Keychron
Keychron Q2
Released 2021
Researched from maker specs and published sources. Last checked Oct 18, 2026.
Wired 65% aluminum Q with a steel plate
The original wired Q2: a 1.6 kg CNC aluminum 65% with steel plate, double gasket, QMK/VIA and an optional knob in place of Insert. No wireless.
Sources
Our take, based on research
A well-regarded compact wired board: reviewers liked the ping control, stabilizers and programmable knob, and accepted the lost function row. Wireless buyers should look at the Q2 Pro or Q2 Max instead.
Overview
The Q2 is the compact Q: a 65% in CNC aluminum with a steel plate, gasket mount and a knob on the assembled version, running QMK with the Keychron Launcher web app. Keychron lists Gateron G Pro switches (Red, Blue or Brown), double-shot PBT keycaps and 1,645 g. It is wired only.
The Verge, Ars Technica and iMore all reviewed it at launch. The Verge noted a second silicone gasket between the top and bottom case that cut the ping of the Q1, plus stabilizers that did not rattle. Ars Technica heard no metallic ping even when bottoming out often and no stabilizer rattle, though it noted hollow clunks from the Spacebar and other large keys. iMore described the CNC-machined 6063 aluminum body and said the double gasket fixes the Q1's ping. Two of them flag the trade-off of the 65% layout: no function row, so F-keys live on a layer (Fn2 on The Verge's unit). iMore also noted there is no coiled cable and no wireless.
Keychron's page points to the Q2 HE and Q2 HE 8K as the newer versions.
Pros & Cons
- Compact 65% footprint in a 1,645 g CNC aluminum case that stays put
- Extra silicone gasket reduced the Q1's ping (The Verge); Ars Technica heard no metallic ping
- Stabilizers that did not rattle in The Verge's and Ars Technica's reviews; Ars heard hollow clunks from large keys
- Optional rotary knob in place of Insert, programmable in three ways (Ars Technica)
- QMK/VIA, hot-swap and screw-in stabilizers
- Gateron G Pro Red, Blue or Brown switches to choose from
- No wireless of any kind
- No function row: F-keys sit on the Fn layer (The Verge, iMore)
- Basic cable only, no coiled cable (iMore)
- Heavy for its size
- Keychron now lists the Q2 HE and Q2 HE 8K as newer versions
Who Is This For?
- Typists who want the smallest layout that keeps arrow keys
- Mac or Windows users who want QMK/VIA on a wired metal board
- Anyone building up a hot-swap collection
- People who need Bluetooth or a 2.4 GHz dongle
- Heavy users of function keys
- Buyers who want a travel keyboard
Where to Buy
Dimensions
65%
Weight
1645 g ± 10g (fully assembled)
Case Material
Aluminum
Connectivity
Wired
Plate Options
Case Colors
Software Support
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