Keychron K6 65% Mechanical Keyboard (Hot-Swap Edition) Review & Modding

Here is my review of the hot-swap variant of the Keychron K6 65% mechanical keyboard.
I am also replacing the stock Gateron blue switches with Everglide Oreos, adding sound dampening foam and lubing the stabilizers.
Keychron K6 Keyboard links
US: amzn.to/30hN7Yr
CA: amzn.to/3gm5Zv1
UK: amzn.to/3hZguoG
Everglide Oreo Switches links
s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d83...
Stabilizer Lubricant links
s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTm...
Sound Dampening Foam links
US: amzn.to/3goRzda
CA: amzn.to/2C6z7Hz
UK: amzn.to/3gqjidy
Timestamps
Intro - 0:00
Unboxing - 0:15
Physical specs - 0:35
Keycaps & layouts - 2:07
Switches & stabilizers - 3:02
Modding (Stabilizers) - 3:30
Modding (Foam) - 5:05
Modding (Switches) - 5:40
Sound test - 6:10
Default layers - 7:47
Lighting - 8:34
Bluetooth - 9:00
Conclusion - 10:05
Kit ~ kit.co/minimalistik/youtube-gear
Instagram ~ / minimalistik.tech
Disclaimers
This description contains affiliated links where I get a commission at no extra costs for my viewers. Most products are sent my way for free. I am not paid to review products and all opinions are my own.

[@nutmilk]

What a fantastically shot, clear, and comprehensive video. Props to the great sound and image quality, and the extra effort into putting international links for various products seen within. Really great for a beginner like me.

[@saurabhsaralaya1824]

This review is the best just because you explored the right shift and additonal keycaps

[@spencerholmes1047]

the soundproofing material idea is awesome. Also like the extra info on where not to place it.

[@austininmedford]

Just bought the Akko 3068 9009 Retro edition from Epomaker and I love it! My first time using Cherry MX red switches and they're really good for FPS. I was considering this too but like the style of Akko

[@thatUtsavRatti]

Really well made video. I borrowed a lot for my own K6 mods, super helpful, thank you!

[@dillston4016]

I kinda think it sounds great for a plastic build, but deffo just feels like a standard case. 5 pin hot swap is always welcome for no mauling of switches. a very nice priced board imo.

[@AstonJay]

Oh, after you modded the keyboard, it sounds so good! Damn, well done!

[@tuxipops]

Just found your channel . Love your eye for minimal setups !

[@saudnasir884]

Loved your content bro! Subscribed:)

[@DevvOscar]

Well thanks... now i also have to put in the foam. So much better

[@rafifsetyo4505]

Those switches r nice bro! First time hearing them

[@SanicTheHidgehag]

those keycap legends are so beautiful!

[@Heuronh]

Ikr

[@ProgramistaNaBudowie]

Many thanks for the review. I am looking for 65% hot-swappable mechanical keyboard with PBT keycaps and I found Ducky One 2 SF could be an option but it also has non-standard keycaps in the first row which make it difficult to replace in the future. What you think about Ducky, and do you have any ideas what other keyboard could I buy so it have standard and PBT keycaps? I think I would go with cherry browns.

[@PawFromTheBroons]

Now that’s dedication.

[@richard-mai]

Hi, is there room between the plate and PCB for foam?

[@archibaldmelendez]

Great video, would you have a link to that slick white/metal braided cable you used at 1:35? Cheers!

[@vinnyavalanche]

Just got mine today... I chose the aluminum hot swapabale with Gateron Red linear switches....Its the most impressive keyboard I've ever used and I will never go back to membrane Razer cynosa v2.

[@dantewhite7659]

I love my new keyboard just got it a few hours ago, and I have no complaints. I"m surprised how much faster I type giving how large the keys are

[@dulio7092]

I have a tkl steelseries but im going to buy this keyboard tomorrow thanks for the review

[@jerome5969]

I got this keyboard with gateron browns and it's great!

[@LookAtTheSkyee]

@@jerome5969 Ewwww brown switches (use silent box browns)

[@negri_prdel]

Great review, everything ok.

