Keychron Q1 HE

Keychron Q1 HE

Full-metal 75% keyboard pairing Gateron magnetic switches and Rapid Trigger with 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth.

  • 75%
  • Magnetic / Hall-effect
  • USB, 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth
  • Hot-swappable
  • 1,000 Hz

PCPR score

8.1

Great

Best price we’ve seen

$240Nov 9

Checked recently. Confirm at the retailer.

R1

The short version

The Q1 HE is Keychron's aluminum 75% keyboard with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches, Rapid Trigger and per-key actuation from 0.2 to 3.8 mm, plus 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired connections. At about 1.7 kg it is built for a fixed desk. Tom's Hardware gave it an Editor's Choice award but flagged limited switch compatibility and some rattle on larger keys. It suits buyers who want a premium wireless Hall effect board rather than an esports-first design.

Pros

  • Aluminum body with double gasket mount and hot-swappable PCB
  • Rapid Trigger plus per-key actuation from 0.2 to 3.8 mm
  • USB-C, 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.2 across Mac, Windows and Linux
  • Rated for up to 100 hours of wireless use with the backlight off
  • QMK firmware with Keychron's web-based Launcher for remapping

Cons

  • Hot-swapping is limited to Gateron double-rail magnetic switches
  • About 1.7 kg, so it is a desk-bound board
  • 1000 Hz polling sits below 8 kHz competitors
  • Tom's Hardware noted some rattle on larger keys

Best for

  • Buyers who want magnetic switches in a premium metal wireless board
  • Mac and Windows users who switch between devices

J3

Full specifications

Core

Layout
75%
Switch type
Magnetic / Hall-effect
Stock switches
Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula

Features

Hot-swappable
Yes
Rapid Trigger
Yes
Backlight
RGB

Connectivity

Connection
USB, 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth

Performance

Polling rate
1,000 Hz

Physical

Keycaps
PBT
Weight
1,735 g
Color
Black

Power

Battery life
100 h

Compatibility notes

  • Only Gateron double-rail magnetic switches are supported for hot-swapping; Gateron Jade and KS-20 magnetic switches are not
  • Polling is 1000 Hz over USB and 2.4 GHz and 90 Hz over Bluetooth

P1

Where to buy

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AV1

Video reviews

No verified video reviews yet

We only list videos we’ve confirmed are about this product. You can search YouTube for reviews in the meantime.

AV2

What reviewers and owners say

  • Tom's Hardware

    Positive

    Awarded Editor's Choice for its sturdy metal body and wireless magnetic switches, while warning that compatible switch options are few, larger keys can rattle and it sits at the expensive end.

  • Tom's Guide

    Positive

    Tom's Guide calls it the best metal keyboard available, praising magnetic Hall Effect switches, superb typing feel, and deep customization, while criticizing its high price and limited switch options.

Summaries are written in our words. Follow the links for each source’s own review.

R9

Common questions

Which switches work in the Q1 HE?

Keychron states the Q1 HE is compatible only with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches. Other magnetic switches, such as Gateron Jade or KS-20, are not supported.

Is there a faster version of this keyboard?

Keychron sells a separate Q1 HE 8K model with 8000 Hz wired polling and Keychron Lime magnetic switches, but that version gives up wireless connectivity.

Does the Q1 HE work with a Mac?

Yes. Keychron lists macOS, Windows and Linux support and includes keycaps for both Mac and Windows layouts in the fully assembled version.

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