The Keychron Q6 Max is a premium mechanical keyboard that falls within the higher price range of PC accessories. However, while it's not cheap, it's a keyboard packed with features and customization options that, on paper, position it as one of the top mechanical keyboards available.
Having received the keyboard for testing, I’ve had the chance to see if it truly lives up to its claims. In this review, I’ll explore whether the Keychron Q6 Max justifies its £200 or so price tag and if it's worth the investment for those seeking a high-performance mechanical keyboard.
Unboxing and Design
Primarily designed for Mac users, although it comes with replacement Windows keycaps and a Windows/Mac switch on the rear to quickly toggle between operating systems, the Keychron Q6 Max is a full-size, fairly weighty QMK/VIA wireless mechnical keyboard with plenty of customization options that allowed me, and you if you buy one, to fine tune it to individual preferences.
I mention its weight because it was the first thing I noticed. Weighing 2,184 grams fully assembled (±10g), this keyboard is far from portable, but that heft contributes to its sturdy, high-end feel—a crucial first impression considering its premium price tag I mentioned earlier.
Combined with the rubber grip nodes underneath, it stayed firmly in place during my time with it, making it ideal for stationary setups. However, if you're looking for something to carry around, this isn't the most travel-friendly option.
Part of its premium feel comes from its full-metal CNC aluminium body. Of course, this contributes to its weight, but as I say, it feels extremely sturdy and doesn't move an inch while in use.
The Keychron Q6 Max also features a 100% full-size layout, making it incredibly versatile. The number pad and extra function keys make it well-suited for productivity tasks, while its solid build quality and excellent typing experience also make it a great option for gaming.
The standout feature that typing feel. Thanks to reinforced multi-layer acoustic foam and a double-gasket design, the Q6 Max manages to deliver the satisfying "click-clack" of a mechanical keyboard without excessive noise. According to Keychron, the gasket plates help reduce acoustic resonance, dampening harsh metallic sounds while maintaining a tactile, responsive feel.
Each of its OSA Double-Shot PBT Keycaps has a smooth matte finish as well, with a color combination of white, navy, and turquoise set against the black metal frame. While the white keycaps may attract dirt over time, which was a concern to me, I did think they might also encourage cleaning the keyboard more frequently to maintain their pristine look.
One of the more unique additions to the Q6 Max is the inclusion of four extra function keys—labeled similarly to the PlayStation’s circle, triangle, square, and ‘X’ buttons. I did find that most games don’t recognize them as these functions natively; they can be customized through the accompanying software (more on this later) to perform any function you like.
A few keys to the left, you'll also find a programmable control knob, which is initially set for on-the-fly volume control. Surprisingly, I found myself using this far more than I expected, as it was much more convenient to use than adjusting the volume of my laptop through the usual function keys. And, like most of the keyboard’s features, this knob’s function can be reassigned to suit personal preferences.
While the unboxing experience was mostly positive, there were a few notable drawbacks.
- Key combinations for adjusting lighting are tricky to remember, in my opinion. While they may become second nature over time, I found using the accompanying software a far more intuitive way to control RGB settings.
- No built-in wrist rest and no attachment points for one, which may be a dealbreaker for some users.
- No adjustable typing angle—unlike most keyboards that feature flip-out feet, the Q6 Max has a fixed height. If you prefer a tilted keyboard, like I do, you'll have to get creative (or just use a stack of paper). It does have a slight tilt to it from the angled base, but even still, this isn't something you can adjust.
Features and Performance
Although I've already covered most of the Keychron Q6 Max's core features, how these features work and how the keyboard performs overall is something I'll go into more detail on here.
To put it simply: the Keychron Q6 Max feels fantastic to type on. Once I adjusted to the key spacing and layout, I found myself rarely making mistakes, whether typing or gaming.