[@gabrieldc1488]

It's beautiful!!🥺

[@fazramahalli]

i don't know if this helps, but usually i use non-adhesive acoustic foam so that it won't leave a messy job. great video, though!

[@puhgeh]

i just used the foam included in the box 😁

[@fazramahalli]

@@puhgeh haha yeah mate i did use the one that protects the entire box on shipping so pretty much the same

[@dodobird809]

puhgeh does it work the same or does real foam sound slightly better

[@puhgeh]

Dodobird works the same if not better. the foam included inside the box is of good quality.

[@3stans936]

@@puhgeh damn thats really clever actually lmao, ima have to try doing that to save some costs if i get one.

[@SuperSlide]

When you're lubing the inside of the stabilizers, lube is fine. When you do the legs, however, you should use dielectric grease. This prevents the stabilizers from rattling.

[@Viettzz]

Is this keyboard plug and play? or do you have to install driver before it can work?

[@nathand5212]

Hey! I'm having trouble removing the battery from the PCB any tips on how to remove it?

[@joefitzgerald5972]

I noticed that the fn1 and fn2 keys on your keyboard have white/clear text, however some of the pics on the keychron website show the fn1 key text orange to match the text on the keys that perform fn1 functions, and the fn2 key text blue to match the text on the keys that perform fn2 functions. Do you think you are testing an older stock model that has outdated keycaps?

[@asant90]

I like the original sound better. Clicky keyboard means work for me🤙 cool vid

[@meowcula]

I use a different keychron board (the K1) and I find the cable/off/bluetooth switch handy. I can switch between being wired in to one computer (for example if I wish to disable bluetooth, or it is otherwise unavailable) or switch between being wired into one and wireless with up to three other machines. The off setting is useful for cleaning your keyboard, giving it a wipe-down without it typing gibberish.

[@RileyHoltkamp]

How quick is the switch? I'm looking to easily switch my keyboard between wired and wireless for controlling two PC's. (eg. wired to my work pc and wireless to my personal desktop at the same time)

[@justanotherpxrson]

im temped to buy oreo switches sometimes now... sounded really good even with those thin caps.

[@SimGunther]

Kiwi switches and U4 boba silent switches are great tactile switches to try out ;)

[@jmslazarus]

That looks thicker than krytox 205g0, but should be good for stabs!

[@ivanaviNiebla]

Didn´t your switches feel like they were stuck to the plate or the sockets when trying to remove them?

[@abdsaad]

Soo I have a q if I chose the hot swappable with the switch selection be from gaterons I don't understand

[@ramaardiana56]

are this keyboard compatible with cherry MX silent switch? because i wanna change it

[@hamfrey93]

Hello, really nice review of the product! Wanted to ask whether it would be possible to use the BT and Cable switch as a "KVM" switch between 2 devices?

[@tuna831]

I think comparing the sound using two different switches isn't as informative of a comparison when trying to hear the impact of the foam and lubed stabilizers. I can't tell how much of the difference in sound is due to the non-clicky switches, or because the foam actually dampens some of the sound. Otherwise, great video

[@urwahuzair9019]

Is it compatible with the k3 travel pouch?

[@rodrivr2.551]

Very interesting review :D

[@DoZ0ne]

Was it easy to take the circuit board out?

[@adamtssn]

I want to get the aluminium frame, but I prefer to keep the LED backlight set to white. Does anyone know if the rgb LEDs can be set to white?

[@RVictorN]

what's the difference between gatheron mechanical and hot swappable ?

[@haidynjonowen3866]

just ordered this keyboard, definatley gonna attempt to lube all the stabalizers becasue i cant stand that rattle, especially on the spacbar

[@haidynjonowen3866]

great video tho!!!!

[@gamgam9468]

Thanks for you review. Concerned about the BT connection with Apple devices. Is it easy to detect and it does not turn off? Also, how's the height or inclined angle of the keyboard? Is it a must to get a palm rest?

