Keychron Q16 HE 8K review: Ceramic disappointment

The internals of this keyboard are unique. Instead of the standard Hall effect equipmentthe Q16 is one of the first keyboards from Keychron to use TMR sensors. These switches are very similar to standard Hall effect switches, but have some key differences. The biggest benefits are their improved accuracy and lower power consumption compared to Hall effect sensors, while the downsides are primarily their increased price and lack of development.

For gaming, these switches are great. They are fast and responsive, bounce back quickly after being stressed and have several ways to adjust their performance. The Rapid Triggers setting allows the keys to be pressed immediately again after they are released (rather than waiting for the key to reset after the original trigger point), and the SOCD (Simultaneous Opposite Primary Direction) settings allow opposite movements (usually A and D, for pounding) to override each other when both are pressed at the same time. This means that when you press A, then press D, the D key will take priority and disable input from the A key. Input feels almost instantaneous with 8000 Hz polling, and the key actuation distance can be easily adjusted in Keychron’s Launcher. Besides the subtle differences in performance and accuracy, these switches function similarly to standard Hall effect switches, while maintaining all the features that HE switches are known for.

To fully explain What The tunneling magnetoresistance sensor is that I would need a background in quantum physics, which I don’t have. However, I can try to explain it in a rudimentary way. Tunneling magnetoresistance is closely related to quantum tunneling, a phenomenon in which a subatomic particle passes through a barrier that it should not be able to pass through. This happens because subatomic particles are both particles and waves at the same time. In a TMR sensor, two ferromagnets pass these subatomic wave particles — in this case, electrons — between an ultrafine barrier. This causes the levels of magnetism in the two magnets to change as they approach each other. The sensor detects this change in magnetism and uses it to determine how far the switch is pressed. It’s as if two magnets are playing tennis, the electrons are a tennis ball, and the TMR sensor is an armchair umpire watching this happen.

If this sounds completely crazy to you, or if quantum subatomic particles seem too high-tech to fit into a consumer-grade keyboard, you’re not alone. I find the whole thing very strange, and using this keyboard makes me feel vaguely uncomfortable for reasons I can’t properly explain or justify. But I can assure you that there is absolutely no risk in using this keyboard – you won’t accidentally split an atom or expose yourself to radiation poisoning, no matter how radioactive the light green ceramic keycaps are. And if you look beyond my aversion to quantum typing, the keys on this keyboard are a marvel of modern engineering that I absolutely love from an objective perspective.

Delicious or trend chasing?

Photo: Henry Robbins

Keychron made keyboards that followed previous trends. look at me K2 HE Special Editiona keyboard that matches perfectly North fractal Computer tower. It’s a great keyboard. Mid-century modern design has elevated the keyboard and made it something truly special. It had a purpose, a direction, a reason for being.