Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Customization Through The Roof!

For gaming, typing, and making all your own.

Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard | Credit: Keychron

The First Of Its Kind

Keychron is a company that specializes in all things keyboard. While their Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical keyboard isn’t targeted towards gamers, it’s undoubtedly a great contender among its kind and well worth considering for both keyboard enthusiasts and first-time buyers who value customization. 

Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard | Credit: Keychron

Hardware & Design

The Q1 QMK is solid and sturdy, with its body composed of CNC aluminum. While this makes it heavier than most keyboards, it’s also solid and stable. Similarly, being gasket-mounted means that while being used, it allows for a subtle amount of flex (about 2.5 mm), which is just the right amount of give for both user experience and design. 

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a keyboard that supports both Mac and Windows keyboard controls, but Keychron has done just that. With a switch, users are able to toggle between the two, and while by default the Q1 QMK is set up with MacOS keys, Windows replacements come included. 

One of the biggest draws of the Q1 QMK’s design is how easy Keychron has made customizing every single part of their keyboard. The keyboard is easy to assemble and disassemble, allowing for easy customization and replacement without having to remove the bottom case.

Keychron’s Q1 QMK has south-facing (user-facing) RBG LEDs, and connects to devices through a USB-C port.

Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard | Credit: Keychron

Features

The Q1 QMK keyboard can also be programmed and entirely remapped through the VIA app. This allows you to fully configure each key, adding macros, and media controls just to name a few. And with open-source software, the only limits are your imagination. 

By default, the keyboard has four layers of key setting, with the first layer assigned to MacOs, and the third for Windows. The second and fourth layers are customizable using the VIA software. 

VIA also has a “key tester” feature. While this might seem menial and next to useless, it actually turns out to be a huge boon when you’re checking to see if all of your switches are working. 

Lastly, the Q1 QMK offers an auto shift feature. Rather than hold down Shift while typing, this feature will let you type an uppercase letter by holding down the key a little longer than normal. 

Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard | Credit: Keychron

Key Specifications

The Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical keyboard weighs in at 1600 grams (3.5 pounds). 

It’s 3275 mm x 145 mm, with a front height of 21.6 mm. 

It's angled at 5.2 degrees. 

Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard | Credit: Keychron

Performance (UI & UX)

This keyboard is an absolute delight to type on. With the 75% format, users will find the extra space frees up some real estate for their mouse, too. 

However, with the bulk of the Q1 QMK’s design, users will find a palm rest far from optional. While Keychron offers these along with the keyboard at an extra cost, it’s up to users to decide whether that detracts from their typing experience. 

The lack of Bluetooth is a huge letdown, but some users may find it helpful to not have to worry about their keyboard running low on battery and having to charge it. 

When it comes down to it, something like Keychron’s Q1 QMK keyboard is what users make of it - with so much customization options, this keyboard truly is what you make of it.  

Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard | Credit: Keychron

Price

Keychron offers a few different price points for the Q1 QMK depending on what you’re looking for. 

For a bare-bones kit, the Q1 QMK is $149. 

For an assembled kit without any customization, the Q1 QMK is $169. This includes the keyboard, the case, an aluminum plate, ABS key caps, and a premium coiled Type-C cable.

Keychron offers a wide range of customization options. 

For your own badge (cuztomizing the upper right button of the keyboard), you can add this option for $30. There are 14 different kinds of keycaps available, with the primary keyset being the Retro Mac set for $40. 

Different plate options include brass, with a thicker feel and an increased feedback for typing for $35, PC for long sessions of typing at $15, or FR4 for $15.

Switches range anywhere from $8 to $35 for 35 switches. 

Keychron also offers their own palm rests, with resin at $30 and wood at $25.

Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard | Credit: Keychron

The Verdict

Pros 

• good, solid weight
• high quality design and materials
• supports VIA software
• both Windows and Mac compatible
• easily customizable 

Cons

• no Bluetooth support
• requires a wrist pad
• louder than expected
• heavy

TL;DR

Keychron’s Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical keyboard is a keyboard that’s easy to love, and is sure to please both keyboard enthusiasts and newbies alike.