The Keychron V5 Ultra 8K and Q1 Ultra 8K keyboards are no slouches—faster, with better sound and battery life. A near-full-size board in a plastic case costs $119.99, while the heavier milled-aluminum Q1 Ultra 8K model is priced at $229.99.
The good news for keyboard enthusiasts: they have good typing feel, flip-out feet and amazing battery life, even with RGB lights on. The bad? A plastic case that sounds cheaper than metal boards. The V5 Ultra also lacks built-in storage for the USB dongle.
ZMK firmware, used in these models, is known for its battery efficiency, allowing up to 660 hours of use compared to earlier Max models which claim around 165 hours. This means you can go weeks without plugging it in, making it a standout feature against other mechanical keyboards.
The typing experience has been subtly improved with new Silk POM switches and screw-in stabilizers. The V5 Ultra’s brown switches are slightly louder but feel smoother. The Q1 Ultra is quieter despite being heavier than the Q1 Max at 3.8 pounds, exactly like its predecessor. These upgrades make the Ultra series a clear step up from previous Keychron models.