A big part of this superior typing experience comes from Keychron’s multi-layer acoustic design, which I mentioned earlier. These layers provide a cushioned, responsive keystroke that absorbs harsh impact noise while still delivering that satisfying mechanical feel. This balance makes the Q6 Max a pleasure to use for long typing sessions without the excessive clatter typical of mechanical keyboards.
At its core, the Q6 Max is powered by an ARM Cortex-M4 chip (MCU) with 256K Flash, which, according to Keychron, offers flexibility for developers and ensures smooth operation. Then, connectivity-wise, it supports:
- 2.4GHz wireless for low-latency performance,
- Bluetooth 5.1 for multi-device pairing, and
- USB Type-C wired connection for a direct, lag-free experience.
Although I primarily used the wired connection, I noticed no input lag or performance drop-off when switching to wireless modes, which is a major plus for those looking for a clean, cable-free setup.
The Keychron Q6 Max also features a 1,000Hz polling rate, ensuring quick and accurate keystrokes for the most part. While some competitors in this price range offer even higher polling rates, 1,000Hz is more than sufficient for most users, I'd say, whether typing, gaming, or multitasking.
I also found that the keys require relatively light actuation force, making them quick and easy to press. This can be a huge advantage for gaming, where every millisecond counts. However, this also means you might need time to adjust to avoid accidental key presses. As I said, though, once I got used to the layout, misclicks were rare.
Alongside all of the, one of the biggest advantages of the Q6 Max is its hot-swappable switch design, allowing any user, including myself, to easily swap to almost any 3-pin or 5-pin MX-style mechanical switch on the market. This level of customization means you can fine-tune the feel of your keyboard without any soldering.
The RGB lighting is another nice touch—while it doesn’t directly impact performance, it adds a sleek, customizable aesthetic without being overly distracting. With multiple lighting effects and colors, you can tweak it to match your setup.
Any Downsides?
It’s hard to find major faults in the Q6 Max’s performance, but there are a couple of things to consider:
- Its full-size layout takes up a lot of desk space, which may not be ideal for smaller setups.
- The number pad can sometimes get in the way of mouse movements, especially for FPS gamers who prefer more room to maneuver.
That said, these are trade-offs that come with choosing a full-size keyboard rather than design flaws. If you need a dedicated number pad and extra function keys, the Q6 Max delivers without compromise.
Software and Customization
As mentioned throughout this review, the Keychron Q6 Max is fully customizable using Keychron's open-source QMK/VIA software. This powerful yet intuitive software allows you to:
- Record macros for complex key sequences,
- Customize key bindings to fit your workflow or gaming needs,
- Adjust RGB lighting with 22 different effects, including personal favorites like Pixel Rain, Splash, and Rainbow Moving Chevron,
- Check for firmware updates, ensuring your keyboard stays up to date, and
- Run key mapping tests or submit bug reports directly from the interface.
One of the standout aspects of the software is its simplicity and ease of use. Navigating through different customization options felt intuitive, making it easy to tweak settings without frustration.
I mainly experimented with lighting adjustments and key remapping, and both were quick and effortless. Additionally, and what I found really interesting, the software lets you modify unique keyboard functions, such as the RGB toggle, along with special function keys, ensuring that every aspect of the Q6 Max is tailored to your preferences.
Ultimately, this shows the sheer amount of customization available with the Keychron Q6 Max.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Keychron Q6 Max
If you’re after one of the best typing experiences available, the Keychron Q6 Max is absolutely worth considering.
With its responsive and cushioned keystrokes, premium all-metal build, and highly customizable features, it’s an excellent choice for both work and gaming. The double-gasket design and acoustic foam layers make it far quieter than most mechanical keyboards, while still delivering that satisfying mechanical feel.
That said, it’s not for everyone. If you need adjustable height options or a lightweight, portable keyboard, the Q6 Max may not be the best fit. But if you’re looking for a sturdy, feature-packed, and ultra-satisfying mechanical keyboard, it’s one of the best premium options available, based on my own experience.
