The Keychron Q3 HE 8K is the result of another of the company’s keyboards getting a modern refresh with Hall Effect switches and support for an 8,000 Hz polling rate. As an 80% keyboard, it hits that sweet spot that many gamers are looking for, but is it any good? Here is my review.
Big personality
Out of the box, the Q3 HE 8K instantly makes itself known with its aluminum casing. This has some serious heft, which gives it an air of quality, while also meaning it is limited when it comes to portability. Personally, I see the weight as a boon, as it means the keyboard stays put on my desk.
Like the rest of Keychron’s Q HE 8K lineup, it uses Keychron’s Lime magnetic switches and supports per-key actuation adjustment from 0.1 mm to 3.35 mm. It also offers Dynamic Rapid Trigger, Last Key Priority, Snap Click behavior, and Analog Mode.
These features can all be enabled and customized within Keychron’s web app software. Because it is accessed via the internet, users won’t need to have additional software running in the background.. If, like me, you’re not a fan of installing a bunch of apps for your peripherals, this is a big win.
Performance wins
The Q3 HE 8K can run at an 8,000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, supported by a high-speed connection designed for consistent low latency performance. For those who want to ensure they have every advantage for competitive esports titles like Valorant and CS2, 8K support will be appreciated.
In-game, the performance benefits show up quickly once you tune actuation and enable Rapid Trigger. Movement feels sharper in shooters, with cleaner starts and stops, and Snap Click/LKP behavior helps directional changes feel more deliberate. It’s especially noticeable in situations where traditional keyboards can feel “sticky” during fast strafe transitions.
Locked down
I’ve already mentioned the keyboard’s weight limiting portability, but I should also note another downside of Keychron’s HE keyboards: switch flexibility. The Q3 HE 8K is restricted to Keychron’s Lime magnetic switches. While they are great, users may be apprehensive about getting locked down to one specific switch.
Disclosure: Review sample provided by Keychron.
Final Verdict
For $229.99, the Keychron Q3 HE 8K is a solid premium option that focuses heavily on performance. Its sturdy build, compact 80% layout, and Hall Effect features give it a clear competitive edge, especially once settings are dialed in. While its weight and limited switch options may not suit everyone, it delivers where it matters most for users prioritizing precision and responsiveness.
Positives and Negatives
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Solid aluminium build quality
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8,000 Hz polling rate
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Precise Hall effect switches
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Strong competitive gaming performance
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Web-based configuration software
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Limited to one switch type
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Wired-only high polling rate
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Heavy and not portable
