Keychron Q4 Mechanical Keyboard Review

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If you’ve been around the block in the keyboard enthusiast world, the name Keychron likely rings a few bells. Known for their solid build quality and versatility, Keychron keyboards have been making waves in the mechanical keyboard community. Today, we’re diving deep into the Keychron Q4 Mechanical Keyboard, an ultra-compact yet feature-rich piece of hardware that promises to enhance your typing experience. Buckle up as we explore everything you need to know about this nifty gadget!

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A First Look at the Keychron Q4

Let’s start with the basics. The Keychron Q4 Mechanical Keyboard sports a 60% layout, meaning it’s compact and cuts down on extra keys you might not use daily. For those new to the 60% world, it’s essentially a keyboard without the function row, navigational cluster, and numpad. The Q4 is a mini mechanical keyboard designed to provide premium typing comfort with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a customizable keyboard.

The All-Aluminum Frame: Built Like a Tank

First impressions matter, and the Keychron Q4 doesn’t disappoint. With a full aluminum frame, this keyboard is as sturdy as they come. It feels like it could survive an apocalypse, which is reassuring for those of us who might occasionally knock things off our desks. This isn’t just about durability, though. The all-metal construction also adds a premium touch, making the Q4 not just a tool, but a centerpiece for your workspace.

Customization Galore: Make It Yours

One of the standout features of the Keychron Q4 Mechanical Keyboard is its extensive customization options. With QMK and VIA support, you can program and remap every key to your heart’s content. Whether you want to create complex macros, set up custom shortcuts, or just tinker with the backlight effects, the Q4 has got you covered. The open-source firmware ensures that your customization options are virtually limitless, allowing you to tailor the keyboard precisely to your needs.

Hot-Swappable Switches: A Tactile Delight

Let’s talk switches. The Keychron Q4 comes equipped with Gateron G Pro Blue switches. These are known for their clicky tactile feedback, which makes typing a joy, assuming you don’t mind the sound. Each key press is satisfying, with just the right amount of resistance and clickiness. The Gateron G Pro switches also boast a lifespan of up to 50 million keystrokes, so they’re built to last.

But what if blue switches aren’t your thing? No worries! The Q4 features hot-swappable support, meaning you can switch out the Gateron blues for almost any 3-pin or 5-pin MX-style switches. Want Cherry Reds or Kailh Browns? Go ahead, swap them out without even touching a soldering iron. This level of flexibility ensures that the Q4 can adapt to your typing preferences as they evolve.

Double Gasket Design: Smooth and Silent

Typing on the Keychron Q4 is like driving a luxury car on a freshly paved road—smooth and satisfying. This is largely thanks to its innovative double gasket structure. This design includes silicone pads between the top and bottom cases to reduce sound resonance and noise from metal impacts. The result is a keyboard that feels as good as it sounds—silent yet tactile, making it ideal for both work and play.

Keycaps and Backlighting: A Visual Treat

No mechanical keyboard review would be complete without a word on keycaps and backlighting. The Keychron Q4 doesn’t just deliver on functionality but also on aesthetics. It comes with double-shot PBT keycaps that are durable and resistant to oil. These keycaps won’t shine or fade over time, ensuring your keyboard looks as good as new even after prolonged use.

As for the backlighting, the Q4 features south-facing RGB LEDs, which means the lights are oriented to better illuminate the keyboard from the typist’s angle. This clever design ensures that your key legends are always visible, even in low-light conditions. Plus, the RGB backlighting can be customized to your liking, adding a splash of color to your workspace.

The Downsides: No Wrist Rest and Fixed Incline

As much as we love the Keychron Q4, it’s not without its drawbacks. One of the most notable issues is the lack of a wrist rest. The keyboard has a relatively high profile, which can make it uncomfortable for extended typing sessions if you don’t have a wrist rest. This might not be a dealbreaker for everyone, but it’s something to consider if you plan on typing for long periods.

Another minor gripe is the fixed incline. Unlike some keyboards that allow you to adjust the tilt to suit your typing posture, the Q4 has a fixed angle. This, combined with the high profile, can lead to some discomfort over time. Again, this is a personal preference issue, but it’s worth mentioning.

Performance in the Office: Quiet and Efficient

If you’re looking for a keyboard for office use, the Keychron Q4 is a solid choice. Its quiet operation makes it suitable for noise-sensitive environments, and the typing experience is superb. The keyboard feels incredibly well-built and offers a satisfying tactile response with each keystroke. It’s compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile choice for any setup.

However, the lack of dedicated arrow keys might be a drawback if you frequently navigate through spreadsheets or documents. While you can remap keys to serve as arrows, it’s not quite the same as having dedicated keys. It’s a trade-off for the compact form factor, but one worth considering if your work involves a lot of data entry or text navigation.

Gaming on the Keychron Q4: A Mixed Bag

While the Keychron Q4 isn’t specifically designed for gaming, it performs admirably in most scenarios. The build quality and key responsiveness are excellent, making it suitable for casual gaming. The full RGB backlighting adds a bit of flair to your gaming setup, and the macro-programmable keys can give you an edge in certain games.

That said, the Q4’s latency might not be low enough for competitive gaming. If you’re a hardcore gamer looking for a keyboard with ultra-low latency, you might want to look elsewhere. The Q4 is great for casual gaming, but it’s not the best choice for those intense, fast-paced sessions where every millisecond counts.

The Verdict: Is the Keychron Q4 Right for You?

So, who is the Keychron Q4 Mechanical Keyboard for? If you’re a keyboard enthusiast who loves tinkering with layouts and switches, the Q4 is a dream come true. Its customization options are unmatched, and the build quality is top-notch. The hot-swappable switches and QMK/VIA support ensure that you can tailor the keyboard to your exact preferences.

For office use, the Q4 is a great option, provided you’re okay with the compact layout and lack of a wrist rest. It’s quiet, efficient, and feels fantastic to type on. Just keep in mind the fixed incline and the absence of dedicated arrow keys.

For gamers, the Q4 is a mixed bag. It’s excellent for casual gaming and offers a fantastic typing experience, but it might not meet the demands of competitive gamers due to its latency. If you’re a casual gamer who also values a premium typing experience, the Q4 is a solid choice.

Recommendations: Making the Most of Your Keychron Q4

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Keychron Q4 Mechanical Keyboard:

  1. Invest in a Wrist Rest: Given the keyboard’s high profile, a good wrist rest can make a world of difference in comfort during long typing sessions.
  2. Experiment with Switches: Don’t be afraid to try out different switches. The hot-swappable feature makes it easy to customize the typing experience to your liking.
  3. Utilize the Software: Take advantage of QMK and VIA to fully customize your keyboard layout and macros. This can significantly enhance your productivity.
  4. Adjust Backlighting: Play around with the RGB backlighting settings to find a setup that works for you. Whether you prefer a subtle glow or a vibrant light show, the Q4 can deliver.
  5. Keep It Clean: Regularly clean your keyboard to keep it in top condition. The aluminum frame and PBT keycaps are durable, but they’ll look even better with a little TLC.

Conclusion

In the world of mechanical keyboards, the Keychron Q4 stands out as a versatile and well-built option that offers a premium typing experience. Its compact 60% layout, customizable features, and solid aluminum frame make it a fantastic choice for keyboard enthusiasts and office workers alike. While it might not be perfect for competitive gaming, it excels in almost every other aspect.

If you’re in the market for a new keyboard and value customization and build quality, the Keychron Q4 Mechanical Keyboard deserves a spot on your shortlist. It’s a reliable, feature-rich keyboard that’s built to last, and it just might make typing the most enjoyable part of your day.

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