The two new K2 Ultra and K8 Ultra mechanical keyboards from Keychron combine true 8000Hz wireless polling, ZMK firmware, CNC aluminum construction and advanced acoustic engineering in 75% and 80% compact layouts.
The keyboards offer up to 760 hours of battery life from a single charger. Both the new keyboards are designed for gamers, professionals and keyboard enthusiasts looking for a wireless keyboard with the kind of responsiveness usually limited to wired keyboards.
As people spend more time working, gaming and creating content on their computers, their expectations of what a wireless keyboard can deliver continue to grow. Performance, battery life, build quality and customization are the features keyboard users want from their ideal keyboard.
The Keychron K Ultra series of keyboard has been developed to address these consumer expectations by bringing together true 8K wireless performance with the efficiency offered by open-source ZMK firmware.
High Polling Rate
While previous models expanded the scope of keyboard customization, connectivity and gaming performance, these two new K Ultra models focus on bringing more features together in a mechanical-switch platform that has extended battery life and high-end construction.
Key features of the two new keyboards include true 8000Hz polling rate for ultra-low latency in both 2.4 GHz wireless and wired modes. There is also open-source ZMK firmware, which improves wireless efficiency and battery life while also providing advanced customization.
A full charge of the battery in both keyboards can provide up to 760 hours of battery life by specifying a 4000mAh battery and optimized power management features. The frame of each keyboard is CNC-milled aluminum to provide more rigidity, durability and structural stability.
The gasket design of a mechanical keyboard is essential for producing the most satisfying typing sound and feel. The gasket mount design of the K2 and K8 combines multi-layer sound-damping materials for a deeper and more solid typing experience.
Hot-Swappable Switches
The keyboard switches are hot-swappable Keychron APEX type, which enable users to personalize the feel and performance of the keyboards without wielding a soldering iron. There’s also support for Keychron’s Launcher web-based app. Users can customize their keyboard using a browser to remap keys, program macros, set up shortcuts and choose from more than 22 RGB lighting modes and lighting customization options.
“The K Ultra series represents the next stage in the evolution of our K lineup,” says Fab Chan, the co-founder of Keychron. “The original K series helped bring mechanical keyboards into the mainstream, while later generations expanded customization, connectivity, and performance. With K Ultra, we’ve combined those advances into a premium mechanical-switch platform with ZMK firmware, true 8K wireless polling, longer battery life, and a CNC aluminum build.”
The K2 Ultra and K8 Ultra keyboards share the same performance architecture while addressing people’s different layout preferences. The K2 Ultra has a compact 75% layout made up of 84 keys, while the K8 Ultra uses a tenkeyless design with an 80% layout featuring 87 keys.
Three Ways To Connect
Both keyboards offer Bluetooth 5.2, 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity and USB-C wired operation. The keycaps have a double-shot construction and are made from durable PBT. Beneath the hot-swappable Keychron APEX switches are south-facing RGB LEDs which are fully customizable.
Unlike magnetic-switch keyboards that are focused on adjustable actuation and Hall Effect technology, the K Ultra series has been designed for users who prefer more traditional mechanical switches.
“People use keyboards for hours every day, whether they’re working, gaming, creating, or simply staying connected,” continues Chan. “We believe keyboards have become an essential part of everyday computing, and our goal is to deliver the performance, comfort and reliability users need throughout the day.”
Pricing and Availability:
The Keychron K2 Ultra and K8 Ultra mechanical keyboards will be available from Keychron.com with prices starting at $119.99.
