Keychron Q1 Review - A CRAZY good keyboard for the price!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ย. 2024
- Keychron just released their Q1 keyboard, a 75% hotswap mechanical keyboard you can buy complete or barebones. But how does it stack up against the GMMK Pro? Check it out in this review!
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I don't know if Frank edits his videos or if he has an Editor but it's extraordinary work.
ikrrr
He's a one man show
I believe he mentioned recently he does everything himself which is incredible hustle
thanks, i work hard
@@itsbandar what
Been a K2 user since launch, so glad to see Keychron constantly improving their design and still being generous in terms of value
I enjoy my k2 a lot and use it daily and I accidentally pour 250 ml orange juice into it and it never power up again.😢
Been waiting a long time for them to come out with a QMK version of their boards... makes them far more useful for those of us that do customization for our keys. Nice review as usual.
What most people keep forgetting is that Keychron has always been marketed towards entry level enthusiasts. It will never be perfect. But then again even with expensive customs people will still mod it.
Good review!
Yes. Almost feel like Keychron boards are meant to be modded. They are very user friendly to dissasemble and with some easy cheap mods they can sound amazing. Using Keychron stock is so much lost potential.
Would have loved a polycarbonate plate sound test. Might have helped the ping
Does the q1 have a pc plate already? I believe the only option is the alu plate atm
@@headassvegan I think u can get it on the custom options where u get the badge, keycaps ect
@@sandor4 well fuck my life I had no idea. And I already checked out and paid $30 for shipping lmfao oh well
@@headassvegan There is a PC plate option. I just checked it 😅
@@headassvegan Q1 comes with aluminum by default, but you can add a brass, polycarb and FR4 plates in the customizations page. If you're wondering, the FR4 plate falls between polycarb and aluminum. HTH
Looks like Drop really needs to step-up their game: They need a V2 of the CTRL and ALT with screw-in stabs, gasket mounted, foam included, Via compatible and whatever they need to be in the game again.
I love the ALT High Profile, but it is no longer a viable option with keyboards like these (GMMK Pro and Q1 on one hand, KBD 67 Lite and NK65 Entry on the other) in the market.
Or just scrap it all together and make something new
Honestly, if they’re lazy, cutting the price down to something like $150 for a high profile CTRL or ALT or $100 for a low profile would also be viable. Having plate mounted stabs isn’t a death sentence (Durock plate mounts are quite good, and the NK65 EE also has them), and you can get some precut foam from something like Stupidfish pretty easily.
Another gripe I have with Drop is their keycaps. For example, GMK Red Samurai. It’s a fantastic set, and easily the cheapest GMK set you can readily find, but it only being built to support Drop’s lineup is pretty annoying. It’s why it’s so cheap, but adding an extra 3 keys so the 65% kit actually supports a 65% board like the Tofu 65 would be nice.
NK65 imo is as bad as the drop stuff. Overpriced and sounds mediocre. Only thing it has going for it is the south facing 5 pin.
@@user-kz9rz8ui1c it was novelty (first-ish cheap hotswap board (while first hotswap being gk61 without enthusiast features) with enthusiast features) but aged bad
Especially at the price, I'd totally get the Drop Alt if the high profile wasn't the price of a fully customized barebones Q1 but with crappier stabs
Thanks for your reviews Frank. I watch a lot of reviews but yours is seem the most honest and to the point. Many youtubers completely bashed the sound and exaggerated. Love how down-to-earth you are. Keep up the good job!
This board is just a huge flex on the GMMK Pro, literally.
This board just let the GMMK Pro flex on it*
@@Jake_cub what
on specs, maybe, but with that sound test gmmk pro was clearly so much better..
@@malakachino so tbh, gasket mount sound is never really that good consider the space it needed to flex, and i believe with a lil tape mode q1 will have a better result than gmmk in both sound and typing feeling.
@@user-wb5by5yr7p exactly what I was going to say stock gmmk pro is better sounding, but with the car dampening mod or tape mod as you said can make so much better.
