New Keychron mechanical gaming keyboard supercharges customization

Keychron launched a crowdfunding campaign December 5 for its new Q1 HE, calling it the first 75% layout wireless QMK custom keyboard with Hall Effect Gateron 2.0 magnetic switches, the company said.

The company noted the switch provides advantages to gamers with its extreme responsiveness and expanded customizability.

Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard

The new Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard goes for $214 fully assembled ($194 bare bones) on Kickstarter. The highly customizable keeb surpassed its funding goal. That typically means buyers can expect shipment and the product will likely go into full production.

The keyboard’s Hall Effect switches benefit gamers by “offering faster feedback, dynamic rapid triggering, and adjustable actuation points, resulting in epic enhancements for the gaming experience tailored to your individual preferences,” the company said.

Switch’s customizable actuation points

Here’s more on that adustable actuation, which adds customization options for each key:

Traditional keyboards typically have a fixed actuation point, which means that a keypress is registered, regardless of the depth at which the button is engaged. A hallmark feature of Q1 HE allows for customizable actuation points, meaning users are not limited to just programming each key’s character and function. They may also assign multiple actions to a single key based on press depth. For example, a slight press on a key will register one command, whereas a deeper press will trigger a different command. Adjustable actuation points allow for faster feedback, dynamic rapid triggering and a personalized typing sensation.

“Gamers seek responsiveness and versatility for a competitive edge in fast-paced games” said Keychron COO Paul Tan. “With Q1 HE, our goal was to create a keyboard that not only excels in performance but also offers unprecedented customization. The Hall Effect Gateron 2.0 magnetic switches, with their ability to set dual actions and increase stability and smoothness of typing experience, are literal game-changers.”

All-metal design

Keychron makes the the double-gasket Q1 HE from CNC-machined 6063 aluminum. A 2.4G connection mode with an impressive 1000 Hz polling rate enables fast performance and Bluetooth multi-device connectivity easy switching between devices.

The keyboard’s QMK open-source firmware helps users remap their favorite keys and create macros on macOS, Windows and Linux, Keychron said. And “the easy assembly design of the Q1 HE also allows gamers to customize or mod each component,” it added.

“The Q1 HE is more than just a keyboard; it’s a commitment to quality and innovation,” Tan said. “We believe it will empower gamers to perform at their best and enjoy a superior gaming experience.”

Keychron said it expects to ship the Keychron Q1 HE Keyboard by February 2024.