The Keychron Q6 is the sixth iteration of Keychron's customizable Q-series keyboards. Similar to previous models in this series, it has a double gasket-mounted design, hot-swappable PCB (printed circuit board.), screw-in stabilizers, and rounded PBT keycaps. It also comes with several tools to help customize your keyboard. The major difference with this model is its size, as this is the first full-size (100%) keyboard in the lineup.
Our Verdict
While it isn't specifically for this use, the Keychron Q6 is a good keyboard for casual gaming. It's made of high-quality materials and feels remarkably well-built. Using the customization software, you can program macros to any key, adjust the RGB lighting, and remap buttons. The Gateron G PRO linear Red switches on this unit feel very light and smooth, but they have a significantly longer pre-travel than most linear switches. It's a hot-swappable keyboard, meaning you can swap out the stock switches without soldering. The latency is low enough for casual gaming but too high and inconsistent for competitive gaming.
- Incredible build quality.
- Hot-swappable.
- Full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys.
- All keys are macro-programmable.
- Latency is a too high and inconsistent for competitive gaming.
- High-profile design isn't very comfortable without a wrist rest.
The Keychron Q6 is very good for office use. It feels incredibly well-built and offers an excellent typing quality. Layers of sound dampening foam keep it very quiet, and the Gateron G Pro Red switches on this unit make the keypresses feel very light. That said, this keyboard is also hot-swappable, which means you can change out the default switches for those of your choosing. This keyboard also has robust customization software compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. Unfortunately, the ergonomics are only decent as it has a high profile and doesn't come with a wrist rest.
- Incredible build quality.
- Hot-swappable.
- All keys are macro-programmable.
- Wired-only.
- High-profile design isn't very comfortable without a wrist rest.
The Keychron Q6 is a wired-only keyboard that isn't intended specifically for use with mobile devices and tablets. However, it includes a USB-C to USB-C cable. It means you can connect it to devices with a USB-C port, though this can drain your device's battery quickly, especially with the backlighting enabled.
The Keychron Q6 is a very good keyboard for programming. It's built with premium materials and feels very sturdy. The customization software is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, allowing you to adjust the full RGB backlighting, remap keys, and program macros to any key. Unfortunately, the ergonomics are only decent. It has a high-profile design, and you need to angle your wrists fairly sharply upwards to reach all the keys as there isn't an included wrist rest.
- Incredible build quality.
- Hot-swappable.
- Full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys.
- All keys are macro-programmable.
- Wired-only.
- High-profile design isn't very comfortable without a wrist rest.
The Keychron Q6 is a sub-par keyboard for use with a home theater PC setup. It's a wired-only model, which limits how far you can sit from your PC. It also lacks a trackpad for on-screen navigation. While it has full RGB backlighting, the key legends aren't shine-through, and the LED lights don't provide enough illumination for you to read the legends in the dark.
- Incredible build quality.
- Full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys.
- Wired-only.
- High-profile design isn't very comfortable without a wrist rest.
- Lacks a trackpad for on-screen navigation.
The Keychron Q6 has adequate performance, making it well-suited for everyday browsing or casual gaming. Unfortunately, its latency performance is fairly high and inconsistent, and a low effective update rate of 250Hz bottlenecks its polling rate of 1000Hz, making it poorly suited for playing fast-paced or competitive games.
- Incredible build quality.
- High-profile design isn't very comfortable without a wrist rest.
Changelog
- Updated Nov 29, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3.1, which adds a new estimated PCB latency test to the Single-Key Latency section and a new Analog test to the Switches section of this review. You can see the full changelog here.
- Updated Aug 30, 2023: We've added text to this review for the new tests added in TBU 1.3.
- Updated Aug 30, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3, which overhauls how key input is evaluated. We've added new tests for Single Key Latency, Multi Key Latency, Data Transmission, and Chord Split. We've also introduced a new Raw Performance usage and adjusted how the Gaming and Office usage scores are calculated. You can see the full changelog here.
- Updated May 12, 2023: We've added a link to an image in the Backlight Clarity section of this review to show what the backlighting looks like with shine-through keycaps.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Keychron Q6 is available as a fully assembled keyboard either with or without a rotating encoder knob or as a barebones version that doesn't include keycaps or switches. There are also three colorways and ISO layouts of the barebones version available. The fully assembled boards are available with a selection of stock Gateron G Pro Switches. The unit we purchased is a fully assembled version in the Navy Blue colorway with Gateron G Pro Red switches. We normally include a photo of the keyboard's label, but this model doesn't have one.
