--- layout: mobile nonav: true --- :::{include} ../roles.md ::: # Keychron K10 Pro I always preferred mechanical keyboards over other types like rubberdome or membrane builds. They're simply better for fast typing and also for gaming. Over the years, I have accumulated a number of keyboards, particularly an authentic [IBM Model M](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_M_keyboard), a Sun Type 5 clone keyboard, manufactured in the early 90's by Integrix and some authentic Cherry keyboards. In recent years, keyboard technology has evolved and a significant market for keyboard enthusiasts emerged. Mechanical keyboards utilizing real switches instead of wonky membrane constructions became the quasi-standard for high quality keyboards, custom builds and modifications give the user many options and today, we have a wide range of available layouts from compact low-profile boards the size of a notebook keyboard up to full-size devices. The number of different brands and products has never been that high and there are many quality products, with cases made of aluminum and highly sophisticated builds with lots of sound dampening and other measurements to make typing not only a satisfying but also a quiet experience. One of the driving instances of the keyboard hype is a Chinese manufacturer of a broad product line of mechanical keyboards named [Keychron](https://www.keychron.com). They have a very diverse line of products with keyboards of all sizes, from very compact and low profile up to full-size models like the K10 series. For me, a keyboard has to be *„full-size“*, which means at least 104 keys, including function keys, a cursor block and an extra numeric block. This is the classic PC-AT layout, introduced in the mid 80's of the last century when personal computers became the big deal. The **Keychron K10 Pro** is a full-size mechanical keyboard with many interesting features. It was released around 2023 and is considered obsolete, because it already has successors like [the K10 Max](https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k10-max-qmk-wireless-mechanical-keyboard) and others. But it is still sold, sometimes with big discounts and prices for new K10 Pro range between 100 and 140 USD. Recently, I purchased a used K10 Pro from a working colleague who is also a keyboard enthusiast and owns around two dozen different mechanical keyboards, some of them modded and customized. The K10 Pro, I purchased from him, was about one year old at the time of purchase and in very good condition. The former owner thoroughly cleaned it before offering it for sale and it basically looks like it was purchased yesterday. He even kept the original package and all the additional items that came with the board. ## Unboxing The K10 Pro comes in a nice box. There is a small plastic bag with extra key caps and another small plastic bag with some tools. There is a small manual in both English and Chinese language, a quick reference card which explains the default function-key mapping and a small instruction card showing how to hot-swap switches. By default, Apple-compatible key caps are installed, but you can exchange them easily against Windows keys. The key cap puller tool makes this a breeze and should work on all mechanical keyboards using Cherry MX-type switches and caps. ## Features * full-size keyboard with 109 keys (ISO variant). * wired and wireless operation * double-shot PBT keycaps in OSA profile. * high quality build with solid case and many noise dampening elements * hot-swappable MX switches. I chose the tactile brown switches, it can also be ordered with red or banana switches. * A 4000mAh rechargeable Lithium battery * QMK/VIA open source firmware, flashable. Compatible with Keychron's web-based setup utility. * South-facing RGB background lights * Programmable macro keys ### Connectivity The K10 Pro can be used either wired to any USB port (a USB-A to USB-C cable is included) or wireless via Bluetooth 5.1. The BT interface allows up to 3 simultaneous connections and should be compatible with most devices, including Windows PCs, many smart TVs, Android and iOS devices. Unlike the more recent V and Q models or the K10 Max, the K10 Pro does not come with the 2.4GHz wireless dongle. Only Bluetooth is included. ## Build Quality While unboxing, I was surprised how heavy it was. While I'm used to heavy keyboards[^1], the almost 1.5kg of the K10 Pro was a nice surprise. The case is made of solid ABS plastic and feels were robust. Nothing bends or makes noise when you grab it, the surface is a slightly textured dark gray and overall, it feels very nice. There are extendable feet at the backside to adjust the slope of the keyboard in two levels. ## Typing The brown switches are mildly tactile, a bit more than my beloved Cherry MX2A brown, but less bumpy than the typical and widely popular Banana switch. They are also quite smooth and show no *mushy* feeling whatsoever. The key caps feel nice and premium on this keyboard, they have a very slightly textured surface. The background LEDs do not illuminate the symbols, because the key caps are not shine-through. The background LED lights give the keyboard a nice overall appearance in dark environments, but do not help with typing. Personally, I do not care about this since I usually type blindly, not looking at the keyboard at all. ## Sound Is it thocky, clacky, creamy? Difficult to tell, check the sound test. It's neither of these and it's relatively quiet. Probably more leaning towards thocky with nicely damped clicks. ## Key caps Key caps are made of [PBT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polybutylene_terephthalate) in a double shot process which means that the letters and symbols are not printed or edged onto the caps but actually moulded as separate part. So each key cap is made of two parts – the cap body and the symbol which are then assembled into the final key cap. Traditionally, [ABS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrylonitrile_butadiene_styrene) was the best material for a double shot production process, but recently, advances in the process technology allow to use **PBT** for double shot processes. The big advantage of **PBT** is that it is more robust, will last longer and withstand the tendency to show a *polish* effect after some usage. **ABS** is prone to this polish effect, which can appear after a few months of daily typing, particularly on high-frequency keys like the space bar or common letters. **PBT** is not completely resistant against the polish effect, but it will take significantly longer until it shows that kind of wear. Also, **PBT** is more oil-resistant, so all the grease from the skin of your fingers won't make the [^1]: Classics like the IBM Model M or Northgate Omnikey keyboards can weigh well over 2 kilograms.