If you are in the market for a super cool keyboard, then you may want to hold out a little longer for this one from OnePlus. Yes. You heard that right. A keyboard. From OnePlus. It’s an unusual move (to make a computer peripheral) for sure. The OnePlus Featuring Keyboard 81 Pro, as it is called, is a mechanical keyboard that promised a lot of style and unique features.
The OnePlus Featuring Keyboard 81 Pro is for gaming, creative, and everyday use. It features hot-swappable co-created switches capped with soft-touch Marble-mallow keycaps.
The keyboard further touts a double gasket mount for a softer rebound and dampened audible sound. Though it is by no means a silent keyboard. I hope it isn’t because what’s a mechanical keyboard without some form of clickety-clackety?
Further customization of the keyboard is enabled by open-source firmware. Open-source firmware like QMK and VIA offers real-time control without reflashing the firmware, allowing customizing the RGB lighting effects, remapping of keys, and whatnot.
As for workflow goes, there is a customizable rotary dial that you can customize to fit your creative workflow.
In addition, the keyboard inherited a feature from its flagship smartphones: the slider switch. The keyboard supports both wireless (Bluetooth) and wired (USB-C) modes which are selectable with the iconic OnePlus slider switch around the back of the keyboard. The slider also lets you switch off the keyboard when not in use.
The keyboard is compatible with Windows and Mac, as well as Linux. There is a switch alongside the slider to let you switch between Windows and Mac.
Rounding up the feature list is a CNC-machined aluminum body with a built-in keyboard stand that is unlike anything we have seen before.
OnePlus will start taking pre-orders for the keyboard in April. Pricing is TBA. Meanwhile, you may sign up to be notified when the book is open.
Images: OnePlus.
