OnePlus enters the keyboard arena with the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro, signaling a shift from its primary focus on mobile phones. Collaborating with Keychron, renowned for high-quality mechanical keyboards, OnePlus has adapted and introduced tweaks to the existing Keychron Q1 Pro, presenting the 81 Pro as its inaugural mechanical keyboard offering.
Features and Design of the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro:
Upon unboxing, the standout characteristic of the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro is its substantial weight. The CNC aluminum body not only imparts a robust and durable feel but also tips the scales at a considerable 1.8 kg, making it a heavyweight contender in the keyboard realm. Inside the packaging, users will find additional foam gaskets, thanks to the double gasket mounting, enhancing the overall build quality.
OnePlus goes the extra mile by including a keycap and switch puller, spare screws, and a hex key (Allen key) for enthusiasts keen on customization. Catering to those who prefer wired connections, a 2-meter USB Type-C to Type-C cable, sporting OnePlus’s distinctive bright Red hue, is provided. What sets it apart is the inclusion of a USB Type-A dongle, offering versatility for usage in both USB-C and A ports—an added convenience for users.
Discover the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro’s full potential as we delve into its performance and usability.
Now, let’s delve into the design of the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro. Embracing a clean and work-centric aesthetic, it exudes sophistication. The volume knob on the right side is not merely functional; it’s a visual delight with a diamond-like luster and tactile steps that feel rubbery. This feature adds both functionality and elegance, making volume adjustments a quick and enjoyable task. The OnePlus branding is subtle, with a red “Escape” key showcasing the company logo and a matching red “Enter” key – a tasteful nod to the brand without overwhelming the design. Turning the keyboard over reveals the company’s “Never Settle” tagline, maintaining a clean and minimalist appearance without flashy logos.
The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro adopts a 75% layout, a smart decision that optimizes desk space by omitting the Numpad area. Despite this space-saving choice, it retains essential keys like Page Up, Page Down, and Home on the right side. Interestingly, the keyboard comes with Mac keycaps by default, requiring a simple swap for the included Windows keys – a user-friendly customization touch.
The bottom features a feet bar that serves not only to adjust the keyboard’s angle and height but can also hold the keyboard upright, creating extra desk space when needed. While this is a noteworthy feature, its practicality might be overlooked, as users may forget about it in the midst of their work. It’s a reminder of the subtle yet ingenious features our gadgets offer.
Let’s delve into the essential details of the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro – the keycaps, pricing, and connectivity. In my hands, I had the Winter Bonfire variant equipped with Red tactile switches. OnePlus has adorned this version with PBT keycaps, crafted from high-quality polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) plastic. These keycaps boast solidity and resilience, maintaining their integrity without succumbing to the common issue of developing an oily shine from prolonged use. The sleek Dark Grey color scheme complements the premium feel, all priced at ₹16,999.
For those eyeing the Summer Breeze version with Blue linear switches, OnePlus introduces the Marble-mallow keycaps, adding a playful touch. These keycaps exhibit a soft and flexible nature, noticeable when squeezed off the keyboard. Adorned in a light Grey color scheme, this variant comes with a slightly higher price tag of INR 19,999.
Having transitioned from the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro to my previous Asus TUF Gaming K3, the tactile experience was noticeably different. Setting aside the price difference – with the Asus keyboard priced at ₹5,000 – the TUF keyboard felt somewhat plastic-like, making me yearn for the premium feel of the OnePlus keyboard’s keycaps.
Despite the redundancy of the Page and Home keys for my usage, the Delete key’s placement next to the volume knob proved quite handy. Adapting to the arrow keys’ location required some time, but once accustomed, their usage became comfortable. Individual preferences for key travel may vary, but I found the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro remarkably comfortable, providing responsive spring-back feedback and an overall satisfying typing experience.
As a lover of the clackity sounds of a keyboard, the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro’s tactile switches produced music to my ears. The keyboard emitted refined clicks, offering a gratifying typing experience without being excessively loud or harsh.
Crafted for Enthusiasts: A Comprehensive Review of the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro
Battery Performance of the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro:
Equipped with a 4000mAh battery, the keyboard demonstrates commendable longevity in Bluetooth mode, lasting for a few days on average. It’s worth noting that if you activate the RGB lights, the battery will deplete at a quicker rate. In my usage, I tended to favor the wired connection to ensure a consistent power source.
Software Customization:
Unlike some competitors, OnePlus doesn’t provide proprietary customization software for the Keyboard 81 Pro – a notable advantage. Owners can utilize third-party options, such as QMK and VIA, commonly supported by Keychron keyboards. These tools enable extensive configurations, allowing users to personalize keymapping, create macros, adjust language ISO layouts, and more. The QMK web app, accessible through a browser, offers a quick and seamless experience for remapping keys, creating macros, and tweaking lighting. Alternatively, the VIA app, available for installation, provides another avenue for software-based customization.
Value for Money:
For keyboard enthusiasts exploring premium options like the Keychron Q1 Pro, the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro presents a compelling choice. Offering Bluetooth functionality and distinctive keycaps, it comes with the added benefit of well-established after-sales support from OnePlus. On the other hand, if wireless connectivity isn’t essential, the Keychron Q1 offers a more budget-friendly alternative, sacrificing wireless capabilities for a lower price. In the sub-INR 10,000 range, Keychron also offers several alternatives.
Where to Buy:
As of the review’s writing, the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro is exclusively available for purchase on the OnePlus website.
The Verdict:
The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro stands out as a heavyweight contender, both in its physical build and overall appeal. With a robust construction, stylish design, and catering to high-end keyboard enthusiasts, it introduces Bluetooth functionality and premium keycaps, delivering a comfortable typing experience. While the absence of backlit lettering and dependency on third-party tools may be drawbacks for some, the keyboard’s hot-swappable keycaps and switches offer customization options. If you have even a mild interest in mechanical keyboards and prioritize after-sales support, the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro is a worthwhile investment.