Kopec Japan Inc. has begun selling the new K8 Pro QMK/VIA keyboard, manufactured by Keychron, based in Hong Kong, France.
The English-language (US layout) model goes on sale on September 12, 2022, and the Japanese-language (JIS layout) model on November 30, 2022.
Keychron K8 Pro QMK/VIA Retail Price
- White LED backlight model｜18,480 yen (including tax)
- RGB LED｜20,900 yen (tax included)
- Barebone model｜16,280 yen (tax included)
Manufacturer’s selling price
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Author of this article
Greenkeys Editor-in-Chief/Web Writer
I am the editor-in-chief of Greenkeys, a Japanese media specializing in keyboards.
I am consistently responsible for reviewing, interviewing, verifying, photographing, measuring, and writing about mechanical keyboards, home-made keyboards, and input devices.
We have reviewed more than 100 keyboards and input devices to date, organizing information and providing market commentary on Japanese-layout keyboard compatibility issues.
We have also established the Japan Layout Alliance (JLA), an industry collaboration project aimed at standardizing the compatibility of Japanese-language keyboards, and are promoting activities in cooperation with domestic and foreign manufacturers.
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Availability of Keychron K8 Pro Japanese Array
The Keychron K8 Pro was initially available only in a US (English) layout model, with the JIS (Japanese) layout model to be released “in due course = undecided”.
We are pleased to announce that Keychron’s Japanese distributor, Kopec Japan, has made an official announcement regarding the sales launch date, and the product has been successfully launched on November 30, 2022.
JIS for K8 PRO has been delayed in production, etc. and is scheduled to go on sale around the end of this month. We apologize for the delay and thank you for your patience.
– KOPEK JAPAN (@KOPEK_JP) November 13, 2022
After all, JIS layouts dominate the market share in Japan…!
Differences between Keychron K8 Regular Version and Pro
Both the English (US layout) and Japanese (JIS layout) models have the same key layout as the existing K8.
The three major differences between the K8 and the K8 Pro are as follows
- Can key mapping be customized?
- Keycap Type
- With or without silent processing
If you are looking for a good key feel, “Pro” is definitely the way to go!
K8 Pro allows customizable key mapping.
The K8 Pro supports the “QMK” and “VIA” key mapping systems, so you can change the key layout to your own preference.
Especially useful would be the ability to change the position of the control and shift keys on the hardware side.
For Windows users, the ability to change the keymap to your preferred arrangement is a huge advantage, as changing the keymap on the software side is not a feature by default, unlike on the Mac.
To change the keymap, use the software “VIA”.
Since it does not seem to be auto-authenticated yet, set up a separate JSON file by selecting it from the Design tab of VIA.
K8 Pro features OSA Double Shot PBT keycaps
OSA Double Shot PBT keycaps are used from K8 Pro.
This may not sound like a good idea at the moment, but you can just recognize it as “using a slightly better keycap than usual”.
Double-shot refers to a two-layer structure in which the part to be attached to the key switch is retrofitted after the keycap molding.
Because they are thicker than regular keycaps, the sound of keystrokes is considerably reduced.
The OSA profile is also a cute feature with rounded corners.
K8 Pro has been processed to be quieter.
This is probably the biggest difference from the regular K8.
The K8 Pro is pre-installed with sound-absorbing foam and a silicone bottom pad, resulting in a fairly tight typing sound.
The difference is obvious if you compare them.
Unfortunately, the normal board is “noisy” on all axes, but the K8 Pro has a much quieter, tyrant type sound.
summary
The K8 has long been very popular because of its standard arrangement and its compatibility with both Mac and Windows.
The K8 Pro is slightly more expensive because it is the top-of-the-line model, but it produces a truly pleasant typing sound that is more pleasant than the regular K8.
If you are going to buy a mechanical keyboard, the Keychron K8 Pro will be a very strong choice.
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