I may not be the most qualified person to review the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro, but as a reviewer of keyboards, I understand the challenges that come with evaluating mechanical keyboards. Preferences for keyboards can vary greatly, and what may be perfect for one person could be a disappointment for another. With that said, I will provide my insights on the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro and expand on the given content to reach the desired word count of 700.
The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro is a collaboration between OnePlus and Keychron, a renowned name in mechanical keyboards for enthusiasts. While Keychron keyboards are no strangers to me, as I have tested several of them in our Home Office Gear guide, the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro manages to stand out even amongst Keychron’s offerings.
One notable feature of the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro is its weight. Weighing in at over 4 pounds, it is considerably heavy. This weight provides stability and prevents the keyboard from sliding around your desk. However, for those like me who tend to shift around while working, this heaviness can be a slight inconvenience. Nevertheless, if you are someone with good posture and prefer a stationary keyboard, this weight can be an advantage.
The keyboard features a thick kickstand bar on the underside, ensuring it stays firmly in place. On the rear edge, there are two physical toggles and a USB-C port. One toggle allows you to switch between Windows and Mac keyboard layouts, while the other enables you to switch between wired and wireless connections. The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.1, but it also comes with a USB-C-to-USB-C cable for tethered use. Additionally, there is a USB-C-to-USB-A adapter included in the box.
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One feature that stands out is the individual-key RGB backlighting. However, while the keycaps are opaque, making it possible to see the shape of the keyboard in a dark room, the visibility of the key labels is compromised. Although this can be remedied by customizing the keycaps, it remains a minor disappointment for me.
The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro is available in two versions: Winter Bonfire and Summer Breeze. The Winter Bonfire model features red, tactile switches, while the Summer Breeze model (the one I tested) boasts blue, linear switches. Additionally, only the Summer Breeze model comes with OnePlus’ Marble-mallow keycaps, while the Winter Bonfire model uses standard polybutylene terephthalate plastic.
The Marble-mallow keycaps deserve attention due to their unique composition. OnePlus claims that these keycaps are made from materials similar to those used in wristbands and charging cables, offering a soft but durable feel. The keys do indeed feel noticeably softer compared to other keyboards, which enhances the typing experience. Whether this is a positive or negative aspect depends on personal preference. Personally, when using a heavy keyboard like the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro, I lean towards a more satisfying click, making the Winter Bonfire model a potentially better fit. However, those who prefer softer and quieter keyboards will find the Summer Breeze model hard to beat.
The keyboard follows a 75 percent layout, meaning it has 81 keys and saves space by omitting the numpad and certain keys like Insert or End. However, it does include keys such as Page Up, Page Down, and Home along the right side. Unlike many compact keyboards, the keys on the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro are slightly separated on their own island, providing a more comfortable typing experience.
One unique feature is the volume knob located on the top right corner of the keyboard. The knob stands out with its clear plastic material, giving the impression that it would light up. However, to my relief, it doesn’t. While a backlight on the knob would be distracting, its appearance feels slightly out of place amidst the overall soft, matte gray design with only a splash of muted red.
To conclude, the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro offers a unique and customizable experience. Its weight and stability may not suit everyone’s preferences, but for those seeking a heavy and stationary keyboard, it can be a great fit. The inclusion of Marble-mallow keycaps and the overall soft typing experience add another layer of comfort. As with any mechanical keyboard, personal preference plays a significant role. Therefore, while the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro may not be my ideal keyboard, it has qualities that make it worth considering for enthusiasts seeking specific features.
