Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 2

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Gateron Phantom Yellow & Silver Switch version uses the double-shot ABS keycaps and aluminum plate.

Keychron Q1

A fully customizable 75% layout mechanical keyboard featured QMK / VIA support; designed with all the premium features with unlimited possibilities.

Features of Keychron Q1 QMK VIA 75% layout custom mechanical keyboard with rotary encoder knob version

The Q1 is a revolutionary all-metal keyboard with customizable capabilities for every switch, keycap, stabilizer, knob, and even the plate. It’s designed for a personalized experience and premium typing comfort.

The sculpting of a piece of art.

This keyboard is not just a tool, but a piece of art on your desk. The Q1 is created with a 6063 aluminum CNC machined body, polished, anodized and sandblasted finish, and twenty-four manufacturing processes.

Aluminum frame of Keychron Q1 QMK VIA 75% layout custom mechanical keyboard with rotary encoder knob version

You can assemble every part.

To build a fully customizable keyboard, we designed every component to be able to assemble easily. Therefore, you can customize and adjust each component as you wish.

Detailed structure of Keychron Q1 QMK VIA 75% layout custom mechanical keyboard with rotary encoder knob version

Keychron Q1 Knob version detailed structure

PS: Changing the knob with a badge or key requires an additional PCB (sold separately).

Double-Gasket Design

Double Gasket Design is an industry innovative structure. In addition to the gaskets on the plates, we added silicone pads between the top and bottom cases. It significantly reduces the resonance between the metals, which in return, reduces the noise of the impacted metals. This Double-Gasket Structure allows the keyboard to maintain the flexibility of the gasket structure and make the overall typing sound better.

Gasket structure of Keychron Q1 75% Custom Mechanical Keyboard Knob version

Keychron Q5 1800 Compact Custom Mechanical Keyboard

An Epic Core Inside The Keyboard

A brand new ultra-low-power MCU Arm structure that is powerful and armed with 128K Flash to provide more flexibility for developers. The polling rate is up to 1000 Hz out of the box, which makes latency non-existent for the competitive game.

Programmable Knob

Designed to enhance your creative workflow, the premium rotary encoder allows you to customize your favorite keys and macros through the innovative VIA software with ease.

Rotary encoder function of Keychron Q1 QMK VIA 75% layout custom mechanical keyboard with rotary encoder knob version

You can easily customize the knob to your desired key or macro commands like zooming in/out, adjusting screen brightness, brush size, opacity, volume, selecting video clips or photos, or backlight hue.

Switch layouts between
macOS & Windows.

Built with the Mac users’ experience in mind while still retaining the compatibility for Windows devices, the Q1 is one of the only few in the market that comes with a Mac multimedia key layout for Mac enthusiasts. With VIA, you can configure your keymap for both Mac and Windows devices.

OSA Profile Double-shot PBT Keycaps

For the new double-shot PBT keycaps, we built a new profile. It has a similar height to that of the OEM profile and has an SA-like shape. We named it the OSA (OEM spherical angled) keycap. The PBT keycaps will provide excellent oil resistance, enhance the type feel, and prevent the legends from fading out.

Program The Q1 with
QMK & VIA.

With the Q1 ‘s open-source QMK/VIA, you can intuitively remap your favorite keys and create macros with any key (including the knob) on any operating system (macOS, Windows, or Linux) for a fluid workflow.

QMK VIA screen capture of Keychron Q1 75% Custom Mechanical Keyboard Knob version

Download VIA for Mac Download VIA for Windows Download VIA for Linux

Get the Q1 keymap working on VIA

Since the VIA code for the Q1 is still awaiting approval from Github, it is not yet automatically recognized. Please download the appropriate keymap JSON file (ANSI or ISO) below, open VIA, turn on "Show Design tab" on "Settings" tab, and drag the JSON file into the “Design” tab on VIA to get the Q1 keymap working on VIA.

Q1 V2 Knob Version Keymap JSON

Download keymap JSON for Q1 knob version ANSI/US

Download keymap JSON for Q1 knob version ISO

Q1 V2 Non-Knob Version Keymap JSON

Download keymap JSON for Q1 non-knob version ANSI/US

Download keymap JSON for Q1 non-knob version ISO

Note: If the VIA software still does not detect your keyboard after you upload the latest JSON file above, please update your keyboard with the latest firmware here. The VIA software will only pair with your keyboard when the JSON file corresponds with the right firmware version.

