I’ve been using the GH31 mechanical keyboard daily for almost three weeks now. After hearing so much buzz, I decided to buy one and see if it lives up to the hype. Spoiler: it’s not perfect, but it does a lot of things right. Let me walk you through my honest experience.
Unboxing & First Impressions
The box is surprisingly compact. Inside, you get the keyboard, a USB-C cable, a keycap puller, a switch puller, and a quick start guide. No frills. The keyboard felt heavier than I expected – about 1.2 kg according to my scale. That heft gives it a premium feel right away. The aluminum frame is cool to the touch, and the keycaps have a subtle texture.
One thing that caught my eye: the GH31 uses a gasket mount design, which is usually found in more expensive boards. It’s supposed to make the typing feel softer and reduce noise. I was curious if it actually worked.
Build Quality & Design
The GH31 is a 75% layout with a dedicated function row, arrow keys, and a rotary knob. The knob is for volume control by default, but you can remap it in the software. The case is made of CNC aluminum with a matte finish. No sharp edges, and the anodizing seems durable. I’ve seen some complaints about the USB-C port being recessed, but my cable fit fine. The bottom has a two‑stage kickstand – standard stuff.
I didn’t like the stock keycaps at first. They’re PBT doubleshot, but the legends look a bit thin. After a week, though, they grew on me. They don’t shine easily, and the texture provides good grip. Worth noting: the spacebar has a slight echo out of the box, but I fixed it with a bit of foam inside.
Typing Experience & Switches
I got the GH31 with Gateron G Pro Brown switches. They’re tactile with a gentle bump. Out of the factory, they felt scratchy – not unusual for pre‑lubed switches. I ended up opening each switch and applying a thin layer of Krytox 205g0. The difference was night and day. If you’re handy, I’d recommend doing the same. The stabs are plate‑mounted and come pre‑lubed, but they were a bit overlubed on mine. Wiping off the excess helped a lot.
The gasket mount really works. The typing feel is bouncy and muted. It’s not as soft as top‑mount boards like the Mode Eighty, but for the price, it’s impressive. Bottoming out produces a thocky sound, especially after lubing the switches. I recorded a sound test and posted it on my channel – you can hear the difference.
Connectivity & Latency
The GH31 supports Bluetooth 5.1 and USB‑C wired. Wireless mode can connect to three devices. I used it with my MacBook and Windows PC. Pairing was instant, and I didn’t notice any lag during typing. For gaming, I tested it with CS:GO on wired mode. The latency felt fine – I didn’t drop any kills because of the keyboard. But if you’re a competitive gamer, you might want a dedicated gaming board with a lower polling rate. The GH31 runs at 1000Hz wired, 125Hz wireless. Solid for most users.
Battery life is decent. I’ve been using it with backlight off and got about 15 days of mixed use. With RGB on, expect around 5 days. The battery is 4000mAh, which is larger than average. It charges via USB‑C in about 3 hours.
Software & Customization
The GH31 uses its own software (available for Windows and macOS). It’s surprisingly good for a budget‑minded board. You can remap every key, create layers, adjust RGB lighting, and set macros. The interface is clean and doesn’t require an account. I remapped the function row to media controls and set a custom lighting effect. The software saves profiles to the on‑board memory, so you don’t need it running all the time.
One negative: the software doesn’t support Linux. If you’re on Linux, you’re stuck with the default layout. Also, the rotary knob customization is limited – only volume, zoom, or scroll. I wish I could set it to switch applications.
| Feature | GH31 | Keychron K2 (v2) |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 75% with knob | 75% no knob |
| Material | CNC Aluminum | Plastic + Aluminum bezel |
| Mount | Gasket | Tray |
| Switches | Gateron G Pro | Gateron G Pro (optional) |
| Wireless | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Battery | 4000mAh | 2000mAh |
| Price | $89 | $79 |
GH31 vs Keychron K2
I compared the GH31 to the Keychron K2 (v2) because that’s the most popular alternative. The GH31 feels more premium due to its full aluminum case and gasket mount. The Keychron K2 has a plastic body with an aluminum bezel, and it uses a tray mount, which is firmer. I prefer the GH31’s softer feel.
The GH31’s battery is double the size, and the Bluetooth is newer. The Keychron K2 has a standard USB‑C port without the recess issue, but the GH31’s knob is a nice addition. Pricing is close ($89 vs $79). For $10 more, you get aluminum, gasket mount, bigger battery, and a knob. I think it’s worth it.
One area where Keychron wins: replacement parts availability. Keychron keycaps and switch options are everywhere. GH31 has limited options for now, but they’re growing.
Who Should Buy the GH31?
If you’re looking for a premium typing experience on a budget, the GH31 is a strong contender. It’s great for writers, programmers, and casual gamers. The gasket mount and lubed switches (after your own effort) make it a joy to type on. The build quality is above its price point.
Who should skip it? Hardcore competitive gamers who need sub‑2ms wireless latency. Also, people who hate tinkering – because you’ll likely want to lube the switches and tune the stabilizers. If you want a perfect out‑of‑box experience, consider a pre‑built from a more established brand.
I personally enjoy the keyboard, but I wish the software was more flexible and the stock stabs were better. Still, I’m keeping it as my daily driver.
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