Keychron Q1 QMK Barebone ANSI navy blue hot-swappable keyboard for Windows & Mac

Is this keyboard right for me?

Width	313 mm
Depth	123 mm
Height	21.6 (front) - 34.8 (back) mm
Compatibility	Windows and Mac
Key layout	(ANSI US int.)
Programmable	QMK/VIA
Switches	3- and 5-pin compatible
	an overview of all Keychron keyboards can be found here

Ode to the Keychron Q1 Barebone

Dress it up, dress it down

It looks at you, you look back. A small screwdriver in your left hand, a piece of foam in your right. Behind you lies a set of keycaps that will come in handy later. The tension, phew, it's intense. Slowly you move towards the board, whispering "Tonight, you and I are going to have some fun modding and programming".

Ode to the Keychron Q1 Barebone

With its Q series, Keychron has embarked on a new path, allowing you to get more enjoyment from your keyboard. They kick off with the 75% layout Q1. A strong choice, given that Keychron's current top model, the K2, also features a 75% layout.

Modding (modifying) the keyboard has been made even easier, and it now also supports QMK/VIA, allowing you to program it. The plate has also been given some play within the housing, making typing even more comfortable. Yes, now it's getting interesting.

Where are the switches and keycaps?

If this is your first question, then the fully assembled Q1 might be more suitable for you :-). The ANSI Barebone edition of the Q1 is for the modders, users who want to upgrade their keyboard. Think of different switches, extra foam for sound dampening, different stabilisers or even a different plate above the PCB.

With its Q series, Keychron has embarked on a new path, allowing you to get more enjoyment from your keyboard. They kick off with the 75% layout Q1. A strong choice, given that Keychron's current top model, the K2, also features a 75% layout.

Modding (modifying) the keyboard has been made even easier, and it now also supports QMK/VIA, allowing you to program it. The plate has also been given some play within the housing, making typing even more comfortable. Yes, now it's getting interesting.

3- and 5-pin support for your switches

All Q1 models are hot-swappable and support 3- and 5-pin switches. The LEDs in the Q1 are inverted and shine towards you, making them visible even with keycaps that don't let light through.

Choose your own switches and keycaps

The Q1 Barebone does not come with keycaps and switches as standard. The idea behind this is that you would remove all those commonly supplied standard items anyway. With the Barebone, you don't have any parts on it that can go straight up to the attic or into the bin.

The Q1 is robust and durable. Constructed from aluminium that has been polished, anodised and sandblasted. Fully assembled, it weighs 1600 grams and feels high-quality. The board is 21.6 mm high at the front and 34.8 mm at the back (without keycaps). To reduce the height difference with your desk, you can choose the accompanying wrist rest.

You connect your Q1 with a braided cable that truly completes the look on your desk.

What makes an ergonomic keyboard so good?

Anyone who performs a lot of computer work knows that it can be strenuous. A good keyboard can help with this. The Keychron Q1, for example, has a compact design and mechanical keys, making it comfortable to type on. The keys are also extra easy to press. Furthermore, you can place your mouse close to the keyboard. All of this is to minimise muscle tension, which can help prevent or reduce injuries.

Get the most out of your Q1

Physical adjustments

You are probably already familiar with Keychron's hot-swappable models, where you can easily change the switches. The Q1 goes a step further, for example with screw-in stabilisers. With the included screwdriver, you can replace them with other ones. Cherry and Durock are supported on the Q1.

The plate that sits in the gaskets is also interchangeable.

The Q1 is also the first Keychron to feature a gasket that allows the plate to flex slightly (gasket mount design). It has about 2.5 mm of play.

Programmable adjustments

Finally! This has been requested by Keychron fans for a very long time. The Q1 supports QMK and VIA and can be used on Windows, Mac and Linux. Thanks to QMK, you can assign different functions to your keys, even macros. The VIA configurator makes programming easy and accessible; you don't need any specific knowledge for it. Anyone can use it, whether you're an intensive gamer or work a lot in Excel.

Up to 4 different layers can be programmed, of which Keychron has created 2 for Mac and 2 for Windows. Keychron has already dedicated a blog to the use of VIA, which is definitely worth reading.