14:05 Dammit shoobs, you're one lucky man to be seen there
Lol
mech merlin? no? ok
The q1 literally sounds like tapping on a glass vase
It's definitely off-putting. I think people might come up with solutions, though.
Typing Q1 is like typing a normal keyboard in a cave
Also worth noting for the GMMK Pro, they have released new firmware that allows you to lower the input latency as well.
Can u link it pls?!
@@WanuLopes just look it up????
@@Toopavix ^
@@Toopavix I saw nothing of them releasing a new software / fixing the input delay. So i am asking for the link
@@WanuLopes You should probably join the Discord. I’m pretty sure that’s where you can download the latest firmware or new ones.
i have a keychron c1 and its a fantastic keyboard for $50. This company is great and love seeing more of their products showcased
Honestly I don't care about price, I just want something of quality I can actually buy! If its $20, $50 or $100 more or less than another competitor is much less important than availability and implementation. This one seems to hit the spot! Remember, the norm in this hobby is to spend $500 on something you wont see in a year.
"really budget friendly"
me: *cries in blue switches*
blue switches are a type, and not a brand. There are very good linear smooth switches that are ultra cheap like gateron yellows.
199$ fully assembled ((((
i thought it's gonna be like 40/50 bucks, not 180
@@o_o7751 Yeah, I saw the price before watching this video so when he said "budget-friendly" I was confused. I remember not too long ago, people were calling the drop alt/ctrl keyboards expensive but this one is more expensive / around the same price range.
Its pretty budget friendly in the sense that some of us are willing to pay 120 for keycaps, 90 for some switches, and easily upwards of 300-500 just for the board. But thats just some of us being ridiculous lmao
Darn. I can't wait to see how those will with aqua switches and clear plastic plates.
That Navy Blue is sick.
take my money. Been waiting for a review for the Q1 since the announcement. Im completely sold.
I've been waiting for months for this review!!! I would LOVE to see the aqua king switches with the polycarbonate plate!
As someone who still hasn't dipped his toes into the mech keeb hobby, this seems like a perfect way to get started. It may have some kinks, but I can overlook that for $170 prebuilt.
No matter how hard I try, there's no way I'd be able to overlook that hollow-ping sound to the Q1. As soon as you started typing on it I was like "Holy Snikes - that's pingy AF!"
All that being said - this is absolutely a huge contender for top-tier budget gasket mounted 75% keebs, super impressed with the level of customization on it too - especially that 1u badge!
That's why you add another layer of foam
@@randomfrankp absolutely agree with you! I mean aside from the stock pingy-ness of the board, it's an absolute banger! A little extra foam would go a long way in resolving that ping for sure. Also those switches and stabs being factory lubed up the wazoo is pretty legit too. So from what I saw/heard in your review, this really is at the top of my list for my next board. Thanks for the great content as always dude!
that vibrating phone in the soundtest xD i first thought someone would blow into a bottle
I've been eyeing this one for a while now! Thanks for the review 🙂
Thank you for your amazing videos Frank! ❤️
That swipe disassembly is fire! :D
Sound test 6:51
Thanks
So excited for mine to arrive 😁
I wish the knob was more offset, as they made it too close to the PAGE UP button.
I read about the rotary knob. Seems like you will need a PCB swap from Keychron. Maybe it will come in a second wave.
Could you explain more on this please?
Yea seems like it. I'm surprised no one is talking about this. They show the encoder knob option in the diagram and mention an encoder pcb... Some people are claiming $10. No idea where they're getting that info. And the site mentions nothing about it upcoming that I could find. Makes me wonder if it will ever release.
@@adamcbowen1 People are probably saying 10 bucks because when you buy the barebones kit it's likely 10 extra dollars to get the rotary knob pcb. (don't quote me on this I only vaguely remember seeing it on the store page but I didn't pull the trigger on the Q1) But I'm guessing if you want it later its much more expensive with a full pcb swap.
