Keychron Q6 Max: A wireless mechanical powerhouse for productivity and gaming
Keychron Q6 Max full size wireless custom mechanical keyboard. Pictures: Keychron.
Customisable mechanical keyboards offer a tailored typing experience, allowing users to swap switches, keycaps, and even modify stabilisers for improved feel and sound. I’ve been testing the Keychron Q6 Max, a full-sized, wireless mechanical keyboard with extensive customisation options. Its aluminium build, hot-swappable switches, and multiple connectivity options make it a serious contender in the high-end mechanical keyboard market.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Keychron Q6 Max is its sheer weight. Packaged in a sturdy box, the keyboard weighs in at 2,184g, making it the heaviest keyboard I’ve used. It feels incredibly solid and is well-built. The CNC-machined aluminium frame provides a robust, premium feel, although its weight and size make it less ideal for carrying between home and the office.
Visually, the Q6 Max looks impressive. The multi-tone keycaps, featuring shades of grey and black and a splash of accent colour, give it a professional yet stylish look. The double-gasket design ensures a flexible typing feel while reducing metal ping, resulting in a smooth and comfortable experience. The keyboard’s full-size layout includes a numpad, dedicated arrow keys, and a programmable rotary knob, making it an excellent option for productivity-focused users.
At the bottom, the Q6 Max features eight rubberised feet that prevent the keyboard from sliding and keep it firmly planted on your desk. It also includes a switch to toggle between Windows and macOS modes, which is a fantastic addition for users who work across multiple operating systems. However, it cannot be tilted and does not come with a palm rest.
If I had to pick one thing I love most about the Q6 Max, it would be the typing experience. It's the most comfortable and confident I've ever felt while typing.
My review unit came equipped with Gateron Jupiter Red linear switches, known for their smooth keystrokes and relatively quiet operation. If you prefer a tactile or clicky experience, the Q6 Max is also available with Brown or Banana switches.
The keyboard has a hot-swappable PCB, allowing you to swap out switches without soldering. This flexibility is a significant plus if you want to experiment with different switch types or replace worn-out ones over time.
The stabilisers are screwed in, ensuring a stable and consistent typing experience. Whether you’re typing for hours on end or gaming, the keystrokes feel precise and responsive.
The Keychron Q6 Max supports three different connection modes: wired (via USB-C), Bluetooth, and a 2.4GHz wireless connection. It can pair with up to three devices, which is ideal for those juggling multiple computers. Whether you’re working on a Mac, Windows PC, or even a Linux system, the Q6 Max is compatible across platforms.
The 1,000Hz polling rate ensures minimal input lag, making it an excellent choice for gamers. The 4,000mAh battery can last up to 180 hours with RGB lighting off or around 100 hours with RGB set to low brightness. While battery performance will vary depending on usage, these figures make it one of the longer-lasting wireless mechanical keyboards available.
RGB enthusiasts will appreciate the south-facing RGB lighting, which offers more than 22 lighting effects. Although the keycaps do not have translucent legends, the underglow effect still adds an appealing visual touch. You can cycle through lighting modes using onboard shortcuts or tweak settings via Keychron’s web-based launcher.
Regarding customisation, the Q6 Max supports full key remapping and macro programming through the Keychron Launcher. The interface is intuitive, making it easy to assign functions, adjust the rotary knob settings, or program macros for increased efficiency. Whether you want to fine-tune the lighting, set up specific shortcuts, or remap keys entirely, the software gives you complete control over your keyboard’s functionality.
The Keychron Q6 Max is an outstanding wireless mechanical keyboard that ticks many boxes. Its sturdy aluminium build, smooth and satisfying typing experience, multiple connectivity options, and deep customisation features make it a solid choice for both productivity and gaming. The ability to swap switches, customise RGB lighting, and remap keys ensures it can adapt to your specific needs.
If you’re looking for a premium, full-size mechanical keyboard built to last that offers an excellent blend of performance and features, the Keychron Q6 Max is a fantastic option.
€297 Amazon.co.uk
