Home / Technology / Keychron Unveils ZMK Keyboards: 660-Hour Battery Life
Keychron Unveils ZMK Keyboards: 660-Hour Battery Life
6 Jan
Summary
- Keychron's new Ultra series keyboards feature ZMK firmware for enhanced battery efficiency.
- Wireless keyboards promise up to 660 hours of battery life at a high 8,000Hz polling rate.
- New models include Q1, Q3, Q6 Ultra, and V-series keyboards launching in January 2026.
Keychron is set to launch its groundbreaking Q Ultra and V Ultra mechanical keyboards at CES 2026, marking their debut with the ZMK open-source firmware. This new firmware offers significant battery efficiency improvements over QMK. Keychron asserts that these ZMK-powered boards can achieve an astonishing 660 hours of battery life in 2.4G wireless mode, even with a high-speed 8,000Hz polling rate, matching wired performance.
The initial release on January 6th, 2026, will include the Q1 Ultra (75 percent, $229.99), Q3 Ultra (tenkeyless, $229.99), and Q6 Ultra (full-size, $239.99). These Q-series models feature premium aluminum cases. Following later in January, Keychron will introduce the more affordable V-series, including the V5 Ultra (96 percent, $119.99), V3 Ultra (tenkeyless, $114.99), and V1 Ultra (75 percent, $114.99), which come with durable plastic cases.
All Ultra models are equipped with Keychron's new Silk POM switches and incorporate gasket-mount structures for a softer typing feel, with the Q Ultras featuring a double-gasket design. Internal foam is also included to refine typing acoustics. Keychron also hinted at upcoming special editions utilizing unique materials like marble, resin, and concrete.
