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Keychron used to make mechanical keyboards for Mac computers that were portable and didn’t do much for me. The company then started making high-end keyboards for enthusiasts, like the Keychron Q5, which has all the features of a small-batch boutique build but costs about half as much. This is where the company shines, and it has been getting better at it ever since. Now we’re back where we started: the Q1 Pro is the first high-end, all-metal board from Keychron to have Bluetooth.
And I’ll be damned if it isn’t almost perfect. The Q1 Pro has the very famous 75% layout, high-end materials like an all-aluminum case and a rotary dial, and boutique features like gasket mounting and VIA/QMK programming. It is also wireless. It’s a high-end build that gives you almost everything you want. And as usual, the price is way better than anything else out there.
Keychron Q1 Pro Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Mechanical Keyboard |
| Connection | Wired and Wireless (Bluetooth 5.1) |
| Switches | Hot-swappable Gateron or Optical switches |
| Layout | 96% layout with arrow keys |
| RGB Lighting | Per-key RGB backlighting |
Keychron Q1 Pro: Design
Aside from the keycaps and buttons, the Q1 Pro has a double-gasket design, which is basically rubber suspenders on both sides of the circuit board. This makes it easier and more comfortable to type during long days at the office. With the wired Q1, we had to make some changes to get the sound we wanted. We used tape to cover the back of the PCB, for example, to stop the aluminum case from making a tinny pinging sound. Yu can buy this keyboard from its official website
Keychron Q1 Pro: Features
The Q1 Pro, like the original Q1, is a 75% keyboard that tries to find a balance between work and play. It keeps a specific function row and arrow cluster, as well as a group of navigation and editing buttons in a narrow column on the right. It also has a volume button that can be programmed. If you don’t need the number pad, it’s a great setup that gives you a lot of options.
It also brings back many of the most important features of the Q1 and the rest of the Q-series. It has a case made of metal that weighs just under four pounds when it is all put together. It comes in Black, Grey, or White, and the keyboard has brand new color schemes that look better than any of its previous ones.
Keychron Q1 Pro: Performance
The Q1 Pro is a clear improvement over the first Q1. The new plate, keycaps, and buttons make it easier to type. The Q1 was already comfortable to type on, but the extra freedom makes each key feel even softer. It’s not a major improvement, but it’s still a nice addition.
Instead, we think the sound of the board is the bigger change. The Q1 Pro has a louder sound profile because it has a PC plate, new Keychron Pro switches, and KSA keycaps. With mods, it becomes the Q-series keyboard that feels and sounds the best.
Final Words
The Keychron Q1 Pro improves on the best mechanical keyboard, which is the gold standard. It looks great, feels great, and is easy to make your own. You get one of the best keyboards on the market, and you can also connect it wirelessly.
You can’t go wrong with the Keychron Q1 Pro if you want to get into the world of the best mechanical keyboards for Mac but don’t want to read through Reddit posts or wait months for it to arrive.
Keychron Q1 Pro review: The good and The bad
The Good
- Great typing feel
- Customizability
The Bad
- No 2.4GHz dongle option
FAQS
The Keychron Q1 Pro improves on the best mechanical keyboard, which is the gold standard. It looks great, feels great, and is easy to make your own. You get one of the best keyboards on the market, and you can also connect it wirelessly.
The keyboard might be a bit high for shorter people or those with higher desks. Some of the buttons might be too loud for people who share a room.