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Keychron K10 Full Size - Hot swappable Review

A versatile mechanical keyboard for any operating system with hot-swappable switches for a personalized home, office, or gaming experience
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Keychron K10 Full Size - Hot swappable Review
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Price:  $94 List
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Manufacturer:   Keychron
By Austin Palmer ⋅ Senior Research Analyst  ⋅  Jul 28, 2024
85
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#3 of 11
  • Connectivity & Ease of Use - 50% 8.4
  • Features - 40% 9.7
  • Portability - 10% 4.0

Our Verdict

The Keychron K10 powerhouse is in a class of its own and the obvious choice for those seeking a full-size, high-profile desktop statement piece. Its bulky “old school” look boasts many modern features to keep the typist, multitasker, or gamer productive and happy. It has a backlight, multiOS compatibility, and highly tactile and customizable mechanical keys that are a pleasure to type on. Plus, its N-key rollover and speedy wired connection option will thrill gamers. Those needing a compact, portable keyboard will be unimpressed, but for those seeking a quality-built and feature-rich wireless keyboard for their desk, the K10 is an excellent choice.
REASONS TO BUY
Speedy connection options
Would work for gaming
Mesmerizing backlight
Hot-swappable switches
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulky
Must switch Mac/Win keycaps
No remapping software

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
Best Mechanical Keyboard
Editors' Choice Award
Best Wireless Keyboard
Best Buy Award
Best Value for a Compact Model
 Best Buy Award
Best Value for a Full-Size Model
Price $94 List
$94.99 at Amazon
$110 List
$109.99 at Amazon
$40 List
$37.99 at Amazon
$20.00 List
$19.88 at Amazon
$50 List
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line A cutting-edge, full-size mechanical keyboard with cool lighting effects and hot-swappable keys for a customized keystroke experienceA top-of-the-line, low-profile keyboard engineered to maximize productivityFinally, a small keyboard with big features for the minimalist on a budgetA slim-profile, multi-tasking, portable model with a nifty media control knob that lacks a tactile key pressSlim and lightweight, this is an excellent full-size wireless keyboard
Rating Categories Keychron K10 Full S... Logitech MX Keys S Logitech Pebble Key... JLab Go Wireless Ke... Arteck 2.4G Stainle...
Connectivity & Ease of Use (50%)
8.4
9.7
8.7
8.6
6.0
Features (40%)
9.7
8.7
8.0
7.6
5.7
Portability (10%)
4.0
6.2
8.9
7.2
6.2
Specs Keychron K10 Full S... Logitech MX Keys S Logitech Pebble Key... JLab Go Wireless Ke... Arteck 2.4G Stainle...
Wireless Connection type Bluetooth Logi Bolt USB receiver or Bluetooth Bluetooth; Also compatible with Logi Bolt USB Receiver Nano USB dongle or Bluetooth Nano USB dongle
Measured Dimensions 17.13" x 4.88" x (1.27" x 1.56") 16.94" x 5.19" (0.38" x 0.83") 11.06" x 4.94" (0.42" x 0.65") 11.25" x 5.13" x (0.38" - 0.97") [0.86" without knob] 16.88" x 4.88" x (~.23" - 0.63")
Measured Weight 31.8 oz 28.5 oz 14.5 oz 11.5 oz 15.3 oz
Number of Device Pairings 3 3 3 3* 1
Measured Approximate Volume 130 cubic inches 73 cubic inches 36 cubic inches 50 cubic inches 52 cubic inches
Media keys Through Function (Fn)
[Dedicated on Mac]
Through Function (Fn)
[Dedicated on Mac]
Through Function (Fn)
[Dedicated on Mac]
No Forward or back track
Dedicated Volume Knob and through Function (Fn)
Can be dedicated with Fn Lock On
Through Function (Fn)
Proprietary Software No, works with some 3rd Party software Logitech Options + Logitech Options + No No
Battery Type Rechargeable Rechargeable Replaceable Replaceable Rechargeable
Dongle storage N/A No N/A Yes, in the battery compartment No
Working "ious" Key Combination Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Measured Keyboard Length 17.1 in 16.9 in 11.1 in 11.3 in 16.9 in
Switch Type Mechanical Membrane-scissor Membrane-scissor Membrane-scissor Membrane-scissor

Our Analysis and Test Results

This high-ranking mechanical keyboard is by far the best for office and gaming versatility. Hot-swappable mechanical switches provide a customizable typing experience, while direct wired and wireless options provide a fast and reliable connection. Top it off with loads of high-end features, and you have a truly outstanding wireless keyboard.

