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| Keychron V5 Ultra ZMK wireless mechanical keyboard. |
Just a few weeks after launching its premium Q Ultra 8K series, Keychron has now officially released the more budget-friendly V Ultra 8K mechanical keyboard lineup. The new series, which starts at just $114.99, brings the same high-performance wireless technology and customisation features of its aluminium siblings into lightweight, plastic-bodied designs — and they’re available to order right now.
If you’ve been following Keychron’s recent releases, you’ll remember that the Q Ultra 8K series marked a significant shift for the brand: moving from the open-source QMK firmware to ZMK firmware, primarily to achieve drastically improved wireless battery life. That same ZMK core is at the heart of the new V Ultra 8K boards, promising up to 660 hours of use without backlighting.
The V Ultra 8K family consists of three models: the 75% V1, the TKL V3, and the 96% V5, each featuring a programmable knob, hot-swappable PCBs, and triple connectivity (USB-C, 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.3). Perhaps the most notable spec across all three is the 8,000 Hz polling rate over both wired and 2.4 GHz connections — a spec once reserved for high-end gaming keyboards.
V Ultra 8K Series: Pricing, Sizes & Key Specs
| Model | Size & Front Height | Case Material | Weight | Layout | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V1 Ultra 8K | 328.5 × 148.7 mm; 21.5 mm | Plastic | 770 g | 75% + knob | $114.99 |
| V3 Ultra 8K | 367.8 × 149 mm; 23.6 mm | Plastic | 960 g | TKL + knob | $114.99 |
| V5 Ultra 8K | 391.5 × 148.7 mm; 21.7 mm | Plastic | 983 g | 96% + knob | $119.99 |
All three share a number of features:
- Plate & Mount: PC plate with Poron foam gasket mount
- Switches: Hot-swap PCB for 3-pin/5-pin MX-style switches; pre-installed with Keychron’s new Silk POM Red (linear), Brown (tactile), or Banana (sharp tactile)
- Keycaps: Double-shot PBT OSA profile, non-shine-through
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Backlighting: Per-key south-facing RGB
- Software: Customisable via Keychron Launcher with open-source ZMK firmware
You can explore the whole series and place an order directly through Keychron’s official V Ultra 8K collection page.
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| Keychron V1 Ultra 8K CNC aluminium knob. |
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| Keychron V1 Ultra 8K wireless mechanical keyboard. |
How the V Ultra 8K Differs from the Q Ultra 8K
The most obvious change is the switch from aluminium to a “lightweight, rigid polymer” — in other words, plastic. This brings the weight down noticeably, making the V series easier to transport or move around your desk. The keycap profile also shifts from the taller KSA style used on the Q series to the more modest OSA profile, which may suit those who prefer a slightly lower typing height.
Despite the more affordable build, Keychron hasn’t cut corners on performance. The V Ultra 8K retains the same 8K polling, ZMK firmware efficiency, and programmable aluminium knobs as the Q series. In fact, in some ways, the V series adds practical touches missing on its premium counterpart: all three models include adjustable kick-out feet for 4°, 7°, or 10° typing angles — a feature the Q Ultra 8K keyboards don’t offer.
The new Silk POM switches carry over as well. The Banana tactile option (57 gf) provides a sharper, more pronounced bump compared to the Brown tactile switches, reminiscent of Gateron’s Jupiter Bananas — which we recently tested in the Keychron Q13 Max. If you’re curious about those switches on their own, you can find them on Amazon.
Early Impressions & Who These Are For
While full reviews are still to come, the specs suggest Keychron is targeting the budget-conscious enthusiast who doesn’t want to compromise on wireless performance or customisation. The move to ZMK is a big deal for battery life — up to 200 hours with RGB on is impressive — and the gasket-mounted PC plate should offer a pleasing, flex-friendly typing feel.
The programmability through Keychron Launcher (which supports key remapping, macros, and knob customisation) paired with hot-swap sockets means these are true entry points into the custom keyboard world. Want to swap switches or keycaps? It’s all possible out of the box.
If you’re ready to grab one, here are the direct product links for each model:Bottom Line
With the V Ultra 8K series, Keychron is bridging the gap between affordable mechanical keyboards and high-end custom ones — without asking users to sacrifice cutting-edge wireless specs. If you can live without an aluminium case, these might be among the best value wireless mechanical keyboards available today.
What do you think of the new V Ultra 8K lineup? Are you tempted by the plastic build for the lighter weight and lower price, or will you stick with the aluminium Q series? Let us know in the comments.
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| Keychron Silk POM switch specifications. |