Keychron, formed in 2017 by a group of keyboard enthusiasts who have extensive experience in keyboard manufacturing, has released their latest product – the Keychron Q8 Alice Layout Quantum Mechanical Keyboard (QMK) custom mechanical keyboard, an Alice split-keyboard ergonomic layout twist on their original Q1 Keyboard.
Keychron’s website allows customers to order swappable parts including different colored keycaps, palm rest, switches, and casing. The double-gasket design reduces the noise for a quiet experience. The keyboard also features a control knob that allows you to create custom-programmed keymaps and macros using free VIA software, as well as RGB-LED programmable backlighting.
“The entire metal body is crafted with 6063 aluminum that is processed through CNC machined, polished, anodized, sandblasted, and undergoes 24 more manufacturing stages to make this solid metal piece of art that is the Q8,” according to Keychron, “It’s a refined piece of metal art.” The keyboard is available in carbon black, silver grey, and navy blue with red, blue, or brown switches. It sells directly for between $175 and $205 depending on features, and whether you want it to arrive assembled or build it yourself from a barebone kit. (The barebone version does not include the keycaps and switches.) Accompany your Keychron keyboard purchase with the Keychron M1 Ultra-Light Optical Mouse.
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