Keychron Launches High-End Q1 and V5 Ultra 8K Mechanical Keyboards

Keychron has introduced new flagship models in its popular Q and V series mechanical keyboard lines: the Q1 Ultra 8K and the V5 Ultra 8K. Both are described as the highest-end versions of their respective series to date.

The New Models

The Keychron V5 Ultra 8K is priced at $119.99. It features a near-full-size 1800-layout with a number pad and uses a plastic case.

The Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K is priced at $229.99. It features a 75-percent layout and uses a milled-aluminum chassis.

Technical Upgrades & Specifications

The new Ultra 8K models include several significant upgrades over their predecessors.

Firmware: The keyboards now run on ZMK (Zephyr-based Mechanical Keyboard) firmware, an open-source platform. This replaces the QMK firmware used on older Keychron models.

Wireless Performance: The 2.4GHz wireless connection has been upgraded from a 1,000Hz to an 8,000Hz polling rate for faster response.

Battery Life: Keychron claims the ZMK firmware provides up to 660 hours of battery life with the backlight off. The company states this is approximately four times longer than its previous Max models.

Key Switches & Stabilizers: The keyboards use new Silk POM (polyoxymethylene) switches, available in red (linear), brown (tactile), and banana (more tactile) variants. Both models also feature upgraded screw-in stabilizers for larger keys like the space bar and enter key.

Software: Key mapping, lighting patterns, and macros can be configured using Keychron's browser-based Launcher software.

Product Line Context

These Ultra models succeed the Max versions (which added 1,000Hz 2.4GHz wireless) and the Pro models (which first introduced Bluetooth wireless). According to the company, its older Max models will remain available for purchase.