Keychron is taking a different approach to its latest magnetic gaming keyboard by replacing the usual plastic bottom case with real walnut wood. The new Keychron K8 HE All-Wood Special Edition keeps the features that made the K8 HE a magnetic-switch gaming keyboard, but gives the TKL model a new case design that should also produce a different sound compared with the regular version.
The K8 HE All-Wood continues to use an aluminium plate, tray-mount construction, and Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula switches. The tray-mount system is now installed into the walnut bottom case, while the side panel uses brown metal to match the darker wood finish. Together, these changes give the keyboard a more distinctive appearance without changing its basic layout or magnetic-switch platform.
The keyboard uses double-shot PBT keycaps with Keychron’s OSA profile. The profile has a similar height and sculpt to OEM gaming keycaps, although the top shape is different. North-facing per-key RGB lighting is also included and can be configured through Keychron’s browser-based Launcher software. The keycaps are not shine-through, however, so the lighting does not illuminate the legends directly.
For connectivity, the Keychron K8 HE All-Wood supports Bluetooth 5.2, 2.4 GHz wireless, and USB Type-C wired operation. Its 2.4 GHz connection supports polling rates of up to 1,000 Hz, while QMK firmware provides additional customization. Keychron also cites RTINGS testing that measured 3.4 ms of end-to-end keypress latency.
A 4,000 mAh battery provides the wireless power, with Keychron claiming up to 110 hours of use with the RGB backlight turned off. The TKL layout retains the function row and navigation keys while leaving out the number pad, making the keyboard suitable for gaming and everyday desktop use. Its 27.34 mm front height may make a wrist rest useful during longer sessions.
The magnetic switches remain the main gaming feature. Users can set individual actuation points and configure Rapid Trigger, Dynamic Key Stroke, SOCD, and gamepad emulation. The Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula switches have a 40–60 gf actuation force range and 3.8 mm of total travel.
There is a compatibility limitation worth knowing about, though. The switches use Keychron’s S-Pole sensor orientation, meaning the K8 HE is not compatible with every magnetic switch available for other Hall Effect keyboards. This includes several switches commonly used with Wooting-based custom keyboard builds.
Keychron is pricing the K8 HE All-Wood Special Edition at $199.99, with availability through Keychron directly. The walnut case makes this version considerably different from the standard K8 HE, while its magnetic switches, adjustable actuation, Rapid Trigger support, and 1 kHz wireless polling keep its focus on gaming.
Keychron K8 HE All-Wood Edition – Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Keyboard Type | TKL Gaming Keyboard |
| Switches | Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula |
| Switch Type | Magnetic / Hall Effect |
| Actuation Force | 40–60 gf |
| Total Travel | 3.8 mm |
| Actuation Adjustment | Yes |
| Rapid Trigger | Yes |
| Dynamic Key Stroke | Yes |
| SOCD | Yes |
| Gamepad Emulation | Yes |
| Mounting Style | Tray Mount |
| Plate | Aluminium |
| Bottom Case | Walnut Wood |
| Side Panel | Brown Metal |
| Keycaps | Double-Shot PBT |
| Keycap Profile | OSA |
| RGB Lighting | Per-Key RGB, North-Facing |
| Software | Keychron Launcher |
| Firmware | QMK |
| Wireless | Bluetooth 5.2, 2.4 GHz |
| Wireless Polling Rate | Up to 1,000 Hz |
| Wired Connection | USB Type-C |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh |
| Battery Life | Up to 110 hours with backlight off |
| Latency | 3.4 ms end-to-end (Keychron citing RTINGS testing) |
| Front Height | 27.34 mm |
| Switch Compatibility | Keychron S-Pole orientation; limited compatibility with other magnetic switches |
| Price | $199.99 |
| Availability | Keychron direct |
