Keychron Q6 Max Keyboard Review

The Keychron Q6 Max goes big with its full-size layout, ideal for gamers who appreciate having a huge amount of keys available to them, or for spreadsheet warriors or accountants. If you need a number pad and some bonus buttons, then the Q6 Max is designed around your desires. On paper, it looks like it can deliver, but how has it fared during my review process?

Weighty lad

You can tell by the heft of the Keychron Q6 Max box that this is a chunky keyboard. At almost 5 lbs, the Q6 Max feels like a beast. As well as feeling incredibly premium, this weight helps keep the keyboard still on the desk. However, the additional mass does limit portability.

The reason for the weight? The Q6 Max is crafted using 6063 aluminum that is processed through CNC machining, polishing, sandblasting, and “24 more manufacturing stages.” Keychron has clearly gone the extra mile to make an impact here.

Great keycap and switch combo

When it comes to the keycaps and switches, Keychron provides buyers of the “Fully Assembled Version” with great-looking PBT keycaps and a selection of Gateron Jupiter switches. The Jupiter switches come in Red, a linear option; Brown, a tactile choice; and Banana, which is described as similar to the popular Panda switch.

Users can swap out the switches thanks to the hotswappable PCB. Though I think most will be happy with the Gateron Jupiter options, being able to swap them out is a nice option to have.

As with the majority of my Keychron review samples, the company has done a fantastic job in tuning the sound and feel of the keyboard. The PCB-mounted screw-in stabilizers are especially impressive, which is often an area of weakness.

Connection options

Looking and feeling good is one thing, but what about functionality? The Q6 Max boasts three connectivity options, with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and USB-C wired. There’s a toggle for switching between PC and Mac, which is handy.

Customization, both visual and functional, can be achieved through QMK and VIA software, which are mainstream options. It’s good to see Keychron using these instead of forcing users to install software.

It delivers!

In use, this tank of a keyboard performs exceptionally well. The layers of foam, gaskets, and films combine with the excellent Jupiter switches and PBT keycaps to deliver a wonderfully satisfying typing experience. Its full-size means functionality is maxed out, too, for those who don’t want to sacrifice any keys.

The downsides

In terms of downsides, the impressive weight could also be seen as a burden for those looking to take the Q6 Max on the go. Carrying it in a backpack promises to be a workout.

The only other nitpick I have is to do with height adjustment. It has a set height with no way of lowering or raising it. Those who require a certain typing angle may need to use a wrist rest, which is an additional purchase to factor in.

Disclosure: Review sample provided by Keychron.