Key Takeaways
1. The Keychron K4 HE is a 75% wireless keyboard designed for gamers, featuring Gateron’s Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula Hall-effect switches for improved stability and sound.
2. It is available in two versions: Special Edition with stylish OSA keycaps and rosewood accent panels, and Standard Edition with Cherry profile keycaps and a more basic design.
3. Both editions include sound dampening materials for a quieter typing experience and support wireless connectivity, although at a lower polling rate compared to some competitors.
4. The K4 HE’s Hall-effect switches have a balanced actuation force of 40 gf to start and 60 gf at the bottom, with a total key travel of 3.8 mm, making it comfortable for gaming and typing.
5. The keyboard is priced at $135 for the Standard Version and $145 for the Special Edition, available for purchase on the Keychron online store and expected to be sold at Best Buy later this year.
Keychron has introduced the K4 HE, a new keyboard that builds on the features of the K2 HE model. The K4 HE is a 75% wireless keyboard that includes Hall-effect switches, specifically Gateron’s Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula switches, which provide better stability and a nice sound profile. This model is aimed at gamers who want a numeric keypad, making it a larger option compared to the K2 HE.
Special Edition vs Standard Edition
Similar to its predecessor, the K4 HE is offered in two versions: a Special Edition and a Standard Edition, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The Special Edition boasts Keychron’s OSA keycaps, which give it a more stylish appearance, deeper finger wells, and a more refined look. Additionally, it has unique rosewood side accent panels that can be personalized with laser-engraved designs for an extra fee on the Keychron website. This version comes in a white color scheme with light wood panels and a black color scheme with dark wood details.
On the other hand, the Standard Edition features Cherry profile keycaps that provide a familiar typing experience. These keycaps are also shine-through, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions and allowing for more aesthetic customization. However, the Standard Edition does not include the fancy wood details, opting instead for an aluminum top frame and an ABS plastic bottom.
Enhanced Sound Dampening and Connectivity
Both editions of the K4 HE are packed with sound dampening materials inside the casing, such as EVA plate foam, EPDM PCB foam, a PET film, and a silicone pad in the bottom case. Unlike many other Hall-effect keyboards, the Keychron K4 HE supports wireless connectivity, although this comes with a trade-off of 8 kHz polling, which is a feature available in boards like the Iqunix EZ63 that we reviewed recently.
The K4 HE features Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula Hall-effect switches that are linear and have a balanced actuation force of 40 gf to start and 60 gf at the bottom. With a total key travel of 3.8 mm, these switches should provide a comfortable experience for both gaming and typing. They also have an open bottom design, similar to the Wooting Lekker and Geon RAW switches, and the double-rail design aims to nearly eliminate keycap wobble.
Pricing and Availability
Starting today, the Keychron K4 HE can be purchased on the Keychron online store, retailing at $135 for the Standard Version and $145 for the Special Edition. It’s expected that the keyboard will also be available at Best Buy later this year, following the trend set by the Keychron K2 HE.
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