Performance Comparison



keychron k10 full size - hot swappable - we loved testing out the keychron k10.
We loved testing out the Keychron K10.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Connectivity and Ease of Use


The Keychron K10 excels in intuitively forming a robust wireless connection to any Bluetooth-enabled device but lost points for not coming with proprietary key customization software.


Whether you're rocking a Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, or Android device, this keyboard has you covered with a reliable Broadcom Bluetooth 5.1 connection that has a longer range, faster speed, and requires less energy than the Bluetooth 4.0 frequently found in other keyboards.

keychron k10 full size - hot swappable - in fact, we logged this keyboard 40+ feet away from our device in...
In fact, we logged this keyboard 40+ feet away from our device in the connectivity testing.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Moreover, we did not experience any connectivity issues throughout the workday, but we did notice a variable lag upon wake-up. Sometimes, it would immediately wake up and register our keystrokes, while other times, it could take up to 10 seconds. If you prefer no lag, you can connect the keyboard directly to your computer with the included USB-C cable. The wired mode offers a 1000 hertz polling rate, an important consideration for gamers needing every swift keystroke to register.

keychron k10 full size - hot swappable - choose between a bluetooth 5.1 wireless connection or a direct usb-c...
Choose between a Bluetooth 5.1 wireless connection or a direct USB-C wired option. The plug is on the side, rather than the back of the keyboard.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Speaking of keystrokes, typing on this keyboard is incredibly fun. It has square, swooped keys supported by robust mechanical switches, a feature not commonly found in wireless keyboards. Users get to choose between three switch options: red (linear, quiet), blue (tactile, clicky sound), or brown (tactile, gentle sound). We chose the brown switches, which provided a highly satisfying keypress but had a barely noticeable bump, feeling more like linear switches. Overall, we enjoyed typing on the keyboard but found it to sit a little high for our wrists. This may not be a problem for some users, but others may find the optional Keychron wrist rest essential for a comfortable experience.

Mechanical switches are revered for their satisfying tactile feel and durability, but for some, the bulky design and audible sound is too much.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Lastly, while the keys can be fully remapped with third-party software, we prefer proprietary software, which is typically easier to use. The K10's user manual recommends using Sharpkeys for Windows or Karabiner for Mac.

Features


The K10 is a true, feature-rich powerhouse! Its full-size layout offers a plethora of time-saving keys to keep you on track with work, while its N-key rollover, adjustable backlight, and hot-swappable keys will thrill gamers. Our only minor complaint is that multiOS or multi-device users may not find the experience as convenient as it could be, but it still offers options for that.


If you regularly multitask on your phone, laptop, and desktop, you'll be pleased to know that the Keychron connects up to three wireless devices. While it lacks dedicated keys to conveniently swap between the devices, you can still easily switch between your devices by simultaneously pressing the Fn key plus the number one, two, or three.


Another caveat: if you switch between operating systems, you'll need to swap out the included Mac and Windows keycaps (or keep a mental note of which keys perform which actions on either system). Conveniently located toggles at the side of the keyboard allow you to switch between Bluetooth and cable connections and Windows and Mac modes.

keychron k10 full size - hot swappable - multios users will need to swap out the included windows and mac...
MultiOS users will need to swap out the included Windows and Mac keycaps.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Being a full-size keyboard, the K10 boasts a ten-key pad and loads of navigation buttons, hotkeys, and media controls. If you're a Windows user, you'll have use the Fn key to access the hotkeys and media controls. Or, set a function lock (Fn+X+L) for direct access. For Mac users, the media/hotkeys are dedicated, but if you prefer dedicated function keys, you can edit the settings. There are also indicator lights for Mac or Windows operating systems, Caps Lock, and Number Lock to keep you in the know.

keychron k10 full size - hot swappable - the keychron has several indicator lights to help keep you on track...
The Keychron has several indicator lights to help keep you on track with work or while gaming.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

One of the best features of the Keychron? The entire typing feel and sound can be fully customized thanks to hot-swappable switches! So, if you want to replace a broken switch, change the behavior of an individual key, or fully revamp all 104 keys, you can easily pop the switches in and out. Since the K10 is compatible with nearly all MX style 3- and 5-pin switches, the options are endless. Another form of customizability is the ability to swap out the included ABS keycaps. So, whether you want a more grippy surface, colorful display, or durable imprint, you can make that happen, too. Included with your purchase is a keycap and switch puller, but you'll have to buy supplemental keycaps and switches separately.

Hot-swappable switches are easy to pop in and out with the included...
Hot-swappable switches are easy to pop in and out with the included switch puller.
Keycaps are easy to replace with the included keycap puller.
Keycaps are easy to replace with the included keycap puller.
Customize your typing experience with hot-swappable switches (left) and replaceable keycaps (right).

