Key Takeaways
1. The Keychron Q16 HE is priced at $239.99, matching the cost of other Keychron mechanical and HE gaming keyboards like the Q13 Max.
2. It features a durable ceramic body and ceramic keycaps, enhancing longevity and durability compared to competitors with plastic builds.
3. The keyboard includes high-end gaming specs such as an 8 kHz polling rate and adjustable actuation distance, along with contactless Ultra-Fast Magnetic Lime switches.
4. The Q16 HE lacks wireless capabilities and a gasket mount, which may affect the typing experience but helps in keeping production costs lower.
5. Orders from Kickstarter are expected to begin shipping in October, with no official release date announced yet.
We shared earlier about the upcoming Keychron Q16 HE, a gaming keyboard that features a TMR-based design along with a completely ceramic body. Initially, it was thought that the Q16 HE would be quite expensive, but the official launch price has now shown up on the Keychron website, and it matches the cost of their other mechanical and HE gaming keyboards.
Pricing Details
As per Keychron’s online shop, the Q16 HE is priced at $239.99, which is identical to the Keychron Q13 Max model we recently reviewed. This pricing is interesting considering the Q16 HE includes ceramic keycaps and a chassis, which Keychron claims enhances durability. Additionally, the Q16 HE features high-end gaming specs like 8 kHz polling rate and adjustable actuation distance. The TMR sensor tech and Keychron’s Ultra-Fast Magnetic Lime switches are not only beneficial for gaming but also contribute to the keyboard’s longevity, as contactless switches are known to have fewer mechanical issues than traditional ones.
Comparison with Competitors
In comparison, the Cerakey Nada 65 Panda is a fully assembled mechanical keyboard showcasing ceramic keycaps, tri-mode wireless options, and a gasket mount, priced at $159. However, it has a plastic body unlike the Q16 HE’s ceramic build.
Interestingly, it appears that Keychron might have compromised on the typing experience because there is no indication of a gasket mount on the Q16 HE’s product page. Nevertheless, it will feature the same acoustic enhancements found in Keychron’s other keyboards.
Additional Considerations
There are some important notes to consider. Firstly, the Q16 HE lacks wireless capabilities, which could help lower production costs. It also comes in a 65% layout, making its components less expensive compared to layouts like the larger 1800 Q13 Max. Despite this, it’s worth mentioning that the Q16 HE is priced the same as the Q2 HE, which also offers a 65% layout and Hall effect technology—although the Q1 HE is currently on sale for $203.99 on Amazon.
Keychron has yet to reveal an official release date for the Q16 HE, but the product page indicates that orders from Kickstarter are expected to begin shipping in October. You can visit the Prelaunch page to sign up for updates on the Q6 HE.
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