Not entirely is the construct high quality on this Keychron Q1 a number of orders of magnitude greater than the K2 mannequin, however Keychron furthermore made favorable that its higher-end keyboard was personalized from high to backside. The keycaps, switches, and even the aluminum plate sandwiched consisted of in the housing could be individualized to your preference. Personalization does not complete on the hardware element, because the QMK-based VIA energy lets clients customize particular person keys, construct macros, and manage shortcuts for areas like media management and RGB.
Ive been making use of the super-popular Keychron K2 (review) as my main mechanical keyboard for the previous number of years, however I just recently determined to provide the higher-end Keychron Q1 a make every effort. After utilizing the Hong Kong-based companys Q1 for a couple of weeks, its shortly alter into my keyboard of option for day-to-day typing.
Watch my hands-on competence with the Keychron Q1, and make sure you sign up for 9to5Mac on YouTube for extra.
Keychron Q1 specifications
Unboxing and style.
Given, my historical past with mechanical keyboards isnt sprawling, nevertheless after 2 weeks of continuous utilization, Ive determined that the Keychron Q1 is the really best feeling mechanical keyboard that Ive typed on to date.
Connectivity.
The Q1 includes south-facing RGB backlights below every key, which positions them in instructions of the typer to make them easier to recognize. In flip, the Gateron Phantom switches are developed with small cavities to permit the RGB lights to shine by method of..
Typing on the Keychron Q1 with Gateron Purple changes.
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In my comparatively quick tenure utilizing mechanical keyboards, I typically go for brown switches, as a result of their controlled tactile reaction thats not almost as noticeable as blue switches. Im unsure Ill need to use crimson switches on a long-lasting structure, nevertheless Ive been having fun with the straight-line typing know-how to this point.
My overview system got here pre-configured with Gateron Purple Phantom changes, which provide a easy and silky sensation when pushed. Purple switches are much like brown switches in journey range nevertheless take enjoyment in direct conduct devoid of the tactile click that blue and brown switches are determined for.
Typing know-how.
The scarcity of Bluetooth connectivity of the Q1 will immediately make it a non-starter for some consumers, whichs comprehensible. Needing to bodily join the keyboard to your Mac could likewise be bothersome for some setups..
It is a keyboard that modified my view of mechanical keyboards. Sure, theyre workhorses, nevertheless within the case of the Q1, they will likewise be developed like a murals. The $169.00 Keychron Q1 isnt simply a beautiful keyboard, however its personalized to an extreme diploma and (sans the needlessly innovative USB-C cable television) does a sincere job of prioritizing type over operate.
Video: Keychron Q1 hands-on.
Showing up within a well-recognized black Keychron field, my Q1 introduction unit got here absolutely put together in navy blue. Together with the keyboard, youll find a coiled USB-C pilot cable television, Home windows-centric keycaps, swap and keycap cleaner instruments, Allen wrench and Philips drivers, and some additional screws, gaskets, and non-slip ft.
Out there in barebones and fully-assembled variations
Completely adjustable 75% format
QMK/VIA aid
Gasket mount design for stability
CNC 6063 aluminum body
Screw-in stabilizers for huge secrets
Scorching-swappable key switches
South-facing RGB
Sound soaking up foam
Shade-matched coiled pilot cable
Mac/Home windows swap.
USB-C connectivity.
3.5 kilos.
5.2 ° everlasting angle.
Value: $169.00.
The $169.00 Keychron Q1 isnt just a gorgeous keyboard, however its adjustable to an extreme diploma and (sans the unnecessarily innovative USB-C cable) does a truthful task of prioritizing type over operate.
What do you focus on it Q1? Hold forth down below within the feedback, and be sure you verify once again for our security of Keychrons Q2– the businesss upcoming high-end, uber-compact 65% choice..
Not solely is the construct high quality on this Keychron Q1 a number of orders of magnitude greater than the K2 mannequin, however Keychron in addition made positive that its higher-end keyboard was adjustable from high to behind. Together with the keyboard, youll find a coiled USB-C aviator cable television, Home windows-centric keycaps, swap and keycap cleaner instruments, Allen wrench and Philips drivers, and some extra screws, gaskets, and non-slip ft.
