I am literally using the same Logitech keyboard for the past 2 years and looking towards the keychron K4 as I want something compact with a num pad. This video was meant for me. Thanks
UPDATE: Since I'm actually working on this now. Be careful if you're purchasing this keyboard via amazon. You are likely NOT getting the version that has hot swappable switches but instead the switches are soldered on which is how pretty much most keyboards are. If you want the version with hot swappable switches then you need to purchase this keyboard directly from Keychron's website. It will be longer shipping but you will have access to all the options Keychron offers for this keyboard.
Hmm, I did just order mine from Amazon an hour ago. The main thing is I want the blue switches, and they only have that in the swappable variety. A few reviews were from people who ordered brown switches and got blue instead. I'll have to see what mine is like when it comes.
@@entremontanas7614 I didn't try to swap any of the switches out but there was a tool for pulling them and instructions for doing so included so I would assume so
2 years later and this is the keyboard im ordering. thank you so much curious to see what you're using after all this time ill check the latest vids and try and find out. Thanks again !!!
I just got a Keychron K2 which is similar but smaller. I love how professional it looks and the texture of the key caps. One thing I leaned in exploring modern keyboards is how amazing my old Model M is for typing and coding fast, and using these new keyboards is like driving a Prius when I have an Eldorado in the garage.
So many people swear by the Model M, so I'm not surprised. I don't think any modern keyboard (custom or otherwise) is going to match up to those classics. lol
Thank you so much for this great video. I only found out about the 96% layout yesterday and i've been binging on research ever since - but this is the video thats making me commit to buying it today. Liked & Subb'd!
Thanks for the useful video! Especially liked the direct size comparison, which shows how small a footprint it actually is - replacing a 61 key keyboard and this doesn't look massively bigger.
Yeah, bluetooth has too much latency to be played in competitive fps games I guess ? :/ and if used with the wire ? Would this keychron be usable in games ?
@@Ankah I have keychron k8 hot swap its definitely good in gaming with wired. why I buy this because its so cheap that u get wired + bluetooth hot swap keyboard with similar quality as ducky keyboard. I searching for wireless 2.4ghz gaming keyboard that can hotswap with no weird design but there is none. The most close I can get is keychron but its bluetooth wired or need to build it from scratch but thats lot of budget.
Perfect video for my use case. I also own the Logitech G613 and I am looking to replace it with the Keychron K4 because of the huge size of the G613. Since the original video was published, has your opinion changed? Are you regretting replacing the G613?
I got this with the Gateron blue switches. I absolutely love the typing experience, and I’ve found myself looking forward to using it. If you are thinking about getting it do it. It is worth every penny.
@@pratikrajsah I’ve had mine for almost a year now and it is sill great to type on. I really like the feel of the blues, and have not found them annoying. I still look forward to typing on it every day. If you can’t decide you can order cheap test key sets off Amazon so you can feel the different key types before you buy.
Amazing video! I've been considering on getting this type of keyboard. May I ask if these are gateron hotswappable? Or will it be possible to change the switches to holy pandas?
I bought the K4 V2 (hot-swappable red switches, aluminium frame and the RGB) all because growing up with the BBC Micro and Acorn computers and now wanting a chunkier keyboard. So far, I'm still getting used to the smaller layout and yes you need a wrist rest (I went with their wood offering). I ordered direct and it took 8 days to arrive from China to Czechia, over the holiday period.
I don't know why people is mad because the keyboard go sleep mode when you are not around... I mean, it only takes like 3second after you press a key and it starts working perfectly again.
I can see that u got the standard plastic version of the Keychron K4 instead of the aluminium one. How's the build quality of this keyboard? Is the stiffness of the chassis and deck flex good?
@@jmatt98 Yea, for some people this keyboard is too high they need rest arm but for my big hand It's feels nice. The quality is good. The connectivity is good even on my old laptop asus n43s with bt 2.0-ish. It cant use on more than 1.5 meters it will be not responsive both dongle and bt. The battery is still on since I first charge until full, around 2 weeks or more ago. A wireless keyboard that perfect for me I play GTA V that needs numeric for vehicle control and some app like Blender. The only downside for me tho is the LED isnt bright enough and the alt button cant be combined with other function such rotate screen ctrl+alt+arrow key. Or turning down/up virtual screen brightness of FLux Alt+PG up/down.