| Type | ISO Layout Available | Color | Gateron G Pro Switches | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fully Assembled | No | Carbon Black, Silver Grey, Navy Blue (dark keycaps only) | Red, Blue, Brown | |
| Fully Assembled Knob | No | Carbon Black, Silver Grey, Navy Blue (light or dark keycaps) | Red, Blue, Brown | |
| Barebone | Yes | Carbon Black, Silver Grey, Navy Blue (no keycaps) | No switches | |
| Barebone Knob | Yes | Carbon Black, Silver Grey, Navy Blue (no keycaps) | No switches | |
Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The Keychron Q6 is Keychron's sixth entry into their Q-series of customizable keyboards, and this is the first full-size (100%) model. Like other entries in the series, this keyboard is designed to be easily customizable. It has screw-in stabilizers and a hot-swappable PCB, so you can easily swap these parts out for those of your choosing to change how your keyboard feels and sounds. As a customizable keyboard, it's similar to other keyboards in the GLORIOUS GMMK or Ducky One series. These options are more gaming-focused, but the Keychron Q6 has better compatibility across major operating systems and has robust customization software.
For more recommendations, see our picks for the best mechanical keyboards, the best keyboards for typing, or, if you're interested in other Keychron models, the best Keychron keyboards.
The Keychron Q6 and the Keychron Q5 are both customizable keyboards in Keychron's Q-series. They have nearly identical build qualities, features, and appearances. However, they are slightly different sizes. The Q6 is a full-size (100%) keyboard, while the Q5 is a compact (96%) keyboard.
The Keychron Q6 and the Keychron K10 are both full-size keyboards with several prominent differences. The Q6 is a wired-only, customizable keyboard available either in a pre-built or barebones configuration and has a hot-swappable PCB and better overall build quality. It also includes robust customization software. On the other hand, the K10 is a wireless keyboard that supports multi-device pairing via Bluetooth. It has a hot-swappable variant available but has no customization software support.
The Keychron Q1 and the Keychron Q6 are customizable keyboards in the same Q-series lineup. The Q1 is a compact (75%) keyboard with a single gasket-mounted design and OEM profile keycaps. It also has a coiled aviator-style cable. On the other hand, the Q6 is a compact (96%) keyboard. It has rounded OSA profile keycaps, a double gasket-mounted design, and a normal braided cable.
The Ducky One 3 and the Keychron Q6 are hot-swappable, customizable keyboards intended for different primary purposes. The Ducky is more gaming-focused and has significantly better latency. On the other hand, the Keychron keyboard caters more to office and productivity tasks. It has a double-gasket design that's quieter, and it has robust customization software, which the Ducky lacks.
The Keychron K2 (Version 2) is a compact (75%) keyboard that connects wirelessly via Bluetooth and can pair with up to three devices simultaneously. It also has a hot-swappable version available. On the other hand, the Keychron Q6 is a full-size wired keyboard available either in a pre-assembled or barebones form. Overall, it has better build quality, higher quality keycaps, and customization software, which the K2 (Version 2) lacks.
The Keychron Q Series and the Keychron K8 Pro [K2 Pro, K3 Pro, K4 Pro, etc.] are mechanical keyboard lineups from the manufacturer Keychron. The Keychron Q6 is the largest model in the Q Series, being a full-size keyboard. Overall, the Q Series boasts superior build quality, featuring a gasket-mounted design and a solid aluminum case. In contrast, the K Pro Series consists of wireless keyboards that support multi-device pairing via Bluetooth and have a tray-mounted design. Both keyboard series are highly customizable, are compatible with the VIA companion software, and feature hot-swappable PCBs.
The GLORIOUS GMMK 2 and the Keychron Q6 are both hot-swappable, customizable keyboards designed for different primary uses. The GLORIOUS is more gaming-focused and has significantly better latency. On the other hand, the Keychron is more oriented towards office and productivity tasks. It has a better overall build quality and includes a small toolkit to help you customize your keyboard.
The IQUNIX F97 and the Keychron Q6 are mechanical keyboards with different form factors. The IQUNIX F97 is a wireless, compact (96%) keyboard that allows you to connect with a USB receiver or via Bluetooth with up to three devices simultaneously. On the other hand, the Keychron Q6 is a wired-only, full-size keyboard that's considerably larger and heavier than the IQUNIX F97. It's designed to be more readily customizable and offers a better overall typing experience thanks to its cushioned gasket-mounted design. The Keychron also has several smaller-sized variants available in the same Q Series lineup, while the IQUNIX is only available in a single form factor.
Test Results
Unlike other keyboards in the Q-series, the Keychron Q6 is a full-size (100%) keyboard, so it has a full navigational cluster, function row, and Numpad.
