My First Mechanical Keyboards
In the past, I’ve used the issue Apple Keyboard that came with every Mac I’ve owned. I’d heard about the growing popularity of mechanical keyboards for some time before I decided to try my first “starter” Keychron K2 Wireless Keyboard with brown switches.
After typing on this keyboard for several months, I decided to upgrade to the Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard. I ordered it fully assembled (you can get it in various builds), in Navy Blue with Gateron Phantom Brown switches. I won’t repeat all of the technical information regarding what this keyboard offers; if interested you can go to the link above for full details.
The cost of the Q1 was $169, about $100 more than the K2. I suggest that if you decide to order a Keychron mechanical keyboard check first see if it’s available on Amazon like my K2 was. The prices are about the same as ordering from the company but you’ll save a $30 shipping fee from China. Also, returns are easy and free to Amazon, while you’ll pay the $30 shipping fee and whatever it costs to mail it back to Hong Kong if you decided to return one you’ve bought from the company store.
I enjoy typing on a mechanical keyboard in a way I didn’t with the quiet standard Apple Keyboards. I like the clicky, more mechanical feel of the keyboard. It makes me feel like I’m typing on a “big boy” keyboard, and sets me in the proper mode to write. I look forward to typing on it.
Adventures In Hot-Swapping Switches
Because the Q1 has a much more substantial frame and base than the K2 did, I found the switches not as loud as I’d hoped for. Since the Q1 is “hot-swappable” in regard to switches, I decided to change to Gateron Blue switches, which promised to be louder.
I’m not a mechanical keyboard hobbyist, so it took me some research and time to figure out what kind of switches would work on my keyboard. A helpful blog post explained there are “plate-mounted” and “PCB-mounted” switches. It took an email to Keychron to nail down that my keyboard required plate-mounted switches. I also got some help from others on the Mac Power Users forum about ordering switches.
After ordering the proper switches from Amazon, I next had to figure out how to remove the keycaps and the brown switches and install the new blue switches. Everyone seems to assume you’re a hobbyist and already know how to do this; I didn’t and had to find articles and videos to explain what to do.
It took me some time and effort to complete the “easy” job of removing the old switches and installing the new ones. I found that my switches were very tight and typically took a lot of strength to remove with the tool. In addition, the replacement switches did not just slide right in; I found the best way to get them in was to line them up, wiggle until it felt like the pins were properly aligned, then apply sufficient force to seat them. Even then, some switches didn’t work when tested and I found the pins had bent instead of properly seating.
Eventually, I got the job done and started using the keyboard. I found that the blue switches are louder and more clicky, and this makes me happy.
My Evaluation of the Q1
Overall, I’m very pleased with the Q1 and think the upgrade from the K2 was worth it. With a heavier frame, it doesn’t move easily and feels solid and well-built. With the higher profile of the Keychron mechanical keyboards, my cat isn’t inclined to lay on the keys (which of course creates word processing pandemonium) when she gets on my desk for a nap.
I also appreciate that it is possible to reprogram keys with downloaded software from the Keychron site. I was able to reprogram the “ins” key in the upper right corner to trigger command/shift/4, thus selecting an area, taking a screenshot of the area, and saving it as a file on the desktop. If I could figure it out, it must be fairly easy.
I use the Keychron walnut palm rest. Without this, I’d have a difficult time typing with the high profile of the keyboard. Be sure to order a size that fits your keyboard. It doesn’t have to line up exactly (mine doesn’t) with the keyboard frame, but you want it as close as possible.
I don’t really care about the RGB lights that come standard with the Q1. I’ve set them to a steady deep blue to be compatible with the deep blue of the frame. I find pulsating patterns of RGB lights on a keyboard to be distracting.
I was disappointed that the keycaps on the Q1 were not “shine through” (key symbols light up) as they were on the K2. Sometimes I’m typing in low light and it helps to have the illuminated symbols. I’m planning on finding replacement shine-through keycaps I can use. How hard can that be, right?