Computing keyboardHall Effectmagnetic switchesRapid TriggerVIA75%

Keychron Q1 HE Review: Hall Effect Magnetic Switches Make This the Ultimate Customizable Keyboard

Rapid Trigger, adjustable actuation (0.1-4.0mm), per-key RGB, full aluminum CNC, VIA/QMK — the new king of enthusiast keyboards under $200.

Nov 25, 2024 9 min read

4.8

Keychron Q1 HE in black aluminum with magnetic Hall Effect switches and per-key RGB

Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. This supports our independent testing. Learn more.

Gallery

Pros

Hall Effect magnetic switches: adjustable actuation 0.1-4.0mm, Rapid Trigger, 100M+ life
Full CNC aluminum case (1.6 kg) + gasket mount + PC plate = premium feel/sound
Per-key south-facing RGB + PCB-mounted LED diffuser = gorgeous, even lighting
VIA/QMK native — remap, macros, layers, RGB in browser (no software)
75% layout: arrows, F-row, knob — compact but functional
Hot-swappable (HE switches only) — try different magnetic switches

Cons

Only works with Keychron HE switches (not standard MX)
Keychron Launcher web app requires Chrome/Edge (WebHID) — no Firefox/Safari
No wireless (wired USB-C only) — by design for latency
Knob is clicky but not tactile; some prefer smooth encoder
Price: $199 barebone / $219 assembled — higher than standard Q1

Who Should Buy This

Competitive gamers wanting Rapid Trigger + adjustable actuation
Enthusiasts wanting ultimate customization (VIA/QMK + analog input)
Typists who want to fine-tune actuation per key (light for gaming, deep for typing)

Our Verdict

The **Keychron Q1 HE** brings **Hall Effect magnetic switches** to the mainstream enthusiast market — and executes flawlessly. Adjustable actuation (0.1mm steps!), Rapid Trigger, full VIA/QMK, aluminum CNC, gasket mount, per-key RGB — all for $219 assembled. The only HE keyboard with this feature set at this price. If you've been curious about magnetic switches, this is the one to buy.

Specifications

Keycaps: Double-shot PBT (OEM profile, shine-through legends)
Switches: Keychron HE Hall Effect (linear, magnetic)
Layout: 75% (82 keys + knob)
RGB: Per-key south-facing + PCB edge glow
Dimensions: 12.6 x 5.3 x 1.6 in
Stabilizers: PCB screw-in, factory lubed
Case: CNC 6063 aluminum, gasket mount
Actuation: Adjustable 0.1-4.0mm (0.1mm steps), per-key
Rapid Trigger: Yes (0.1mm release point, configurable)
Plate: PC (polycarbonate) included; FR4, PP, Aluminum optional
Connectivity: USB-C (wired only)
Weight: 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) assembled
Firmware: VIA / QMK (WebHID via Keychron Launcher)
Cable: Coiled USB-C to USB-C + USB-C to USB-A adapter
Polling Rate: 8000 Hz (1000 Hz default)

Check Price: $219

Price checked daily. We may earn a commission.