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The report highlights that keychron has a history of incorporating functions and techniques from the modding and building user base into its designs, but this 10×10 mechanical macropad might be the most obvious adaptation I’ve ever seen of a DIY attitude into a finished product. Well, somebody has been trawling the depths of the Mechanical Keyboards subreddit.
According to the latest update, the gadget has 100 mechanical keys all laid out in a grid, and it connects to your PC via USB-C. All the keycaps are blank, though of course you could supply your own if you want something more visually distinct. You get 100 Keychron Apex switches, which can be swapped out for any MX-compatible switch. It’s all programmable via QMK and Keychron’s web-based launcher tool. It has extras like RGB lights and fold-out feet. The Keychron C100 8K Giant Custom Macro Pad (breath!) is… well, it’s that.
According to the latest update, and for some reason it has 8,000Hz polling, which I guess is just how keyboards work now.
The report highlights that for 100 switches and caps, plus a custom PCB, that’s extremely reasonable. It’s priced low enough that the gadget has sold out immediately, though I wonder if that speaks more to a smaller initial run than huge demand. It’s certainly a more affordable way to roll your own Elgato Stream Deck. Perhaps the most surprising thing about this goofy gadget is its price: just $64.99 USD.
In a fresh development, if you’re chomping at the bit to get your hands on one, you can submit your email address to get alerted when it comes back in stock.
The report highlights that on PCWorld he's the resident keyboard nut, always using a fresh one for a review and building a fresh mechanical board or expanding his desktop "battlestation" in his off hours. Michael's previous bylines include Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek, and he's covered events like CES and Mobile Worldwide scene Congress live. Michael lives in Pennsylvania where he's always looking forward to his next kayaking trip. Michael is a 15-year veteran of technology journalism, covering everything from Apple to ZTE.