@@chee2722 According to Dave2D, the rotary knob won't be able to plug into the hotswap socket on the board and will need a different PCB, which isn't available right now. So if you're planning on using a rotary knob, you might want to wait for Keychron to release the new PCB
@@justinli826 It's flat out not available right now is the problem, and who knows if it ever will be. They shouldn't even have shown it. They also still have it on the diagram pic.
I will say it now. THIS WILL BE MY NEXT KEYBOARD. I don't care about the rgb and if they will add a layer of foam in the box it will be great
How is it?
gmmk pro is my favourite board yet. i absolutely adore it. i love how thoccy it is with marvel black panther key caps and gateron lubed yellows. super comfortable and never been happier.
granted the keychron keyboard is super tempting. i wish i could have gotten that instead of gmmk pro because of the price difference and the better accessory pack
the q1 is actually 180 because they charge you for shipping which is 30 usd
so its a 180 keyboard vs a 170 that it's better aesthetically, has an encoder and side RGB.
There will be more keyboards like these two coming out in the next months, be patient.
@@notusingthis600 Thing is, the GMMK pro has some bad input lag, and it doesn’t have that much flex to the board, and it doesn’t support VIA or QMK. So, paying more, you can get a better gmmk pro by getting the Q1
@@schminkydink is it really that bad? I just ordered a GMMK pro
I would love to buy this, but there is no FR layout, and there isn't on their previous keebs either
ISO only comes in barebones, and they do no offer AZERTY keycap sets, so... well I guess I'm gonna wait for Glorious to ship to France their ISO version of the GMMK Pro with their AZERTY layout keycaps eh?
We Belgians and French are fucked when it comes to Keebs. I am from Belgium but Azerty layouts are so difficult to find, as well as ISO ffs. Thinking about to Qwerty ansi
Was waiting for this❤️
first - you the bedwars ytber right?
Was wondering if I would prefer this over my gmmk pro, but given I prefer a firmer typing experience, better acoustics and a rotary encoder, I don't see a reason to upgrade, will watch out for mods and the coming encoder though and see if it becomes a must have!
I love my K2 but this seems like a cool upgrade to it. Looks very cool!
amazing quality in these videos so happy i came across the tech 10 series last year him and Brian are my go to for tech now
But where is that encoder option... If you look closely at the diagram it mentions the encoder pcb... But I don't see that anywhere.
HE'S ALIVE! you do not know how long i've waited to hear Frank's voice again
*heaven*
Gotta love how the tweets explained the hat 😅
12:10 OH MY GOD AS SOON AS HE SAID THAT LIGHTNING STRUCK AT MY HOUSE
couldnt decide which keychron keyboard i was going to buy. Now i know which one :D
I wouldn't call it a "buzzword" so much as just a matter of fact unfortunately. This board has potential, but I'd say of the board reviews I've seen of similar boards around the $100-$200 price point, this one has the most case ping by far. Definitely an easy fix, but something I'd say should be addressed if possible by QC. Definitely a nice option though!
I would guess that is more of a design issue, so only thing they can do is r2
For me its a keyboard
for you its
- switches
- type of plate
- size
- ping
Everything could be a deeper topic, even piece of plastic that transfer phisical button into virtual one. its crazy :D
I don't know how accurate the sound is through headphones even, but I think that "pingy" characteristic could be improved by: 1) The force break mod, i.e. adding something like soft tape between the top and bottom half of the case, OR leaving the screws a bit loose. This would make it much harder for the case halves to ring together, and 2) having some slightly heavier sound deadening material in the case. This would absorb the vibration from the case a bit. Or you could just have more material, but as said a thicker material would eat into the flex.
I'm waiting on mine from the mail, eager to try how it sounds in real life. :)
Your quips and edits are so spot on. My gawd, I had just about as many chuckles as I've had all covid season - dayum
In my country, there are GB going on for $152 for the full kit Q1 including switches and keycaps, shipped. What a steal!