The Keychron Q6 has remarkable build quality. The chassis is made of solid aluminum, and the baseplate is steel, so the entire keyboard is very sturdy and doesn't flex. It's also quite heavy and has grippy rubber feet to prevent it from sliding around on your desk. It has a double-mounted gasket design with two layers of sound-dampening foam, providing a springy typing experience with good acoustics. The default keycaps are double-shot PBT plastic with a smooth texture that feels nice to type on. These keycaps have a proprietary 'OSA' profile, similar to OEM profile but with rounded tops. In this photo some of the keycaps have been removed so you can see the underlying switches, metal frame, screw-in stabilizers, and hot-swappable PCB.
The Keychron Q6 has only mediocre ergonomics. It has a high profile and a fixed incline. You need to angle your wrists fairly steeply upwards to reach the keys, which can cause discomfort while using the keyboards for longer periods. Unfortunately, there isn't an included wrist rest, although Keychron does have wrist rests available on their website as a separate purchase.
The Keychron Q6 has individually-lit RGB backlighting. You can customize the lighting settings using the companion software to change the brightness, colors, effects, and effect speed.
Although each key is individually lit, the keycaps don't have shine-through legends, so you can't read them in the dark. If you're interested in what the backlight clarity looks like with shine--through keycaps, we've taken a photo with several shine-through keycaps to give you an idea.
The Keychron Q6 has a USB-C to USB-C braided cable and a USB-C to USB-A adapter. The length measurement above includes the length of the adapter (2.1cm). Overall, the cable feels high quality, although it does retain some kinks from its packaging.
The Keychron Q6 is a wired-only keyboard.
Like other Keychron boards, the Keychron Q6 has a toggle switch on the top left that switches between Windows and macOS modes. The user documentation has a list of all default hotkeys, and the media hotkeys are labeled directly on the board. The rotary knob above the backspace key controls media volume by default, but you can customize this using the VIA companion software if you like.
- Keychron Q6
- USB-C to USB-C cable
- USB-C to USB-A adapter
- 6x foam gaskets
- 4x Windows keycaps
- Keycap puller
- Switch puller
- Screwdriver
- Hex key
- 6x extra screws
- 2x extra rubber feet
- 2x adhesive stickers for feet
- User documentation
The Keychron Q6's typing quality is excellent. Its double-gasket design helps make typing feel light and slightly springy, and the two layers of sound-dampening foam provide good acoustics. The double-shot PBT keycaps are slightly textured and have a unique 'OSA' profile, which makes them similar in height to standard OEM keycaps, but with rounded tops. It's also a full-size keyboard, so there's good spacing between keys, and the keys are very stable.
The typing noise on the Keychron Q6 the Gateron G Pro Red switches is very quiet. There are two layers of sound-dampening foam inside the case, which keeps typing noise at a minimum. The typing noise will vary depending on the switches you have installed. Clicky Blue switches or tactile Brown switches will be louder.
The pre-assembled version of the Keychron Q6 is available with linear Red, tactile Brown, or clicky Blue Gateron G Pro switches. This keyboard is also hot-swappable, meaning you can swap out the stock switches for most 3-pin or 5-pin switches without needing to solder them.
The Gateron G Pro Red switches on this unit are pre-lubed from the factory and provide a very light, smooth keypress without any tactile bump. They also have a fairly long pre-travel distance, which helps reduce typos but may not feel as responsive for gaming.
This keyboard has satisfactory single-key latency. However, its latency performance is inconsistent and considerably higher than more gaming-focused models. While this keyboard is suitable for everyday browsing and casual gaming, it isn't well-suited for playing fast-paced or competitive titles.
This keyboard has decent multi-key latency performance. However, the latency performance isn't very consistent and is considerably higher compared to more gaming-focused keyboards. While it's suitable for desktop use and casual gaming, it isn't well-suited for playing fast-paced or competitive titles.
This keyboard has satisfactory data transmission performance. While it has a 1000Hz polling rate, it's limited by an effective update rate of 250Hz. That said, it has full N-key rollover, and altogether, it's well-suited for everyday browsing, work, or casual gaming.
This keyboard has inadequate chord split performance. It has a high 4-chord split delay and a very high 8-chord split delay, making it poorly suited for playing rhythm games that require multiple simultaneous inputs.
The Keychron Q6 uses the VIA software configurator, which is powered by QMMK firmware and compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can download this software directly from Keychron's website. It allows you to remap keys, record macros, and customize the keyboard's RGB backlighting. There are four layers of key customization. Layers 0 and 1 are MacOS specific, and layers 2 and 3 are for Windows. To toggle between OS settings, you'll need to ensure the toggle switch on the top left-hand corner of the board is set correctly.
The Keychron Q6 is fully compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. You'll just have to ensure the toggle is set to the proper operating system. For Linux users, you'll set the toggle to "Mac Mode." Although this is a wired-only keyboard, it comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable, which means you can connect it to mobile devices with USB-C ports. On Android, all keys work as intended. However, as not all mobile devices have a USB-C port, it's considered not compatible.