The keyboard also has an alluring backlight in your choice of white or RGB. It has four brightness levels and up to 18 settings to suit your aesthetic. We opted for the cheaper white light with fewer settings but were still impressed with its mesmerizing glow that shines through the keycaps. The backlight is easily controlled with the dedicated backlight button, or press Fn plus the light bulb key to turn the light off and preserve battery life.

A mesmerizing and adjustable backlight keeps you happy in the wee hours of the night. We tested the white version, but Keychron also sells an RGB version for a more colorful display.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

For you gamers out there, we measured an impressive N-key rollover, trumping most other wireless keyboards. It passed our test with “flying colors,” reaching up to 40 simultaneous keypresses before the keyboard couldn't register anymore. Plus, it has rubber feet (and an adjustable height) to keep the keyboard from sliding around in the midst of your fury.

keychron k10 full size - hot swappable - rubber feet keep this keyboard firmly in place while furiously...
Rubber feet keep this keyboard firmly in place while furiously coding or gaming. There are also three height settings ranging from zero to nine degrees to help you find the perfect fit.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Portability


Clearly, advanced features took precedence over portability when Keychron engineered this stellar device. As such, it had a substellar score in our portability metric.


keychron k10 full size - hot swappable - the keychron is on the lengthier side of our test group, making it a...
The Keychron is on the lengthier side of our test group, making it a better choice for those with plenty of desk space.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

At 17 inches long, it has a bulky layout that better serves as an office mainstay. But, if you insist on toting this keyboard around, just make sure your bag is long enough. Keychron also offers an optional carrying case that may better suit some customers.


Characterized as a high-profile board, the keyboard measures about 1.5 inches high, and the keys naturally stick out farther than subdued low-profile designs featuring membrane-scissor switches. Mechanical switches are the cause of its thick design, as there's a lot going on under the hood.


keychron k10 full size - hot swappable - the k10 has a beefy design that just barely fits in our test backpack.
The K10 has a beefy design that just barely fits in our test backpack.
Credit: Austin Palmer

The K10's high-quality and feature-loaded frame was on the heftier side when it comes to weight, measuring in at just under two pounds (31.8 ounces to be exact). If you want to shave off half a pound, opt for the RGB backlight version with an aluminum frame. It's the priciest option, but it won't increase the overall price by much.


keychron k10 full size - hot swappable - this keyboard is jam-packed with features that weigh it down. if you...
This keyboard is jam-packed with features that weigh it down. If you want a portable model, this is not the best choice, but it can be done.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Battery Life


This keyboard features a rechargeable battery that Keychron claims can last up to 240 hours with the backlight turned off. While we cannot confirm these claims, this translates to nearly two months with 40 hours of use each week. With the backlight on, you can expect the battery to drain much faster, lasting only about 70 hours. While these numbers may seem short, you can recharge the battery while using the keyboard. And since you typically use a keyboard at a desk, finding a power source shouldn't be a big deal. The K10 has an auto sleep function to help preserve battery life and a battery indicator light that blinks red when the level is running low.

keychron k10 full size - hot swappable - the k10 has a rechargeable battery that is quickly drained by the...
The K10 has a rechargeable battery that is quickly drained by the backlight. An indicator light lets you know it's charging (red), low (red blinking), or full (green).
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Should You Buy the Keychron K10 Full Size-Hot swappable?


Bottom line, the K10 is not just a keyboard; it's an immersive experience for Mac and Windows users. We thoroughly enjoyed using this versatile device and were impressed with its advanced and customizable features. But all those features add extra bulk that make the Keychron difficult to use on the go. So, it's not the best for someone seeking portability or a sleek design. Still, its cutting-edge capabilities distinguish it from many other wireless keyboards on the market, making it an ideal choice for someone who needs a keyboard they can work and play on.

keychron k10 full size - hot swappable - for a feature-rich wireless keyboard you can code and game on, the...
For a feature-rich wireless keyboard you can code and game on, the Keychron K10 is an excellent choice.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

What Other Wireless Keyboards Should You Consider?


For an enhanced K10, Keychron offers a Pro version with an upgraded typing experience and more customization options using open-source QMK firmware. If you prefer a lower-profile keyboard that still rocks high-end features, consider the Logitech MX Keys S. Or for a more budget-friendly, full-size keyboard, the Arteck Ultra Slim is a great choice, but you'll lose many customizations and functionality. If portability is paramount and you love mechanical keys, the Nuphy Air75 V2 is an excellent, feature-rich keyboard that will also work for gaming.

Austin Palmer
 

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