Key Facts
- ✓ Keychron is announcing new Q Ultra and V Ultra mechanical keyboards at CES 2026.
- ✓ They are Keychron's first ZMK mechanical keyboards, an open-source firmware that is more battery efficient than the popular QMK.
- ✓ Keychron claims its ZMK boards can last up to 660 hours in 2.4G wireless mode with a high-speed 8,000Hz polling rate.
- ✓ The first ZMK Keychron mechanical keyboards, launching January 6th on Keychron's site, will be the Q1 Ultra (75 percent).
Quick Summary
Keychron is announcing new Q Ultra and V Ultra mechanical keyboards at CES 2026. They are Keychron's first ZMK mechanical keyboards, an open-source firmware that is more battery efficient than the popular QMK. Keychron claims its ZMK boards can last up to 660 hours in 2.4G wireless mode with a high-speed 8,000Hz polling rate, matching wired performance. ZMK is mostly used by advanced enthusiasts flashing their own custom keyboards. Keychron has produced ZMK keyboards before, but its Ultra series are its first mechanicals. The first ZMK Keychron mechanical keyboards, launching January 6th on Keychron's site, will be the Q1 Ultra (75 percent).
CES 2026: Keychron's ZMK Debut
Keychron has officially announced a new lineup of mechanical keyboards at CES 2026. The company is introducing the Q Ultra and V Ultra series, marking a significant shift in firmware technology for the brand. These new models represent Keychron's first foray into using ZMK firmware for their mechanical keyboard offerings.
The announcement highlights a move toward greater efficiency and performance. While Keychron has previously produced keyboards utilizing ZMK, the Ultra series specifically denotes their first mechanical keyboards to adopt this open-source standard. The initial release includes the Q1 Ultra, a 75-percent layout keyboard, among a total of six new models launching soon.
Performance and Battery Efficiency
The primary advantage of the new Ultra series is the adoption of ZMK firmware. This open-source firmware is noted as being more battery efficient than the popular QMK alternative. Keychron is leveraging this efficiency to offer impressive battery life metrics without sacrificing speed.
Keychron claims its ZMK boards can last up to 660 hours in 2.4G wireless mode. This longevity is maintained even when utilizing a high-speed 8,000Hz polling rate. According to the announcement, this polling rate allows the wireless performance to match that of wired connections. This feature is particularly appealing to users who require responsiveness typically reserved for wired gaming peripherals.
Target Audience and Market Context
Historically, ZMK has been the domain of advanced enthusiasts who enjoy flashing their own custom keyboards. By bringing this firmware to a pre-built mechanical lineup, Keychron is making high-efficiency technology more accessible to a broader audience. The Ultra series bridges the gap between custom DIY projects and mass-market availability.
The new keyboards are positioned to compete in a market that values both longevity and responsiveness. The combination of 660-hour battery life and 8,000Hz polling rates sets a high bar for wireless mechanical keyboards. Consumers looking for premium build quality and cutting-edge specs will likely find the new announcements compelling.
Availability and Launch Details
The first of the new ZMK Keychron mechanical keyboards are scheduled to launch on January 6th. Availability will be through Keychron's official website. The launch lineup features the Q1 Ultra, which features a 75-percent layout.
Consumers interested in the new Q Ultra and V Ultra models should mark their calendars for the early January release. The launch is timed to coincide with the announcements made during CES 2026, allowing potential buyers to see the specifications alongside other industry reveals.
