The Keychron V1 might be the best 75% keyboard that can be customized right now. The Keychron V1 price is incredible and availability isn't bad at all. This is a keyboard you absolutely need to know about for gaming, typing and more.
Buy & Customize the Keychron V1 - bit.ly/KEYV1
Buy the Keychron Q1 - bit.ly/buykcq1
Buy items in this video from Amazon at the links below:
Phanteks G360A - geni.us/G360A
GET MERCH ►hwcstore.com
SUBSCRIBE ►bit.ly/SubHWC
TIMESTAMPS -
0:00 - A $84 75% Mechanical Keyboard!?
0:53 - Size & Weight
1:32 - Understanding the V1 Price
1:59 - Unboxing the V1
2:09 - Design & BUILD Quality
3:39 - The V1 Keycaps
4:36 - Keyboard QMK and VIA Support
4:57 - More Accessories
5:22 - RGB Lighting
5:51 - Sponsor Spot
6:23 - Switches Explained
7:52 - ASMR Goodness
9:06 - The Problem & Final Thoughts
Review unit provided free of charge by Keychron. This video is sponsored by Phanteks. As per Hardware Canucks guidelines, no review direction was received from manufacturer. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Gear list (Available on Amazon):
Main Camera (Dmitry) - geni.us/SONYA7III
Main Lens (Dmitry) - geni.us/Tamron2875
Main Camera (Eber) - geni.us/CanonEOS-R
Main Lens (Eber) - geni.us/dLL
Main 2nd Lens (Eber) - geni.us/Canon24-70MKII
Main Camera Mic (D & E) - geni.us/RODEMIC
Cheap 4K Camera (Panasonic G7) - geni.us/24nm
Awesome Slider - geni.us/1Hwt
Our Shotgun Mic - geni.us/Sennheiser-MKE600
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#keychronv1 #hardwarecanucks
Finally you cover up the rabbit hole of "Custom mecanical keyboard" This Keychron V1 made a huge move on this hobby, one of budget kings at the moment
I got a v1 barebones version and got 2 sets of switches. The first one was the akko cream blue tactiles, and the second one (the one I use now) are the akko snow blue greys. I got some matcha green keycaps off of amazon and it sounds really nice. If anyone is just starting out with the hobby, I would recommend a kit like this. Overall, without the lubing equipment, it cost me about 140-150. its a really good deal.
Great review! Personally, I've been loving my Keychron Q3 (force break mod & Boba U4T switches) and I must agree the OSA doubleshot keycaps are really nice.
Those keycaps look amazing! I will definitely think about getting one of these if I ever switch back to using a desktop instead of a laptop as my daily driver. Great review!
After building a Q5 for my buddy and handling a few of their other kits, I gotta say that Keychron is a solid option for anyone who wants to dip their toes in to the custom keyboard hobby. They have pretty competitive pricing in my opinion and their boards are rock solid. Hell, their stabilizers even sound great out of the box which is a huge plus for beginners since crappy stabilizers will break an entire build and beginners aren't gonna know how to tune and lube stabilizers. I remember testing the stabilizers on my buddy's Q5 while I was building it and just being like "Huh...these sound almost perfect already."
That looks dashing! Nice review E, very smooth and pro.
Ah, a keyboard video! I've been looking into getting the K4 96% myself (to complement my RK100 I use for work) Please have a video on how to lube switches. Your cinematography and voice over will make learning it really easy. I'm slowly delving into modding my keyboards and already ordered a lube kit. I think this mechanical keyboard hobby's gonna be more satisfying than just gaming.
Keychron is such a great way in to the mechanical keyboard world. Still loving my wired C1 for productivity. While not as feature rich as the V1, it’s been amazing re-introduction to the mechanical keyboard world (I also own an IBM Model M from an old PS/2 machine decades old now).
Hey, I'm glad you're loving Keychron keyboards! If you're looking to optimize your desktop setup, I highly recommend the HOTO Compressed Air Capsule. It's a versatile and powerful tool for maintaining a spotless environment, and its vacuuming and blowing capabilities make it perfect for cleaning your desk and keyboard. Check it out, it's definitely worth considering!
Great review! This is the first video I watched on this channel and halfway through watching, I hit the subscribe button! Cheers!
