If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably seen loads of cool keyboards on TikTok with custom keycaps, creamy switches, and so much satisfaction with each button press that makes you desperately want to go out and build your own just to have that same feeling day in, day out.
I’ve used a few different mechanical keyboards in my time, but none of them gave me anything close to that feeling of extremely pleasant keystrokes with each word,until I started using the Keychron Q1 HE keyboard.
I’m putting a note here just so I have an excuse to keep typing more words out on this keyboard and, yep, it’s still just as satisfying as ever. I kind of don’t want to stop. I’m not sure if there’s a wordcount limit or block text formatting issues with these noteboxes, but hey, we’re about to find ou-
First Impressions And Details
Okay, so if you’re looking for an excellent keyboard but you’re not too savvy when it comes to builds, switches, and what colours have to do with anything (Brown switches? Red switches? Do theysoundred?), then let me give you the impressions of the average consumer.
This keyboard is, quite frankly, the best keyboard I’ve ever used. I’ve always enjoyed trying out different mechanical keyboards in the past, andmy last one was the Ducky One 3, which I have been using since 2022. But now, almost immediately, I knew this was a high-quality keyboard, and one that I’d want to keep using for just as long, at a minimum.
I ended up swapping out the keys on the Ducky for Matcha switches - again, no idea what makes them Matcha, but they sounded great.
The Q1 HE offers a high-pitched sound to each key press, while also avoiding sounding too ‘click-y’. The switches feel softer than any keyboard I’ve used previously, and that’s largely in part to the Magnetic Switches the Q1 HE utilises - more on that later. It’s 75 percent in size, meaning you get access to all your fundamentals, a row of F/media keys, and are only missing the number pad. There’s also a volume dial in the top right corner, which can be used to control the sound of audio output, as well as pressed to mute the active audio source.
The Keychron can also be connected to multiple devices at once, offering wired, wireless USB, and Bluetooth options. There’s also a switch for Windows and Mac, and though the device arrives set up for Mac by default, you will also receive the tools and alternate keycaps to change it over as you need, including between US and UK layouts.
While the size and connectivity options make for a fantastic portable keyboard, that might require a bit more effort; With a solid metal base, this is a hefty peripheral, and one that offers no adjustable legs to alter the angle the keyboard sits. I’ve not found this to be an issue as someone who used previous keyboards at a higher angle, but if it’s something you’re set on, then you’ll need to use other means to change the tilt here.
Magnetic Switches And What They Offer
The Keychron Q1 HE ships with Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula Switches, which is a lot of words for the clicky things. Essentially, the tech in using magnetic switches differs quite a bit from traditional mechanical switches, in that there’s a lot of room for customisation and making the experience of using the keyboard closer to exactly what you want than ever before.
As per Keychron’s website: “The Q1 HE is compatible exclusively with the Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Switch. It does not support other magnetic switches such as the Gateron Magnetic Jade or Gateron KS-20 Magnetic switches.”
Now I’m not an expert on switches or how best to utilise these magnetic capabilities just yet, but I’ve taken a look at the Keychron Launcher software, which is used to make these customisations, which I was pleasantly surprised to find is an entirely in-browser software. No need for downloading another EXE and remembering another icon on my taskbar.
You have full freedom to remap keys, customise the 22+ lighting modes, and - most importantly - adjust the magnetic switches, allowing for complete “digital customization with full control over keypress actuation point, travel distance, and functionalities.” A lot more words again, I know, but even just a quick look makes it clear how much can be done here, with the ability to have a single key use multiple inputs depending on how far it’s been pressed. I’m particularly interested in diving into the customisation of these switches further, to improve things like acceleration while driving in games using a keyboard.
The Keychron Q1 HE is easily my new favourite keyboard I’ve owned. Not only for the high-quality build and satisfying switches, but for how great it is to use between writing for work in the day, and gaming at night. While it’s missing something simpler, like the ability to adjust the tilt of the keyboard itself, it offers complete customisation in pretty much every other area. It’s certainly an expensive piece of equipment at £232.99, but one that goes above and beyond to make that premium price tag translate into a premium experience.
