Keychron Q1 Pro keyboard: Simply unbeatable

Keychron adds wireless to one of its most popular premium keyboards and keeps its unbelievable value intact.

- MICHAEL CRIDER

Keychron started out making wireless, Mac-focused mechanical keyboards that were, at least for me, pretty underwhelming. Then the company shifted into high-end, enthusiast-focused keyboards, such as the Keychron Q5 (fave.co/3XORQva), which has all the trappings of a small-batch boutique build, but at about half the price. This is the company's sweet spot, and it's been improving on that ever since. Now we've come full circle: The Q1 Pro is Keychron's first high-end, all-metal board to add Bluetooth.

And damn it if it isn't just about perfect. The Q1 Pro combines the ultra-popular 75% layout, high-end materials like an all-aluminum case and a rotary dial, and boutique features like gasket mounting and VIA/QMK programming. And it's wireless. It's everything you want in a high-end build, with almost no sacrifices. And as usual, the value is absolutely beating the pants off the competition.

There are only two reasons I can think of to not recommend the Q1 Pro to a mechanical keyboard fan. One, you demand 2.4GHz, gaming-grade wireless. Or two, you simply want to wait for Keychron to bring Bluetooth to one of its other, many Q-series keyboard layouts (fave.co/3ZaUe0i). For everyone else: Go buy one.

A FAMILIAR LOOK

If you’ve read any of our previous Keychron reviews here on PCWorld, you know what to expect. The Q1 Pro features a compact 75% layout with full arrow keys and function row, plus an optional rotary dial upgrade. It’s clad in an aluminum case that feels like it could stand in for any of the murder weapons in a game of Clue. (Read: It’s really heavy and tough.) And typing on it, especially with the included high-profile PBT keycaps, is heavenly.