Those keycaps are really nice looking. They remind me of the keys on the old IBM Selectric II typewriter, which is a good thing. Plus double-shot!
Great video for a person like me who is starting to learn the ropes in custom mechanical keyboards. I highly appreciate the simple and direct explanation, not like other keyboard geeks who are so expert they sound snobby, if that makes sense.
I'm still using a K8, this V1 75% looks like my next upgrade but not anytime soon. My K8 is still solid for the work and the games that I play.
The Q8 just dropped, its an ortho but it looks super cool.
@@Jezee213 Q8 is alice (elitsts will say "arisu" but at this point who cares), not ortho. As much as I'm not a fan of ortho, Keychron is overdue to make an ortho. Ortho(linear) is everything aligned in a grid, a perfect rectangle, no staggering whatsoever.
@@CheeseManFuu ya like a plank ortholinear
@@Jezee213 if they make a q8 with the translucent case I'm buying it in ahearbeat lol
@@sazlefraz Ahh I know right! translucent kb cases are so awesome!
Thank you for this excellent review. Keychron has really stepped up their game, this is an amazing price for what you get. I'll probably buy their new OSA keycaps for my K2 Hotswap. Now I wish I had waited for the V1, instead of my GMMK Pro, because the heavy aluminum chassis is expensive and just plain ridiculous. I'd also liike to point out that using the led's for subtle backlighting with solid caps is an excellent aesthetic choice. It's not just for see-through. In fact, most see through caps are terrible, and most enthusiasts use the lighting with solid caps, they just need high contrast for darker rooms.
Absolutely well put together video, You are as good as Damitri. Kudos to HC.
Would love for you to test the Q1 V2 some time down the line, it's made huge improvements over the original release Q1.
K4 v2 user here. 96% / "1800" layout is ideal for me, and K4 was the only sub-$100 option that had what I was looking for. Now I couldn't live with any other layout!
I low-key preferred the V1's sound profile more than the surprisingly pingy Q1.
Same!
yeah, aluminum might look nice and it's good to know that your keyboard would make an adequate makeshift mace in case of a zombie apocalypse, but for sound plastic is honestly just straight up superior.
the q series for all their dampening are horrifically pingy unless you get *really* quiet switches installed and kick out the default stabs. you can flick the q1 anywhere with your fingernail and it sounds like a high-pitched gong
yeah you need mods for the q1 forcebreak and polyfill is a must
Plastic keyboards tend to sound “better,” provided the plastic is a decent quality. This is why a lot of old 80s and 90s keyboards sound so good, especially with buckling spring or alps SKCM switches in them.
I just got a Keychron Q3 a little over a week ago and I absolutely love this thing. I was previously on an original Corsair K70 and was considering their TKL K70. What a waste that would've been considering this keyboard is the same price and sounds a hundred times better.
Great review. I have the k6 and k4 which are great, but I've been wanting that QMK/via software option. I am planning to buy the V2 65% when it comes out later this month.
I decided to buy my first mechanical keyboard. Your review was very helpful! Thank you! I went with V6. I REALLY need numpad for work (try typing dimensions for 8 hours on the top row) and it makes me angry how hard it is to find 100% mechanical keyboard. Keychron is a godsend.
Really good review! - I sure will recommend you guys to my friends
Seems to be a very nice option. And this new switches might be better than the old Gateron that Keychron was shipping with in the past. However, as of right now, it is not available in an ISO layout, so for us in europe the Q1 is still the only similar option. And to be fair, with the most simple mods you can think of, you easily get lost of the metallic ping on the Q1. I simply did the tape mod and put little duck tape stripes between upper and lower parts of the housing, and the ping is basically gone.
It is now I just bought one for me and another one for my son. We both love them:)
Hey there, I noticed your comment {{3}}. I understand your concern with the metallic ping issue on the Q1. If you're looking for a solution, have you considered trying the HOTO Compressed Air Capsule? It's a versatile cleaning tool that could help you keep your keyboard and other areas dust-free. Plus, it offers multiple accessories and efficient storage. Let me know if you want more details!
