The Keychron B6 Pro scissor-switch keyboard features a 109-key ANSI layout with a full numeric keypad.
One of the best-selling keyboards for Windows and Mac in recent years is the superb Logitech MX keycap series. Available in full-size and mini versions, these benchmark scissor action keyboards showed the rest of the industry how keyboards should be.
The only downside to the Logitech MX series is its price. These keyboards are not cheap. What are the alternatives if you don’t want to spend so much? Well, you could do a lot worse than look at the new Keychron B6 Pro and B1 Pro keyboards. The B6 is a full-size keyboard with a number pad and the choice of connecting via Bluetooth, a 2.4GHz dongle, or a good old USB cable.
Both of these keyboards come in space gray or ivory white to match your Mac or PC. The layout is nearly identical to the Logitech MX keys, though the Keychron models don’t have backlit keys like the Logitech MX. If you can live without backlighting, you’ll be paying a third of the price for what is a very good keyboard.
The B1 Pro is a compact 77-key keyboard that can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz. … (+)
Like the Logitech MX Keys, both keyboards feature a full row of function keys and media keys. There are modifier keys for macOS and Windows computers. A built-in rechargeable battery provides up to eight months of use between charges. This translates to approximately 1,200 hours of continuous use and is the same incredible battery life that Logitech offers. The keyboard can also be used while charging, which is convenient.
Typing on the B1 Pro and B6 Pro keyboards is excellent and will suit anyone used to using a laptop. The keys also have a similar hollow shape to what you’ll find on Logitech MX keyboards and they feel great to the touch with excellent tactile feedback.
The B Pro keyboard series can pair with up to three Bluetooth devices or you can use the included 2.4GHz USB dongle to connect wirelessly to the host computer and get the same low-latency polling rate of 1000 Hz that you would get with a wired keyboard. connection.
On the back of the B1 Pro and B6 Pro you’ll find switches for Mac and PC configurations, as well as a choice of … (+)
In addition to having all the special media and function keys, the keyboards include ZMK support and can be used with Keychron’s Launcher web portal so that keys can be remapped or reprogrammed to customize the keyboards to work the way you want them to. There are three layers for each key, so the programmability is extensive.
For people without too much desk space, the B1 Pro is the best choice. It is almost identical to the layout of the Logitech MX Keys Mini. The B6 Pro is the best choice for people with more space and want a full-featured number pad for use with spreadsheets like Microsoft Excel and Apple Numbers.
On the back of both keyboards are two switches. The first is to select the connection method, which can be Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz or cable. The other switch toggles between Mac and Windows operating systems, so there’s no need to remap modifier keys.
Both slim B Series keyboards come with a protective silicone skin that reduces wear and tear on the … (+)
Among the special feature keys is an Emoji key. By pressing the right Fn + Shift key, Keychron keyboards will display an emoji window so you can type using the world’s fastest-growing pictorial language. There are other special keys for moving around desktops, task view, and file browsing, as well as the usual media key functions like Exposé, Launchpad, and Search.
The last feature to mention is that both B Series Pro models come with a silicone skin. This fits the keyboard perfectly and you can type with it in place. It is ideal for protecting keys from wear and tear and will protect the keyboard from accidental coffee spills. I wish more keyboards came with these covers.
Verdict: Keychron’s B1 Pro and B6 Pro keyboards offer exceptional value for money and are a great alternative if you don’t want to shell out more than $100 for Logitech MX Keys. The build quality is excellent. I think I would have liked to see adjustable feet to change the tilt angle of the keyboards but that’s a small point. If you want a very affordable keyboard for Mac or PC and don’t need backlit keys, the Keychron B1 Pro or B6 Pro are a no-brainer. Highly recommended.
The Keychron B series keycaps are slightly recessed for more comfortable typing.
Price and availability: The Keychron B1 Pro is available on Keychron.com in Space Gray and Ivory White and costs $33.99. The full-size Keychron B6 Pro keyboard is also available in Space Gray and Ivory White and costs $44.99.
Technical specifications:
Keychron B1 Pro
- Number of keys: 77 (75%)
- Number of multimedia keys: 12.
- Frame material: ABS.
- Key material: ABS.
- Layout: ANSI.
- Polling rate 1000 Hz (2.4 GHz and wired) / 90 Hz (Bluetooth).
- Backlight: No.
- Battery: 800 mAh rechargeable lithium-polymer battery.
- Working time: up to 8 months on a single charge.
- Charging time: 2.5 hours.
- Connectivity: 2.4GHz / Bluetooth / Wired Type-C.
- Bluetooth version: 5.2.
- Compatible system: macOS/Windows/Linux
- Dimensions: 296 x 130 mm (11.65 x 5.11″).
- Weight: 425 g / 0.94 lb.
- Height (front): 5.2 mm (0.2″).
- Height (rear): 14.5 mm (0.57″).
- Strike angle: 3.2º.
Keychron B6 Pro
- Number of keys: 109 (100%)
- Number of multimedia keys: 17.
- Frame material: ABS.
- Key material: ABS.
- Layout: ANSI.
- Polling rate 1000 Hz (2.4 GHz and wired) / 90 Hz (Bluetooth).
- Backlight: No.
- Battery: 800mAh rechargeable Li-polymer battery.
- Operating time: up to 8 months on a single charge.
- Charging time: 2.5 hours.
- Connectivity: 2.4GHz / Bluetooth / Wired Type-C.
- Bluetooth version: 5.2.
- Compatible system: macOS/Windows/Linux
- Dimensions: 429 x 130 mm (16.89 x 5.11″).
- Weight: 623 g / 1.37 lb.
- Height (front): 5.2 mm (0.2″).
- Height (rear): 14.5 mm (0.57″).
- Strike angle: 3.2º.