Part of the reason we gave a rave review to the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro in July 2023 was the close collaboration OnePlus undertook with the boutique manufacturer Keychron. The two collaborated on many aspects of the deluxe keyboard’s design, from its compact layout to its excellent key switch options. We’d never actually reviewed the Keychron Q1 that the 81 Pro was based on, however, so we’re glad to fix that by checking out the new Keychron Q1 HE ($219). This update to the Q1 (and 81 Pro) adds magnetic linear switches to everything we already liked about this pricey but near-perfect design, making it a new Editors’ Choice winner for enthusiast-level compact wireless keyboards.Design: An 81-Key MarvelSince it shares the same layout as the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro, you might think the Q1 HE is a carbon copy, but it’s not quite. The Keychron measures 1.4 by 12.9 by 5.7 inches (HWD) and weighs 3.85 pounds, making it slightly smaller and lighter than the OnePlus. The Q1 HE also omits the 81 Pro’s pivoting kickstand bar, which could be a deal-breaker if you prefer angled typing.
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The Q1 HE is an 81-key wireless keyboard with Bluetooth and 2.4GHz (USB dongle) connectivity options and a volume knob at the top right corner. While we tested a prebuilt model with a black color scheme, the keyboard is also available as a $199 bare-bones model that removes the switches and keycaps. Both versions also come in white with a different set of keys altogether.You can toggle between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections by using a selector switch on the top left of the chassis. This switch sits next to the USB-C port (used for charging or to connect in wired mode via the bundled USB-C-to-A cable) and another switch for swapping between Windows and Mac configurations. Keychron rates the Q1 HE’s internal battery at more than 100 hours of life with the RGB lighting turned off.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The RGB effects, when turned on, are vibrant and smooth. Although the keycaps don’t feature shine-through legends like those of the Alienware Pro Wireless, the colors pop between the edges of the keys, even in brighter areas. The alphanumeric keys have simple black legends on a white body, with the color scheme inverted for the other keys. The Enter and Escape keys are red with white legends to offer some stylistic contrast, but Keychron includes extra black keys to replace them if you prefer.Testing the Keychron Q1 HE: Curved Caps for Easier TypingThe Q1 HE’s keycaps have slightly dished surfaces, acting like little cradles for your fingertips. The curve is slight enough that we didn’t notice a visual difference compared with flat keycaps, but we did have an easier time hitting keys as we were getting accustomed to the keyboard. After some practice, we managed 71 words per minute in a Monkeytype online test.As you’d expect from a $219 keyboard, the Keychron is crafted from premium materials. Most of its weight can be attributed to the machined aluminum frame and an aluminum top plate that helps absorb vibrations from key presses. A layer of sound absorption foam helps to minimize echoes, while foam gaskets eliminate any rattle that might otherwise come from the inner PCB.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The Q1 HE’s cutting-edge magnetic key switches from Gateron contribute to the high price. Unlike traditional mechanical switches, in which one physical object hitting another creates a signal, magnetic switches achieve the same result by disrupting magnetic fields, with a host of benefits. The HE in the keyboard’s name refers to the Hall effect, the voltage difference created when a magnet is nearby. Because switches that harness the Hall effect don’t require physical contact to work, they experience less wear and tear than regular switches do. They also offer variable actuation points, effectively letting you set the sensitivity of key presses, though they’re not alone in this respect. Optical switches like those in the NZXT Function 2 Mini TKL also let you adjust actuation points by detecting light, instead of magnetic fluctuations, at a customizable point in the vertical press distance. You can even assign multiple actions to the same key depending on the amount of force applied. For example, you can half-press the W key to walk in your favorite FPS game, and fully depress it to run. While both the keycaps and switches are hot-swappable, Keychron says the Gateron Double-Rails used are for now the only compatible magnetic switches.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Nevertheless, Keychron’s designers know full well that hardcore keyboard enthusiasts will want to break into the housing and start tinkering. That’s why the box includes a screwdriver, an extra set of screws, and additional foam gaskets in case you need to replace the preinstalled ones.You also get a combo key-switch and keycap puller, the USB dongle for the 2.4GHz wireless connection, and a pair of adapters for the USB cable. The keyboard lacks a niche or storage space for the dongle, a feature we expect to see even in cheaper keyboards. The Q1 HE isn’t marketed as a portable keyboard, but dongle storage would be nice to prevent losing this critical bit when it’s not in use.Software: So Long, VIAKeychron used to rely on the open-source, browser-based utility VIA for keyboard customization and control, but the Q1 HE ditches that software in favor of a new proprietary utility called Launcher. (In fact, we tried VIA and it didn’t work.)
(Credit: Keychron)
Launcher works the same way other keyboard apps from the likes of Logitech and Razer do. You can use it to reassign key bindings, tweak RGB effects, and apply firmware updates, which we needed to do to get the software up and running.
(Credit: Keychron)
Launcher is also the place to tinker with the magnetic switches, adjusting sensitivity and assigning multiple pressure-dependent inputs to a key press, or other actions triggered by holding a key down for a specific amount of time. The program’s attractive, easy-to-read user interface makes adjusting the keyboard’s multiple features a breeze.Verdict: An Iteration Done RightThe Keychron Q1 HE is a refreshing example of what fine-tuning an already excellent design can achieve. Adding magnetic switches—and thus the ability to adjust actuation—to the solid aluminum frames and striking color schemes offered by the original Q1 and the OnePlus 81 Pro brings the Q1 HE up to the level we expect from a $200-plus keyboard. While the lack of angled feet and dongle storage are disappointing, they don’t keep the Q1 HE from earning an Editors’ Choice award as our new favorite compact wireless keyboard.
Pros
Magnetic switches offer variable key-press detection levels
Machined aluminum frame
Hot-swappable switches
Available in two color schemes
Works with Windows and macOS
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The Bottom Line
Well-designed and good-looking, with magnetic switches that allow unique key-press customization, the compact Keychron Q1 HE is a wireless mechanical keyboard sure to delight enthusiasts who don’t mind its steep price.
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