When OnePlus introduced it was introducing a keyboard earlier this yr, I used to be very excited — extra so than standard. You see, I simply began delving into the mechanical keyboard rabbit gap, and realized early on that there is much more to the class than I initially imagined. While I used mechanical keyboards for the higher a part of a decade, they had been largely restricted to gaming-focused choices just like the Corsair Ok95, Corsair Ok100, and so forth.So after I bought began with my first DIY keyboard — a Glorious GMMK Pro — it was a revelation. The gasket-mounted design delivered significantly better suggestions and bounciness, and there was an entire world of fanatic switches and keycaps ready to be explored. A yr on and a dozen keyboards and several other dozen switches later, it looks like I lastly know my method across the class.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)That’s why I used to be enthused in regards to the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro. At the outset, it does not make a lot sense for the Chinese producer to launch a keyboard; the product simply does not match into its overarching ecosystem technique that now consists of the likes of the OnePlus Band, OnePlus Watch, OnePlus Pad, and the OnePlus TV 65 Q2. However, the keyboard is not part of OnePlus’s core product line, however its community-driven initiative, which sees higher collaboration with its userbase to solicit new product concepts and design suggestions.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)That’s the origin story of this keyboard; it was designed hand-in-hand with the group, and constructed by Keychron. In reality, the keyboard makes use of the identical basis because the Keychron Q1 Pro, using the identical gasket mount, identical polycarbonate plate, comparable case foam, and the identical ARM Cortex-M4 controller.If you have not paid consideration to this class, Keychron is likely one of the largest mechanical keyboard producer, and the model prides itself on worth. The $199 Q1 Pro presents an identical feature-set as keyboards that price thrice as a lot, and having used it for a number of months, it is nonetheless my go-to advice for anybody trying to make the change to a customized mechanical keyboard.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)So, the Keyboard 81 Pro has what’s arguably the most effective basis on this class, and its differentiating attribute is the beautiful design. The chassis is made out of sandblaster aluminum, and it appears and looks like a flagship product. Image 1 of 5(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Another distinctive design trait is the kickstand — a bar that runs the size of the keyboard that means that you can prop it up on a floor or regulate the typing angle. For me, that is what distinguishes the Keyboard 81 Pro from the Q1 Pro, and in my use, the kickstand has confirmed to be fairly useful.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The different large change is the see-through rotary knob, which appears undeniably cool. While it has the identical suggestions because the Q1 Pro, I might have most well-liked a normal encoder with a textured design as that is extra usable. Regardless, it provides a variety of aptitude to the design, and the chrome accents across the knob and nav keys can be fairly distinctive.Image 1 of 4(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Other than that, the Keyboard 81 Pro feels the identical to make use of because the Q1 Pro. It makes use of the identical 75% format, so that you get 81 keys in whole. But what you will actually admire is the typing expertise; it makes use of a double-gasket design with the keyboard housing sandwiched by gaskets so it does not come into direct contact with the steel chassis of the keyboard. This creates a definite flex that is noticeable when utilizing the keyboard, and the Keyboard 81 Pro additionally has further layers of froth to scale back sound resonance and improve suggestions.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)All of this results in a keyboard that’s phenomenal to make use of. If you have been utilizing a conventional membrane keyboard or perhaps a mechanical keyboard, you’ll instantly discover a distinction when switching to a gasket-mounted choice. Although the Keyboard 81 Pro felt a little bit stiffer than the Q1 Pro through the preliminary two days of use, it bought significantly better with prolonged use.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The Keyboard 81 Pro has hot-swappable switches, so you possibly can take out the switches and add your personal. You can select between a linear and tactile change, with OnePlus bundling Keychron’s Ok Pro switches. The Ok Pro Red linear choice has 2mm pre-travel and 4mm whole journey, with an actuation of 45gf. It is an honest change in its personal proper, however I choose heavier Gateron switches, so I put in these on the keyboard after a couple of days of use.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)You get an honest quantity of equipment within the field as properly; OnePlus bundles a keycap and change puller, and there is a crimson USB-C to USB-C cable that serves as a homage to the producer’s telephone cables. The keyboard comes absolutely assembled out of the field, so you possibly can simply plug it in to get began.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The solely problem I’ve with the keyboard is the keycaps. The Q1 Pro makes use of Keychron’s KSA profile keys which might be extra conducive to typing, and the Keyboard 81 Pro as a substitute makes use of cylindrical keycaps. Now, the keycaps are made out of double-shot PBT and are constructed to final, however the high quality does not fairly really feel the identical as that of the Q1 Pro. The legends do not shine by way of both, so you will solely get subtle RGB lighting.Talking about RGB lighting, you possibly can customise the lighting, assign macros, change key configuration, and a lot extra with VIA, the keyboard software program that is used throughout the trade. It’s extremely straightforward to make use of, and the most effective half is that it is on-line, so there is no want to put in any drivers.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)There’s loads of versatility right here as properly, with the Keyboard 81 Pro providing Bluetooth connectivity along with a USB-C port. There’s an alert slider-style toggle that allows you to change modes, and it is easy to take action.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Overall, OnePlus is onto a winner with the Keyboard 81 Pro. It retains the identical fundamentals because the Q1 Pro whereas providing distinctive extras that give it a definite edge, and it’s fabulous in each day use. You’re paying a premium for these further options, with the Keyboard 81 Pro retailing for $239 — $40 greater than what you will find yourself paying for the Q1 Pro. The keyboard makes much more sense in areas like India, the place the Q1 Pro is not on sale simply but.Sure, you are not essentially getting the most effective worth, however if you need a brand new mechanical keyboard and need one thing with distinctive styling, the Keyboard 81 Pro may be the best selection for you.
With a stunning design and phenomenal typing expertise, the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro has all the pieces you may ask for in a customized mechanical keyboard.