Keychron Q6 HE review: 100% keyboards can be good for gaming too
The Keychron Q6 HE is the first full-sized keyboard that has actually caught my attention after years of using compact keebs.
Keychron’s Q6 HE is the first full-size keyboard that’s actually caught my attention.
I haven’t used a full sized mechanical keyboard for years, and never really considered changing that, just for the sole fact that it takes up too much space on my desk.
I think the number pad is a bit useless for most people. My friends were convinced that I would find a use for the numpad after a few weeks, but any time I went to type in a number, my fingers would default to the top row like always.
I’m not the only one with this mindset, but it being so unpopular has caused those who require the numpad to miss out on popular gaming features like Hall effect switches, adjustable actuation, and more. Luckily, Keychron is here to save the day with the Q6 HE… if you can afford the premium cost.
Key Specs
- Switch type: Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula
- Keycaps: Double-shot PBT
- Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless
- Form factor: Full Size
- Lighting: Per Key RGB
- Features: Gasket-mounted PCB, full metal body, hot swappable switches
- Price: $249.99
Design & Features
The Keychron Q6 HE is a gorgeous keyboard, with my review unit being a classic retro-esque black body with white and black keycaps. There is no major branding anywhere on it, so it fits perfectly in just about any setup.
Once you start using it, you quickly begin to notice the superb build quality. It doesn’t flex, squeak, or move around your desk while typing. It’s heavy, sounds phenomenal, and is an overall joy to use daily.
It features hot-swappable HE switches, and unlike the GMMK 3 HE, doesn’t work with regular MX switches. It only works with the Double-Rail switches that come with it.
Keychron gave the Q6 HE access to its iconic MacOS mode with a switch on the back, as well as tri-mode wireless to connect it however you want. This is partially what’s made me wanna keep it on my desk for as long as it's been here.
I use 2.4GHz wireless for my gaming PC, and the multiple Bluetooth profiles for my MacBook, iPad, and Ayaneo KUN gaming handheld, and it works great.
There isn’t much to complain about with this keeb, but the location of the knob really throws me off sometimes. Instead of being above the backspace button, I wish Keychron had kept it on the top right outermost corner, above the keypad in this example.
Performance
Keychron makes gaming keyboards as well as ones for office workers, and the Q6 HE is a wonderful middle point for those like me who do both.
I tested it in Call of Duty, Marvel Rivals, and Blue Prince and didn’t face any issues with latency or anything.
The Hall Effect switches paired with Keychron Launcher gives you access to adjustable actuation, Rapid Trigger, Last keystroke prioritization, and Snap Click as well as the ability to program multiple actions to one keystroke.
Battery Life
Battery life on both 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth is well over 40 hours, with the latter going closer to 70 before the keyboard needs a charge.
The Verdict - 4/5
There’s no doubt that Keychron knocked it out of the park with the Q6 HE, and if you’re one of the few that need a full-sized keyboard in 2025, you should check it out.
There are plenty of other ways to set your desk up if you need a numpad for data entry, however. You could get something like the Lemokey P1 HE or 75% Glorious GMMK 3 and an external numpad that you can tuck away, which is probably what I’ll end up doing again in the near future.
It's definitely worth checking out if you’re in the market for a new keyboard, but if you prefer sticking with traditional switches, the Logitech G915 X is a good shout.