These Affordable New Keychron B Series Keyboards Feel Like Logitech’s MX Keys

One of the best-selling keyboards for Windows and Macs in recent years has been the superb Logitech MX keys series. Available in full-size and mini versions, these gold-standard scissor mechanism keyboards have been showing the rest of the industry how keyboards should be.

The only drawback with the Logitech MX Series is the price. These keyboards aren’t cheap. What alternatives are there 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-sized keyboard with a numeric keypad and the choice of connecting with Bluetooth, a 2.4GHz dongle or a good old USB cable.

Both these keyboards are available in a choice of Space Grey or Ivory White to match your Mac or PC. The layout is almost identical to the Logitech MX Keys although the Keychron models don’t have backlit keys like the Logitech MX. If you can live without the backlight, you’ll pay a third of the price for what is a very good keyboard.

Like the Logitech MX Keys, both the keyboards have a full row of function keys and media keys. There are modifier keys for both macOS and Windows computers. A built-in rechargeable battery offers up to eight months of use between charges. This translates to about 1,200 hours of continuous use and matches the same amazing battery life that Logitech offers. The keyboard can also be used while it is charging which is handy.

The typing action on the B1 Pro and B6 Pro keyboards is excellent and will be fine for anyone used to using a laptop. The keys also have a similar scooping that you’ll find on the Logitech MX keyboards and they feel good with excellent tactile feedback.

The B Pro series of keyboards can be paired with up to three Bluetooth devices or you can use the supplied 2.4GHz USB dongle to connect wirelessly with the host computer and get the same low-latency 1,000Hz polling rate that you would get with a wired connection.

As well as having all the special media and function keys, the keyboards include ZMK support and can be used with Keychron’s Launcher web portal so keys can be remapped or reprogrammed to customize the keyboards to work the way you want them. 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 who want a full numpad for use with spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel and Apple Numbers.

At the rear of both keyboards are two switches. One is for selecting the connection method, which can be Bluetooth, 2.4GHz or cable. The other switch toggles between Mac and Windows operating systems so there’s no need to remap the modifier keys.

Among the special feature keys is an Emoji key. By pressing the Fn + Right Shift Key, the Keychron keyboards will bring up a window of emojis so you can write using the world’s fastest-growing pictorial language. There are other special keys for moving through desktops, Task View and File Explore along with the usual media key functions like Exposé, Launchpad and Search.

The final feature worth mentioning is that both models in the B Pro series come with a silicone skin. This fits perfectly over the keyboard and you can type with it in place. It’s great for protecting the keys from wear and will protect the keyboard against accidental coffee spills. I wish more keyboards came with these covers.

Verdict: The B1 Pro and B6 Pro keyboards from Keychron offer exceptional value for money and are a great alternative if you don’t want to pay more than $100 for a Logitech MX Keys. The build quality is excellent. I think I would like to have seen some adjustable feet to alter the rake angle of the keyboards but that’s a small point. If you want a super affordable keyboard for a Mac or PC and don’t need backlit keys, the Keychron B1 Pro or B6 Pro are no-brainers. Highly Recommended.

Pricing & Availability: The Keychron B1 Pro is available from Keychron.com in Space Grey and Ivory White and costs $33.99. The Keychron B6 Pro full-size keyboard is also available in Space Grey and Ivory White and costs $44.99.

Tech Specs:

Keychron B1 Pro

• Number of Keys: 77 (75%)
• Number of multimedia keys: 12.
• Frame material: ABS.
• Keycap material: ABS.
• Layout: ANSI.
• Polling Rate 1,000 Hz (2.4GHz & Wired) / 90Hz (Bluetooth).
• Backlight: No.
• Battery: 800 mAh rechargeable li-polymer battery.
• Working time: Up to 8 months on one charge.
• Charging Time: 2.5 hours.
• Connectivity: 2.4GHz / Bluetooth / Type-C Wired.
• Bluetooth version: 5.2.
• Compatible System: macOS / Windows / Linux
• Dimensions: 296 x 130 mm (11.65 x 5.11″).
• Weight: 425g / 0.94 lbs.
• Height (front): 5.2 mm (0.2″).
• Height (rear): 14.5 mm (0.57″).
• Typing Angle: 3.2º.

Keychron B6 Pro

• Number of Keys: 109 (100%)
• Number of multimedia keys: 17.
• Frame material: ABS.
• Keycap material: ABS.
• Layout: ANSI.
• Polling Rate 1,000 Hz (2.4GHz & Wired) / 90Hz (Bluetooth).
• Backlight: No.
• Battery: 800 mAh rechargeable li-polymer battery.
• Working time: Up to 8 months on one charge.
• Charging Time: 2.5 hours.
• Connectivity: 2.4GHz / Bluetooth / Type-C Wired.
• Bluetooth version: 5.2.
• Compatible System: macOS / Windows / Linux
• Dimensions: 429 x 130 mm (16.89 x 5.11″).
• Weight: 623g / 1.37 lbs.
• Height (front): 5.2 mm (0.2″).
• Height (rear): 14.5 mm (0.57″).
• Typing Angle: 3.2º.