Review of the Keychron K4 HE Keyboard: How Magnets Transform the Experience

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, Keychron has carved out a solid reputation among enthusiasts, thanks in part to their commitment to quality. Their latest offering, the K4 HE, stands out as a truly customized premium keyboard that utilizes magnetic Hall Effect switches—technology initially popularized by controllers. This innovation extends the K4 HE’s capabilities, allowing you to personalize your typing setup with adjustable actuation, quick response, and keystroke prioritization. You can even set up multiple macros. It’s a sleek package hiding a powerhouse of features, but at its heart, it’s simply a fantastic keyboard.

What you’ll immediately notice about the Keychron K4 HE is its practical 96% layout, which provides a comfortable and intuitive typing experience. Acoustics are a huge part of what makes a keyboard enjoyable to use, and the K4 HE aces in this department. Although I hit a few snags navigating the wired-only software—particularly with a slightly too short cable that can barely reach my desktop—these minor issues don’t detract from what I consider one of the best keyboards on the market.

Inherently compact, the Keychron K4 HE includes everything you need right out of the box, from extra keycaps for Windows users to a variety of handy tools. You’re met with a premium feel even before you start typing. Among its nifty features are the Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Switches. These switches employ Hall Effect technology for a smooth, linear action that resets swiftly, adding to the keyboard’s responsiveness.

Customization is where the K4 HE shines, incorporating a silicon pad and sound-dampening layers to enhance the typing sound profile. And despite its tray-mounted design, the acoustics remain consistently pleasing, proving Keychron’s expertise in creating a satisfying auditory experience. Though there’s a slight bulkiness to its profile, the keyboard allows for dual operating system support, with swappable keycaps designed for both Windows and macOS. What’s more, its RGB lighting options are both vibrant and highly customizable.

Where the K4 HE goes beyond traditional mechanical keyboards is in its use of Hall Effect switches, which provide a granularity in control that serious users will appreciate. You can adjust actuation points key-by-key, enabling only those features you need. This level of specification is typically reserved for high-end products but is becoming increasingly accessible thanks to innovations like Keychron’s.

However, the K4 HE is not without its limitations. While its array of features is impressive, setting them up requires a wired connection through the Keychron Launcher, a web-based application that feels cumbersome—especially since the keyboard seems best suited for wireless use. Despite the short cable and the constraints of the web app, these are issues that don’t overshadow the remarkable performance and customizable nature of the K4 HE.

Ultimately, the Keychron K4 HE is a versatile option for anyone in the market for a wireless, customizable keyboard that is also game-ready. It’s especially appealing if you’re looking to leverage the latest in switch technology with Hall Effect, delivering both adjustability and innovative functionality. While it might not suit switch hobbyists seeking infinite compatibility, any tech enthusiast looking to dive into the robust features of Hall Effect technology is in for a treat.

The K4 HE is priced from $134.99 on Amazon, though it’s worth checking Keychron’s own site for more availability. For those wanting a similar experience in a smaller form factor, there’s also the 75% Keychron K2 HE, which starts at $135.99 on Amazon. Overall, this keyboard makes a strong impression, blending design refinement, incredible feature richness, and an enticing price point.