On January 17, 2022, Keychron, a keyboard brand based in China and France, launched crowdfunding for the Keychron Q1 Pro on the crowdfunding website Kickstarter.
As of writing on January 19, 2023, it has already reached its goal of $50,000, with a total pledge of $241,515 and 1128 backers, indicating its popularity.
Image references and information from: Kickstarter
PS: The product has been officially available in Japan since October 26, 2023.
Representative of GreenEchoes Studio
He launched his own media as a site operator and web writer, and now plans and manages multiple corporate media. He often types heavily in his work, and in his search for greater efficiency, he became addicted to the keyboard swamp and established “GreenKeys”.
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Purchase price of Keychron Q1 Pro
There are two types of support amounts for Keychron Q1 Pro as follows
- Fully Assembled -Q1 Pro US (Each Color): $194
- Barebone (US/ISO): $174
If the $20 difference includes the keyswitch and keycap, then the full set is a better value.
However, please note that a full set is not available if an ISO layout is desired.
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Keychron Q1 Pro Features
Keychron Q1 Pro is an existing model, Keychron Q1, with wireless connectivity.
The functionality of the existing Q1 remains exactly the same, with features such as a full aluminum alloy body, 75% layout, and double-shot PBTQMK/VIA compatibility for keymap changes, while wireless connectivity is still available.
Let’s look at some broad characteristics.
- Wireless connection available
- QMK/VIA compliant and keymap changeable
- Equipped with programmable knobs
- Fully compatible with Mac layouts while remaining compatible with Windows
- Double gasket design for typing comfort
- Equipped with proprietary profile double-shot PBT keycaps
- Choice of three types of key switches
Wireless connection available
Perhaps the most significant evolution is the availability of wireless connectivity.
Keychron Q1 Pro has succeeded in achieving a stable Bluetooth signal that can pass through a full metal body which contributes to improved keystroke feel.
Up to three devices can be connected.
QMK/VIA compliant and keymap changeable
Keychron Q1 Pro is compatible with QMK/VIA, allowing you to change the key layout to your own preference.
A wired connection must be made to change the keymap.
Presumably, once the keymap is changed, since it will be stored in the unit, there will be no problem in switching to a wireless connection afterwards.
With this function, commands such as CTRL + V can also be registered to a specific key as a macro.
Equipped with programmable knobs
The Keychron Q1 Pro features a rotary encoder knob in the upper right corner.
It can be customized to have various roles such as zoom in/out, brush size and volume adjustment, etc.
Fully compatible with Mac layouts while remaining compatible with Windows
Keychron is. It has an “OS switch” that allows you to physically switch layers, so it can be used on Windows while remaining compatible with Mac.
Of course, both Windows/Mac keycaps are included.
Double gasket design for typing comfort
Keychron Q1 Pro features a gasket construction to soften the impact of typing.
This contributes to improved typing silence.
Equipped with proprietary profile double-shot PBT keycaps
Starting with this issue, it appears that a new keycap shape called “KSA” has been uniquely designed and incorporated.
The structure is such that the surface faces toward your finger, which is expected to make it easier to type.
Choice of three types of key switches
From this time, the key switch has been changed to a key switch developed in-house.
Of particular note would be the “banana switch”.
The switch seems to provide a Holy Panda-like short-stroke early bump tactile feel.
Summary｜Keychron Q1 is sufficient in Japan
This is an introduction to the Keychron Q1 Pro.
There were some new topics, such as the adoption of new profile keycaps, but overall, the Keychron Q1 is not significantly different from the existing Keychron Q1 except for the availability of wireless connectivity.
And here is the important part.
As of the Kickstarter stage, the product has not yet acquired the technical qualification, so even if the product itself has wireless connectivity, it cannot be used in Japan.
It would be no exaggeration to say that this would be no different from the existing Keychron Q1.
It is premature for Japanese to purchase on Kickstarter.
It would be better to wait for official sales in Japan.
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