Key Takeaways
1. Unique Switches and Design: The Keychron B2 Pro features scissor switches and a compact 96% layout, tailored for macOS and Windows users, with concave ABS keycaps.
2. Dimensions and Portability: At only 14.3 mm thick and weighing 585 g, the B2 Pro is designed for portability, incorporating a storage compartment for the 2.4 GHz dongle.
3. Connectivity Options: The keyboard supports multiple connectivity methods including USB type-C wired, 2.4 GHz dongle, and Bluetooth 5.2, allowing connections to up to three devices.
4. Customisation and Battery Life: It offers extensive customisation through ZMK firmware and can last up to 300 hours on a single charge with its 800 mAh battery.
5. Affordable Pricing: The Keychron B2 Pro is priced at $39.99, making it an economical option compared to other models in the Keychron lineup.
Keychron has built a reputation for its high-quality mechanical keyboards, known for their extensive customisation options, solid build quality, and exceptional typing experience — check out our review of the Keychron Q13 Max for more insight. However, the newest addition to their lineup, the Keychron B2 Pro, deviates from their usual offerings. This newly unveiled keyboard is a sleek wireless low-profile model that seems to cater more to Mac users than PC gamers or typing aficionados.
Unique Switches and Design
Unlike the Gateron full-height or low-profile mechanical switches seen in models like the Keychron Q1 Max (currently priced at $195.49 on Amazon) and K15 Max, the B2 Pro opts for scissor switches. It features concave, uniform-height ABS keycaps that do not shine through, designed with a mixed layout suitable for both macOS and Windows. The B2 Pro follows a compact 96% layout, which includes a num pad that has a generous zero key, but the design lacks separation between the num pad and alpha keys, along with no navigation cluster between them.
Dimensions and Portability
The B2 Pro’s thickness is impressive, measuring only 14.3 mm at its thickest point, while the front height is a mere 8.4 mm. In contrast, the Lofree Flow Lite reaches 23.5 mm, and the Razer Joro stands at 16.5 mm at its thickest point, as noted in our latest review. Adding to its appealing slim profile, the Keychron B2 Pro incorporates hardware mode and OS selector switches, plus a storage compartment for the 2.4 GHz dongle. The casing, like the keycaps, is made of ABS plastic, similar to the Lofree Flow Lite, which makes the keyboard more portable at 585 g, though it might not feel as premium as the Keychron K15 Max with its aluminum top.
Connectivity Options
When it comes to connectivity, the B2 Pro offers a variety of choices, including USB type-C wired, 2.4 GHz through a USB type-A dongle, and Bluetooth 5.2, allowing connection to up to three devices. Both the wired and 2.4 GHz options support a polling rate of 1,000 Hz, making it suitable for gaming.
Customisation and Battery Life
One of the standout aspects of the B2 Pro is its integration of the efficient ZMK firmware, which provides extensive customisation capabilities, including on-board macro support and key remapping, along with impressive battery life. Keychron estimates that the B2 Pro can last up to 300 hours on a single charge, thanks to its modest 800 mAh battery. The Keychron Launcher facilitates customisation, and it has consistently been a highlight of Keychron keyboards in our past reviews, as it is a browser-based tool that is user-friendly.
The Keychron B2 Pro is currently available through Keychron’s online store for just $39.99, and it is expected to show up on platforms like Amazon soon.
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