Keychron's 75% compact wired keyboard is the perfect entry point for anyone looking to get into the realm of customized mechanical keyboards.

When mechanical keyboard specialists Keychron offered to send a Keychron Q1 keyboard to test out, admittedly I agreed with a bit of trepidation. Over the years my hands and arms have become accustomed to 60-65% low profile mechanical keyboard layouts; bumping back up to even a 75% layout seemed daunting, not to mention the proposition of switching over from ultra-thin 2mm keycaps back to taller double-shot ABS keycaps. Proficient typing skills are built upon muscle memory, and even a modest change in feel and layout can throw off speed and accuracy. But intrigued by the promise of a beginner-friendly, highly customizable mechanical keyboard with a wide degree of options paired with a higher quality build, I was game to determine whether the Q1 was a reason to go big (subjectively speaking).
The first thing you’ll notice about the Keychron Q1 upon unpacking is this peripheral’s weight. It’s heavy: 3.5lbs in total. In fact, initially I assumed Keychron had sent a multitude of keyboards to test out, when in fact it was merely the surprising heft of the Q1’s aluminum case and layered construction responsible for the surprising bicep workout.

Inside the aluminum chassis Keychron sandwiches six layers before topping the Q1 with your choice in switches and keycaps. The resulting construction means the Q1 is...