OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro Review: A Solid Entry into the Premium Mechanical Keyboard Market
OnePlus has been steadily expanding its product portfolio beyond smartphones, venturing into smart TVs, earbuds, smartwatches, and even clothing accessories. Now, the brand has taken a bold step into the world of mechanical keyboards with the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro, a collaboration with mechanical keyboard specialists Keychron. Many might assume it’s simply a rebranded Keychron Q1 Pro, but the 81 Pro offers unique features and a distinct OnePlus twist, making it a compelling option for those seeking a premium typing experience. Having used the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro for over a month, I’m here to share my detailed insights and weigh in on its strengths and weaknesses.
OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro: Price and Box Contents
The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro comes in two variants, each differing in switch type and accompanying keycaps. The Winter Bonfire option features PBT keycaps and tactile switches with curiously red-colored stems, priced at Rs. 17,999. The Summer Breeze option, priced slightly higher at Rs. 19,999, comes with unique Marble Mallow keycaps, claimed to be flexible, and linear switches with blue-colored stems. It’s important to note that the switch color coding deviates from the standard, with red usually denoting silent linear switches and blue signifying clicky linear switches. So, choose carefully based on your preferences, as the color doesn’t accurately represent the switch type.
Beyond the standard keycap and switch puller, the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro includes a quality braided USB Type-C to Type-C cable for a faster 1,000Hz polling rate (compared to 90Hz with wireless), a USB Type-A to Type-C adapter, a hex key matching the case screws, spare screws for stabilizers, and additional gasket foam strips – thoughtful additions for those who might need replacements.
OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro: Design
Cosmetically, the two keyboard variants share the same design. The only difference lies in the keycap color scheme: the Winter Bonfire option, which I reviewed, utilizes darker grey keycaps for the alphanumeric keys, directional keys, and several function keys, while the Summer Breeze option inverts this, using light grey keys for the majority of the layout.
While the grey, white, and red color palette is reminiscent of OnePlus’s smartphone aesthetic, it’s not entirely unique. Keychron itself offers a similar Shell White finish for its Q1 Pro with red keycaps. While some might find the OnePlus branding excessive, it’s worth noting that most users will likely customize the keyboard with their own keycaps anyway. The basic aluminum case serves as a decent starting point for personalization, though bolder color options could have been offered out of the box.
The keycap colors lend a retro-modern feel to the keyboard. The customisable acrylic knob at the top right corner stands out, thankfully devoid of RGB lighting. It’s surrounded by a chrome casing, further differentiating it from other pre-built keyboards.
The metal keyboard case’s wedge-shaped layout echoes the Keychron Q1 Pro with larger overhangs on all sides. OnePlus adds a unique chrome fold-out stand with rubber stoppers, aptly named "keyboard holder," which elevates the keyboard by an inch for those seeking an increased incline. This feature is absent in the standard Q1 Pro. Furthermore, the holder permits the Keyboard 81 Pro to stand upright on its top edge, effectively clearing up desk space.
The 75 percent layout makes the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro a substantial keyboard, almost feeling as large as an 80 percent Tenkeyless (TKL) layout due to the generous overhangs. At 1.8kg, it’s undeniably heavy, making it a dedicated desk companion rather than a portable option. The heft contributes to the well-tuned typing experience, catering to those seeking a sturdy well-built keyboard.
OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro: Performance
Unlike the wide range of options offered by Keychron for the Q1 Pro, the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro limits buyers to two pre-configured cosmetic and switch type combinations. The Winter Bonfire keycaps are of the standard double-shot PBT type, boasting a textured finish that resists grease and shine, a notable advantage during my daily use during the review period.
The tactile switches within the Winter Bonfire variant offer a distinct tactile bump at the beginning of the keypress, allowing for quick registering and fast typing. The switches require a moderate force to depress but register keystrokes swiftly thanks to a short 3.3mm travel distance (2.2mm pre-travel). These custom-made switches, a commendable first-time effort by OnePlus, will likely appeal to writers and coders who appreciate the feedback of tactile switches. If tactile feedback or the subtle clicky sound isn’t desired, the Summer Breeze alternative boasting quieter switches might be more suitable for gaming due to their reduced operating force and extended travel distance.