This looks like a fantastic gateway drug into the world of customs. And honestly to me, a guy who isn't into customs, much more appealing than most that I watch videos about even if the sound profile isn't quite as premium perhaps. Well done Keychron.
once you start with keebs, its hard to turn back haha. Its a rabbit hole
Hey {{3}}, I totally agree with you! The Keychron V1 sounds like a great entry point into the world of custom keyboards. If you're interested in optimizing your setup, have you considered the HOTO Compressed Air Capsule? It's a compact device with powerful vacuuming and blowing capabilities, perfect for keeping your desk and computer clean. You might find it useful!
Thank you for your reviews !!! I bought a Keychron V1, and as a mechanical keyboard newbie, I am enjoying every bit of it ! It is much better than my former Ducky One 2 TKL, and the typing sound is very satisfying.
$84 competes directly with the new Corsair tkl 60% and has the arrow keys - this thing is an instant buy for me
Hi, I hope in the future, you can try doing the sound test while the keyboard is on a desk mat. Just so I can be sure whether the sound is from the keyboard or from the table top. Thank you. Very nice clear video and explanation by the way.
Very informative, thanks!
I got blue switches on my V-series. I really need this click, since I am so accustomed to it from having it decades (from my IBM keyboard and later cherry keyboard) And I agree... Shipping cost are over-the-top. I paid 17 euro, which is insane for standard shipping.
Nice video! Ask them to send you the Q8. For some reason the Brown on that one sound better and even more silent than the Red ones.
great review!
Keychron is so much more affordable to Logitech
And it sounds and looks better.
@@Fredurick I finally did the foam and tape mod in my k3 and lubed the switches amazing
And it sounds and looks and feels and preforms and tastes and smells a lot better
@@Lamnsss Yeah, licking the grease from your last burger or the flakes from your chips of you keyboard is real delicious!! 😍
And is better
ooh I love a good keyboard video haha I finally managed to build one on KBD fans which cost me £400 and it's the best purchase I've ever made
Would be pretty cool if it keep the gasket mount. The Q1 can sound much better if you would do the mods that many others has done the video, and people been saying Q1 V2 version is so much better than the V1 so there's that. Each has their own targer market I guess.
Q Sounds bad
In my opinion, this is the best Keychron 75%, or even the best 75% on the market in terms of price/quality ratio. Firstly, I don't care about wireless, as keyboard is a device that is always in exact same place - so why would I pay more for a useless functionality? Secondly, the build is just amazing. This is the lowest profile (of non-low profile) custom mechanical keyboard I could find, so it's extremely comfortable to use. I actually find it better than Q1 V2, which is supposed to be the premium version of V1 and is much more expensive.
10000% agreed on the wireless feature! Unless you frequently type while on the go or connect it to your tablet / phone, it makes zero sense to me why you'd pay for that. And also very good info on the height, I was looking for exactly that - a non-low-profile keyboard that's as low as possible. Still not a fan of the angle, I don't know why manufacturers don't just make flat cases with adjustable feet. But anyhow, your comment was my last straw and I just ordered it. It's my first mech!
For anyone thinking of buying this I recommend getting the prebuilt even if your gonna use diff keycaps and switches If your getting into the hobby those extra switches and will come in useful and the keycaps too Plus 10-15 bucks extra for those extras Is a steal compared to trying to buy those items desperately
Lower price, lower profile, lighter weight, less cold in a lap, and less pingy case material? These are great upgrades! I'm probably going to use one of these on the couch... and Keychron's new Q65 at my desk when I'm working. Just give it some nice switches and caps and firmware, and it's just about perfect.
Waiting for your review of the new wooting keyboard!
Looks like a great option. Wonder when Keychron will release it in India... 🤔
I recently got this board as replacement for my gaming keyboard that broke. And wow this thing blows about 90% of gaming keyboards out of the water for a much cheaper price. Will be modding it eventually.
Got my hands on 2 of these yesterday during the Black Friday sale. I guess that was my luck quota for this year.
Here in Europe the price goes up a bit, but still looks like a good option. Nice video.
I wanted to get the Q6 but i think i'm going to wait for the V6, the Q series with aluminium housing seem to be more pingy, plastic housing doesn't really suffer from that.
