Keychron is expanding its lineup of high-polling-rate peripherals with the new C100 8K Giant Custom Macro Pad, giving gamers, streamers, creators, and productivity-focused users 100 programmable keys in a 10-by-10 layout. The new macro pad is now available directly from Keychron for $64.99, including the company’s Apex Red linear switches.
The C100 8K is designed for users who need more shortcuts than a conventional keyboard can provide. Its 100-key layout allows virtually every key to be assigned to a specific command, macro, shortcut, application function, or other task. This could make the device useful for gaming as well as video editing, streaming, CAD, coding, music production, and general desktop workflows.
The 8K polling rate is another major part of the C100 8K’s specifications. Keychron has been adding 8,000Hz polling to several of its newer keyboards and gaming products, and the macro pad follows the same approach. At 8KHz, the device can report inputs at intervals as short as 0.125 milliseconds, although the practical benefit will depend on the application and the rest of the system.
Keychron ships the C100 8K with its Apex Red linear switches and transparent ASA-profile keycaps made from a PBT and PC plastic blend. The PCB also uses standard hot-swap sockets, allowing users to replace the switches without soldering. This gives owners the option to change the typing feel or install other compatible mechanical switches later.
The macro pad connects through USB Type-C and does not include wireless connectivity. Its plastic case keeps the design relatively simple, while north-facing RGB LEDs provide per-key illumination. The north-facing arrangement should also give users more options when choosing compatible shine-through keycaps.
Configuration is handled through Keychron Launcher, the company’s browser-based customization platform. Users can remap the keys, create macros, and customize the RGB lighting, including individual key settings and built-in lighting effects. Interestingly, the C100 8K ships with its keys unbound, so buyers will need to configure the device before using it as a dedicated macro controller.
- 100 programmable keys
- 10×10 key layout
- 8,000Hz polling rate
- Keychron Apex Red linear switches
- Hot-swappable switch sockets
- Transparent ASA-profile PBT/PC keycaps
- Per-key RGB backlighting
- North-facing LEDs
- Keychron Launcher support
- Wired USB Type-C connection
- Plastic case
- $64.99 price
With its combination of 100 programmable keys, 8KHz polling, hot-swappable switches, RGB lighting, and browser-based customization, the Keychron C100 8K targets users who want a large dedicated macro surface without paying for a more specialized professional control panel. At $64.99, it also sits in a relatively accessible price range for a device designed to add a large number of customizable inputs to an existing keyboard setup.