Really great work on this video both from the information, entertainment and editing side. Thanks for another great video!
Keycrhron brand is exploding here in South Africa. We cannot keep up with stock levels. Madness.
Here I'm just trying to cop my first mech😫
Watched your vid and bought this thing and slapped some ink blacks and after some mods, the thing is a thocc monster thanks for the review
1:18 So you see, thats where my troubles began...
I am so exited for the Keeb community to grow. Not only are there going to be more options, its going to be cheaper
YES!
I love that it is VIA compatible since that makes it so we aren't reliant on proprietary and bad software.
This keeb seems awesome. Great video Frank
I just ordered the q1 knob version very excited for it, ordered some pbt keycaps and some lub for it hopefully it will be worth it
"Extremely budget friendly" but here in the phillipines 20$ = 1,000P in our currency so that key board maybe up to 8K or more
Great review. Need your suuuupppppeeeerrrr clean mod of the Q1 next
please
It's sound like typing in front of a cave. It ping like crazy
does the badge only comes in black??? i checked the site that they only ask to have prints with black bg... this is sad i wanted white
9:27 I do get the additional foam. It is thick as hell and entirely negate all the keybaord flex.
I ended up removed them anyway in order to get gasket to work.
Have you done a review of the glorious full silver heavy aluminum keyboard I'd love to see your thoughts on it if you haven't.
I can feel frank slowly becoming a keyboard enthusiast.
He's a keyboard enthusiast long before u noticed.
a primary color and an accent color on a keycap set can't be 'cloned,' it's the artwork that should be protected
I was thinking of getting it but really wasnt sure if it can/would replace my current custom/my gmmk pro. thakns for this
I need this with wireless and a split spacebar and I will be happily done shopping for keyboards for the next few years
6:48 sit tight, listen up, put on headphones.
*ad rolls up*
Seems like an awesome keyboard! Keychron Keyboards are great value
I just got mine and damnnn its soo good with added foam and tape mod!
yo this keychron board is EPIC
Even Frank ain’t hype with this board. Hope other manufacturers are watching this space closely as consumers deserved better. Gmmk Pro still king.
Are you even watching the video? such stupid comment
Gmmk gaskets suck and the board sounds dead 😢
One downside I’ve noticed is that Keychrons shipping cost are pretty high. Not sure why they only use DHL as they can get quite pricey. I ordered a K4 from Amazon even though it was $10 more because shipping directly from keychron was $36.
Now if I want their custom retro key caps though you have to order direct from them and it makes it hard to justify ordering when the shipping cost is almost an additional 50%
1:50 ooh that bloody red switch :3
bro the $30 SHIPPING killed me. after shipping of the q1 it basically cost equally to GMK PRO
I really like Keychron as a brand, have multiple keyboards from them. But I don't know about that sound. Might be too hallow sounding for me.
Its easily fixed. Take a look at keybored's video on this board and it sounds amazing.
@@Tony_Calvert Another Keybored viewer? Nice
@@Tony_Calvert Nice. Not sure if it was his review or someone else's but someone mentioned the production model will have thicker foam. I guess Keychron listened to some feedback.
not even trying to blow my own trumpet, but I am an editor and the edits that frank does are pretty impressive
That is sleek and clean. 🧼
lmao, the 10 second skip "i gotchu fam"
I love that this is super budget friendly and complete already out of the box, but the GMMK Pro looks a lot more compact, refined, and prettier especially the white one. But if we had the money, we'd just go straight to the GMMK Pro definitely. But still glad there's an alternative out there for the people who are tight on the budget and want to enter the enthusiast side of keyboards.
They have Navy Gray and Black color Schemes. Q1 does sound extremely pingy though.
“White”gmmk pro
I’m looking for anything other than the GMMK Pro. Ordered one and the RGB died after a week. Got a replacement and the stand-off screws were stripped and I couldn’t even switch the plate.
never placer an order at launch, until today.
y ?