How's the typing experience? You said in your Keychron K4 review that you'd need to use a wrist wrest to use this comfortably, does this keyboard has a lower form factor that reduces the need for a wrist wrest?
This comment is under the Keychron K4 review but it seems you're asking about another keyboard. Are you asking if the Keychron is low enough to reduce the need for a wrist rest?
Great review, thanks! Though, I do believe you have gotten too used to having a Windows keyboard on your Mac :) I for one love the Mac mode (do remember to apply the fix for F5/F6) making the keyboard more like an Apple keyboard without various software fixes.
They both seem quite similar and I don't own the GK96S. From a look online, I would make the decision based on few things. The Epomaker is more expensive than the Keychron featured here in the video but that's because mine is the plastic version with white backlighting. Keychron offers an aluminum version with RGB and hot-swappable to easily change switches whenever you want for $99. Comparing the GK96S to that version of the K4, the GK96S offers more options for switches. The key layout is slightly different (check the keys above the numpad on both). The build quality of GK96S is not as good as the Keychron with aluminum but honestly the plastic build quality of these keyboards in this price range is very good. I don't see a reason to opt for aluminum for any keyboard unless you like the look. I like the keycaps of the GK96S more than the Keychron but again that's down to preference. You also have the Southpaw style offered by GK96S that I can't recall being an option on any other keyboard so there's that. That's all I can see from a glance. Hope it helps.
I had bought the Epomaker GK96S, recently, but I've returned it... Just to start, the keyboard cardboard case came pretty damaged...they handled it like if it was a garbage...And I wanted the [Insert] key, which it didn't have it. Also bought another, the Royal Kludge RK100 96%, and have returned it. I'm thinking to buy the Keychron C2, the full keyboard.
Are you sure about using the function keys on a Mac? If you hold the fn button and push a media key, it should use it as a function key instead. That's how mac keyboards always work.
I hardly ever need those keys especially the insert key. There's multiple screenshot programs/apps which makes the printscrn key useless to me as well. It really depends on how you work. If you need those keys then you need a full keyboard (104-key layout) not a 96% one like this. Keychron also offers those as well on their website.
@@Eshcole Somebody commented on Amazon, that there is a Firmware to upgrade the keyboard to fix these issues, but I don't know how to use this program. Do you know this Firmware?
I made the mistake of buying a Keychron K7. What I received was NOT wireless (no dongle included) and, when connected by USB cable, many keys did not work. Keychron ignored all my requests for an RMA and a refund. Before buying anything from Keychron, think! Do you want to give your money to a company that treats its customers this way?
@@nflmatters Shoot Keychron an email. They replied to me every time, albeit during the night but probably cause they're in Asia I'm in the USA. I might be a little different as I bought the K4 v2 and the K3 and paid shipping for both. I was wondering what happened to my K4 and had to remind them I paid separate shipping. They got to it and I got a tracking number in 2 days.
All good; not disappointed, just anxious. I ordered last Tuesday; today is Monday and they claim to get it here by this Thursday. It seems optimistic by DHL from China to US (VA) lol.
I don't have a big budget, and I don't have space for most of the keyboard, so it's perfect for me And I live in Asia, so the shipping cost wouldn't be high
Just leave it in "Cable" mode (that switch on the side I show in the video) and you can use it as a wired keyboard all the time without draining the battery which is how I use it when I'm using my PC. I only use wireless when I'm working on my mac laptop.
Unfortunately most membranes come in a full layout. The closest you would get is looking for a 96% layout keyboard that gives you a choice of silent mechanical switches.
You speak so well and clear! Loved this review.
Finally!!! I've been wating for this keyboard review! Thank you!
I am literally using the same Logitech keyboard for the past 2 years and looking towards the keychron K4 as I want something compact with a num pad.
This video was meant for me. Thanks
HOLD Fn + L + Light Button (💡) = Lock (RGB) Light Effect
Fn + B = Battery Level 🔋
Fn + (+/-) = RGB Light Speed
UPDATE: Since I'm actually working on this now. Be careful if you're purchasing this keyboard via amazon. You are likely NOT getting the version that has hot swappable switches but instead the switches are soldered on which is how pretty much most keyboards are. If you want the version with hot swappable switches then you need to purchase this keyboard directly from Keychron's website. It will be longer shipping but you will have access to all the options Keychron offers for this keyboard.
