The internals of this keyboard are amazing. Instead of standard Hall effect equipmentthe Q16 is one of the first Keychron keyboards to use TMR sensors. It is very similar to the standard Hall effect switch, but it has some important differences. The biggest benefits are their improved accuracy and reduced power draw compared to Hall effect sensors, while the downsides are mainly their increased price and lack of development.

For gaming, these switches are great. They are fast and responsive, bounce back quickly after being forced and have several ways to adjust their performance. The Rapid Triggers setting allows switches to be pressed again immediately after they are released (as opposed to waiting for the switch to reset beyond its original actuation point), and SOCD (simultaneous opposite cardinal directions) allows opposing movements (usually A and D, for strafing) to override each other if both are pressed at the same time. This means that if A is pressed, then D is pressed, the D key will take precedence and disable input from the A key. Inputs feel almost instantaneous with 8,000-Hz polling, and the switches’ travel distance is easily adjusted with Keychron’s Launcher software. Apart from minor differences in performance and accuracy, these switches are performed similarly to the standard Hall effect switch, maintaining all the features known for the HE switch.

To fully explain WHAT A tunneling magnetoresistance sensor is, I need a background in quantum physics, which I don’t have. However, I can try to explain it in a simple way. Tunneling magnetoresistance is closely related to quantum tunneling, a phenomenon in which a subatomic particle passes through a barrier it cannot pass through. This happens because subatomic particles are both particles and waves at the same time. In a TMR sensor, two ferromagnets pass these subatomic wave-particles—in this case, electrons—between an ultrathin barrier. This causes the magnetism levels of the two magnets to change as they get closer. A sensor detects this change in magnetism and uses it to determine how far the switch is pressed. It’s like two magnets playing tennis, the electrons a tennis ball, and the TMR sensor a chair umpire watching it happen.

If this sounds too crazy to you, or if quantum subatomic particles sound too high-tech to be on a consumer-grade keyboard, you’re not alone. I find the whole thing very strange, and using this keyboard makes me feel uncomfortable for reasons I can’t explain or rationalize properly. But I can assure you there’s no danger in using this keyboard—you won’t accidentally split an atom or give yourself radiation poisoning, no matter how radioactive the light green ceramic keycaps look. And if I look beyond my Luddite-like distaste for quantum typing, the switches on this keyboard are a marvel of modern engineering that, from an objective perspective, I really like.

Tasteful or Trend-chasing?

Photo: Henry Robbins

Keychron makes keyboards that follow the trends of the past. See the K2 HE Special Editiona keyboard that perfectly matches the Fractal North PC tower. This is a great keyboard. The mid-century modern style elevates the keyboard and makes it a unique item. It has purpose, direction, and reason for existence.