We previously reported on the launch of the upcoming Keychron Q16 HE, which is a TMR-based gaming keyboard with a fully ceramic chassis. The expectation was that the Q16 HE would launch with a massive price premium, but the official launch price seems to have appeared on the Keychron website, and it’s right around the same price as Keychron’s regular mechanical and HE gaming keyboards.
According to Keychron’s online store, the Q16 HE will cost $239.99, which is the same price as the Keychron Q13 Max we recently reviewed. This is despite the Q16 HE’s ceramic keycaps and chassis, which Keychron bills as a major benefit for durability. The Keychron Q16 HE also packs premium gaming features, like 8 kHz polling and adjustable actuation distance. The TMR sensor technology and the Keychron Ultra-Fast Magnetic Lime switches, aside from being a benefit for gaming, should also add to the keyboard’s durability, since contactless switch technology is less prone to mechanical failures than traditional mechanical switches.
For comparison, the Cerakey Nada 65 Panda is a pre-built mechanical keyboard with full ceramic keycaps, tri-mode wireless connectivity, and a gasket mount, and that comes in at $159, although it has a plastic chassis instead of the Q16 HE’s ceramic.
Curiously, Keychron may have made sacrifices when it comes to the typing feel, since there is no mention of a gasket mount on the Q16 HE’s product page, although it will have the same acoustic treatments as Keychron’s other keyboards.
Of course, there are some caveats. For one, the Q16 HE doesn’t have any wireless connectivity, which would reduce costs, and it is also a 65% layout, which means the bill of materials is a lot cheaper than something like the 1800-layout Q13 Max. However, it should be noted that the Q16 HE is also the same price as the Q2 HE, which is indeed a 65% layout with Hall effect tech — although the Q1 HE is currently discounted to $203.99 on Amazon.
Keychron has not yet announced an official launch date for the Q16 HE, but the product page says that Kickstarter orders should start shipping in October. You can check out the Prelaunch page to sign up for launch notifications about the Q6 HE.
I’m a lifelong tech nerd with a love for open-source and an irresistible urge for tinkering and cracking stuff open to see how it ticks. I cover anything tech-related, but I am particularly fascinated by mechanical keyboards, gaming, and quirky camera gear. With a background and education in industrial design, I’m familiar with the ins and outs of ergonomics, manufacturing, and materials, and I am a firm believer that any tech not designed for people can kick rocks.