Keychron V1 Keyboard Review

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Alright folks, buckle up because we’re diving into the world of mechanical keyboards with the Keychron V1 75% Wired Mechanical Keyboard. If you’ve been searching for a keyboard that’s as customizable as your coffee order and built to handle the chaos of your daily grind, then you’re in for a treat. We’re about to take a deep dive into every nook and cranny of this keyboard, so grab your favorite beverage and let’s get started!

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Unboxing and First Impressions

When you first crack open the box of the Keychron V1, it’s like Christmas morning. This keyboard comes in a sleek, compact packaging that screams quality. Inside, you’ll find the keyboard, a USB-C cable, a keycap puller, and some extra keycaps for both Mac and Windows users. It’s like a little treasure chest of goodies.

The keyboard itself is a beauty. It’s compact yet sturdy, with a solid ABS plastic body that feels like it could withstand a small earthquake. The first thing that caught my eye was the sleek Carbon Black finish, which looks modern and professional. The double-shot PBT keycaps are a nice touch, providing a premium feel under your fingertips.

Design and Build Quality

The Keychron V1 is a 75% keyboard, meaning it packs a lot of keys in a compact layout. It has 81 keys in total, which includes the function row, arrow keys, and a few navigational keys. This layout is perfect for those who want a balance between functionality and space-saving design.

One of the standout features of the Keychron V1 is its build quality. The keyboard is surprisingly heavy for its size, weighing in at just over 2 pounds. This weight, combined with the rubber feet on the bottom, ensures that the keyboard stays put on your desk, even during intense typing or gaming sessions.

The keycaps are double-shot PBT, which means the legends are part of the keycap itself and won’t wear off over time. They also have a nice texture that resists oil from your fingers, keeping them looking and feeling fresh for longer. The south-facing RGB backlighting is a neat feature, illuminating the keys from an angle that’s easy on the eyes.

Typing Experience

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the typing experience. The Keychron V1 comes with hot-swappable Keychron K Pro Brown switches. These tactile switches provide a satisfying bump with each keypress, giving you a tangible sense of feedback without being too loud. They’re rated for up to 50 million keystrokes, so they’re built to last.

Typing on the Keychron V1 feels smooth and responsive. The key stabilizers, especially on the larger keys like the spacebar and shift keys, are top-notch. There’s minimal wobble and a consistent feel across all keys. The acoustic silicone pad underneath the keys helps dampen the sound, making for a quieter typing experience that won’t drive your coworkers or family members crazy.

Customization Galore

If you love tinkering with your gadgets, the Keychron V1 is your playground. Every component of this keyboard is customizable. You can easily swap out the keycaps, switches, and even the gasket and case foam. This means you can tailor the typing feel and sound to your exact preferences.

The V1 supports QMK and VIA firmware, which opens up a world of possibilities for key remapping and macro programming. Whether you’re on macOS, Windows, or Linux, you can create custom layouts and shortcuts that make your workflow more efficient. The VIA software is user-friendly, making it easy to drag and drop commands to remap any key you want.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The Keychron V1 is a wired keyboard, connecting to your device via a USB-C cable. While some might miss the wireless freedom, the wired connection ensures a stable and lag-free experience, which is crucial for both gaming and professional use.

The keyboard is compatible with both Mac and Windows systems. It comes with a system toggle switch and additional keycaps for both operating systems, so you can seamlessly switch between them. This is a thoughtful touch that ensures no matter what device you’re using, the Keychron V1 has you covered.

RGB Backlighting

Let’s talk about the light show. The Keychron V1 features south-facing RGB backlighting, which means the LEDs are positioned to shine downwards. This design choice helps prevent any interference when using alternative keycap profiles, like Cherry-profile keycaps.

The RGB lighting is vibrant and customizable. You can choose from a variety of lighting effects and colors to match your setup or mood. Whether you want a subtle, static color or a dynamic, pulsing effect, the V1 delivers. The backlighting also enhances visibility in low-light conditions, making it easier to use the keyboard at night.

Performance and Usability

When it comes to performance, the Keychron V1 doesn’t disappoint. The 1000 Hz polling rate ensures that every keystroke is registered without delay, which is essential for gaming and fast typing. The NKRO (N-Key Rollover) feature means you can press multiple keys simultaneously without any issues, making it perfect for gaming or complex key combinations.

The Keychron K Pro Brown switches are a joy to use. They provide a tactile bump that’s satisfying but not overly loud. This makes the V1 suitable for both office environments and home use. The hot-swappable feature is a game-changer, allowing you to experiment with different switches without the need for soldering. Whether you prefer linear, tactile, or clicky switches, you can easily customize the V1 to suit your taste.

Practical Features

The Keychron V1 comes with a few practical features that enhance its usability. The screw-in PCB stabilizers are a welcome addition, providing stability to the larger keys and reducing wobbliness. This makes a noticeable difference in the typing experience, making it smoother and more consistent.

The tray mount design is simple yet effective, providing a sturdy base for the keyboard. The ultra-low-power Arm Cortex-M4 32-bit STM32L432 MCU ensures efficient performance, while the 128K Flash provides ample space for custom keymaps and macros.

The Verdict: Is It Worth It?

After spending some quality time with the Keychron V1, I can confidently say that this keyboard is worth every penny. Its blend of build quality, customization options, and performance makes it a standout choice in the world of mechanical keyboards. Whether you’re a gamer, a programmer, or someone who just loves a great typing experience, the V1 has something to offer.

Pros:

  • Build Quality: Solid construction with a premium feel.
  • Customization: Hot-swappable switches, customizable keycaps, and QMK/VIA support.
  • Typing Experience: Smooth, responsive, and satisfying with minimal wobble.
  • RGB Backlighting: Vibrant and customizable with south-facing LEDs.
  • Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Mac, Windows, and Linux.

Cons:

  • Wired Only: No wireless option might be a downside for some users.
  • No Dedicated Media Keys: Media controls are accessed via function keys, which might be less convenient for some.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

The Keychron V1 is more than just a keyboard; it’s a tool that can be tailored to fit your needs perfectly. Its robust build, excellent customization options, and stellar typing experience make it a great investment for anyone looking to upgrade their keyboard setup. Whether you’re new to the world of mechanical keyboards or a seasoned enthusiast, the Keychron V1 offers a versatile and enjoyable typing experience that’s hard to beat.

So, if you’re on the fence about getting the Keychron V1, I’d say go for it. It’s a reliable, high-quality keyboard that’s built to last and adapt to your needs. Plus, the satisfaction of customizing your keyboard to your exact preferences is a rewarding experience that’s worth every penny.

In conclusion, the Keychron V1 Keyboard Review reveals a product that delivers on its promises and offers exceptional value. Whether you’re typing out reports, gaming, or coding, the Keychron V1 is ready to handle it all with style and precision. Happy typing!

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