Keychron Unveils Q16 HE 8K — A Ceramic Magnetic Keyboard with 8K Polling and Precision Sensing
Keychron, a well-known manufacturer of keyboards for Mac, Windows, and Android users, has announced the launch of the Q16 HE 8K, a full-ceramic magnetic keyboard now available through a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. This new model introduces an uncommon blend of design and engineering, featuring a ceramic body and keycaps paired with magnetic TMR sensing technology for high-accuracy input.
The Q16 HE 8K will be available in two color options — Cetacean Blue and Mint White — with early bird pricing starting at $219.99 USD. According to Keychron, this model represents a new direction in material use within the keyboard market, which has long relied on aluminum and plastic enclosures. The company aims to offer a product that not only performs well but also brings a fresh aesthetic and tactile experience.
Ceramic offers a smooth, cool texture and a refined finish that differs from metal or plastic. Beyond appearance, the material affects the acoustics and feel of typing, giving users a distinctive tactile and auditory feedback. “Great keyboards should feel fast, sound great, and look like objects worth keeping,” said Paul Tan, COO at Keychron. “With Q16 HE 8K, we explored ceramic for everyday use, combining it with magnetic sensing and 8K performance to deliver both material innovation and speed.”
The Q16 HE 8K uses Ultra-Fast Lime magnetic switches built with Tunneling Magnetoresistance (TMR) sensors. These switches deliver higher input accuracy, better power efficiency, and quicker response times compared to conventional Hall-effect switches. The keyboard features an 8,000 Hz polling rate that registers inputs every 0.125 milliseconds—eight times faster than typical 1,000 Hz gaming keyboards. It also supports a 256,000 Hz scanning rate with 0.01 mm sensitivity, enabling users to fine-tune actuation points and adjust analog input depth for precise control.
The Cherry Profile ceramic keycaps add durability and a sculpted typing surface, while the 65% compact layout retains essential keys while freeing desk space. Designed for both work and gaming, users can fine-tune key response for their specific needs, from light tapping to deliberate precision control.
Customization is handled through the Keychron Launcher web app, allowing users to remap keys, adjust actuation, and create macros directly in the browser—no additional software installation required. Profile switching enables quick transitions between creative workloads and competitive gameplay.
“The Q16 HE 8K proves that material innovation and high performance can coexist,” added Tan. “Ceramic enhances the tactile experience, while magnetic sensing and 8K responsiveness deliver the precision serious users expect.”
The Keychron Q16 HE 8K Kickstarter campaign is live now, with an estimated delivery for backers scheduled for December 2025. As the mechanical keyboard market continues to evolve, Keychron’s ceramic approach marks a notable shift in both design and function, potentially influencing the next generation of premium input devices.