This is the most hollow sounding keyboard ever
fr
Dude it really does have some nasty ping, if that was fixed it would sound great
1:18 "Can you tell what it is yet?"
The ping would definitely be taken care of with a bit more foam and even tape on the PCB.
I have a much cheaper keyboard atm, Red Dragon K556, which had a massive ping to it. But foam+tape and it was gone. Huge difference.
Isn't that a plastic chassis? If so, seems like an entirely different situation.
Why doesn't anyone talk about the linux keycap that is included?!
I can't get over the ping of this board, was watching the Glarses livestream of it and it was worse than a D60, (known for its ping), I feel that if you put in foam to dampen the sound you will get the same flex that the gmmk pro has, also keycaps are shown to have some inconsistencies and are OEM profile, (higher profile than cherry). Its all preference at the end of the day but I don't regret buying the gmmk pro, just that I haven't gotten some better stabs for it yet.
I think if you put foam in the Q1 you will still have more flex than the GMMK Pro. Hopefully by adding another foam sheet or 2 that's included you can get much less ping with still more flex than GMMK Pro. If adding more foam completely removes flex then that would be a little disappointing.
I love your videos. Keep the good work.
Also can you review the gundam headset, mouse and keyboard? 🙏
One thing that none of those reviews talk about is the latency input of these custom keyboards. Most of them have 20ms ish of input lag which makes playing competitive games inviable.
“Unlivable” dude stop lying to yourself, I bet 3 years ago you didn’t even know what denounce time was or what 1000hz polling was and you were playing without any issues
-you don’t even know the real latency of it
-nearly everyone buying this doesn’t give a shit about latency
why does every Q1 reviewer compare with GMMK Pro and every reviewer does not notice that the delivery costs $ 30 h. I watched every review on Q1 and they are all somewhat similar, I think they speak according to the terms of reference.
Because including shipping (30$!!) they're basically the same price. The Q1 doesn't have an encoder but it does include a coiled cable though. Essentially, they're the same price.
Glad I held off on the GMMK Pro.. Q1 slayed it.
not really
its ugly AF (specially with that switch on the back, ew) and has no encoder and side RGB.
Plus 10 dollars more expensive
I made the mistake of buying a Keychron K7. What I received was NOT wireless (no dongle included) and, when connected by USB cable, many keys did not work. Keychron ignored all my requests for an RMA and a refund.
Before buying anything from Keychron, think! Do you want to give your money to a company that treats its customers this way?
Waiting for this review for 3 weaks
I've heard about the Q1 having a polling rate of 125/250 even though their advertised specs are at 1000.
Any q1 users here who have tried seeing if this is true or false?
That hollow ping thou
Nice touches on the editing indeed :)
Just take the top off flip it upside down and take every flat surface on the perimeter and apply some tape then all ping disappears.
Were it lacks is keycaps. Known for different shift key sizes which means limited keycap sets. For two tone fairly easy but for full set without mismatch hues. Keyboard I assume is fantastic but it could be like a Ferrari with a dent in it. JMO
Isn't that 1.75 shift pretty much standard for 75%
The shift is pretty common kitting for keycaps, generally any full sized set includes one unless you buy keycaps that were designed for a specific board.
is there a way to lessen that dip in the board? maybe puttnig more foam or a plastic spacer inside of the case?
The bottomrow isnt standard size i suppose? looking at the 3 keys right to the spacebar.
Could i remap this board from a qwerty to a azerty(french) layout and it saves in an internal profile? i know i could do it in windows but want it to be plug and play with everything.
I myself and more into the c1-c2. But yeah for the money Keychron boards are absurd. It's hard to justify buying anything else. You can get a full size hot swap backlit board for less than 60 dollars with your choice of Red,Brown, Or Blue in either gatereon's or there in house switches. Just stupid good value.
Crazy that they got way better coiled cables than a big company like razer.
How do the keycults sound so good if they don't use any foam? The weight and amount of material?