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Keyboard 81 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

Keychron 81 Pro Mechanical Keyboard

The Keychron 81 Pro is a compact 81-key mechanical keyboard suited for users who want a versatile typing tool with strong customization and multi-device connectivity. It fits well for professionals and hobbyists who value switch swapping, programmable keys, and a solid build. It supports both wired and wireless modes, making it adaptable for multitasking across different devices.</p... Read more
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Compare Keychron 81 Pro vs Keychron Q1 HE vs Keychron K2 HE Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!
Keychron 81 ProKeychron Q1 HEKeychron K2 HE
-14% off
93
Keyboard 81 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
100
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
99
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
5.0 (8)
4.0 (34)
4.6 (71)
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 1887 g
  • Sized at 47 x 338 x 151 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS layout standard
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 4000 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS, keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear, Magnetic switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, JIS layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 1743 g
  • Sized at 30 x 127 x 41 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Wood, ABS, Resin case
  • Features PBT, ABS, PC keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face, White, White North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 82.3
  • Build Quality: 86.9
  • Productivity: 97.2
  • Customizability: 95
  • Portability: 81.3
Scores
  • Performance: 100
  • Build Quality: 90
  • Productivity: 96.8
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 80.9
Scores
  • Performance: 93.3
  • Build Quality: 90.7
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81
Name
Keychron 81 Pro
Name
Keychron Q1 HE
Name
Keychron K2 HE
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Magnetic
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, JIS
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face, White
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum, Wood, ABS, Resin
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS,
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS, PC
Dimensions
47 x 338 x 151 mm
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
30 x 127 x 41 mm
Weight
1887g
Weight
4000g
Weight
1743g
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Product Description

The Keychron 81 Pro is a compact 81-key mechanical keyboard suited for users who want a versatile typing tool with strong customization and multi-device connectivity. It fits well for professionals and hobbyists who value switch swapping, programmable keys, and a solid build. It supports both wired and wireless modes, making it adaptable for multitasking across different devices.

Key Features

  • Hot-swappable switches allow quick changes without soldering, supporting most 3-pin and 5-pin MX-compatible switches for personalized typing feel.
  • Rotary dial and three-segment switch provide customizable controls to enhance workflow efficiency.
  • Programmable with QMK and VIA firmware, enabling full key remapping, macros, and shortcuts for tailored use.
  • Can connect to up to three devices via Bluetooth 5.1, enabling seamless switching between laptop, phone, and tablet.

Build Quality

  • Constructed from CNC-machined 6063 aluminum, offering a sturdy and durable frame.
  • Double gasket design with silicone pads reduces metal resonance and typing noise, improving acoustic comfort.
  • Polycarbonate plate adds flexibility to the gasket mount, balancing typing sound and feel.
  • Screw-in PCB stabilizers reduce wobble on larger keys, enhancing keypress stability.

Typing Experience

  • Equipped with the Winter Bonfire tactile switch, delivering a pronounced tactile bump and stronger rebound for a solid typing response.
  • South-facing RGB backlighting offers lighting effects without interfering with keycap legends.
  • Hot-swappable design encourages experimentation with different switches to suit personal preferences.

Connectivity

  • Supports wired USB Type-C connection for low-latency use, especially in gaming or intensive typing sessions.
  • Bluetooth 5.1 enables wireless use with up to three devices, though wireless polling rate is lower than wired, which may affect latency-sensitive tasks.
  • Compatible with Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android systems.

Trade-offs

  • Wireless polling rate is limited to 90 Hz, which may not suit competitive gamers requiring ultra-low latency.
  • RGB lighting is south-facing and not shine-through, which may reduce visibility in low light for some users.
  • Assembly and customization require some technical comfort, which might not suit beginners.

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