Keychron is a fairly well -known brand of keyboards. The brand started making a name for itself, when many YouTubers featured Keychron keyboards in their videos. Among the most popular is in their K-series, where it has customization capabilities such as being able to choose the type of switch, building material, whether RGB or not and also supports hot-swappable.
The sale price is also not expensive and is in the affordable category and easy to buy. With the community and trend of custom keyboards growing, Keychron began to introduce their Q-series as well. It is a fully customizable and unlimited keyboard like on the K-series. The first model was the Keychron Q1 and after months of using it this is my review.
Specifications And Designs
The Q1 keychron is a 75%sized keyboard, with the switch surface positioned at 5.2 degrees, made of aluminum weighing around 1.6kg, has 2.4mm feet, and is loaded with its own circuit board. Keychron offers the option of a Gateron G Phantom switch, which in this review is the Gateron Phantom Brown which is a tactile type switch.
On this keyboard circuit board the RGB LED light is at the bottom, the switch input compartment supports both 5-pin and 3-pin, the stabilization is screw-in Gateron type, the connection is USB-C to USB-C which the cable is of the meshed/coiled type and has an aviator connection.
The key provided is a double-shot ABS type whose light cannot penetrate into letters and digits. The keyboard can also be fully opened to expose the circuit board with gasket-mounted support, has a sound-absorbing sponge and several other sponges to further optimize the user experience.
The keyboard I use is Navy Blue, which to me it has a beautiful color with a slightly shiny finish.
What Can Be Changed?
As I said earlier, the Keychron Q1 is a completely custom keyboard. It is by opened, the interchangeable sponge can be replaced with another, the gasket can also be added, the stabilizer is also interchangeable as long as it is a Gateron type screw into and most importantly a switch. The switch provided has also been added lubricant directly so not many changes need to be made. Unless the consumer buys another brand of switch.
The changes I made to this keyboard were basic only. I just added gaskets, because I wanted to try the overall quality of the original keyboard. Even the keys if you want to change can also be done if you want to find a type that can display RGB lights better.
How to modify it is also easy, but to me a little tedious. First need to open the key, then unscrew the screw for the frame, next depending on what you want to change - if you want to replace the soundproof sponge the switch needs to be removed as well. At the beginning of use for new or first time users, it may be tedious. But over time it will become a normal thing.
Usage Experience
I only started playing with this custom keyboard in 2020. Began to be moved to find the best keyboard for daily use suitable for typing long articles, like the reviews for this keyboard. Back then it was PKP, bored at home I started spending time adding lubricant to the switch, looking for pretty keys, doing various modifications to the keyboard I had. I started with the Keychron K6 and then the MelGeek Mojo60 Ember.
During the six months of using this Keychron Q1, I felt satisfied and had fun using it. Lazy I am also comfortable with this keyboard for doing daily work. First of all, this keyboard is heavy enough where it is difficult to move around and pushes throughout use. It will be on my desk in the same position for hours of use without any problems. The 5.2 -degree high top of the keyboard with the not -so -high bottom made it easy for me to type long articles smoothly.
The Gateron Phantom Brown switch is a tactile type, which is among the two I like. For example on my previous Keychron K6 I used C³ Equalz x TKC Kiwi, which is among the best I have ever used for tactile type. The switch I like the most is the linear type which I previously used like the Gateron Phantom Red, it can be. But my favorite is the FFFF switch from FF via Matrix Lab that I use on the MelGeek Mojo60 Ember.
This Gateron Phantom Brown gives a haptic -like response every time it is pressed. It’s not very loud, but gives a more interesting typing experience because when pressed it will give a slightly satisfying feeling. It's not as strong on a clicky switch, it's fine. Only this type of Phantom Brown switch does not give me a maximum satisfaction.
Since I didn’t do a lot of modifications to it, this keyboard has one not -so -pleasant noise. A mechanical keyboard like this is supposed to sound good, but it’s like a piece of plastic pressed against an iron surface. It has a soft loud sound which is not very annoying, but if carefully I can feel this is not the sound I want.
The stabilization on this keyboard for the space bar, enter, backspace and shift keys at the beginning of use seems to be fine. But after a while it felt like it was loose and didn’t provide a good experience. Especially on a space bar that is easily swayed and sometimes stuck on the watch strap it keeps coming off.
The double-shot ABS keys provided are also in my opinion easily dirty. The character print on it is just fine, but it’s inconsistent and some are thick and some are thin. But this is a small thing that doesn’t bother me either.
What’s annoying is, some of the switches on this Keychron Q1 are easily stuck and make the few times I type there will be random keys constantly pressed by themselves. It’s rare, but when it happens it makes me angry and dissatisfied with this keyboard.
Software
What is interesting with the Keychron Q1 is the circuit board used supports the QMK software. Through it, users can only use VIA which is QMK codes in the form of an interface that is easy to understand and easier for the public to use.
With this VIA, it allows the user to set the functions of each key such as input, change and set macros, change the lighting mode and even test each switch installed to see if the input can be detected or not.
Compared to before, the use of this universal software is a compliment that can be given to Keychron. It gives users more freedom and is not stuck with its own software alone.
Conclusion
In Malaysia, Keychron Q1 is officially distributed by Keybot. It is priced at RM685 for a full set of switches and keys. While at RM585 is for the basic set of frame and circuit board only. What Keybot sells are all stock in Malaysia and have a guarantee with them. Compared to if buying directly on Keychron, the price is in USD, shipping is from abroad and the guarantee is also a bit sloppy.
Anyway, after a few custom keyboards I’ve used-I can say the Keychron Q1 is among the best for what they have to offer. For one price, all the basics to start “playing” with a custom keyboard are available. Circuit boards, frames, switches, sponges, gaskets, all switch-removing equipment and keys and cables are also provided.
Keychron Q1 is also easy to buy and it is produced directly in large quantities. There are other small brands, though popular in the community many need to pre-book. There are brands that eat for months, and some even take up to a year for the keyboard to reach the consumer.
The quality of the Keychron Q1 is also quite good and is in the affordable premium category. I didn’t have many issues throughout use, only if I spent some more extra money and time changing switches and sponges - it could probably be one of my endgame keyboards.
Pro
Premium build, neat and easy to modify
Can be used straight out of the box if you take the set ready to install
User freedom for complete customization
Complete purchase package for new users
C-C aviator type meshed/coiled cables are provided
Complete accessories for remodeling are provided
Affordable price for a 75% custom keyboard
Cons
Keys that do not display RGB lights well
A little annoying noise if not modified perfectly
The switch is not as good as other tactile types
No wireless connection support