I'm pretty sure there are keychron keyboards on Amazon that are hot swappable just not the one I reviewed here in this video.
Hmm, I did just order mine from Amazon an hour ago. The main thing is I want the blue switches, and they only have that in the swappable variety. A few reviews were from people who ordered brown switches and got blue instead. I'll have to see what mine is like when it comes.
@@CamdenBloke Hi, do you receive a hot swappable keyboard from Amazon?
@@entremontanas7614 I didn't try to swap any of the switches out but there was a tool for pulling them and instructions for doing so included so I would assume so
Amazon has listings for both. Hot Swappable is in the title and description of the Hot Swappable version.
2 years later and this is the keyboard im ordering. thank you so much curious to see what you're using after all this time ill check the latest vids and try and find out. Thanks again !!!
I'm actually using an RK84. Another nice keyboard for the price.
I just got a Keychron K2 which is similar but smaller. I love how professional it looks and the texture of the key caps. One thing I leaned in exploring modern keyboards is how amazing my old Model M is for typing and coding fast, and using these new keyboards is like driving a Prius when I have an Eldorado in the garage.
So many people swear by the Model M, so I'm not surprised. I don't think any modern keyboard (custom or otherwise) is going to match up to those classics. lol
Thank you so much for this great video. I only found out about the 96% layout yesterday and i've been binging on research ever since - but this is the video thats making me commit to buying it today.
Liked & Subb'd!
Thanks for the useful video! Especially liked the direct size comparison, which shows how small a footprint it actually is - replacing a 61 key keyboard and this doesn't look massively bigger.
Not gonna lie all keychron line up should added 2.4ghz wireless option. Its gonna be best gaming wireless keyboard if it added.
Yeah, bluetooth has too much latency to be played in competitive fps games I guess ? :/ and if used with the wire ? Would this keychron be usable in games ?
@@Ankah I have keychron k8 hot swap its definitely good in gaming with wired. why I buy this because its so cheap that u get wired + bluetooth hot swap keyboard with similar quality as ducky keyboard. I searching for wireless 2.4ghz gaming keyboard that can hotswap with no weird design but there is none. The most close I can get is keychron but its bluetooth wired or need to build it from scratch but thats lot of budget.
Their Keyboards are made for UA-cam influencers bro, not gamers
@@iluvmusicqwe ik. Thats why 'If'
Lovely Video! Is the Keyboard Wireless Multi-Device?
Perfect video for my use case. I also own the Logitech G613 and I am looking to replace it with the Keychron K4 because of the huge size of the G613. Since the original video was published, has your opinion changed? Are you regretting replacing the G613?
I got this with the Gateron blue switches. I absolutely love the typing experience, and I’ve found myself looking forward to using it. If you are thinking about getting it do it. It is worth every penny.
Have the same gateron blue love it! i want to change the keycaps to a different color
shall I get brown or blues? I have heard that blue can a bit annoying specially for beginners
@@pratikrajsah I’ve had mine for almost a year now and it is sill great to type on. I really like the feel of the blues, and have not found them annoying. I still look forward to typing on it every day. If you can’t decide you can order cheap test key sets off Amazon so you can feel the different key types before you buy.
@@michiganman4398 getting testers are very unnecessary, I'll get browns then in future can always swap it because I'll buy hot swappable version
Great video, especially fortl the cons part. Thanks!
Amazing video! I've been considering on getting this type of keyboard. May I ask if these are gateron hotswappable? Or will it be possible to change the switches to holy pandas?
I'm not entirely sure, but I think they are as their other hot swappable keyboard(s) I have seen with other switches.
They have the hot swappable socket version as an extra $10 option over soldered in switches.
the switches if you get the hotswappable version are 5 pin (other than the tildae it's a 3 pin for some reason)
Great video. I just ordered this keyboard. Keep up the good work.
Clear review! Thanks just ordered the keyboard
AWESOME Video! Where can I get other keycaps for this model? Thanks Much in Advance!
Excellent review. Thanks for the info!
Really useful video, thank you!
