| Form Factor: Full size (100%) | Switch: Gateron Jupiter Red | Connector: USB, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0 | Keyboard Software: Keychron Launcher (web) or QMK |
| Dimensions (cm) (W x H x D): |
|
| Weight (Kg): |
|
| Price: | £114.99 |
| RGB Lighting: | Yes |
| Hotswap: | Yes |
| Media Controls: | Yes (non-dedicated) |
| Macro Keys: | Yes |
| Removable Cable: | Yes |
| Windows Lock: | No |
| Keyboard Status: | Fully working |
| Other Notable Features: |
|
The Keychron V6 Max is a hot swap, fully programmable, full-size (100%) keyboard. It’s firmly in Keychron’s mid-tier lineup. You can choose from 3 different switches:
Sadly, there are no clicky switch options. They also some in a variety of different layouts. Although, the keycap material differs from layout to layout.
This review will focus on the UK ISO model with Gateron Jupiter Red switches. The UK ISO model comes with double-shot PBT keycaps.
TL;DR
This is the BEST value keyboard on the market at the moment. Keychron has really nailed this product!
It has all the essentials for a great starter keyboard in the modern era – hotswap, easily programmable, standard layout, wireless (2.4Ghz and Bluetooth) and a great value. Of course, it has more features – an extensive list of it, but I consider those to be nice extras rather than essentials.
Build Quality: 9/10
Chassis: Plastic is used for both the top and bottom housing. They creak a little when flexed, but they’re relatively thick, so it’s not a big issue.
Keycaps: Double-shot, PBT – considered by many to be the very best printing method and material.
Cable: USB-C to USB-C. Removable and braided. Comes with a USB-C to USB-A adapter.
Stabilizers: Screw-in. Factory lubed. Unknown brand.
Plate: Polycarbonate (PC).
Overall, apart from having a fully plastic case which creaks when flexed, the keyboard is very well built with no major weak points.
OSA profile, Double-shot, PBT keycaps
Features: 10/10
Standout feature: There isn’t a single standout feature here, but a combination. It’s a hotswap, full-size, easily programmable keyboard with a standard layout available for a decent price.
Other notable features include: per-key RGB, removable cable, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, media keys (non-dedicated), macro keys (dedicated), n-key rollover, dual stage adjustable feet, gasket mount and a standard layout.
Missing features: cable gutters and USB passthrough.
 |
 |
|---|---|
Overall, it’s only missing a couple niche features. It’s an otherwise very well-equipped keyboard. I think it has much more than what most people need.
Daily Performance: 10/10
Positives:
It’s basically plug and play whether you’re on a Mac or Windows. The functions make sense, and there aren’t any weird features that will throw you off. Plus, if you need to adjust something small, such as changing or turning off the RGB, the ‘Quick Start Guide’ is easy to understand.
The software experience is top-notch! The Keychron Launcher rivals the very best in the industry, along the likes of Wootility and VIA. It’s user friendly, and programming knowledge isn’t required, so it’s easy to get the hang of.
Removable braided cable with adapter
Meh:
By default, Win + C (mic icon on the keycap) replaces where Scroll Lock would traditionally be. I’ve never used this feature nor know anyone who does. So, unless anyone can tell me, I feel like this is such a weird default choice.
The RGB cycle button (light bulb icon on the keycap) has also replaced Pause Break. I never use Pause Break, but I also don’t need a dedicated key for RGB either. It can be used to turn off the RGB (FN + lightbulb), but the RGB can also be turned off by pressing FN + Tab or FN + Knob. Why do we need three ways to turn on or off RGB? I don’t get it.
It’s not as offensive as other default mappings I’ve seen. And it’s a good thing the whole keyboard is easily programmable.
Negatives:
Its gasket performance isn’t really noticeable in day-to-day use. Maybe that’s how it’s supposed to be, but I would’ve liked to feel the keyboard bounce up and down, and it’s a little disappointing that I don’t feel that.
Overall, it’s a very pleasant keyboard to use on a daily basis. A definite daily driver material! If you’ve been looking for a full-size keyboard to use every day, this is it 🙂
Reliability: 9/10
Even though they’ve used plastic for the case, it’s built well, with durable keycaps, a removable braided cable, and with three ways to connect. Keychron certainly had longevity in mind when they were designing this keyboard.
However, as with many modern hotswap keyboards, its hotswap sockets have a limited lifetime – so the more you swap out switches, the more wear you’ll put on the sockets.
Additionally, the LEDs for the RGB will eventually burn out, but this isn’t essential to the functionality of the keyboard, it’s just nice to keep in mind if you’re into your RGB lights.
Overall, there’s not much that can go wrong with this keyboard. I’m confident this will last a very long time.
Screw-in factory lubed stabilizers
Value: 10/10
The real competition for this keyboard is with other Keychron models. The Keychron K10 QMK (£89.99) and the Keychron Q6 Max (£249.99) are great options too. But, since the Q6 Max is nearly twice the price, it’s not the most sensible choice for most people.
However, with just a £25 difference, the K10 QMK might be the better value in some people’s eyes. The key differences between the two are: the K10 only has a white backlight, it isn’t gasket mounted, it doesn’t have a volume knob, and it doesn’t have the 4 dedicated macro keys the V6 Max has above the numpad. So, you can save £25 by going with the K10 QMK if those additional features don’t matter to you. Personally, I would still pick the V6 Max.
Overall, very rarely do I award a perfect score here, but this keyboard deserves it. This keyboard is such a fantastic value, and if you can score it on the used market for less, then even better!
Final Score = 48/50 (96%)
Places to purchase this keyboard:
Keychron | Mechanical Keyboards | Amazon