Keychron Announces New Q Ultra and V Ultra Mechanical Keyboards at CES 2026
January 6, 2026
Antonio G. Di Benedetto, a seasoned reviewer with over 15 years of experience in the photography industry, now covers laptops and gadgets for The Verge. In 2021, he transitioned to writing about deals, bringing extensive tech insights to his reviews.
Keychron's First ZMK Mechanical Keyboards Debut
At CES 2026, Keychron unveiled its latest lineup of ZMK-based mechanical keyboards—the Q Ultra and V Ultra series. This marks the company's first foray into ZMK firmware, an open-source and more power-efficient alternative to the popular QMK.
Battery Efficiency and Performance
Keychron asserts that their ZMK keyboards can achieve up to 660 hours of battery life in 2.4G wireless mode, utilizing an 8,000Hz high-speed polling rate that rivals wired keyboard performance. While ZMK is traditionally favored by advanced enthusiasts flashing custom firmware, Keychron’s Ultra series makes this technology accessible to a broader audience.
Launch Details and Models
The initial release, happening on January 6th, includes three models:
- Q1 Ultra (75%, $229.99)
- Q3 Ultra (Tenkeyless, $229.99)
- Q6 Ultra (Full-size, $239.99)
Later in January, the V-series will roll out:
- V5 Ultra (96%, $119.99)
- V3 Ultra (Tenkeyless, $114.99)
- V1 Ultra (75%, $114.99)
Design Features
The Q-series Ultra keyboards feature premium aluminum cases and are built with Silk POM switches, offering a refined typing experience. They also incorporate gasket-mount internal structures—including a double-gasket setup on the Q Ultra—to provide a softer feel. Internal foam layers help shape sound and reduce typing noise.
Upcoming Special Editions
Keychron teases special-edition keyboards crafted with unique materials, such as:
- Q1 HE 8K Marble Version
- K2 HE Resin
- K2 HE Concrete
These variants showcase the company's innovative approach to custom and aesthetic keyboard design.
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