[@vinnyavalanche]

I purchased and received mine last week. Aluminum RGB RED SWITCHES. I use it solely with an iPad BT is fine... As video said keyboard go's to sleep... But you can turn off sleep and it's always on.

[@vinnyavalanche]

I see no need for a palm rest back in my day this board would have been considered thin.

[@DethMetlZomb]

I just got the K6 as well. No wrist fatigue here either. A popular complaint amongst their other boards of theirs.

[@DethMetlZomb]

Btw, I didn't lube or dampen or clip and my Aliaz 80g switches sound much quieter then your Oreo test. I highly suggest them if you want close to silent with a splash of tactility.

[@puhgeh]

no wrist pain here too except when gaming. need a wrist rest.

[@DethMetlZomb]

@@puhgeh i think Keychron sells wood ones... But that kind of sounds pointless to me. Why would you buy an aesthetic piece of wood for comfort? Ya know? I game with mine and don't have a problem, but I'm also 5' 11".

[@rmcf3972]

There is no delete button?

[@carlitoxb110]

I’m using it right now to type this comment, I really liked it

[@tzywg3399]

I've got a K2 and this modding seems to be nice - the after effect sounds so comfy. One quick question - do we need to re-lube the stablizers from time to time, say every 2-3 months?

[@ahtiparviainen9077]

i don't think so, i haven't seen any youtuber have that problem.

[@tzywg3399]

@@ahtiparviainen9077 cool, thanks man

[@ahtiparviainen9077]

@@tzywg3399 no problem, good luck with modding!!

[@HighAcuity]

What keyboard cable do you use?

[@matthewhuang8923]

Can you get white backlight with aluminium frame

[@TheKarmicKoala]

For those who want to mod this keyboard ... you can remove the stabs without removing the plate from the pcb

[@fazramahalli]

yep it's pretty simple, figured it on my own and thought it's common for keyboards until i read this comment

[@Pikachu123OP]

@@fazramahalli Most prebuilt keyboards have plate mounted stabs while most custom keyboards have screw in stabs

[@fazramahalli]

@@Pikachu123OP this is new to me, thanks for the info man

[@marshallmaia8130]

My friend I ordered this keyboard and some Razer double shot Pbt keycaps, will they be compatible with this keyboard?

[@stephenvillanueva4010]

May you review GK61X please :)

[@khromatikgaming]

can i hot swap the keys to mx cherry? just wondering.

[@JayzBeerz]

pulling the switches off that pcb was a pain in the ass

[@notchipotle]

best k6 review on youtube 🤣

[@dedy4862]

Is it possible to re-map that light key to DEL? It is a deal breaker for me, thx

[@recon12803]

Keychron is planning on releasing remapping software later on this year or early next year

[@SonnyJayCo]

I have this keyboard and one of the screws broke when trying to mod it. Good review!

[@dillston4016]

Yeah I completely messed the side buttons on the side and now have to use a screwdriver if I want to use BT

[@lasasdfasdf]

Thanks for the review! Is the plate swappable? Oh, and what is it made of, Alumn, Steel?

[@alexalonso828]

Yes it the k6 is hotswapple and its a mix of durable plastic and aluminum. It has wired or wireless and rgb all for under 100$

[@tanyesil]

@@alexalonso828 he is asking about the plate you dumb dumb not the keyboard

[@ahtiparviainen9077]

@@tanyesil well you could answer them and not just bully him. he was trying to help as well.

[@somekek9961]

can you add lavender switches to it??

[@johnchen2963]

keychron k6 vs gk61 in terms of sound and quality of case. which do you think has better acoustics?

[@vinnyavalanche]

Happy with my k6

[@Damiann2]

So its fully hot swappable with any switches ?

[@rakandhiyaaa92]

Hi, is there any keycap set compatible with this layout?

[@recon12803]

any set with a 1.75u right shift is fine as every key is standard but the right shift

[@designersmind3140]

Great video. Not being able to change the layers or lighting effects is a no go for me.

[@Pikachu123OP]

Yeah kinda sucks that they don't have software

[@recon12803]

@@Pikachu123OP There will be software soon

[@brunobear5620]

What stabs are these?