Of course i go to buy one and they are already sold out lol. Nice video tho! Hopefully i can pick one up soon
I love this board! I just recently purchased the barebones variant and put some Gateron milky brown switches on it, with a haimu pastel sky switch on the space bar, and some replica GMMK keycaps. It has a nice clean sound, much better than the clickiness you get from the K-Pro switches in my opinion, however I did spend 30$ more than the fully built option.
Nice job! I thinking of doing something similar, but with the Keychron Q1 since that costs $17.00 CAD nowadays
this is a nice review. May I know if we can charge this with our laptop charger ?
In Hong Kong the whole line of these keywords are available in stores. I got the Q5, when you see these keyboards in person, you will love it
I just got the V3 version which is a TKL 80% and I can say, I don't regret it. It worth every penny I spent on it just 24$ to ship from Hong Kong to US.
eyeing this up as a forever home for a set of prevail epsilons, as long as it feels and sounds better than the k2
still rocking the q1 fully decked out with some mt3 keycaps and some gat black inks and some mods
If there is a V1 wireless version it would be a dream come true
There are some sites that sell Keychron (though not this specific model just yet) such as Divinkey, to avoid the crazy S/H fee. Here in the states at least.
The K1 sounds great! Thank you for the excellent review!
I actually just swapped a few mo0nths ago to the Keychron K1, I don't like wrist rests so I dont like taller keyboards. Only thing I wish I had was a volume knob, everything else is great
I hope you plan on reviewing the Keychron Q8 alice layout keyboard.
It sounds much better than the Q1. But I'll be sticking with my Keychron K8. I've modded the hell out of it and it serves me well.
Their Q1 seems to need a force break mod. I believe Q1 v2 has that stock now, as do newer Q models, but more separation can still be added for better effect.
Does Keychron make a low profile TKL? I have the K3 and I’m loving the low profile brown switches but I feel like the layout is a bit cramped for me coming from a full size keyboard.
im looking to buy a v1 but the keycaps are setting me back do u have any suggestion of keycaps i could switch the originals out with?
hey Eagerly waiting for your review of Pixel 6a and Nothing Phone 1
Keychron popularized this custom rabbit hole and started my expensive rectangle obsession.
Hey, if you ever get tired of expensive rectangels, there's always Keychron Q10 and Owlab Spring.
Being a piano player I love pressing buttons & keys and I've been considering buying the V1 as my first mech keyboard, I just wish they had European layouts for the keycaps...
Hi, what type of palm rest did you get for your V1? If you could send the model and size, that would be very helpful !
hello can we connects 3 devices with the keychron V1?
Finally a keyboard I would go for and then... wired :/ So off to search quest again. I'll try find a TKL while I'm at it.
How long is the cable? I bought the Keychron V3 and it's very similar, but I'm worried that the cable is a bit short
It's funny how much gaming kb's are now! like Razer, Asus, Corsair etc.... they charge so much for what is essentially just a mid mechanical kb with special software or knobs. Rather than pay $250 for a Logitech low profile board, you can order one of these, or an Anne pro or something then take them apart and lube the switches and stabs put some foam in, I even make custom cases out of wood. You get something that is super unique repairable and feels 100X better than what a stock gaming kb could feel!
I use a C1 with gateron browns, and I absolutely love it
I had a C1, it was great, realized the V1 existed and opted for that instead.
I got the plastic version for the v1 but I would like the Metal one but you do gt to see the PCB and stuff so it is cooler
Important question: Can macros be uploaded to the keyboard? Say can i bind F12 to output a string of text that I use frequently. ... and connect the keyboard to a work computer (with no software installed) and have the macro work?
nvr noticed the ping so much from the Q1 till ur comparison. v1 sounds goods tho
what type of keaycaps are those? the rounded corners, im looki9ng for some shine throughs for my k4
It is a crazy update for me because my keyboard i have right now is not lubbed are blue switches (they are very loud) and the quality is not the best but i paid 30 - 40 euros for it and it is good for 40 euro but i dont like the price for the shipping for the keychron i dont know should i get it ?
i just orderd th keychron v5 a week ago looks like it wil be here tomorrow
how do i change the LED colors? i bought one and it cam today, but i dont like the rainbow LEDs is there any way to change it
Thats a nice 2nd gen camaro sitting on your desk
Holy shit I just walked in and grabbed one, was recommended since I wasn't picky. They gave me a gem and I didn't even know it.
in the US it's an absolute steal but here in the UK it has massive downgrades. PBT keycaps -> ABS, no options stuck with frosted black and knob version, costs even more
I think the keyboard is great but you should really include shipping on the total pricing cuz to be honest that's what makes the keyboard feel expensive for me. Imo unless you need/want the qmk/via support, there's a lot more better keyboards out there for the total price including shipping.
i don't expect an answer but i wonder why the blue switches cant come pre-lubed.
