Keychron Carbon 60 HE 8K keyboard launches with forged carbon fiber case and 8kHz polling for $235

Keychron just announced the Carbon 60 HE 8K, a compact-form gaming keyboard that puts a focus on rigidity and ultra low latency. This is relevant for gamers looking for a compact option without sacrificing the stability that usually comes with a bigger and heavier keyboard. Keychron is able to pull this off by opting for a forged carbon fiber case and plate instead of the usual stuff.

Forged carbon fiber case and 8kHz polling define Keychron's new compact gaming keyboard

This is a 60% form factor which means there's no number pad or function row for desk-saving convenience. Keychron opted for its Ultra-Fast Lime magnetic switches as the default input method for the Carbon 60 HE 8K. Keychron's Ultra-Fast Lime magnetic switches come with an 8kHz polling rate.

Specifications

• Form Factor: 60%
• Switch Type: Ultra-Fast Lime Magnetic
• Polling Rate: 8kHz
• Actuation Range: 0.1-3.5mm
• Weight: 740g

That's double the update rate of the 4kHz that's considered standard fare on high-end gaming peripherals. This provides the system with better accuracy on keypresses.

Some of the technical specs to note about the Carbon 60 HE 8K pertain to its interesting construction and the ability to customize. The case and the keycaps are all forged carbon fiber. The carbon fiber content of the forged carbon fiber Keychron is using comes to 60%.

This makes the Carbon 60 HE 8K weigh in at 740g which is much lighter than something like the Q2 HE 8K which is made out of aluminum. As far as the switches go, there's an actuation range that can be set from 0.1mm – 3.5mm. This is 0.005mm increment changes. This enables cool features like Rapid Trigger and SOCD (Simultaneous Opposite Cardinal Direction) handling.

For the typing height and shape of the keys, the Carbon 60 HE 8K uses Cherry Profile keycaps. Keychron says that since there's no internal cushioning, the result is a precise and solid typing experience. This also makes the typing sound crisp and clear. The board supports analog input with the magnetic switches, allowing for various actuation depths.

The Carbon 60 HE 8K is for sale now over at the official Keychron online store. Globally, it's being sold for 234.99 USD ($235 roughly). With a price tag of $234.99, this is up there as a premium option for the compact gaming peripheral market. Gamers looking for a lightweight, rigid board with high speed polling can get their hands on this particular setup now.

With the announcement of the Carbon 60 HE 8K, Keychron has a new material in its HE (Hall Effect) stable. This is an interesting design change from what we've seen in the past where there's usually an aluminum or regular plastic case in play. The Carbon 60 HE 8K swaps over to forged carbon fiber for the case and keycaps.

This demonstrates a move towards composite material for rigidity. The Carbon 60 HE 8K is marked as available now for consumer purchase.