Tom’s Guide Verdict
What can $209 buy?
The Keychron Q65 Max, for starters.
This mechanical keyboard has an all-metal build thats extremely sturdy, plus double-shot PBT keycaps and responsive switches.
The Q65 Max is a solid piece of metal, literally, thanks to its full CNC-machined aluminum build.
But lets talk about the elephant in the room: the price.
The Q65 Max has a steep $209 price tag while facing fierce competition from thebest mechanical keyboards.
Should you still buy it?
Find out in my full Keychron Q65 Max review.
Theres no trace of any plastic used anywhere.
While most of the Q65 Maxs switches worked well, I cant say the same of the spacebars switch.
When I pressed the spacebar, it got stuck and wouldnt spring back up.
Buying keyboard lube for$9 at Amazon.
If you ever need to do this and I hope you dont thisYouTube tutorialwill serve you well.
The left-hand side of the keyboard houses an extra column consisting of four programmable macro keys.
This means that I dont have to let go of my mouse when adjusting volume or zooming in.
And the Keychron Q65 Max?
This is a productivity beast.
Second, the stock Gateron Jupiter switches themselves are awesome.
I tested the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switches.
As I mentioned earlier, the double-gasket design negates any metallic pings compared to traditional single-gasket keyboards.
And I didnt hear any unwanted sounds.
The overall sound profile of the Q65 Max is fantastic and well-balanced.
Also, the KSA profile keycaps feel pleasant to touch and are very comfortable during long typing stints.
The Jupiter Reds require 45g of force and have a pre-travel distance of 2mm.
Your hands wont feel as tired as they may using Browns or Bananas.
This is also in part due to the responsiveness of the Banana switches and the keyboard in general.
The dedicated macro keys come in handy in both gaming and office work.
The possibilities are endless, and macro keys just make it quicker to execute key combinations.
Overall, the Q65 Max can be personalized in a number of ways to suit your needs.
Theres no sugarcoating it: the Keychron Q65 Max is anexpensivekeyboard that might burn a hole in your pocket.
This isnt uncommon with Keychrons full-metal keyboards theQ1 Pro, for instance, costs an eye-watering $219.
This is a truly fantastic keyboard thats built extremely well.
And web-based software makes it easy to customize the keyboard to your liking.
Thats a lot of money for a keyboard, especially when there are cheaper alternatives available.
It comes down to personal preference: plastic or metal?
Ive really enjoyed testing the Q65 Max.