That's pretty cool that a mechanical keyboard has a wheel. Can you program what the wheel does?
I wish that there was more love for the silent mechanical switches. Something that you could give to your boss and have the crispness instantly click in his head and make him say "Ah, I understand" the moment he types a few letters, and he would then pull out his credit card and order a bunch for the office. You're seeing that with the rise of dual monitors in the workspace. The "crispness" of key presses is what attracts me to mechanical keyboards, I'm just repulsed by how pretentious the whole mechanical keyboard scene can get such as novelty gel key caps. A manufacture needs to come out with cheap mechanical keyboards that use silent switches to bundle with entry level pre-builts.
just buy a barebones and buy silent switches. silent switches arent that big of a market
im still using an origional razer blackwidow chroma, and so I'm due an upgrade soon I feel. I think ill be going with the v2 of this keyboard (the slightly smaller form factor version)
Does it come with a key cap and switch puller😊
U need to force break and add sound dampening on that Q1 for sure
is it great for an iPad too? i’m looking for a mechanical keyboard for my iPad
If they added a Bluetooth connection, it would be perfect for me. Just for convenience to switch to my work laptop
owned Q3 , bought a V1 too , because front height lower and feels better without hand rest
How does the k3 v2 compare to the mx low profile?
What is the palm rest you have at 4:01 it looks a little different than the keychron palm rest in the rest of the video?
Been using it for a couple of days so far, the build quality is indeed superb, but the silicon pad makes the sounds muffled. my 2 problems with the board first been the VIA setting is abysmal--- you have ONLY 2 layers! I can't even toggle the windows key on and off as many cheap boards can. and it's very hard to find any double-shot shine-through keycaps for the south-facing PCB.
There's really no way to disable the windows key??
@@ilickspam No I meant sure you can just disable the windows key in its entirety in the VIA, but you can't toggle it on and off through FN as many other cheap keyboards can.
Guess I'm never gonna be in the target demographic of mechanical keyboards bcs I like silent and squishy keys 😅. I do like the design though. Wish there were some silent versions as well
Whats the name of the white PC case in the background
I bought the Q5 for at home and looking to grab a board for work. A 200 euro board is a bit much so maybe this.
Good info.
Theme of the keyboard matches archlabs linux os
I would love to have a custom keyboard but i want a fullsize mechanical with Swiss ISO layout. Next to impossible to find something like that it seems. Usually because of the keycaps.
I saw some nordic layout keycaps on kbdfans recently. I can't post the link because youtube won't let me but on their website they're labelled as 'Nordic layout pbt keycaps'. Would those be what you're looking for? I can't speak on the quality of the keycaps cuz I haven't used them but kbdfans is a reliable vendor.
Only available with Blue switches right now 👎will definitely be ordering if they get the version with Brown switches in sometime soon. Otherwise I'll go a different route. Hate waiting.
I saw those hands and knew it was E. That completion says it all!!!!
Bought the V1 today not really knowing what it was compared to the other keychron keyboards. Now knowing that its the "budget version" of the q1 series, is that something that would be better for me long term? So far I like this but the price point would not be an issue if I decided to get the q1.
Over a week ago I ordered Keychron K2 which was the cheapest one and seemingly most appropriate for me, but then I watched your K2 review and got so disappointed that decided to order V1 immediately. K2 just arrived and V1 will be few days later. Already knew what I'm going to do with K2 (just sell it locally) but gave it a try anyway. As I expected, not good enough to make me switch from IBM Model M. Hope that V1 will be a different story)
yeah K2 is just outdated in terms of the design
Already bought 3 for me and my 2 younger brother
is the only difference between v1 and v3 the form factor or is there something else