I bought the K4 V2 (hot-swappable red switches, aluminium frame and the RGB) all because growing up with the BBC Micro and Acorn computers and now wanting a chunkier keyboard.
So far, I'm still getting used to the smaller layout and yes you need a wrist rest (I went with their wood offering). I ordered direct and it took 8 days to arrive from China to Czechia, over the holiday period.
Hope I am lucky as you. Mine is gonna ship to your neighbor country who likes bier as well.
Nice point on the BBC, maybe that’s why I like this keyboard so much
What a coincidence!
I have K4v2 and excact Cooler Master’s wrist rest too Haha
Great review! Just got one!
I don't know why people is mad because the keyboard go sleep mode when you are not around... I mean, it only takes like 3second after you press a key and it starts working perfectly again.
Great review! Keep it up man!
I can see that u got the standard plastic version of the Keychron K4 instead of the aluminium one. How's the build quality of this keyboard? Is the stiffness of the chassis and deck flex good?
Right, after watching some videos, I choose this keyboard. Thank you.
Did you end up liking the keyboard?
@@jmatt98 Yea, for some people this keyboard is too high they need rest arm but for my big hand It's feels nice. The quality is good. The connectivity is good even on my old laptop asus n43s with bt 2.0-ish. It cant use on more than 1.5 meters it will be not responsive both dongle and bt. The battery is still on since I first charge until full, around 2 weeks or more ago. A wireless keyboard that perfect for me I play GTA V that needs numeric for vehicle control and some app like Blender. The only downside for me tho is the LED isnt bright enough and the alt button cant be combined with other function such rotate screen ctrl+alt+arrow key. Or turning down/up virtual screen brightness of FLux Alt+PG up/down.
Good Review. Thanks!
How's the typing experience? You said in your Keychron K4 review that you'd need to use a wrist wrest to use this comfortably, does this keyboard has a lower form factor that reduces the need for a wrist wrest?
This comment is under the Keychron K4 review but it seems you're asking about another keyboard. Are you asking if the Keychron is low enough to reduce the need for a wrist rest?
great video brother.
thank you! I bought the Royal Kludge 100
Watching this using my k4 v2 :)
Love the review. Subbed with notification bell on! Thanks!
Great review, thanks! Though, I do believe you have gotten too used to having a Windows keyboard on your Mac :) I for one love the Mac mode (do remember to apply the fix for F5/F6) making the keyboard more like an Apple keyboard without various software fixes.
How's that Cooler Master wrist rest? It's on the cheaper side for a name brand and I wanted something basic and decent for my upcoming K4 V2.
It's great! It's the perfect height for this keyboard and prefer this material to the hard wood "premium" ones.
I loved it...I've taken a look at Amazon, but it's unavailable right now. Hope it becomes available soon.
Hi! Thanks for the video... but GK96S or Keychron K4? Wich one is better?
They both seem quite similar and I don't own the GK96S. From a look online, I would make the decision based on few things. The Epomaker is more expensive than the Keychron featured here in the video but that's because mine is the plastic version with white backlighting. Keychron offers an aluminum version with RGB and hot-swappable to easily change switches whenever you want for $99. Comparing the GK96S to that version of the K4, the GK96S offers more options for switches. The key layout is slightly different (check the keys above the numpad on both). The build quality of GK96S is not as good as the Keychron with aluminum but honestly the plastic build quality of these keyboards in this price range is very good. I don't see a reason to opt for aluminum for any keyboard unless you like the look. I like the keycaps of the GK96S more than the Keychron but again that's down to preference. You also have the Southpaw style offered by GK96S that I can't recall being an option on any other keyboard so there's that. That's all I can see from a glance. Hope it helps.
@@Eshcole thanks for your Time! I think that the more options for switches will win. Thank a lot
I had bought the Epomaker GK96S, recently, but I've returned it...
Just to start, the keyboard cardboard case came pretty damaged...they handled it like if it was a garbage...And I wanted the [Insert] key, which it didn't have it.
Also bought another, the Royal Kludge RK100 96%, and have returned it.
I'm thinking to buy the Keychron C2, the full keyboard.
Timestamps added.
Need that insert key
Lube it up boy
Are you sure about using the function keys on a Mac? If you hold the fn button and push a media key, it should use it as a function key instead. That's how mac keyboards always work.
