Keychron Q1

After getting my Keychron K7, it got me interested in the world of Keyboard modding. So happen that my brother also got interested and he bought for himself and me the Keychron Q1 (USD$169 / S$229) together with the Keychron Keyboard Wooden Palm Rest (USD$25 / S$34).

I chose the Fully Assembled Carbon Black Base with Gateron Phantom Blue switches. Fully assembled because it is just US$20 difference, and I don’t have any existing switches that I can use.

Keychron Q1 - Box Front — Keychron Q1 – Box Front

Keychron Q1 - Box Back — Keychron Q1 – Box Back

Keychron Q1 - Box Open — Keychron Q1 – Box Open

Initially, I wanted the Navy Blue, but I chose Carbon Black because Black is a universal color and can go well with more keycaps colors.

I am using the optical brown switch on my K7, and after using my Keychron Low Profile Tester, I personally prefer a more clicky switch, and hence this time, I choose Blue.

Keychron Q1 - Box Contents — Keychron Q1 – Box Contents

Keychron Q1 - Quick Start — Keychron Q1 – Quick Start

My first impression of Q1 is that it is heavy in a good way. This makes it stable and doesn’t move about easily. The build is fantastic and feels very premium.

Keychron Q1 - Bottom — Keychron Q1 – Bottom

I would recommend going for the Keychron Q1 straight. Don’t bother getting any of the Keychron K series keyboards. After getting the Q1, it makes me regret getting the K7.

Keychron Q1 - Front — Keychron Q1 – Front

Q1 is wired, and hence there is no need to “off” it. So instead of three different toggles, there are only two, Windows and Mac.

Keychron Q1 - Switch / Port — Keychron Q1 – Switch / Port

For Q1, the palm rest is a must because the keyboard is high. The quality of the Keychron Q1 Wooden Palm Rest feels heavy, solid, and premium. This is unlike the K7 Wooden Palm Rest, which feels hollow, light, and cheap.

Keychron Keyboard Wooden Palm Rest - Box — Keychron Keyboard Wooden Palm Rest – Box

Keychron Keyboard Wooden Palm Rest - Top — Keychron Keyboard Wooden Palm Rest – Top

Keychron Keyboard Wooden Palm Rest - Bottom — Keychron Keyboard Wooden Palm Rest – Bottom

Keychron Q1 - With Keychron Keyboard Wooden Palm Rest — Keychron Q1 – With Keychron Keyboard Wooden Palm Rest

When it comes to keycaps, I have ordered the Akko Cherry Profile Carbon Retro Keycap Set from Shopee.

I think eventually, I will get the GMK Carbon Keycaps when they drop sometime next year.

For switches, I think I will stick to Gateron Phantom Blue for a while, and if I have to change, it will be the Kailh Box Jade switches.

Most people will do the tape mod or PE foam mod to reduce the pingy sound. I think it is too much work, so instead, I will be doing the silicone sheet mod. You can get the silicone sheet from Shopee for about S$10. You just have to cut it to size using the included foam as a reference, and that’s it.

For stabilizers, my brother will be helping me to get the DUROCK Stabilizers V2 and lube it for me.