By David Snow • 11:30 am, July 29, 2022

Keychron started rolling out its Q series of custom mechanical keyboards about a year ago, adding to its mainstream K-series offerings. The Q lineup now includes an array of sizes and special features. But until this week it has not offered an “Alice-style,” split ergonomic board.

But now the Q8 65% Alice-style custom mechanical keyboard has arrived to soothe your aching wrists.

Having covered nearly every possible need for mechanical keyboards with other models, Keychron now turns to launching its new Q8, a rare 65% Alice-style board with a gasket design.

An Alice-style design splits the keyboard and angles and curves the two halves a bit. That helps you keep your forearms parallel and wrists relaxed while you type, which can ease strain.

It’s not as extreme with its shapes, angles and layouts as similar, more-ergonomic designs can be. So you could say it’s not the most ergonomic board, but it’s easier to adjust to coming from a traditional keyboard.

The Keychron Q8 features an all-metal CNC machined body, a full-size layout, double-gasket design, QMK/VIA key mapping support and the option to have a programmable control knob.

Like all the boards in the Q series, it’s hot swappable so you can easily change out elements like the key caps or the switches underneath them (depending upon your preferences for noise and typing feel). Assembled boards come with PBT keycaps and Gateron G switches.

And like other Q-series boards, you can easily switch between Windows and Mac compatibility. But note that the Q boards are wired, not wireless.

Price: $175 for a barebone kit without knob and $185 with it. Versions with stitches and keycaps installed cost $20 more.