Earlier this year, Keychron released its Q1 Pro keyboard. It is a mechanical keyboard that can be customised and is made to function well with Macs and Windows PCs. Here are my opinions on the Keychron Q1 Pro and why you should choose it over Apple's Magic Keyboard. It's a pretty high-quality gadget, and I've been using it as my main keyboard for some time.
It's possible that you've seen the "Pro" after the gadget name. What's the major difference if Keychron already makes a keyboard called the Q1? The wifi support, that is. The Q1 Pro features support for both wired and wireless connections—and yes, that is connections, plural—in addition to being a fantastic wired keyboard like the Keychron Q1.
This whole keyboard is built around a customizable user experience. If you prefer a wired experience, just flip the switch on the back to wired and connect the included USB-C cable. That USB-C cable also includes a USB-A adapter, so if you don’t have USB-C ports to spare on your machine, you don’t need to go searching for one. It’s also customizable between a Mac and Windows layout. Right beside the switch for wired or wireless mode you have the switch between Mac and Windows.
Typing experience:
On the Q1 Pro, typing has been a truly fantastic experience. The red switches in my keyboard take very little pressure, and the substantial weight of the metal chassis keeps the keyboard firmly in place on your desk despite the fact that it is a customisable keyboard. The keyboard has some give for a wonderfully comfortable typing experience once you have travelled the entire key distance because the PCB is sitting on foam gaskets. Despite not being a big gamer, I did test some gaming on the keyboard and had no issues.
The included keycaps have a rather concave top for your fingers to rest in, and if you’re switching from something like a MacBook’s keyboard to the Keychron Q1 Pro it is a very different typing experience that will certainly take some time to get used to, but it’s one I prefer.
Similar to the Q1, the Q1 Pro has a 75% keyboard. This means that it has the normal letters you would expect, a function row at the top, and arrow buttons, but it lacks a number pad and has fewer editing keys on the right side of the keyboard, making it slightly more compact overall. It's much easier to stuff in your bag if you need to carry it with you on the move and takes up less work space than a full-sized keyboard.
Another knob, with distinct clicks when turned, is located in the top right corner. When you first turn it, it controls the volume; when you press it, it mutes or unmutes. There are a tonne of customization options available when utilising the online VIA programme and connecting your keyboard to your computer with a USB-C cord. You may adjust the knob to perform what you want in different software, control lighting, macros, and so much more.
The keyboard has four different layers, with two dedicated to Mac and two dedicated to Windows, so you can switch between a layout you have enabled for typing and one you have setup specifically for video editing macros or something similar.
Customization and Software:
The Keychron Q1 Pro can be customised extensively. You may quickly replace out switches and keycaps to suit your preferences because it has a hot-swappable PCB. Additionally, the keyboard has RGB illumination, which offers a variety of colour and effect options.
Additionally, the keyboard includes software that lets you modify key bindings, macros, and lighting effects. The programme is simple to use and lets you save many profiles, which makes switching between various configurations simple.
Performance and Typing Experience:
Excellent typing performance is offered by the Keychron Q1 Pro. The switches are quick and tactile, and the keycaps are low-profile, which lessens finger fatigue. The little amount of bend in the keyboard makes for a steady typing experience.
It is simple to type in dimly lit environments thanks to the RGB backlighting's brightness and vibrancy. Additionally, the keyboard features a low latency, which is crucial for programmers and gamers that require quick responses.
Comparison to Apple's Magic Keyboard:
Because of its small size and wireless connectivity, Mac customers like the Apple Magic Keyboard. However, it lacks in a number of areas when compared to the Keychron Q1 Pro.
First of all, the Magic Keyboard has a fixed layout, so you can't change it to suit your tastes. It also makes use of scissor switches, which lack the robustness and tactile feedback of mechanical switches. Additionally, the Magic Keyboard only offers a few connectivity choices, connecting just via Bluetooth, and lacks the option for USB Type-C connectivity. Finally, the Magic Keyboard has limited customization options, with no option to change keycaps or switches.
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