Keychron
Keychron Q1 Pro
Released 2023
The Honda Civic of custom keyboards
Does everything well. Wireless, hot-swap, QMK support, and sounds great out of the box. The safe recommendation.
Our Verdict
The Q1 Pro is what happens when a company listens to enthusiasts. It's not the cheapest, not the most premium, but it hits a sweet spot of features, quality, and price that's hard to argue with. If you want one keyboard that does (almost) everything, this is it.
Full Review
The Keychron Q1 Pro represents the evolution of what a mainstream custom keyboard can be. Building on the success of the original Q1, the Pro version adds wireless capability without compromising on the features that made the original great.
What sets it apart is the combination of a gasket-mounted structure with full QMK/VIA support and triple-mode connectivity. The double-gasket design with silicone strips provides a softer, more flexible typing feel compared to traditional gasket implementations.
The aluminum CNC-machined case is substantial at around 1.7kg, giving it a premium, planted feel on the desk. Sound dampening includes case foam, PCB foam, and PE foam under the switches for a poppy, muted sound signature that's crowd-pleasing out of the box.
For those new to the hobby, this is genuinely hard to beat. It does 90% of what keyboards costing twice as much do, and does it reliably.
Pros & Cons
- Excellent build quality for the price
- Triple-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, Wired)
- Full QMK/VIA programmability
- Gasket mount provides great typing feel
- Hot-swap PCB allows switch changes
- Good stock sound with included foam
- Large 4000mAh battery
- Multiple plate options available
- Bluetooth latency not suitable for competitive gaming
- Stock stabilizers can be rattly (easy to mod)
- Some case colors prone to fingerprints
- Heavy to carry around
- 2.4GHz dongle required for best wireless performance
Who Is This For?
- First custom keyboard buyers
- Developers and programmers
- People who want wireless + QMK
- Mac and Windows users
- Those who want a reliable daily driver
- Competitive gamers (due to wireless latency)
- Those who prefer ultra-light keyboards
- 60% keyboard purists
- Budget-constrained buyers under $150
Where to Buy
Dimensions
327.5 x 145 x 33mm
Weight
1.7kg
Case Material
6063 Aluminum
Connectivity
Both
Plate Options
Case Colors
Software Support
