Connecting to your home gaming PC via cable or Bluetooth is standard these days, but it does have some drawbacks. To get around these, the Keychron K10 HE in our review uses a wireless connection. But is this connection really more stable than that of the often less expensive competing products? And what’s behind the much-touted magnetic Hall effect?
Technical Specifications of the Keychron K10 HE
| Product | Keychron K10 HE |
| Switch Type | Magnetic |
| Switch replaceable | No |
| Replaceable keycaps | Yes |
| Frame material | Metal, wood |
| Key material | Plastic |
| Keycaps | Double-shot PBT |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 444.6 mm x 129.2 mm x 39.52 mm |
| Weight | approx. 1,310 g |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh polymer battery |
| Battery life | up to 120 hours |
| Connectivity | USB-C cable, 2.4 GHz wireless connection, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Sampling rate | 1,000 Hz (wireless and wired), 125 Hz (Bluetooth) |
| Lighting | RGB |
| Price | €169.99* |
Package Contents & Installation of the Keychron K10 HE Keyboard
The contents of the gaming keyboard’s package are surprisingly generous, as it includes not only the keyboard itself but also a wireless receiver (USB-C), an adapter (USB-A to USB-C), and the corresponding connection cable (USB-A to USB-C). This allowed us to connect the Keychron K10 HE to both a desktop and a laptop immediately and without any issues during our test.
Also included are six different keys that allow you to visually convert the Apple keyboard layout to a Windows layout. Instead of the Command key and the “Option” key, you can use the Windows keys and the “Alt” key or “Alt Gr” key.
The package also includes a handy tool for easily removing keys. This complete package is rounded out with a few optional stickers and a Quick Start Guide that briefly explains all the features.
Plug-and-Play: Quick Setup with Several Options
Whether the keyboard is connected via Bluetooth, a cable, or the wireless receiver, the device was always recognized immediately and ready for use right away. Users should make sure to select the correct operating system and connection type using the two switches on the left side of the keyboard to ensure everything works properly.
There’s one key difference among the three connection options: the polling rate. While wireless and wired connections use the gaming standard of 1,000 hertz, Bluetooth offers only 125 hertz. This is particularly noticeable in fast-paced games (MOBA, shooters, MMORPGs, etc.), this is definitely noticeable. Although the best gaming keyboards offer up to 8,000 hertz, I’m more than satisfied with the performance here.
Another minor criticism concerns the cable length, as the included connection cable (USB-A to USB-C) is only 1.20 meters long. While this should be sufficient for many setups, if the PC is located a bit further away (as in my setup), a longer cable might be necessary—or you could simply use the wireless connection.
Software Offers a Huge Range of Options
The wired connection is also required when updating the internal firmware. Here’s another point of criticism: There’s no dedicated app; instead, the software is accessed via a browser. However, only Chrome, Edge, and Opera are supported. Firefox users will need to switch browsers accordingly.
In Chrome, however, all features are displayed directly. This allows users to choose from 25 different RGB lighting options and select lighting effects such as “Spiral Cycle” or “Digital Rain.”
In addition, users can create entire macros, which can be particularly useful for RPG enthusiasts. Digitally, every key on the keyboard can be assigned a new function, and the force required to trigger the keys can be adjusted via HE mode. The actuation travel can be selected and adjusted between 0.2 and 3.8 mm—flexibly for each key as needed.
You can even choose from 14 different sound effects that are activated whenever a key is pressed. Additionally, you can record and select your own sound effects, opening up a wide variety of possibilities.
Keychron K10 HE Review: Design & Build Quality
In our review, the Keychron K10 HE keyboard’s design comes across as appealing, classic, yet also rather understated. The black base color, combined with the wooden accents on both sides and the light brown ESC key, gives the device a high-quality look; however, even with its many different lighting modes, the gaming keyboard comes across as elegant rather than flashy.
In terms of build quality, I can give it full marks, as there are no flaws to be found here. The comfortable weight of 1,310 grams, combined with the adjustable feet on the bottom, ensures a stable base and an ergonomic tilt.
