A few weeks ago, a leak announced that OnePlus was working on a mechanical keyboard. Now, it is finally official that the company led by Carl Pei will expand its product catalog. This time, however, it will move away from mobile devices in order to conquer your desktop and computer.
He Featuring Keyboard 81 Pro It is the first mechanical keyboard from OnePlus. The 81 is related to the number of keys, while Pro has to do with its approach towards the professional sector. And Featuring? According to the Asian manufacturer, this name indicates that we are dealing with a product that was developed jointly with another company. In this case, keychrona well-known firm among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
In fact, among the multiple proposals that Keychron currently has available, you will be able to observe that one model in particular, the Keychrono Q1 V2became the source of inspiration for the OnePlus Featuring Keyboard 81 Pro. It differs in the choice of colors, in the transparent dial located in the upper right corner and, of course, in the branding of the Asian company that is present so much in it aluminium frame as in the Esc key.
The OnePlus Featuring Keyboard 81 Pro bets on a traditional scheme with Function keys located at the top. Besides, does not have a side numeric keypad, which helps reduce its dimensions to save desktop space. The keys, on the other hand, can be remapped without complications. Of course, we will have to resort to tools such as QMK and VIA —both open source—.
For any fan of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches will always be key. OnePlus, however, preferred to distance itself from the most popular brands —Cherry MX, for example— and opted to develop its own switch together with Keychron.
“Using renowned Keychron technology allowed OnePlus to create an exceptionally versatile keyboard switch. OnePlus mechanical switches are designed to meet the complex needs of the most demanding users. You’ll discover a precise linear click and a tactile experience optimized and designed for the most intense and demanding scenarios.»
OnePlus.
OnePlus notes that the keys on the Featuring Keyboard 81 Pro have a soft bounce to make the typing experience as comfortable as possible. Additionally, both the switch and the keycap material—they refer to it as thermoplastic—were chosen prioritizing durability.
“With longer keystroke life, increased wear resistance, and improved tactile feedback, this mechanical keyboard was born to meet the demands of every challenge.”
OnePlus.
For those users who prefer to tilt the keyboard slightly, a support is hidden at the bottom to raise its rear height. On the other hand, it has RGB lighting.
Finally, let’s talk about autonomy. The OnePlus Featuring Keyboard 81 Pro integrates a 4,000 mAh battery that promises up to 100 hours of use when lighting is at low levels. Fortunately, it can be charged through its connector USB-C (it takes 5 hours to reach 100% charge).
It will be available sometime in April at a price yet to be confirmed. We can tell you that it will not be cheap.