Any random disconnects when using Bluetooth? Device switching via Bluetooth works flawlessly (multi device)?
You convinced me to get one 😂
Do those replacement keycaps work with the LEDs? I cant find any that will work will LED. Thanks!
Yup, they work and look great!
Hello, can you tell me how you work on this keyboard without the [Insert] and [Print Screen] keys? Are there replacement for those keys?
I hardly ever need those keys especially the insert key. There's multiple screenshot programs/apps which makes the printscrn key useless to me as well. It really depends on how you work. If you need those keys then you need a full keyboard (104-key layout) not a 96% one like this. Keychron also offers those as well on their website.
@@Eshcole
Somebody commented on Amazon, that there is a Firmware to upgrade the keyboard to fix these issues, but I don't know how to use this program. Do you know this Firmware?
I had the same question and their website said fn+p+pg up for 6 seconds.
@@jessicathecrazy
I've bought another model, the Keychron C2...it's awesome...especially the backlight LED...
Now, I can type in the dark.
@@mshayashi I bought the K4 off of eBay. I’m so nerdily excited to try it.
I made the mistake of buying a Keychron K7. What I received was NOT wireless (no dongle included) and, when connected by USB cable, many keys did not work. Keychron ignored all my requests for an RMA and a refund.
Before buying anything from Keychron, think! Do you want to give your money to a company that treats its customers this way?
did you know how to "print screen" using this keyboard?
my k4 is arriving today
What was your turnaround on shipping? I ordered it 4 business days ago, haven’t gotten a response yet, besides order confirmation.
I ordered mine on Dec. 15th from Amazon and got it on Dec. 17th
@@Eshcole Thanks, I ordered mine directly from Keychron since Amazon did not have a K4 V2 with Brown Keys, RGB, and aluminum frame.
@@nflmatters Shoot Keychron an email. They replied to me every time, albeit during the night but probably cause they're in Asia I'm in the USA.
I might be a little different as I bought the K4 v2 and the K3 and paid shipping for both. I was wondering what happened to my K4 and had to remind them I paid separate shipping. They got to it and I got a tracking number in 2 days.
All good; not disappointed, just anxious. I ordered last Tuesday; today is Monday and they claim to get it here by this Thursday. It seems optimistic by DHL from China to US (VA) lol.
@@nflmatters When I got my shipping/tracking number, it came in 3 days. So I wouldn't be surprised lol. Mine came from China to California.
❤️❤️❤️
I don't have a big budget, and I don't have space for most of the keyboard, so it's perfect for me
And I live in Asia, so the shipping cost wouldn't be high
Can it be used as wired-mode with the battery not activated? Useful when this is used as a permanently stationary keyboard.
Just leave it in "Cable" mode (that switch on the side I show in the video) and you can use it as a wired keyboard all the time without draining the battery which is how I use it when I'm using my PC. I only use wireless when I'm working on my mac laptop.
@@Eshcole , Realised this is very similar to Epomaker GK96s
@@Eshcole Could you point me to the right direction to get a PBT shine-through keycaps for this with Mac keys.
Would get it, but doesn't come in my language
Can you swap the keys if you don’t have the hot-swappable option
Yes but you'll need to desolder the switches.
hi! just got my keyboard today but i'm not sure how to screen capture... can you help?
I use Window snippet tool for screen capture. Shift+Win+S
Hey man. You can turn of the auto-sleep
Doesn’t the K4 come with a wooden wrist rest?
Nope, you have to buy that from Keychron separately if you like.
can you use the num keys on the right side for mac?
yes, the Numpad works fine on mac.
light blue Keycaps link please
Isnt k4 v2 have plastic dust cover ?
Nope. No case or dust cover comes with it besides what you see in the unboxing. You can order a case for it from Keychron directly if you like.
is it possible to used it as a wired?
Yup, you sure can.
i need this lay out but in membrane
any idea?
Unfortunately most membranes come in a full layout. The closest you would get is looking for a 96% layout keyboard that gives you a choice of silent mechanical switches.
Can it be used in wired mode?
Yes, wired or wireless.
Looks like an awesome keyboard. To
bad I can’t find any replacement Belgian keycaps.
6:44 First world problems, brother