Just when we thought the mechanical keyboards became boring with no innovation over the years, Keychron introduced the new Keychron Q1 HE with Hall effect switches. This is an interesting product combining the high-tech customizability of these switches with the premium construction of a mechanical keyboard. Let’s see if it is better than traditional mechanical keyboards.
Design and Build Quality
The build quality of the Q1 HE is exceptional. Made entirely of 6063 aluminum alloy, the premium construction makes it look like a very durable product. The volume knob, also made of aluminum, feels solid and well-engineered, adding a touch of luxury to the overall design.
The 75% layout of the keyboard strikes a good balance between compactness and functionality, including essential keys like the function row and navigation keys. This layout makes it versatile for various use cases, from gaming to everyday typing tasks. It also has RGB lighting just like any other mechanical keyboards.
What Are Hall Effect Switches?
Hall effect switches are a relatively new feature of mechanical keyboards. Unlike traditional mechanical switches that rely on physical contact to register key presses, Hall effect switches use magnets to manipulate an electromagnetic field. This allows the switch to detect key presses at different points along the key travel, offering unparalleled customization.
The Nebula Double Rail Magnetic switches in the Q1 HE, made by Gateron, are proprietary and exclusive to this keyboard. These switches offer a smooth typing experience, largely thanks to their magnet-based operation, which eliminates the need for physical contact between components. This contactless design not only contributes to a smoother feel but also promises enhanced durability, with Gateron’s Hall effect switches rated for more than 100 million actuations.
Users can adjust the actuation point – where the keyboard registers a key press. This adjustability can enhance typing responsiveness or reduce accidental keystrokes, depending on your preference. The Q1 HE takes full advantage of this technology, offering an actuation range of 0.2 – 3.8mm with a sensitivity of 0.1mm. The short trigger distance is hugely beneficial to gamers but it could cause a lot of accidental keypresses when you type, so you should create multiple profiles for different purposes. This fine level of control is accessible through Keychron’s web-based customization app, Keychron Launcher.
In addition to adjustable actuation, the Q1 HE features a “rapid-trigger” setting, which allows for multiple keypresses in quick succession without the switch needing to return to its resting position. This is particularly beneficial for gaming, where rapid inputs are a huge advantage.
One downside is that customization options are not available in wireless mode, you will have to use the included cable to connect the keyboard to your computer.
What Typing on the Switches Feel Like?
The typing experience on the Q1 HE is exceptional. The 60-gram bottom-out weight of the switches provides a satisfying level of resistance, and the smoothness of the keypresses is unbelievable. There is minimal lateral movement or stem wobble, and the consistent resistance across the entire keystroke makes typing feel natural, regardless of where the actuation point is set.
The Q1 HE is not just about high-tech switches; it’s also designed for comfort. The keyboard features sculpted PBT keycaps, which are durable and have a spherical indentation that helps guide your fingers. For optimal comfort, especially during prolonged use, I’d highly recommend a wrist rest.
The sound of typing on the Q1 HE is a deep and satisfying tone. The extra dampening provided by the gasket mount system and the soft bottom-out of the switches make this one of the quietest keyboards available, which is a significant plus for those who prefer a more subdued typing sound.
One Flaw
The keyboard is almost perfect for gamers, however, there is a small issue with the keyboard entering a deep sleep mode after a period of inactivity. Waking it up can be a bit of a hassle as it could take around 30 seconds of key presses; Or you can switch the mode from 2.4 GHz to cable and back again to wake it up instantly. While this is not a deal-breaker, it is an inconvenience that such an expensive keyboard shouldn’t have.
Update: Users can press the spacebar to wake up the monitor faster, it would take just a few seconds.
Final Verdict
Pros
- Adjustable actuation points and key inputs
- Smooth Hall effect switches
- Durable Build
Cons
- Deep Sleep Issue
- Expensive
The Keychron Q1 HE Wireless Keyboard is an amazing product in the world of mechanical keyboards. It offers an incredible level of customization, a premium typing experience, and build quality that feels like it will last a lifetime. However, if you are not a gamer, you won’t get the most out of it and there are many cheaper mechanical keyboards out there that could deliver the same typing experience.
Buy Keychron Q1 HE Keyboard on Amazon
Disclosure: We might earn commission from qualifying purchases. The commission help keep the rest of my content free, so thank you!