With its 5.2-degree typing angle, Keychrons high-end keyboard uses a mainly nice typing expertise, and I didnt discover myself lamenting over the scarcity of adjustable ft.
The Keychron K2 featured Bluetooth, I discovered myself counting on the hardwired connection due to the fact that of the periodic Bluetooth effectiveness that is still an issue with at this times Macs. Though I d have appreciated for the Q1 to have a Bluetooth choice, the lack of it isnt a dealbreaker for my specific use case.
As an alternative of Bluetooth connectivity, the Keychron Q1 depends solely on a wired USB-C connection. The USB-C connection port is conveniently positioned on the highest left-hand nook of the case, permitting the cable television to remain out of the very best way of your fingers.
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The fantastic feature of this keyboard is that it choices hot-swappable sockets, which implies the swap choice need not be immutable. The keyboards sockets will let you merely swap out switches with out soldering. Keychron offers a vast array of essential switches from Gateron and Cherry, so that youre positive to look for out an option that works finest for the finest way you prefer to sort.
RGB lighting.
Approved, my historical past with mechanical keyboards isnt stretching, however after two weeks of continuous usage, Ive figured out that the Keychron Q1 is the best feeling mechanical keyboard that Ive typed on to date. With hot-swappable adjustable keycaps and key switches, the Q1 could be modified to work finest to your particular typing model and atmosphere. The scarcity of Bluetooth connection will definitely frighten some away, however when youre in search of a rock-solid typing proficiency and dont ideas a cable television, then offer the Q1 a shot.
Keychron includes a color-matched detachable coiled pilot cable and USB-C to USB-A adapter for legacy setups. Ill more than most likely be switching to a regular canvas USB-C cable television faster or later.
That consists of a gasket-mounted design, which isolates the aluminum plate and PCB, the Q1 delights in included versatility with an extra suppressed sound and a softer really feel whereas typing. The keyboard comes equipped with foam put in proper above the underside case, and sound-absorbing foam sandwiched in between the aluminum plate and PCB..
Typing have a look at.
Conclusion.
Alternatively, one might furthermore argue that Bluetooth connection continues to be picky on the Mac, and results in frustration when coming across common connectivity points and the inevitable lifeless battery. Theres in addition the all-metal case, which might most likely activate disturbance with Bluetooth notifies.
The very first thing that stood out really to the Keychron Q1 was its concerns high quality. Segmented from the remainder of the Q1s choices, screw-in stabilizers will not look like a giant deal, nevertheless its the mix of so many different finger-friendly options like this that make the Keychron Q1 an enjoyment to arrange on.
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Together with the hot-swappable switches, youll find screw-in stabilizers for larger secrets like Spacebar, Return, and others. These Gateron stabilizers screw immediately into the PCB to make sure safe and secure essential presses despite the place you occur to push on these larger secrets. Segmented from the rest of the Q1s choices, screw-in stabilizers will not appear like a giant deal, nevertheless its the mixture of many different finger-friendly alternatives like this that make the Keychron Q1 a satisfaction to sort on.
Due to the fact that of its all-aluminum physique, the Q1 is a denser and far much heavier keyboard than the Keychron K2, which featured a great serving to of plastic parts. The three.5-pound weight of the Q1 guarantees that this keyboard will keep securely planted on the desktop as you sort. It additionally makes sure that you simply got t be lured to take it with you whereas touring.
The downloadable VIA configurator allows customers to customise crucial combos for adjusting RGB settings. Typists can simply customise the backlight sample, brightness, color, saturation, and rate of backlight animations by holding the run key together with one other designated key.
The very really first thing that stood apart in regards to the Keychron Q1 was its construct high quality. That includes a 6063 aluminum CNC machined body thats polished, anodized and sandblasted, the Q1 has a shocking blue end that appears choose it was impressed by a late 80s supercar when thought about from the element..
