Keychron Q1 Review
True Score
Experts
Consumers
Expert Rankings
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Reviewers praised the Keychron Q1 and approved it for gamers, programmers, and office users. They were delighted with its RGB backlighting with per-key illumination and range of Gateron Phantom mechanical switches. They also adored its hot-swap PCB. However, they were disappointed with its poor ergonomics and lack of USB passthrough tech.
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What Is Not on the Box
What the brand doesn’t always tell you…
our Verdict
Product testers were impressed by the Keychron Q1, endorsing it for gaming, programming, and office use. Reviewers at The Verge lauded its compact 75% form factor. Testers at Tom’s Hardware loved the sound-absorbing design. It delighted experts with its RGB backlighting with individually lit keys. This model is wired and boasts a wired latency of 11.1 ms.
However, if you prefer a wired/wireless alternative, see our Keychron K14 review. On a model with Gateron Phantom Brown switches, testers required a 49 gf operating force and 2.6 mm pre-travel distance, and the typing experience was great and quiet. This model has ABS keycaps. See our Keychron Q2 review if you prefer PBT keycaps.
This unit has a hot-swap PCB, so users can easily swap out the switches. All keys proved to be macro-programmable during testing, and it has a detachable cable. However, this model is not very ergonomic, featuring a fixed 5.2° incline and lacking a wrist rest. Check out the Keychron C2 review if you need adjustable incline settings.
Reasons to Buy
- Detachable USB cable
- RGB backlighting with individually lit keys
- Great build quality
- Macro-programmable keys
- Sound-dampening foam layer
Reasons to Avoid
- Lacks USB passthrough
- Doesn't have incline settings
- Lacks a wrist rest
Specifications
- Battery LifeWired
- Customizable LightingYes
- FoldableNo
- Form FactorCompact (75%)
- Key Switch BehaviorTactile
- Keyboard TechnologyMechanical
- Max Wireless RangeWired
- Palm Restna
- Spill ResistantYes
- Touchpadna
- Wirelessna
- Wireless ConnectivityWired
Overview
The Keychron Q1 is a 2021-model premium compact (75% sized) Quantum Mechanical Keyboard (QMK) mechanical keyboard that promises unlimited customization for keyboard enthusiasts. Unlike the majority of the best-rated keyboards today, this model can be bought as a barebones or pre-built device. Users can choose between Gateron Phantom Blue, Brown, and Red switches for this model, and it has hot-swappable switches.
Examine details about the Keychron Q1 below and analyze how it stacks up against the top gaming keyboards offered today.
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Product Comparison
 |  |  | ||
| True Score | 87 | 77 | ||
| Market Context | – | While both the Keychron Q1 and the Keychron Q2 are hot-swappable mechanical keyboards, these two have some differences. The Q2 lacks a row of function keys, unlike the Q1, which features function keys. While the Q2 boasts high-quality double-shot PBT keycaps, the Q1 has cheaper ABS keycaps. | Both the Keychron Q1 and the Drop CTRL are mechanical TenKeyLess (TKL) keyboards. However, the 75% Q1 has slightly fewer keys than the 80% Drop CTRL device. All the keys on the Q1 are macro-programmable via customization software, however, macro-programming keys on the Drop CTRL require a visit to the Drop website. | Users typically want to know how the Keychron Q1 compares with its competitor, the GLORIOUS GMMK PRO, seeing that both have a barebones option. The GLORIOUs comes with a programmable rotary knob, but a similar knob is optional on the Keychron. Otherwise, both keyboards have RGB backlighting with individually lit keys. |
| Keyboard Technology | Mechanical | – | Mechanical | – |
| Key Switch Behavior | Tactile | – | Tactile | – |
| Touchpad | No | – | No | – |
| Customizable Lighting | YES | – | Yes | – |
| Palm Rest | No | – | No | – |
| Dig Deeper | – | Read Review → | Read Review → | Read Review → |
All Stores
- $199.99
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Score Card
E
Expert Score
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
Any product with a True Score above 80 is a Absolutely Fresh
Expert Score Breakdown
Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight
ATrust Score
78The Keychron Q1 is good for office use, but its high profile and lack of… read more- C
Trust Score
90The Keychron Q1 brings premium keyboard enthusiast features, like a gasket-mounted design and open-source software,… read more - D
Trust Score
90The Keychron Q1 is a fantastic option for those wanting to try out the world… read more - D
Trust Score
80The Keychron Q1 mechanical keyboard is as customizable as you want it to be, with… read more - F
Trust Score
90Amazing typing feel, Hot-swappable switches, Customizable layout, Documentation could be better, Rotary knob not available… read more - F
Trust Score
90Hot swappable keys, Changable key caps, Integrated volume knob, Fully programmable, RGB ligthing well executed,… read more
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