Keychron Q1 HE Review

Keychron is one of the biggest names in enthusiast mechanical keyboards today and it’s not shy about releasing new products. The Keychron Q1 HE marks new territory for the brand, its first keyboard with fully magnetic switches. It’s also the company’s first keyboard to utilize a custom web configurator, so there’s no need to download software. Customizable actuation points, rapid trigger, multi-action keys and more are on offer.

At $199 for the barebones version and $219 for the fully built, the keyboard is on the expensive side. It mitigates with a fully aluminum case and impressive switches, but doesn’t quite earn the place as the top recommendation around this price. 

Specifications

• Current Price: 
  • Barebones $199.99 (Keychron)
  • Fully Built: $219.99 (Keychron)

Keychron Q1 HE — Design and Highlights

The Keychron Q1 HE is very much a Keychron Q1. That keyboard is one of the most popular at its price point and earned a lot of kudos when it launched, so it’s not surprising to see the company use it as the platform for its first foray into magnetic switches. That also makes it feel quite familiar, which can be a plus or minus depending on how you feel about its design.

The Q1 HE features all of the hallmarks of the Q series. It features a fully aluminum case in your choice of anodized black or coated white. The keycaps are made of doubleshot PBT plastic for improved durability and a better feeling under the fingers. The switches and stabilizers come pre-lubed, and the internals are mounted with a double-gasket-mount structure and layered with sound-dampening, sound-enhancing foams.

It also features native support for Windows and Mac, as well as Bluetooth connectivity with up to three devices. There are alternate keycaps for both operating systems, so your keyset will match, and Bluetooth is pretty seamless and reliable.

The biggest difference really is that the keyboard now uses hot-swappable magnetic switches with a full incorporation of all of the major features that