[@gabrieldc1488]

if only he had a software to modify the distributions and the rgb would be my perfect keyboard

[@relax-vf4zg]

does it have a volume and brightness function?

[@rakandhiyaaa92]

Yes it does

[@ayyroni4660]

i like if but if it had a 2.4 ghz dongle for other wireless options

[@drwfrnndo]

@ 2:00 it's important to note that you shouldn't be resting your wrist on a surface while typing in the first place. That will ultimately lead to wrist problems. You should type with an elevated wrist position.

[@chriskindler10]

really? but what if it’s a low profile keyboard like the magic keyboard? it’s very comfortable to type on

[@ashleyteo2560]

how would you compare this to the kemove snowfox? cant decide between these two

[@chrismoles861]

I have the kemove shadow and I like it. Build quality, although all plastic, has a heavier solid feel to it lending itself to a more premium feel. Decent PBT shine throughs with relatively clear legend. only 3 pin hot swap( wasn't a big deal for me I like lubing my own switches and didn't mind cutting extra stems on switch) . Software is in its early stages. Middle of the road but passable and much easier once your used to it. White backplate helps RGB illuminate the board nicely. Better than this one. Overall for the price I was hard pressed to find one better. Some things are personal preference of course.

[@Pikachu123OP]

The layout for the snowfox is a 60% and slightly smaller compared the k6 as the k6 is a 65% (has arrows keys too)

[@dennispetratos6123]

Can you use three pin switches if the pcb is 5 pins?

[@ahtiparviainen9077]

yes, i would think so. i'm not the best at these things, so you should check it from somewhere more reliable.

[@Pikachu123OP]

I believe the k6 & k8 are the only hot swap options for now

[@urabus986]

womier k87, kemove dk61, keycool kc84

[@Pikachu123OP]

@@urabus986 I meant for what keychron has to offer

[@sr22099]

Yeah that is not Krytox 205... Daily Clack has some in stock if you are in need

[@Giantmdgt]

What cable is that @1:09 ???

[@Pikachu123OP]

Here's a similar cable: www.melgeek.com/collections/melgeek-handmade-usb-cable You can also find some on banggood by the seller "MechZone"

[@Micro7797]

I Want review about sk64 60% please

[@valkiller1562]

Which are the best and fastest switches (for gaming)

[@huunhanle3809]

Silver speed switches.

[@vhen10k]

the lightings tho

[@bl0bf243]

Ayo mine didn't come with switch puller and idk if its hot swappable

[@imnotian5891]

he said in the video that its five pin hotswap

[@ondamixtape]

what is the best gaming 65% keyboard (white) atm ? please

[@Pikachu123OP]

Uhh if your really need your arrow keys, Ducky one 2 SF and Durgod Hades 68 are okay options. Even though they aren't hot swap, any linear switch should be good for gaming. The Womier k66 is sort of white? (If you like rgb)

[@Pikachu123OP]

There are more options if you are willing to dig deeper

[@ondamixtape]

@@Pikachu123OP ty . I hesitate between ducky one mini or SF // razer huntsman mini. It looks hard to get key caps sets and custom usb C in europe (delivered in france).

[@Pikachu123OP]

@@ondamixtape What is your preferred layout size? If you want to spend more money, the razer huntsman mini is slightly better for gaming (idk if they have an iso layout yet). Ducky is also not bad for the price either (idk about their stock and shipping tho). I can't really help with caps but kriscables.com is a decent place 4 cables (if you don't have any other place to get them).

[@puhgeh]

kemove snowfox!

[@theKaminoanru]

Hi! How can I use insert and delete keys?

[@recon12803]

Wait for the remapping software that keychron is releasing soon either that or just force change it using other mapping software

[@ThisDaveAndThatJohn]

Fn+Del works like Insert with last firmware

[@DJSaez-vz8os]

I had a k2 and had a lot of wrist pain, does anyone get that with the k6??

[@huunhanle3809]

I think that's the major problem of Keychron's keyboards, their case are very high and you'll have to buy and wrist rest if you want to use it.

