Keychron produced 96 blank keys, leaving the issue to someone else.

      The 10-by-10 macro pad transforms an empty grid into a customizable control panel.

      Keychron has developed a 100-key macro pad for those who have ever looked at a keyboard and wished that all its keys were unassigned. The Keychron C100 8K is priced at $64.99 and features a 10-by-10 grid without any assigned letters, numbers, or commands.

      Four keys in the corners are designated for lighting controls and cannot be remapped, leaving 96 positions available for programming. This amount is still close to an entire full-sized mechanical keyboard dedicated to shortcuts, but no functions have been predetermined for them.

      Programming capabilities

      The C100 8K is compatible with QMK and the browser-based Keychron Launcher, allowing users to assign individual commands or longer macros. The per-key RGB lighting can visually segment the grid into groups, aiding users in distinguishing otherwise identical transparent keycaps.

      Keychron has also incorporated an 8K polling rate, which seems more beneficial for a competitive gaming keyboard than for a large shortcut board. The pre-lubed Apex Red switches are hot-swappable, enabling users to replace them without requiring soldering, should 100 matching switches not provide enough customization.

      Who needs 96 extra keys?

      Most users likely do not require this. The C100 8K serves better as a cost-effective replacement for a specialized control panel. A video editor might assign sections to frequently used tools, while an aviation simulation enthusiast could program cockpit controls without the need for a dedicated button box.

      The blank layout presents a challenge for users. In the absence of labels or small displays indicating each command, complex layouts will demand good memorization, custom labels, or neatly arranged RGB colors. The idea of a personalized console is appealing, but forgetting which anonymous square mutes the microphone could pose a problem.

      What’s missing for $65

      The C100 8K is wired only, with its square plastic body measuring nearly 7.75 inches on each side. It will occupy a noticeable amount of desk space before the regular keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals are added.

      Keychron’s official store currently lists the macro pad as backordered, with no specific shipping date available. Those looking for wireless connectivity or a pre-set layout should consider other options. However, for individuals who already know the assignments for 96 keys, the $65 price tag makes this absurd control panel reasonably justifiable.

      Paulo Vargas is an English major who transitioned into reporting and then technical writing, with a career path that has consistently returned to...

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