Yeah, I’m not confident a full ceramic keyboard really makes sense, but this is still pretty cool from Keychron

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I’ve been using Keychron keyboards regularly and have been really impressed with their well-designed options for keyboard enthusiasts. Their latest and most advanced keyboard just arrived, and it’s certainly caught my attention.

The Keychron Q16 HE 8K is a unique keyboard Keychron claims is the first of its kind, built entirely with ceramic. Unlike most keyboards that use aluminum or plastic, the Q16 HE 8K features a full ceramic body and keycaps, creating a visually stunning design. Beyond its appearance, this keyboard also boasts Keychron’s most advanced technology.

The main issue with this keyboard is simply the material it’s made from. While the Keychron Q16 HE 8K looks impressive, I’d only suggest it to people who really prioritize style over practicality when it comes to keyboards.

We received a review sample from Keychron, but they didn’t have any influence on this review and hadn’t seen it before it was published.

A beautiful but divisive ceramic design

Keychron is known for making good-looking keyboards, but the Q16 HE 8K is truly unique with its all-ceramic build. It’s unlike anything else on the market – and that can be both a good and a bad thing.

This keyboard is a compact 65% size. While I generally prefer larger keyboards like tenkeyless (TKL) or 75% models, Keychron consistently excels at making the most of limited space with well-sized and thoughtfully placed keys. This is a really well-designed 65% keyboard – as good as they get.

The keyboard’s design is visually impressive. No matter which color you select, the Q16 HE 8K looks more like a beautiful object than a typical keyboard, particularly when it’s clean. However, it *is* a tool, and that’s where its functionality starts to become problematic.

The Q16 HE 8K keyboard seems to have all the qualities of a top-tier model, but its ceramic build comes with four drawbacks. Firstly, it’s quite heavy – weighing over 1,000g. That’s actually a bit heavier than the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, even though that keyboard includes a battery and a wrist rest.

This ceramic design is beautiful, but it also comes with a lot of downsides.

The keyboard’s keys, numbers two and three in particular, are very sensitive and easily show smudges and fingerprints. The keys don’t feel as good to type on as those of other keyboards, and it’s surprisingly difficult to keep this keyboard clean enough to appreciate its attractive design.

Durability is a genuine concern with this device. While ceramic isn’t inherently weak, the Q16 HE 8K requires careful handling to prevent chips. Surprisingly, mine arrived with a chipped space bar, despite being securely packaged and sealed.

Okay, so this keyboard is seriously beautiful – the design is the first thing you notice. But honestly, I was worried it was all style and no substance. Thankfully, Keychron really delivered on the internals – they didn’t skimp on quality at all!

Truly impressive internals… that are heading to other keyboards

The Q16 HE 8K keyboard introduces Keychron’s new “Ultra-Fast Lime” switches. These switches use advanced magnetic sensors called TMR to provide incredibly accurate, reliable, and quick performance – a noticeable improvement over Keychron’s earlier magnetic keyboards that used Hall Effect technology.

Similar to other magnetic keyboards, the Q16 HE 8K lets you customize how sensitive the keys are. It also includes features like instant response when you press a key, a system that ensures the most recent keypress is always registered, and the ability to assign multiple functions to a single key. These features and more offer a highly customizable typing experience.

Beyond the usual benefits of TMR technology compared to Hall Effect sensors, the Q16 HE 8K boasts an incredibly fast 8,000Hz polling rate – matching the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro 8K we tested recently. While not specifically designed for gaming, very few keyboards offer this level of responsiveness.

The Keychron Q16 HE 8K performs exceptionally well – rivaling most gaming keyboards – but it’s not quite as customizable or appealing to hardcore keyboard hobbyists.

As a keyboard enthusiast, I have to say the Keychron Q16 HE 8K is incredibly responsive and feels great to type on – seriously, it’s right up there with the best gaming keyboards I’ve used when it comes to performance. My only slight complaint? It’s *loud*. The sound is really satisfying – a deep, ‘thonky’ sound – but maybe not everyone around you will share my appreciation!

Keychron offers keyboards for serious keyboard fans, and the Q16 HE 8K is one of them, featuring easily replaceable switches and keycaps, plus all the tools you need. However, it’s not quite as customizable as some other enthusiast keyboards. The Q16 HE 8K only works with a limited selection of magnetic switches made by Keychron, and to open it up for modifications, you have to remove the rubber feet to get to the screws underneath.

Keychron Q16 HE 8K: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if …

  • You’re looking for an artistic keyboard that makes a statement.
  • You can actually make use of these advanced features and performance.
  • You can accept a high price tag when it’s in the name of luxury.

❌You should not buy this if …

  • You need a keyboard that can take some hits and stay clean doing it.
  • You care a lot more about features than you do aesthetics.

I’ve been consistently impressed with Keychron’s keyboards, and I expect the Q16 HE 8K to be no different. It seems to have all the features that make a keyboard great for enthusiasts, plus exceptional performance.

The Keychron Q16 HE 8K keyboard, priced at $229.99 (or potentially lower on Kickstarter depending on when you’re reading this), offers a lot of value despite needing to be connected with a wire. While its ceramic design is visually striking, I’m not sure it’s practical for everyday use as a keyboard.

I’m really hyped about the new Keychron Q3 HE 8K – you can check it out for $229.99 directly from Keychron. It’s part of a fresh lineup where they’ve taken the awesome tech from the Q16 HE 8K and put it into a more classic aluminum frame with durable, double-shot PBT keycaps. Honestly, unless you’re specifically drawn to the Q16 HE 8K’s ceramic build, I’d probably wait to hear what I think of the Q3 HE 8K before making a decision.

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2025-11-06 15:40