[@guidobeltrame1888]

Buenas, alguien sabe si funciona con linux - Ubuntu 18.04? Gracias

[@mspaintxpedition1648]

It will work with Linux on windows mode

[@RakibFiha]

This one Vs Ducky Mecha Mini 60%, which is better?

[@ahtiparviainen9077]

if you want more customizing, k6. if you don't want to do anything and be lazy like me, mecha mini.

[@shash449]

@minimalistik Is the rgb bright on the K6?

[@1ksubswithnovideoschalleng740]

There is for +10$ for the rgb but +20$ for the aluminum and rgb

[@shash449]

@@1ksubswithnovideoschalleng740 I mean if its bright or not

[@Pikachu123OP]

It's bright enough

[@ganisadiss6197]

it's not bright for me

[@vinnyavalanche]

I out havit pudding caps on my k6 check my video

[@ItsTealv]

Woah im early also person under me is pro gamer

[@astertzuio]

Yooo what's that wallpaper?

[@urabus986]

where?

[@woojinlee2481]

What plate is this?

[@woojinlee2481]

k nvm i find out, cheap plastic

[@default587]

Is it the height unconfotable?

[@vinnyavalanche]

Not at all for me this thing is thin compared to the behemoths we had in the 70s and 80s

[@RoMeeHang]

Love your videos, but you need to start venturing into the custom keyboard world. You deserve better than these low end pre-built.

[@dabee.473]

@SerFezz I 100% agree with you, not everyone can afford a custom.

[@BlariWF]

Custom keyboards are more niche

[@Javado21]

Too many toxic elites in the custom keyboard world. I rather stay out

[@TheKarmicKoala]

wanna build a custom keyboard get freecad or openscad or fusion360 design your own shell go to a local fablab 3d print-it or cnc it get your switches wire them up using an arduino board or design your own pcb ... that's what i call a custom keyboard the rest are diy kits with some custom options ...

[@BlariWF]

@@TheKarmicKoala sounds like the type of elitist javado was talking about

[@dabee.473]

I want to replace my anne pro 2 with this one, mostly for the hotswa

[@urabus986]

Maybe look on dk61?

[@Pikachu123OP]

@@urabus986 uhh believe the dk61 has optical switches so the how swap sockets only work with other optical switches

[@urabus986]

@@Pikachu123OP no, it's on mechanical switches.

[@quitram]

@@urabus986 - no, the DK61 definitely uses optical mechanical switches. Typical mechanical switches will not fit in the DK61.

[@urabus986]

@@quitram i mean kemove dk61 snowfox/shadow not dierya. and it has normal switches kzbin.info/www/bejne/j17XlqGgfK54i6M

[@Just.a.person123]

Could I use this on an Xbox?

[@ahtiparviainen9077]

i think so.

[@jameslatief1]

tbh the modded version sounds just like a Gateron brown to me.

[@smo7089]

thought the same thing, it removes the "click" from the blue switches... seems like an odd choice to me that everyone and their mother are trying to remove the K6's click sounds from.. clickety switches?

[@thedlawrence4931]

Is k6 wireless??

[@Zebbern1]

Ye

[@Shane-zo4mg]

Still no shine through key caps...

[@Pikachu123OP]

Uhh I believe the stock keycaps are actually shine through

[@ben-lq9id]

is it 5 pin

[@vinnyavalanche]

Anybody want to trade a whole board of blues for my reds?

[@grossegraine.]

@Minimalistik

[@andr0f]

never been this early before

[@dtminifun]

all that trouble when you could order brown switches LOL

[@Soeborg88]

Imo brown switches are too scratchy and not even that tactile

[@imnotian5891]

brown switches are garbage bro i would rather type on a membrane 😂

[@TroType]

is this hot swappable

[@Zebbern1]

Yes

[@karmnyasehgal6439]

why u using blues my guy

[@shoumikmohapatra1730]

I love gateron brown switches I tried gateron blues but I don't really like them

[@johnmclaughlin3270]

When I go back o the link and see €209 😳😳