Introduction
Mechanical keyboards have become increasingly popular in recent years, and with a plethora of options available on the market, choosing the right keyboard can be a daunting task. In this blog post, I will be comparing two highly rated 75% mechanical keyboards - the Keychron Q1 and the GMMK Pro.
Build Quality and Sound Profile
The GMMK Pro has a stiff plate and does not move, making it suitable for mechanical switches that bottom out. This creates a noisy ring on the brass plate, especially with double-shot SA caps that produce a higher pitched metallic sound when bottoming out. The Q1, on the other hand, features a plate that sits on spongy spacers, which absorb the shock from typing, resulting in a smoother and softer typing experience. The plate also moves slightly when bottoming out, which is a unique feeling.
When it comes to sound, both keyboards are not significantly different, but the GMMK Pro tends to be a little more hollow due to its stiffer plate. The Keychron Q1, however, has brighter RGB out of the box and more options to customize it.
Remapping and Customization
Both keyboards are highly customizable, with the Keychron Q1 using VIA, which makes remapping the layout effortless. The GMMK Pro has the Glorious Core, which doesn't have as many options as VIA but does work well with QMK after recent updates. In my personal experience, I didn't need to remap the GMMK Pro after updating its firmware, but I did remap the Keychron Q1 to suit my personal preference.
Keycaps and Plate Material
The GMMK Pro has a brass plate and is compatible with Glorious Pandas and thick SA profile keycaps, making it ideal for a noisy typing experience. The Keychron Q1, on the other hand, is compatible with a wide range of keycaps, including SAs, which can be challenging to arrange due to their height variation and orientation from row to row.
Conclusion
Both the Keychron Q1 and the GMMK Pro are high-quality mechanical keyboards that cater to different preferences. The GMMK Pro is ideal for those who enjoy a noisy typing experience with brass plates and thick SA profile keycaps, while the Keychron Q1 is more suited for those who prefer a smoother and softer typing experience with brighter RGB lighting and a wider range of compatibility with keycaps. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference and the type of experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard.
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