Keychron is expanding its V series with the V6 Ultra 8K – a fully-fledged 100% keyboard that offers more than its typical full-format competitors. In addition to four extra keys and a rotary control, Keychron uses new Silk POM keys, which are designed to provide a creamy, deep sound. It also features modern ZMK firmware with a wireless 8,000 Hz polling rate and a long-lasting battery.
- Silk POM switches in three variants (red, brown, banana) made of completely creamy polyoxymethylene for a smooth keystroke and rich sound
- Up to 660 hours of battery life via a 4,000 mAh battery in wireless operation without illumination
- 8,000 Hz polling rate wirelessly via 2.4 GHz radio or Bluetooth 5.3 thanks to ZMK open source firmware
- Four extra buttons and a rotary control in addition to the normal full-format configuration
What’s behind the Silk POM buttons
At the heart of the V6 Ultra 8K are Keychron’s new Silk POM switches, which have been specially developed for a creamy and deep sound. POM – short for polyoxymethylene, also known as Delrin – is a plastic with a very low coefficient of friction, which ensures particularly smooth and even key movements. All plastic parts of the keys are made of this material, which gives the touch a characteristically soft, smooth feel.
There are three variants to choose from: The red Silk POM button is a linear switch for direct, resistance-free typing, while the brown one offers tactile feedback – ideal for long typing sessions. The yellow “Banana” version stands out with a particularly clearly defined pressure point and is aimed at anyone who prefers clear feedback when typing. The keys are complemented by redesigned stabilizers for larger keys such as the space bar, Enter and Shift, which have less play and should depress more evenly. Six layers of material in the keyboard structure also ensure the overall tonal performance, which dampen resonances and shape the sound.
Keychron V6 Ultra 8K: More keys, smarter firmware
The V6 Ultra 8K is not just a classic full-format keyboard – it goes one step further. There are four additional extra keys above the numeric keypad, and the F-key row has been moved a little closer together to make room for a rotary control. Three standard function keys have been reassigned: They now control shortcuts such as microphone muting – a function that is particularly practical for everyday work and gaming. If you don’t like the default assignment, you can easily customize all key assignments via a web-based app.
Under the hood is the open-source ZMK firmware, which enables a polling rate of up to 8,000 Hz in wireless operation. This means that the device transmits keystrokes up to eight times faster than a classic gaming keyboard with 1,000 Hz – a difference that can be noticeable in fast-paced games. The keyboard is connected either via USB-C, 2.4 GHz radio via a nano receiver or Bluetooth 5.3. According to Keychron, the 4,000 mAh battery lasts up to 660 hours without lighting; with LEDs on the lowest level, the runtime drops to around 200 hours.
Variants and classification in the lineup
The V6 Ultra 8K is not the only model in the revised V family. If you don’t need a cordless model, you can opt for the V6 8K without battery and with simplified noise reduction. The more affordable V-Max line relies on Gateron switches and three-layer damping, but does without the 8,000 Hz polling rate and only offers 1,000 Hz. Those who prefer an aluminum housing and other damping materials will find higher-quality options in the Q series in terms of look and feel – albeit at significantly higher prices of between 270 and 280 euros.
Conclusion
The Keychron V6 Ultra 8K is a well-thought-out package for enthusiasts looking for a complete 100% keyboard with modern features: creamy Silk POM keys, true wireless 8K performance and a long-lasting battery make the device an attractive mid-range offering. The keyboard is currently available in the German layout from around 150 euros from Amazon and Alternate; only the US ANSI layout is currently listed in Keychron’s own store.
