Keychron has announced the C100 8K, a 10-by-10 macro pad with 96 fully programmable keys, hot-swappable Apex switches, and an 8K polling rate, priced at $64.99. It's aimed at gamers, editors, and sim enthusiasts who want a fully customizable shortcut board rather than a traditional keyboard.
Keychron has launched the C100 8K, a macro pad built around a 10-by-10 grid of 100 keys. According to Tom's Hardware, all keys except the four corners (which are reserved for lighting controls) can be fully remapped, giving users 96 programmable positions to work with. The device is available now on Amazon and Keychron's own site for $64.99, though Digital Trends notes Keychron's official store currently lists it as backordered with no firm shipping date.
The C100 8K uses Keychron's exclusive pre-lubed Apex switches, which are hot-swappable, so owners can swap them out for a different switch feel without soldering. Paired with transparent ASA keycaps and per-key RGB, the lighting can be used to visually separate custom key groups — useful given that the pad ships with no letters, numbers, or preset commands. Customization is handled through QMK support and Keychron's browser-based Launcher, meaning no dedicated software installation is required, and the pad works across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Both outlets frame the 8K polling rate as somewhat unusual for a macro pad rather than a gaming keyboard, but it underscores that this device is built to handle rapid, repeated inputs. Suggested use cases from the sources include video editors managing complex timelines, photo editors sorting large batches of images, programmers running repetitive commands, and sim racing or flight-sim fans who want to replicate cockpit or dashboard buttons without buying a dedicated control panel.
The trade-off is that the C100 8K is wired-only, with a square body measuring nearly 7.75 inches per side, so it will take up meaningful desk space alongside a regular keyboard and mouse. As Digital Trends puts it, the blank layout also means owners have to decide — and remember — what every one of those 96 keys actually does.
What We Know
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | $64.99 |
| Layout | 10-by-10 grid, 100 keys total (96 programmable; 4 corner keys reserved for lighting controls) |
| Switches | Pre-lubed Keychron Apex switches (hot-swappable) |
| Polling Rate | 8,000Hz (8K) |
| Keycaps | Transparent ASA keycaps with per-key RGB lighting |
| Software | QMK support plus browser-based Keychron Launcher (no software install required) |
| Connectivity | Wired only |
| OS Compatibility | Windows, macOS, and Linux |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Keychron C100 8K cost?
The Keychron C100 8K is priced at $64.99, according to both Tom's Hardware and Digital Trends.
How many keys can actually be programmed on the C100 8K?
The pad has 100 keys in a 10-by-10 grid, but the four corner keys are reserved for lighting controls, leaving 96 fully programmable keys.
Is the Keychron C100 8K wireless?
No, the C100 8K is wired-only; it does not offer a wireless connectivity option.
Can the switches on the C100 8K be replaced?
Yes, it uses hot-swappable, pre-lubed Keychron Apex switches, so switches can be replaced without soldering.
