A Fully CERAMIC Keyboard....It feels weird. - Keychron Q 16 HE

The video opens by setting the stage for ceramic keycaps and keyboards, recounting the excitement around ceramic materials and the promise of a truly unique keyboard experience. The host describes the Keychron Q16 HE 8K magnetic switch keyboard as the world’s first fully ceramic keyboard, noting that there is no aluminum construction at all, not even a metal plate, which immediately signals a bold design choice. The unboxing reveals the included accessories, such as a cloth cleaning pouch, a USB-C to USB-C cable with a USB-C to A adapter, a keycap puller, a switch puller, and replacement feet, all packaged to support a ceramic build. The host weighs the device, remarks on its visual appearance with a deep blue hue and a shiny ceramic shell, and calls out the fingerprint susceptibility of ceramic surfaces, warning viewers to expect smudges on keycaps and the case. The overall impression blends skepticism and fascination as the host explains why ceramic can feel both premium and odd, and previews the price point which is under $300, making the concept more approachable than one might expect for a ceramic keyboard. As the review progresses, the host digs into the design and build quality, highlighting the 65% layout with standard navigation keys and the ability to access function-row actions via a function key. He comments on the unibody-like appearance of the keyboard, the presence of four to six screws for disassembly, and the plate-mounted switch mounting with rubber dampening to reduce noise. The discussion turns to the material specifics, including how plastic inserts are used to fit ceramic keycaps onto the stem to avoid the looseness problems that plagued earlier ceramic builds, and how this update improves keycap stability. There is also a focus on the Hall Effect magnetic switches, including the distinctive north-facing RGB, and the observation that the switches are hot-swappable, allowing for customization without permanent modification. Throughout, the host weighs the tradeoffs of ceramic versus traditional plastics, noting that while the ceramic surface looks premium and resists certain wear, it can be more challenging to manage fingerprints and potential chipping if bumped. The reviewer then transitions to practical testing, including a sound and typing impression that aims to capture the tactile and acoustic character of the keyboard. The spacebar is highlighted for its deep, low thock and minimal rattle, aided by internal foam inserts to address hollow-spacebar acoustics. A live typing test demonstrates the board’s latency and 8K polling rate, with cited latency measurements around 1.47 milliseconds at practical load, underscoring the board’s performance suitability for fast-paced typing and gaming. The host shares personal enthusiasm for the overall look, feel, and sound, but acknowledges that some viewers may still perceive the ceramic surface as plasticky despite the premium finish. Finally, the host weighs the value proposition, arguing that the complete package,keyboard, keycaps, and switches,comes in at a competitive price, and contemplates future variants such as a larger 104-key version while considering the potential for further ceramic-keycap or stem improvements. The video closes with the host reflecting on whether ceramic keyboards are here to stay and whether the Q16 HE represents a meaningful step forward for enthusiasts and modders alike.

Topics · technology · hardware · computer-peripherals · product-review