The feel is also a clear plus, as the high-quality PBT keycaps—which are also used in more expensive competing models like the Logitech G512 X or the Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless —are truly comfortable to use. Anyone who not only games a lot but also enjoys typing frequently will definitely get their money’s worth here.
At the same time, the sound is extremely pleasant—the clicking and clacking of the keys isn’t too loud, yet it still provides audible feedback. Here’s a short sample recording of the keys:
Whether the full-size design—including the numpad—meets your own needs and circumstances is something everyone must decide for themselves. Due to its size and weight, this keyboard isn’t particularly well-suited for mobile use. All in all, however, the design is cohesive, appropriate, and unobtrusive.
The Keychron K10 HE’s Features
We don’t really expect a lot of extras from a gaming keyboard. It comes with a dongle for 2.4 GHz wireless transmission, some tools, and a few additional keys. Even couch gamers who want to use wireless transmission over several meters will be more than satisfied.
The many additional functions and media keys, which can be accessed via the Fn key, are quite practical. Here, you can adjust the brightness of the RGB lighting, turn the lighting on and off, or control the volume of media playback. You can also mute or unmute a microphone with the press of a button.
The Magnetic Hall Effect: What’s Behind the Principle?
As a magnetic keyboard, the Keychron K10 HE in our test clearly stands out from its mechanical competitors, such as the CHERRY XTRFY K63W Pro Compact. Instead of an electronic contact, a Hall sensor detects the position of the built-in magnets. This allows the keyboard to detect, with complete precision, how far a key has been pressed. As mentioned above, the corresponding settings can be adjusted via the software.
The advantages of this technology include rapid response times and a freely adjustable actuation point. This is ideal for fast-paced video games, as it allows for more precise directional changes.
At the same time, there is no wear and tear on the contacts, since there are no contacts to begin with. This significantly extends the keyboard’s lifespan.
Battery Life in Testing
According to the manufacturer, the battery life of the built-in 4,000 mAh battery is over 120 hours. In fact, in our test, the Keychron K10 HE showed no signs of fatigue even after over 80 hours of continuous use—and that’s despite the fact that I tested various lighting effects in different colors.
This battery life is absolutely satisfactory; however, there’s no way to check the current battery level. There isn’t even a corresponding indicator in the software, so users have to recharge the battery themselves via a cable connection when the time comes.
Keychron K10 HE in Practical Testing
As a gaming keyboard, the Keychron K10 HE was extensively tested with various video games. The keyboard performed exceptionally well, particularly in multiplayer games (Counter-Strike 2, DotA 2, Deep Rock Galactic), but also in single-player games (Hades 2).
The multimedia buttons are especially handy when you need to quickly mute the microphone or adjust the music volume without breaking character in the game.
The keyboard can even be used for office work. One handy feature here was the easy switch from wireless to Bluetooth connection. This allowed the keyboard to be used with both a desktop and a laptop. All it took was flipping the switch on the left side to make the instant switch.
Keychron K10 HE Review: Our Conclusion
Anyone looking for a full-size gaming keyboard and willing to pay the price will be absolutely satisfied with the Keychron K10 HE. The build quality is high, the design is appealing, the software features are extensive, and even the RGB lighting is impressive.
There are few points of criticism: The polling rate when using Bluetooth is noticeably worse, the included cable is a bit short, and there’s no battery indicator. If you can live with these truly minor issues, you’ll find yourself with a high-quality keyboard that delivers impressive performance even in an office setting.
PROS
- Premium build quality
- Multiple connectivity options
- Full-size layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- Perfect for competitive gamers
CONS
- Poor polling rate over Bluetooth
- No battery indicator
Conclusion
The Keychron K10 HE impresses with magnetic Hall effect technology, comprehensive software, and solid build quality. Wireless connectivity and adjustable actuation points are real highlights. A clear recommendation for demanding gamers.