The switches are mounted on a PCB plate that is double-gasket mounted with foam-like gaskets separating it from the case, minimizing unwanted noise and vibrations. The keyboard utilizes a total of 10 gaskets, resulting in a dampened clicky sound that is satisfyingly controlled for a pre-built keyboard. However, for those who desire a different sound profile, hot-swapping switches with their preferred options is always an option.
Despite its premium nature, the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro surprisingly lacks a custom palm rest. While I utilized a Keychron one for the review period, its absence is noticeable given the keyboard’s height.
The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro, like the Keychron Q1 Pro, adopts the south-facing RGB lighting design. The non-shine-through PBT keycaps necessitate overhead lighting for illumination in darker settings. Lighting pattern pre-sets can be cycled through using the function key along with the "Q" key, while the colors can be adjusted with the function key in combination with "E" or "D" keys. While the pattern options feel somewhat limited compared to standard Keychron keyboards, the VIA keyboard software allows for greater customization, including lighting, macros, and layers, though the keyboard must be physically connected to the computer during customization. The knob itself is customisable, defaulting to system volume control and muting when pressed.
Software-wise, the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro boasts subtle tweaks, such as a power saver mode that kicks in when the battery is depleted and the RGB lighting can’t be activated. A blinking red light under the spacebar signals this mode. Despite not being as intelligent as Logitech’s MX series keyboards, the RGB lighting auto-deactivates after five minutes of inactivity. Connectivity during the review period, while wirelessly connected to a Mac Studio, proved reliable, without a single disconnect, a significant achievement for a third-party keyboard. The Keyboard 81 Pro allows for simultaneous connection to three devices, with switching accomplished by pressing the function key alongside the 1, 2, or 3 numeric keys.
Battery life is impressive for a wireless keyboard. The 4,000mAh battery lasted a full six workdays (nine hours each) with the RGB lighting fully enabled at maximum brightness. Beyond that, the keyboard endured two additional days in power-saving mode without backlighting before shutting down. OnePlus claims the battery can last up to 300 hours (about 7.5 work weeks) with the backlighting off, a remarkable feat for an RGB-equipped keyboard.
Although the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro excels in desk use, its stationary nature makes charging time less critical. However, I still tested its performance, discovering it required six hours to fully charge using a 65W PD GaN charger.
Verdict: OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro
In India’s premium mechanical keyboard market, consumers face a decision: purchase a pre-built option from a limited selection of manufacturers or embark on a DIY endeavor with hand-picked components, often requiring group buys and extended waiting times. Furthermore, assembling a custom keyboard that meets specific requirements can easily exceed the Rs. 20,000 mark.
The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro, mirroring many Keychron keyboards, caters to those seeking a premium typing experience without delving into complex build processes. However, it’s not solely a rebranded Keychron product. The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro boasts distinct improvements such as custom switches, a fold-out stand, unique keycaps, and a refined design. Given its premium features and relatively affordable price, it holds a commanding position in India’s mechanical keyboard scene. The lack of readily available premium pre-built keyboards in the market, with Keychron being the sole prominent player, further elevates the appeal of this OnePlus offering.
Keychron’s cautious approach to product releases in India, and the deliberate absence of the Q1 Pro in the local market, seemingly paved the way for this collaboration with OnePlus.
Ultimately, consumers face a choice: import a Keychron Q1 Pro via customs (with varying success rates) for roughly Rs. 16,500, excluding duties, or opt for the OnePlus-branded counterpart starting at Rs. 17,999. While the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro doesn’t offer extensive customizability, it compensates with its thoughtfully-designed features, including unique switches, a fold-out stand, and aesthetically pleasing keycaps.
The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro is a testament to the brand’s ability to tap into new markets with innovative products. With its impressive features, meticulous design, and refined performance, it is a strong contender for those seeking a premium mechanical keyboard experience. The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro is a well-rounded offering, and I’m eager to see what OnePlus has in store for its future ventures in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Ratings out of 10
- Design: 9
- Performance: 9
- Value for money: 8
- Overall: 8
Pros
- Premium build quality
- Excellent typing experience
- Adjustable keyboard height
- Useful keyboard holder or fold-out stand
- Satisfying key sounds
- Robust companion software
- Customizable keys
- Hot-swappable switches
- Replaceable keycaps
Cons
- Case available in only one finish
No custom palm rest included
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