Learn more about how to use VIA >

Hot-swappable

The hot-swappable sockets are mounted on the PCB, so you can install or change the switches without soldering. The PCB supports both 3 pin and 5 pin MX mechanical switches.

South-facing RGB LED Lights

The south-facing RGB is designed to better illuminate the keyboard backlight from the typist’s angle with the premium non-shine-through PBT keycaps installed. The south-facing RGB is also free from interference when the user installs Cherry-profile alternative keycaps on their keyboard.

Note: The Q1 V2's top case has sharper corners to make it much more compatible with third-party keycaps, such as MT3, SA, XDA, etc.

Barebone US layout of Keychron Q1 QMK VIA 75% layout custom mechanical keyboard with rotary encoder knob version

Pre-lubed Gateron G Pro Switch

Every detail counts when it comes to a premium typing experience. An optimized mold with more precise positioning and less wobbliness will certainly improve your fingertip feel. Pair that together with our revamped stabilizers and factory pre-lubed Gateron G Pro switches, a smooth travel experience is guaranteed.

Keychron Q1 Gateron G Pro switch features

Keychron Q1 Gateron Phantom switch features

Note: The Phantom switches have phantom light effects that allows the RGB backlight to have the switches' own case color.

All New Screw-In PCB Stabilizers

The screw-in design increases stability and makes it easier for changes and upgrades. Precise craftsmanship makes the stabilizers more stable and less wobbly. The big keys’ (space bar, shift, enter, delete) typing experience is now more stable and smooth. The Keychron Q1 V2 also supports third-party stabilizers including Cherry or Durock.

ANSI & ISO layouts

ISO layout is widely used in Europe while the ANSI layout is widely used by the rest of the world. If you live in Europe, we recommend you purchase the "Barebone ISO” version with the corresponding ISO Dye-sub PBT keycap sets together. The "Barebone ISO” is suitable for all ISO keyboard countries like the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, etc.

Keychron Q1 QMK VIA custom mechanical keyboard with rotarty encoder knob version with double-gasket design and screw-in PCB stabilizer and hot-swappable south-facing RGB barebone US ANSI layout

ANSI Layout

ISO Layout

What's in the box?

Keychron Q1 75% Custom Mechanical Keyboard Fully Assembled Version

Keychron Q1 75% Custom Mechanical Keyboard Barebone Version

Specs

Width	145 mm
Length	327.5 mm
Front Height	22.6 mm (without keycaps)
Back Height	35.8 mm (without keycaps)
Feet Height	2.4 mm
Angle	5.2°
Weight	1825 g ± 10 g (Fully Assembled version)
Body Material	Full CNC machined aluminum
Plate Material	Steel
Polling Rate	1000 Hz

Keycap	Double-shot keycaps, not shine-through (Fully Assembled version)
MCU	Ultra-low-power Arm Cortex-M4 32-bit STM32L432 (128KB Flash)
Backlight	South-facing RGB LED
Switch	Gateron G Pro (Fully Assembled version)
Hot-swappable Support	Compatible with most of the 3 pin & 5 pin MX style mechanical switches such as Gateron, Cherry MX and Kailh, etc.
Stabilizer	Screw-in PCB stabilizer
Connectivity	Type-C
Cable	Type-C cable + Type-A to Type-C adapter

Keychron Q1 User Guide

Learn more about the Keychron Q1 such as the Q1 shortcuts, assembling the Q1, factory reset, and more in the FAQ section.

Excellent Keyboard for the Price Point, I recommend getting the barebone version

I've e owned the keyboard for a month now and this is my honest opinion on it so far.

I bought the fully assembled version and I honestly do not recommend doing so. I personally did not like the stock switches (I got the gateron browns), I am not sure if the factory lube is just not that good for it or the switch itself is just meh but I wasn't fan of it. I ended up buying Gateron Oil Kings and they are top notch switches but everyone should experiment and use whatever switches they like.

As for the Keycaps, the ones that came with the keyboard was okay at best, not the biggest fan of the legends. I even bought one of their keycaps (OEM Dye-Sub PBT Keycap Set - Bluish Black White), they look much better tbh but I think it would be wise to look else where for better looking keycaps, better material of your choice, and if you buy high quality ones they will also give deeper *thocker* sounds for your keyboard.

As for the case, I love it tbh. I think its really well done. However mine came with a very small scratch on the outside but its on one of the edges so it didn't bother me much. I would recommend getting better foam though, using the force break mod (search it on YouTube), and applying the masking tape mod on the pcb, and finally if you wanna go all the way change the stabilizers (I tinkered with the original ones a bit and they all ended up sounding fine except the spacebar still feels rattily). These mods will very much change how your keyboard sounds for the better but I think it also sounds fine stock.

