Keychron Q1 Max Review | The Final Destination for Wireless Custom Keyboards.

I'm Ropilog, a gadget blogger.

Anyone who types regularly should invest in a keyboard first. While HHKB and REALFORCE are famous as high-quality models that support Mac layouts, Keychron is the brand I have been using as my primary keyboard for several years.

I have gone through the K2 Pro and the K8 HE, but I personally believe the Q1 Max I am currently using is the pinnacle of Keychron in terms of functionality, typing feel, and design.

If you exclude niche layouts like Alice or split designs, I think it is safe to call this the ultimate wireless mechanical keyboard (though I acknowledge there may be differing opinions).

So, in this article, I will talk about the merits of the Keychron Q1 Max, which I have grown to love as a long-time resident of the keyboard enthusiast rabbit hole.

Keychron Q1 Max

As a premise, the Q1 Max is a 75% layout keyboard that compacts the navigation keys (Page Up, Home, etc.) on the right side of a standard tenkeyless (80%) keyboard.

Despite its compact size, the function keys (F1–F12) are placed independently, so the basic usage feel is almost identical to an 80% keyboard.

And then there is the full-metal body with maxed-out solidity. As expected of the company's flagship model, the premium feel is exceptional compared to other models. Note that while I am using the Shell White model this time, a Black model is also available.

The top surface features switches for wired/wireless and Win/Mac, as well as a USB-C port. This feels like a standard design. Of course, it is certified for technical standards, so wireless use is no problem.

The key switches use Keychron's proprietary Gateron Jupiter mechanical switches. You can choose from three types: Red (45 ± 15 gf), Brown (55 ± 15 gf), and Banana (57 ± 15 gf). By the way, I chose the Red switches because they put less strain on my fingers during long hours of use.

It also supports hot-swapping, so even without special knowledge, you can easily try various switches using the included keycap puller (compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin MX mechanical switches such as Gateron, Cherry MX, and Kailh).

The keycaps use double-shot PBT (KSA for US, OSA for JIS), which is resistant to shine and yellowing. While preferences may vary, I personally love the look and feel of these rounded keycaps from Keychron.

Usage Experience

So, regarding the actual usage experience, it is basically perfect. With its easy-to-use 75% layout, double-gasket mount structure, and this appearance, it is, as I mentioned earlier, my primary keyboard.

The Q1 Max features a double-gasket mount structure along with multiple layers of sound-absorbing foam. It has a light typing feel, but with its deep stroke and moderate rebound, it offers an exquisite sense of exhilaration that you can only experience with this keyboard. This sensation of typing lightly and fluidly, as if playing a piano, is addictive.

The typing sound gives the impression of a so-called "Thocky" sound with minimal resonance, ringing out elegantly with a "clack-clack" or "thud" sound.

Naturally, there is no rattling or reverberation when bottoming out like you might find in cheap mechanical keyboards, and with its exquisite feedback that is neither too hard nor too soft, you can type steadily and stably (the lightness characteristic of the Red switches remains, making long typing sessions fatigue-free).

Unlike the squishy feel of electrostatic capacitive non-contact switches like those on an HHKB, you can clearly feel the resistance when bottoming out, and you also get the sensation of the frame and keycaps making contact, so you can really enjoy the "feeling of typing."

On the other hand, the only thing that bothers me while typing is the rattling noise from the stabilizer on the space bar.

Like other Keychron keyboards, the 'long keys' such as the space bar have stabilizers on both ends in addition to the switch. However, perhaps because these stabilizers are not stable, a 'clacking' sound occurs when you rest your finger on the space bar.

It feels like an extra rattling noise is added to the space bar, which already tends to be loud, so it makes a fairly loud sound every time I press it (though this is just a stabilizer issue, so there might be significant individual differences). Still, if you think of it as an accentuating click sound, it's definitely within an acceptable range.

Looking at the functionality, support for QMK/VIA (key mapping changes) is also a major topic.

Instead of proprietary software, you can perform remapping intuitively on a browser using drag-and-drop. I even use Keychron specifically because I want to use the QMK Mod-Tap feature, which allows you to assign a different role to a 'long press.' For someone like me who chooses a keyboard based on remapping, QMK/VIA support alone is enough of a justification to switch.

You can also customize it using the dedicated web driver called 'Keychron Launcher,' but for those who are already used to using VIA with other keyboards, I think this more versatile option is easier to use than the manufacturer's key mapping software (I'm so deep into VIA that I prefer it even on Keychron). Note that the things you can do, including the Mod-Tap feature, are basically the same as with QMK/VIA.

So, while the Keychron Q1 Max is highly polished in terms of typing feel and functionality, if I had to point out one regrettable aspect, it would be that you cannot adjust the angle.

Since this keyboard does not have the stepped tilt legs found on most keyboards, you have to use it at a fixed tilt angle (5.2°). Personally, I would have been happy if I could change the height by even one level, but considering that this full-metal body unit weighs 1.7kg, it's a trade-off for the solid, heavy feel.

1.7kg is about the weight of two laptops. Thanks to this weight, it doesn't budge even if you type a bit roughly. It probably wasn't designed for carrying around anyway, and for stationary use at home or in the office, this weight is actually an advantage.

Above all, the price is the biggest factor. The list price of 43,890 yen is a price that requires some courage. I believe the original Q1 was around 30,000 yen when it was first released (which was also expensive), but it has now exceeded 40,000 yen due to wireless support and the addition of sound-absorbing foam.

Even so, considering its rarity and what you get, it remains a keyboard I personally recommend, but it's not a price I can easily push by saying, 'It's so good, you should buy it!' However, it is also a fact that there are no real flaws, and it is a keyboard perfected in every aspect to the point where I'm just nitpicking about the aforementioned stabilizers.

The final destination for high-end custom keyboards: 'Keychron Q1 Max'

I have the impression that the product life cycle for gadgets and peripherals around PCs is often short, but the Q1 Max is an excellent tool that can be used for a long time. If the key touch and layout suit you, I think it's a gem that is definitely worth the investment.

The solid feel of the full-metal body, the retro color scheme that harmonizes with it, the ability to use it both wirelessly and wired, the unique typing feel provided by the multi-layer acoustic foam, and VIA support—if these points resonate with you, I definitely want you to try it once. I myself will continue to use it as a work tool for a long time, alongside my main machines, the Cornix and HHKB Professional HYBRID Type-S.

For those who are not yet familiar with Keychron, those considering their first mechanical keyboard, or those who want to end their keyboard obsession... the Keychron Q1 Max is recommended for everyone. Both JIS and US layouts are available, so if you are interested, please check it out.

This article is a reorganization based on the following blog post. Please refer to the link below for a more specific review of the user experience.