Keychron Q2 Vs Keychron K2
Keychron has some of the best mechanical keyboards with various switches, such as the Keychron Q2 Vs Keychron K2 with the Gateron G Pro switches. These keyboards are versatile and robust and have all the standard features you need in a mechanical keyboard. But, the price difference also makes the two pretty different, and today we will see the similarities and differences between these keyboards to help you choose the best model.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What are the Keychron Q2 and Keychron K2?
- How is the design of Keychron Q2 and Keychron K2?
- What is the Switch in Keychron Q2 and Keychron K2?
- How is the Typing Experience with Keychron Q2 and Keychron K2?
- How is the Software for Keychron Q2 and Keychron K2?
- Keychron Q2 Vs Keychron K2
- Which Keychron Keyboard to Choose?
| Keychron Q2 | Keychron K2 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
|
| Product Dimensions | 12.93 x 4.76 x 1.33 inches | 12.32 x 4.84 x 1.52 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 4.99 pounds | 1.93 pounds |
| Best offer | Check price | Check price |
About Keychron Q2 and Keychron K2
Do you need a new keyboard? Keychron is one of the best options for a mechanical keyboard. This company has many options, from the budget model to the high-end series. Still, you should consider the model based on your preferred choice, especially for a model without a hot-swappable feature. We recommend the Keychron Q2 and Keychron K2 for those wanting a compact stationary keyboard. These keyboards are similar in build quality, keycaps, and switch options but are also relatively affordable for enthusiasts who want a better keyboard for gaming or typing. Read also: Keychron Q2 Vs Keychron Q1.
However, the Keychron Q2 and Keychron K2 are differently priced, and the latter is cheaper and more versatile because it offers a wireless option via Bluetooth. The K2 keyboard we choose is the V2 or the newer variant with a better angle and a new Bluetooth version. Despite being bigger, this keyboard is cheaper than the Q2 because it has no hot-swappable feature, which can be crucial for some users. Hot-swappable keyboards like the Keychron Q2 Vs Keychron Q1 give you higher freedom because the keycaps and switch are removable.
Which is the better keyboard, Keychron Q2 or Keychron K2? The answer is subjective as to which model fits you best. From the styling, the K2 is a bigger keyboard with more keys if needed. From the feature, the Q2 is a hot-swappable keyboard, meaning you can swap the switch with other common three and five pins switches, including other Gateron switches, Kailh, and Cherry. If you want a reliable and comfortable keyboard without the option to customize the device, the K2 is much cheaper and delivers a great experience.
Keychron Q2 and Keychron K2 Design
As you can see, the Keychron Q2 and Keychron K2 differ in size because the K2 is a 75% model while the Q2 is a 65% keyboard with fewer keys. However, the K2 is surprisingly compact or narrower than the Q2 in width, while it is slightly deeper from front to back due to the F keys. The K2 is available in plastic and aluminum frames, while the Q2 only uses aluminum. The rest of the unit is plastic, but they feel durable. These keyboards are also angled to support the ideal typing position.
Keychron Q2 and Keychron K2 Switch
Many people choose their new keyboard based on the switch they come with, but modern keyboard manufacturers, especially the mechanical keyboard, allow you to decide which switch to use. The Keychron Q2 and Keychron K2 have the same Gateron G Pro switches in linear, clicky, and tactile options. Gateron G Pro is a good switch; you can pick the one that fits your preference best. Our favorite is the brown switch because it falls between the linear and clicky; it is satisfying to press but quieter.
The main difference regarding switches is that you can swap the Q2 switches with almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX mechanical switches, giving you higher freedom in customizing and designing a better keyboard. These switches are easy to find and relatively affordable, but you can always change only a few keys rather than replacing the whole board. All tools necessary to remove the keycaps and switches are provided in the box.
Keychron Q2 and Keychron K2 Typing Experience
The next significant difference between Keychron Q2 and Keychron K2 is the typing experience because the keycaps differ. We have seen Keychron changes many of its new keyboards with double-shot PBT keycaps and redesign the edges to be rounder with the same concave surface. The Keychron K2 is an older model with more traditional-looking keycaps that nowadays look a bit sharp, despite having been cut on the edges. The keycaps also make each key appears too close to each other compared to the Q2.
The typing experience on booth keyboards is good, and we don’t have any issues getting used to the keycaps. But, the K2 uses ABS keycaps, while the Q2 already comes with double-shot PBT keycaps, giving the Q2 the upper hand on comfort and durability. Additionally, these keyboards are tall, approximately 30mm at the front, which can cause fatigue for prolonged typing. We can fix this issue by adding a wrist rest. Modern wrist rests come in varying heights and materials for the best combination.
Keychron Q2 and Keychron K2 Software
Lastly, we want to see the software for these keyboards, but the Keychron is plug-and-play, so there is no software to program the keyboard further. The Q2 is better for versatility as it is QMK/VIA compatible, so you can map the keys and adjust various settings, including the encoder and RGB. The RGB lighting is also different because while you can program it through software for Q2, the K2 has an adjustable RGB profile built into the keyboard and is accessible without any app. Read also: Keychron Q2 Vs Keychron Q3.
Another difference from the RGB lighting is that the Q2 doesn’t have shine-through keycaps, and the RGB is placed on the outer keys, making it look subtler than the bright and shine-through RGB lighting on the K2.
Keychron Q2 Vs Keychron K2
The Keychron Q2 and Keychron K2 are good keyboards for those who want a new mechanical keyboard with a good build quality and versatility for gaming and typing. But, the two are also different because the Q2 is a hot-swappable keyboard with double-shot PBT keycaps and only works with a USB cable, while the K2 is a keyboard with fixed switches and ABS keycaps that can connect wired and wirelessly. The K2 is a more straightforward keyboard without many adjustable features, but still compatible with Windows and Mac.
Conclusion
The decision is yours because we may have different preferences. We recommend the Q2 for users who need the hot-swappable feature and further programmability on the keyboard. But, the K2 is more suitable if you want a plug-and-play keyboard because it has fewer features yet still performs impressively with Gateron G Pro switches.