TL;DR
Keychron announced a new family of mechanical keyboards at CES 2026, including Q Ultra and V Ultra models that use ZMK, an open-source firmware Keychron says is more battery-efficient than QMK. The company claims some boards can run up to 660 hours in 2.4G wireless mode and support wireless 8K polling rates.
What happened
At CES 2026 Keychron introduced a lineup of new mechanical keyboards based on ZMK, an open-source firmware the company says offers improved power efficiency compared with the widely used QMK platform. The announcement covers multiple models, including Q Ultra and V Ultra variants and a six-keyboard family that features a 75-percent Q1 Ultra as one of the entries. Keychron is promoting long battery runtimes for the ZMK-based boards, claiming up to 660 hours of operation in 2.4 GHz wireless mode. The company also highlighted support for wireless 8K polling rates, a specification aimed at reducing input latency. Beyond those headline features—firmware choice, claimed battery life, and polling rate—details such as pricing, precise availability dates, and full spec sheets were not provided in the source excerpt.
Why it matters
- Longer battery life could change expectations for wireless mechanical keyboards, making them more practical for extended mobile or shared-desk use.
- Adoption of ZMK by a mainstream manufacturer may accelerate interest in open-source firmware alternatives to QMK.
- Wireless 8K polling rates target users who prioritize low-latency input, including some gamers and pro typists.
- If ZMK’s efficiency claims hold up in real-world testing, other makers may re-evaluate firmware and power-management choices.
Key facts
- Announcement made at CES 2026.
- Keychron introduced new Q Ultra and V Ultra mechanical keyboards.
- These are Keychron’s first mechanical keyboards shipping with ZMK firmware.
- ZMK is described as open-source and, according to Keychron, more battery efficient than QMK.
- Keychron claims up to 660 hours of battery life in 2.4 GHz wireless mode.
- The product family includes six new ZMK-based keyboards; the 75-percent Q1 Ultra is one listed model.
- Keychron states the boards support wireless 8K polling rates.
- Specifics such as pricing and exact release dates are not confirmed in the source.
What to watch next
- Real-world battery tests to validate Keychron’s claim of up to 660 hours — not confirmed in the source.
- Official pricing and shipping dates for the Q Ultra, V Ultra, and the six-keyboard lineup — not confirmed in the source.
- Detailed specifications (switch options, battery capacity, connectivity modes beyond 2.4 GHz) — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- ZMK: An open-source keyboard firmware focused on low power consumption and support for wireless keyboards.
- QMK: A popular open-source keyboard firmware that supports extensive customization and features for mechanical keyboards.
- Polling rate: The frequency at which a keyboard reports input to a connected device, typically measured in Hz or kHz; higher rates can reduce perceived latency.
- 2.4 GHz wireless: A common wireless connection band used by peripherals that balances range and responsiveness.
- 75-percent layout: A compact keyboard layout that keeps most navigation keys and function rows while reducing bezel width compared with a full-size board.
Reader FAQ
When will these Keychron ZMK keyboards be available?
Not confirmed in the source.
How long does the battery last?
Keychron claims up to 660 hours in 2.4 GHz wireless mode.
What is ZMK and how does it differ from QMK?
ZMK is an open-source firmware that Keychron says is more battery-efficient than QMK; further technical differences are not detailed in the source.
Do the keyboards support wired connections or only wireless?
Not confirmed in the source.
The 75-percent Q1 Ultra is one of six new ZMK mechanical keyboards launching soon. Keychron is announcing new Q Ultra and V Ultra mechanical keyboards at CES 2026. They're Keychron's…
Sources
- Keychron’s new mechanical keyboards offer ultralong battery life at wireless 8K polling rates
- Keychron Gear Video Review: Keyboards & Mice – November …
- Keychron and PYIE Unveil Ultra Series Ahead of CES 2026
- Keychron Launches 3 New Aluminium TMR Gaming …
Related posts
- At-home testosterone testing arrives: saliva, a phone app and a $8.25 start
- The taint bandaid’s evolution into the taint zapper after six years
- Donut Lab unveils 400 Wh/kg all-solid-state battery ready for OEM use