If you feel like Keychron releases a new keyboard model every other week, you’re not alone. The brand has become synonymous with a constant stream of updates, refining its popular layouts with new features and subtle design tweaks. But now, in a classic case of a retailer jumping the gun, two brand-new, unannounced models have appeared online, giving us our best look yet at Keychron's next move.
The new Keychron Q6 Ultra 8K (full-size) and Keychron V1 Ultra 8K (75% layout) were discovered listed on Best Buy's website, complete with pricing and images, despite being absent from Keychron's official channels. The listings, which feature somewhat inconsistent product descriptions, strongly suggest an accidental pre-launch reveal, sending keyboard enthusiasts into a frenzy.
The Main Attraction: A Full-Size Keyboard Reborn
The story broke on Reddit when user u/Jseepersaud10 not only found the Keychron Q6 Ultra 8K at their local Best Buy but also purchased one, sharing detailed photos with the community. While the Best Buy listing is sparse on details, the real-world evidence reveals a keyboard with significant upgrades over its predecessor, the Q6 Max.
Priced at $239.99 (a step up from the Q6 Max's $219.99 price point on Amazon), the Q6 Ultra 8K isn't just a simple refresh. The most immediate changes are visual and tactile.
New Switches and a Fresh Look
Gone are the usual Gateron Jupiter switches. In their place, the Q6 Ultra 8K is equipped with brand-new Keychron Silk POM switches. This appears to be a yet-unannounced switch series from Keychron, following the recent introduction of their low-profile Milk POM switches. The unit purchased features brown tactile switches, hinting that linear red and perhaps other tactile variants like the popular "Banana" will be available at launch.
The aesthetic has also received a major overhaul. Keychron has moved away from its often multi-colored keycap sets to a more subdued and sophisticated two-tone black and blue scheme. The keycaps retain the high-quality KSA profile found on other premium models like the Q13 Max, promising a tall, sculpted typing experience. Even the knob has been redesigned for a fresh look.
Of course, the "8K" in the name points to the headline feature: an 8,000 Hz polling rate. While our previous testing on models like the C1 Pro 8K found the real-world benefit for typing and gaming to be minimal for most users, it's a spec that appeals to performance chasers.
You can check out the official (if accidental) listing for the full-size model here: Keychron Q6 Ultra 8K at Best Buy
A Compact Companion: The V1 Ultra 8K
Not to be outdone, the smaller V1 Ultra 8K was also listed. Positioned as the more affordable, plastic-bodied sibling to the metal Q6 series, the V1 Ultra 8K packs many of the same premium features into a 75% layout—perfect for those who want a compact form factor without sacrificing arrow keys and a function row.
It also boasts the 8K polling rate, wireless connectivity, and shares the new, cleaner aesthetic of its bigger brother. However, it likely retains the OSA profile keycaps found on the standard V1 series instead of moving to the KSA profile.
For those interested in the compact version, the listing is live here: Keychron V1 Ultra 8K at Best Buy
A Note on the "Magnetic Switch" Confusion
The Best Buy product pages for both keyboards claim they use "magnetic switches," which has caused some confusion. Keychron already sells Hall effect keyboards in this price range, but their magnetic switches are not branded with simple color names like "Red" or "Brown." The Reddit user who purchased the Q6 Ultra 8K confirmed the switches appear to be standard 5-pin mechanical models, not magnetic. This seems to be an error in Best Buy's product copy, and these new "Silk POM" switches are almost certainly traditional mechanical switches.
Both keyboards are expected to be fully customizable via Keychron's excellent web-based Launcher software, which supports VIA and QMK. Interestingly, early users report that the software doesn't yet recognize the unreleased Q6 Ultra 8K, further proof that this launch was unintended.
For comparison, you can see the previous generation model here: Keychron Q6 Max on Amazon
The Verdict: An Exciting, Unplanned Preview
While Keychron has yet to officially announce the Q6 Ultra 8K and V1 Ultra 8K, the evidence is overwhelming. We're looking at a substantial refresh that brings new switches, a refined design, and top-tier specs to two of Keychron's most popular form factors. If you've been waiting for a full-size mechanical keyboard with all the modern bells and whistles, the Q6 Ultra 8K might be worth keeping on your radar. Stay tuned for an official announcement and full reviews in the near future.
Post a Comment