Key findings
- The Keychron Q65 Max offers a premium enthusiast build with unmatched design and build quality.
- The unique keycap design enables a smooth typing experience, while the customizable dial and macro keys enhance functionality.
- If you're looking for a premium keyboard with form, function, and customization options, the Q65 Max is a great choice.
Over my years as a reviewer, I've tested a lot of keyboards, especially so-called gaming keyboards. Many of these are aimed at high-end gamers and therefore offer a wealth of features and options. However, the Keychron Q65 Max opened my eyes to a whole new world: the world of enthusiast keyboards.
The design and build quality of the Q65 Max is the best I've ever seen. Although it looks like a standard keyboard, it's far from a regular gaming keyboard. The design and placement of the keycaps make for a unique typing experience that takes some getting used to. However, once you get used to the fluid movements, it's hard to go back to a standard keyboard. The weight of the keyboard is also very impressive and has an overall premium feel. If you've been thinking about getting a higher-end keyboard, this could be a great option for you.
About this review: Keychron sent me the Q65 Max to test. The company had no influence on the content of this test.
Amazing productivity
Keychron Q65 Max
Adaptation meets productivity
Designed to keep your desk clutter-free, the Keychron Q65 Max offers three connection modes for easy operation. It also features acoustic foam that dampens the sound of keystrokes while providing a smoother, more tactile typing experience.
- Solid workmanship
- 1000 Hz polling rate
- Customizable button
- Hot-swappable switches and keycaps
- The key layout may take some getting used to
- The price tends to rise towards enthusiasts
Prices and availability
The Keychron Q65 Max is available in both a barebones and a fully assembled version. Currently, it only seems to be available from Keychron themselves, but it is available from both the US and UK stores.
Prices start at $189 for the barebones version and $209 for the fully assembled version. Both versions come with the button, but it seems that the barebones variant is only available in the Carbon Black color.
Design and workmanship quality
A customizable knob and macro keys make the difference
This is the first Keychron keyboard I've received to test, so I wasn't 100% sure what to expect. Keychron is known as a quality brand and I had high expectations for the Q65 Max, like most people. Just the weight gives you the impression before you unpack that this keyboard is going to be very well made.
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When I took the Q65 Max out of the box, my expectations of what it would offer rose. I immediately noticed the dial and started thinking about how helpful it would be. Next, I noticed the dedicated macro keys and how, much like the dial placement, they are positioned a small distance away from the main keys on the Q65 Max. For me, that means there is less chance of accidentally hitting them when typing, which is a huge plus for me.
The button immediately caught my eye and I thought about how helpful it would be.
The overall look and color scheme of the Q65 Max is also immediately noticeable. I received the Carbon Black model, which has an all-black aluminum frame. The standard letter and number keycaps are white, the Enter and ESC keys are a teal color. The non-alphabet/numeric keys are a nice navy blue. The font Keychron opted for is very easy on the eyes and really helps round out the overall aesthetic. One thing I noticed is that many of the keys with words on them are all lowercase. This isn't a problem, just something I haven't seen on many other PC keyboards.
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The keycap design is a little different from what I'm used to. On most keyboards I've tested, the keycaps slope upwards a little, starting with the spacebar as the lowest part and then moving up to the F keys. On the Q65 Max, it's a little different as the middle rows of keys seem to have a larger indentation. The image above doesn't quite do it justice, but you can definitely notice it when typing. It takes a little getting used to, but overall I'd almost like to say it improved my typing once I got used to it.
The subtle RGB lighting is a nice touch, as opposed to the intrusive approach many companies take. The south-facing LEDs give off a pleasant glow, just enough to illuminate things and make sure you can see the keys in a dimly lit room. The effects can be changed by pressing FN+A. Pressing FN+A Clicking multiple times will cycle through the different effects so you can find the one that best suits your needs.
Typing on the Q65 Max
It's as beautiful as it sounds
This is where things got really exciting. As mentioned, when you first start typing on the Q65 Max, it feels a little odd if you're coming from a standard keyboard. This is due to the layout/shape of the keycaps themselves. However, if you persevere and actually get used to it, it offers an improved experience that is quite enjoyable. The only problem is that once you get used to it, you won't want to go back to typing on the standard keyboards you were used to before.
The keyboard is available with the Gateron Jupiter mechanical switches in red, brown, and banana. I had never tried the Jupiter switches or a banana switch (yellow) before, so I requested that type. I usually prefer linear switches in red/speed silver, but the tactile feel of the Gateron Jupiter banana switches was a nice change from what I'm used to. Typing was a breeze, and gaming was just as enjoyable. In fact, I'm using the keyboard as I write this review, and have used it for a few other words, and have typed about 10,000 words on it during my time using it so far.
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The Q65 Max is designed to offer the best of both worlds for office use and gaming, and it delivers on that promise well. When gaming, everything feels fluid and the response times when strafing in FPS games are just superb. I generally play a mix of FPS games and I did feel like I had more control over my movements than with the Ducky keyboard I normally use.
The Q65 Max is designed to offer the best of both worlds for office use and gaming.
Having a customizable knob and dedicated macro keys really adds to the overall performance and functionality of this keyboard. Being able to use the knob as either a volume control or to zoom in and out depending on your needs is really helpful. I'm also a fan of dedicated macro keys as they make things so much easier and don't take anything away from other keyboards. I use my macro keys for launching programs and for repetitive tasks in games.
Should you buy the Q65 Max?
If you're looking for a top-of-the-range keyboard that offers enthusiast-grade build quality, the Q65 Max could be just the thing for you. It's available either as a kit that you can put together yourself, or you can get it already assembled if you just want the quality without the hassle. Either way, the build quality is second to none thanks to the full aluminum frame design.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line keyboard with enthusiast-grade craftsmanship, the Q65 Max might be just the thing for you.
The keyboard itself is made up of 10 layers. When you add the switches and keycaps, the keyboard is made up of 12 individual layers. There are multiple layers of foam to absorb sound and provide a premium feel when typing. All of this combined really gives the Q65 Max a fantastic look and feel.
If you're looking to take your keyboard playing to the next level, the Q65 Max is a great choice. It offers form, function, and plenty of customization options to help you get the most out of it.
You should buy the Keychron Q65 Max if:
- You want a keyboard with a premium look and feel
- You want a smaller keyboard with dedicated macro keys and a customizable button
You should not buy the Keychron Q65 Max if:
- You are looking for a cheaper keyboard
- You will not use the rotary knob and macro keys
Keychron Q65 Max
Designed to keep your desk clutter-free, the Keychron Q65 Max offers three connection modes for easy operation. It also features acoustic foam that dampens the sound of keystrokes while providing a smoother, more tactile typing experience.