OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro Review: Rebranded Keychron Q1 Pro With Some Exciting Changes

Ask anyone what the name “OnePlus” represents and their answer will likely range from “VFM smartphone brand” and “too expensive” to “mid” and “a great comeback.” And I kind of agree with that last assessment. With the brand new OnePlus 11, the brand gained back some of its lost repo. But what’s even more interesting is OnePlus’s foray into PC peripherals. Granted that OnePlus already makes TVs so launching a monitor is not something out of the ordinary. However, for it to launch a keyboard is a really surprising move. 

What’s even more surprising is that almost everyone forgot that a OnePlus keyboard exists, after its initial announcement in early 2023. But I can confirm that it is real and is currently sitting on my desk ready to boost my productivity. So the question is can it do so and is it worth the Rs 17,999 OnePlus is charging you? Here’s my answer.

Also read: OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro now in India: Their first mechanical keyboard

OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro Review: Design, Features And Build Quality

The keyboard’s bottom features a robust kickstand bar, and the back edge houses two switches and a USB-C port. One switch allows users to alternate between Windows and Mac layouts, while the other transitions between wired and wireless modes. It boasts a Bluetooth 5.1 wireless connection, but there’s also a USB-C–to–USB-C cable included for wired use. Plus, a USB-C–to–USB-A adapter is provided. 

The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro is notably hefty, weighing around 1.87kg. Its heavy weight ensures it doesn’t easily slide on desks, which might not be ideal for those who travel with their keyboards. But the heavyweight becomes an advantage once you sit down.

Price-wise, the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro ranges from Rs 17,999 to 19,999, depending on the design and switches you choose. In comparison, the wired version of the Keychron Q1 keyboard, which the OnePlus model is based on, isn’t available in India but its wired model costs Rs 16,989. The Keychron Q1 Pro, the wireless model, costs a bit more but is still cheaper than the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro if you consider global pricing as it’s not available in India.

While the OnePlus branding is subtle, the kickstand is arguably the most significant enhancement OnePlus introduced. This feature lets users adjust the typing angle, an option surprisingly absent in the standard Q1 Pro. The adjustable bar is also quite firm and doesn’t move around even if you’re typing furiously. Another distinction is the keycap design. The standard Q1 Pro features Keychron’s spherical-angle (KSA) keycaps. In contrast, the OnePlus model ships with cylindrical keycaps. The specific keycap style varies with the switch type. The Rs 17,999 tactile switch version (Winter Bonfire) predominantly features darker gray double-shot PBT keycaps. Meanwhile, the pricier Rs 19,999 linear switch model (Summer Breeze) comes with lighter gray double-shot keycaps crafted from a material OnePlus dubs “marble-mallow.” These keycaps are flexible, returning to their original form when squeezed.

While the keyboard offers individual-key RGB backlighting, the keycaps come with non-transparent lettering. In dim settings, the keyboard’s silhouette is visible enough for hand repositioning, but discerning key labels can be challenging. The distinctiveness of the Marble-mallow keycaps is intriguing. OnePlus likens the material to that found in wristbands and charging cables, known for their soft yet resilient nature. Regardless of the production differences, these keys indeed feel softer than many counterparts.

OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro Review: Typing Experience, Performance And Features

Despite being new to the keyboard scene, OnePlus has delivered a product that promises a premium typing experience. The keyboard, weighing a notable 4.16 pounds (1.87kg) due to its aluminum construction, provides a stable base, ensuring it remains steadfast during rigorous typing. The collaboration with Keychron resulted in custom switches that, along with the Marble-mallow keycaps, offer a tactile response, even if the linear switches lack the traditional clicky sound. However, while the keycaps maintained their appearance during the review, OnePlus hasn’t detailed the specifics of the switches, and some build compromises, like thin case foam, are also present.

The keyboard’s design also features a functional knob, primarily for volume control, although its plastic make feels less premium. The robust and adjustable kickstand allows for varied typing angles, with silicone pads preventing any movement. Notably, this kickstand can also position the keyboard vertically, optimizing desk space when not in use. It boasts a heavy, durable build, and after a full day’s use, the keys remain pleasing to the touch. That said, it’s hard to overlook its uncanny resemblance to the well-received Keychron Q1 Pro. 

I appreciate the cohesive OnePlus colour palette, the alert slider-style controls on the keyboard’s top, the vibrant red USB cable, and the crystallized dialer, which replaces the plasticky one on the Keychron Q1 Pro. Although OnePlus does give you five additional keys with the keyboard none of them is an “Esc” key. Because by default the OnePlus logo is placed there. So An alternative escape key with a traditional “Esc” label would have been a nice touch.

At the keyboard’s top, you’ll find the Mac/Windows and wired/wireless selectors. The wired/wireless switch has been refined to exude a more “OnePlus” vibe. The keyboard supports hot-swapping, allowing users to effortlessly replace switches without soldering, and a keycap puller is also included. In terms of battery life, with RGB at its lowest, the battery easily lasts more than 100 hours, but turning it off extends the battery life to more than 200 hours. It’s advisable to activate the lights only when using the keyboard in wired mode.

Also read: Logitech MX Keys S – Totally worth the experience…

OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro Review: Verdict

The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro, while inspired by the Keychron Q1 Pro, isn’t just a rebranded version. It provides a quieter typing experience, a unique feel, and adjustable height. However, the question remains: does it justify its Rs 17,999 price tag? While some might lean towards the more affordable Keychron Q1 Pro, OnePlus loyalists, and Indian fans who can’t buy Keychron Q1 Pro in the country, looking for a premium typing experience might find this keyboard is the only worthwhile option.