Keychron K8 HE All-Wood Special Edition launches with a walnut case at $199.99

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Keychron is giving its K8 HE a much more unusual exterior. The new All-Wood Special Edition replaces most of the keyboard’s outer shell with walnut, while keeping the magnetic-switch hardware underneath. It is priced at $199.99 and is available to order from Keychron’s website.

A walnut K8 HE from top to bottom

Unlike the earlier K8 HE Special Edition, which only added wooden sections at the sides, this version uses walnut for both the frame and the bottom case. Brown CNC-machined aluminum forms the side panels, while an aluminum plate provides the internal structure.

The natural material also means there will be some variation between keyboards. Keychron says the grain pattern is different from one unit to another, giving each one its own appearance.

The matching keycaps come in a dark brown finish and use an OSA profile with double-shot PBT construction. They are not shine-through, so the RGB lighting stays underneath the keycaps instead of passing through the letters. Keychron also includes Mac and Windows replacement keycaps and a switch for changing between the two layouts. The keyboard weighs 1,009g. 

The magnetic hardware remains the same

Under the walnut case are pre-lubed Gateron double-rail magnetic Nebula switches. They are hot-swappable, but this doesn’t mean you can freely use any magnetic switch. The K8 HE is designed around Keychron’s own double-rail magnetic switches, while its sensor arrangement prevents compatibility with many third-party alternatives. 

There is plenty of adjustment available through the magnetic system. The actuation point can be set separately for each key from 0.2mm to 3.8mm, with 0.1mm increments between settings.

The K8 HE uses a tenkeyless layout, so there is no number pad on the right. The magnetic switch system is also the same family used by the Keychron K2 HE.

Keychron gives the keyboard three connection options. You can use its 2.4GHz wireless connection, Bluetooth 5.2, or USB-C.

Software configuration is handled through Keychron’s Launcher web app. The keyboard uses open-source QMK firmware, and the Launcher now includes an AI assistant that can convert plain-language instructions into keyboard settings.

Keychron has also added several layers inside the case to change how the keyboard sounds. A 3.5mm combination of EVA foam, EPDM foam, and PET film sits inside to help reduce typing noise.

The K8 HE measures 365.94 × 133.13mm and has a fixed 4-degree typing angle. Keychron already offers All-Wood versions of the K2 HE and K3 Max as well. According to the company, the wood receives a coating that helps protect it from sweat and moisture, while the surface will gradually develop its own patina with use.

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