Keychron has officially expanded its lineup of analog gaming keyboards with three new all-aluminium models in the Q HE 8K series. These keyboards introduce updated TMR magnetic sensors, new Keychron Ultra-Fast Magnetic Lime switches and true 8 kHz polling rate support. As someone who reviews Hall Effect boards frequently, this is a major move from Keychron and instantly one of the most interesting releases of the year.

The new models include the Q6 HE 8K, a full-size layout, the Q3 HE 8K, a TKL layout, and the Q1 HE 8K, a compact 75 percent layout. Each model features an all-aluminium body, PBT keycaps, a hardware profile switch and exclusive wired connectivity through USB Type-C.

Official Release Timeline and Pricing

Keychron confirmed the following dates:

• Q6 HE 8K full-size model launches November 18, 2025 at 239.99 USD
• Q3 HE 8K TKL launches November 18, 2025 at 229.99 USD
• Q1 HE 8K 75 percent layout launches December 11, 2025

All three models ship in black or white, each with purple accent keys for Escape and Enter.

For users who have followed Keychron’s Hall Effect launches in the past, the fact that they chose to start with the full-size Q6 and TKL Q3 before the popular Q1 layout shows how serious they are about targeting both gamers and productivity-focused users.

A Big Step Forward for Keychron in the Hall Effect Space

Hall Effect and TMR keyboards have become a major trend in 2024 and 2025. We have seen a strong response from the community with releases like the Epomaker HE80, which showed what affordable HE performance can look like.

Keychron is now combining this technology with its signature Q-series aluminium chassis. This fills a large gap in the market for users who wanted:

• HE performance
• Premium aluminium construction
• Adjustable actuation
• Rapid Trigger
• True 8000 Hz polling
• QMK firmware

Until now, most HE keyboards have been plastic and gaming oriented. Keychron is bringing HE performance into premium enthusiast territory.

New TMR Sensors and New Magnetic Lime Switches

One of the biggest upgrades in the Q HE 8K series is the switch technology. Keychron has replaced the Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic switches used in previous HE models with the new Keychron Ultra-Fast Magnetic Lime switches.

These new linear switches have:

• Actuation force of 26 to 40 g
• Lightweight travel ideal for gaming
• Standard stem orientation
• Wide compatibility with other magnetic switches
• Smoother travel and improved stability

The new TMR sensors (Tunnel Magneto Resistance) offer more precise actuation detection and improved Rapid Trigger behavior. This should lead to better responsiveness when compared to earlier Keychron HE models.

For readers who want to understand how magnetic switches work, you can take a look at my full guide: What is a Hall Effect Keyboard

True 8000 Hz Polling Rate

All three keyboards in the series support a true 8 kHz polling rate. At 8000 Hz, the keyboard communicates with the PC eight times faster than typical gaming keyboards.

This results in:

• Lower input latency
• Faster key reset
• More accurate Rapid Trigger actuation
• Better responsiveness in shooters and rhythm games

If you want to understand how keyboards detect multiple inputs, here is a full explanation:
What is NKRO

Since these boards are wired only, Keychron removed the usual wireless switch and replaced it with a hardware profile selector.

Software and Customisation

All three keyboards run on QMK firmware and use Keychron Launcher, a new web-based configuration tool. It is similar to VIA but includes:

• Easier firmware updates
• Per-key actuation tuning
• Rapid Trigger sensitivity control
• Layer editing
• RGB configuration
• Dynamic actuation modes

It is expected to work across Windows, macOS and Linux.

If you need an overview of different keyboard sizes or layouts, here is a helpful reference: Mechanical Keyboard Sizes

Shared Build Features Across Q1, Q3 and Q6 HE 8K

• All-aluminium case construction
• Aluminium switch plate
• Double-shot PBT keycaps in OSA profile
• South-facing RGB LEDs
• Pre-lubed stabilizers
• Full-gasket internal structure
• Hot-swap support for magnetic switches
• USB Type-C wired connection

For sound lovers, the combination of aluminium and multiple dampening layers should produce a cleaner acoustic profile. You can explore deep-sounding switch options here: Best Deep-Sounding Switches

Typing and Gaming Experience. My Thoughts

Typing Impression

These boards should offer a more refined sound than typical plastic HE boards. The gasket mount and multi-layer foam design should help reduce hollowness. South-facing LEDs will also make them compatible with most custom keycap sets.

More info on keycaps here: Mechanical Keyboard Keycaps

Gaming Impression

The lightweight Magnetic Lime switches combined with TMR sensors and 8000 Hz polling should make these boards extremely fast. Rapid Trigger tuning and per-key actuation adjustment will be very appealing for competitive FPS players.

Based on my experience with other HE boards, the Q HE 8K series has serious potential to become one of the most balanced HE lineups available.

If you are new to mechanical keyboards, this article helps: What is a Mechanical Keyboard

My Final Thoughts

The Keychron Q1 HE 8K, Q3 HE 8K and Q6 HE 8K represent a major evolution for Keychron in the Hall Effect market. These boards are designed for users who want competitive analog performance but also want a premium aluminium chassis and refined acoustics. The new TMR sensors, new Magnetic Lime switches and 8000 Hz polling rate create a strong foundation for both gaming and typing.

If Keychron nails the firmware tuning, this could be one of the most important HE product launches of the year.