after some lube work the K4 pro retakes the perfect productivity keyboard.”
Keychron K4 HE vs K4 Pro specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
14 of 28 specs differ
Keychron K4 HE
Keychron K4 Pro
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
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 K4 HE
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-CH
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-CH
In stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron K4 Pro
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
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.
Keychron K4 HE vs K4 Pro: your questions
The K4 HE uses Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic (Hall Effect) switches. These are contactless, use TMR sensors, and allow you to adjust the actuation point per key. The K4 Pro uses traditional mechanical K Pro switches (like Red, Brown, Blue) which rely on physical contact and have a fixed actuation point.
No. According to Keychron, the K4 HE's hot-swap sockets are compatible exclusively with Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic switches. It does not support standard mechanical switches like Cherry MX, Gateron KS-20, or other magnetic switches from different series.
The Keychron K4 HE is better for wireless gaming. It includes a 2.4 GHz wireless mode with a 1000 Hz polling rate, which is preferred for low-latency competitive play. The K4 Pro only offers Bluetooth and wired connectivity, with Bluetooth typically having higher latency.
Yes. Both the Keychron K4 HE and K4 Pro are fully compatible with macOS and Windows. They include a system toggle key and come with extra keycaps tailored for each operating system.
Both keyboards offer a high degree of software customization. They both run open-source QMK firmware and can be programmed using the Keychron Launcher web app or VIA, allowing for extensive key remapping and macro creation.
The K4 HE Special Edition uses OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps, while its Standard Version uses Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps. The K4 Pro uses OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps. The K4 Pro's south-facing LEDs are specifically designed to avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
Yes. The Keychron K4 Pro is offered in a 'Barebone' kit version, which includes the keyboard case, PCB, plate, and stabilizers, but no switches or keycaps. This is ideal for builders who want to install their own preferred components.
Both keyboards have sound-dampening materials. The K4 HE lists EVA foam, EPDM foam, a silicone pad, and PET film. The K4 Pro mentions sound-absorbing foam and a thick silicone dampening bottom pad. The K4 HE's aluminum plate and the K4 Pro's steel plate will also influence the final acoustic signature.
Both offer adjustable typing angles. The K4 HE offers 5°, 8°, and 11° angles. The K4 Pro offers 3°, 7°, and 10° angles. The choice is subjective, but the K4 Pro provides a slightly lower starting angle.
The manufacturer describes the K4 HE as delivering a 'thocky' typing sound due to its pre-lubed switches and multiple foam layers. The K4 Pro is described as providing a 'peaceful typing sound' from its foam and silicone pad. The actual sound depends on switches, keycaps, and mods.
Both keyboards are equipped with a 4000mAh rechargeable battery. Keychron states the K4 HE can last up to 110 hours in wireless mode in lab tests, but actual battery life will vary with usage, backlighting, and connection type. Similar performance can be expected from the K4 Pro.
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