All in all I would definitely recommend this board to other people. If you are an enthusiast willing to apply mods this keyboard making it even better, and if you wanna just buy a ready to use keyboard this is still a very solid choice.

One last note, this keyboard is readily available to buy (usually always available in stock and at max delivery should only take a week) and that's a huge bonus imo since most keebs these days are either too expensive, out of stock, or only available in group buys which I am not a fan of.

Hope this lengthy review helps someone iut there to make his decision! :)

I love how it sounds and how it feels on my fingers!

This is my first time buying custom keyboard and I made the right choice. Q1 feels and sounds nice just out of the box. What I like the best about my Q1 is keycaps. The round edged new OSA profile keycap looks really cute, and I really love the colors they've chosen! not to mention it even feels nice on fingers. I love my Q1!! :)

Exactly what I wanted! AWESOME!

I bought the Fully Assembled Knob Version. This keyboard offers amazing value for the price. I did a ton of searching and the only readily available competitor I found was the GMMK Pro Prebuilt but that is nearly DOUBLE the price!

Key points:
- An amazing feeling keyboard right out of the box (modding definitely optional)
- Very sturdy and premium-feeling construction with the aluminium case (makes it heavy though, so not a good portable option)
- Gasket mount for a softer typing feel (more comfortable)
- Hot swappable switches
- Full keymapping with VIA software
- Limited RGB settings cycled by specific keypresses
- Swap between Mac and Windows with a switch on the back

Love how the gasket mount feels when typing. Makes bottoming out a key less of a hard clack. This is also my favourite form factor, keeping useful function keys but also hugely reducing deskspace usage without the number pad, the knob is an added bonus and honestly was something I had my heart set on having with my next keyboard purchase, so this fits the bill!

The only thing I really miss is a real keyboard software, like Corsair's iCUE, to have fancy lighting effects. The RBG settings are quite basic, though you can select from various colours, patterns and brightness levels.

Overall, I honestly just love this thing, nothing bad to say about it. Am going to add my own mods and keycaps just beacause I can but I would be quite happy just using it as is.

Surprisingly Good

This is my first custom mechanical keyboard after using a K70 with Cherry browns for many years. I got the fully assembled knob version with Gateron pro reds and was surprised with how good the board is out of the box. It looks like Keychron did a great job listening to feedback and fixing complaints when making version 2 of the board. I would have no problem leaving the board completely as it is and I'm sure many others, especially those who are just getting into keyboards, would too. I switched the Gaterons out for some lubed Boba U4Ts, added cherry profile PBT keycaps, and switched to the polycarbonate plate and am even happier with the board. I also like that the shell white version is a true white color, unlike the GMMK Pro's "White Ice," that appears to just be silver.

I wish the barebones version had an option for a white board as I would've bought that instead. It's also unfortunate that shipping is so expensive for this item. It feels deceptive that this board appears to be cheaper than some of its competition but will add a hefty shipping fee once you're about to purchase it. I would recommend people to buy any accessories they may want like the wrist rest and alternative baseplate with their purchase to avoid having to pay the $30 shipping fee a second time.

Also I think Keychron should make it more obvious that there are included tools at the bottom of the box. I didn't realize there was more under the foam at first and I have a feeling many customers may have thrown away their packaging not realizing the tools were included in there. I can already see a reviewer below mine that appeared to have not found them. A sticker or little card about it would be enough I think.

Solid pre-built custom keyboard

Model: Navy blue fully-assembled knob with gateron phantom yellow

The q1 v2 is a very nice keyboard for the price, but keychron themselves are not perfect. I found the flat $30 shipping to be pretty rough from the start and when I got the keyboard itself, the spacebar key was broken. This caused me to only press only one side of my spacebar for two weeks until a replacement came. At least they made it right in the end I suppose.

Overall, the keyboard itself was pleasant to type on stock once I took out one layer of foam from the case and added three layers of tape to the pcb. This provided good sound and a slight softness to the typing experience. Later on, I also force breaked the case with some more tape to combat spring ping from the keyboard switches.

Despite my efforts to salvage the stock switches, I ultimately switched them out for some pre-lubed Akko wine reds which have no spring ping. I also recently changed out the key caps for kinetic labs whale keycaps.

In hindsight, I should’ve gone barebones, but that’s in the past now. The keyboard is perfect for me now and I would definitely recommend it to someone who doesn’t mind tinkering a little.

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