Honestly, I have lowered my personal standards a bit lately so I am not so critical of my boards and can enjoy them more. With that, I think the spacebar is just fine. Not being able to perfect stabs was one of the biggest stress points for me so I just stopped worrying about it so much.
I can relate with stabilizers. Tried TX, staebies, and literally everything you can do to make them perfect, but couldn't make them so. I was getting frustrated every time because it would slow down my build and video. So I just dropped my standard and I'm now satisfied with an audible but subtle tick...
I feel this. It can be easy to fall into the mindset of "...but it's not perfect yet..." and that takes away from the experience of enjoying your board.
2:27 no installing gaskets, no screwing in, no upside down daughter board and definitely no led lights that goes off twice a month on R2 space 65. Greatly recommend this board. You won’t regret it
Keychron is a surprisingly small company and seeing their efforts to continue to support their customers/take in feedback and improve is amazing! I think I'm going to wait a bit to buy this because I'm still working on tuning my Rama Works Kara (also amazing budget keyboard) but I'm stoked to eventually get one!
Dude I appreciate you taking my suggestion in adding the other affordable option sounds when you’re comparing other boards. It helps to really get an idea of what someone can expect in this entry space I feel!! Thank you!!
@@AndyVNguyenso they've released a knob version which has the changes that the Q2 has.. Plus they're revising the non-knob version at some point in the future. Quote from the product page "The Q1 non-knob version’s specs will remain the same until we officially update it on this product page."
The timing is impeccable. I’m looking at KBDFans the last week and now keychron drops this. My first board was the K2, two boards later, I might return to the keychron fam
Im getting this board just to add it to my collection. Going to get some Aplacas for it to test them out and maybe make a full black build with a WOB set. Nice vid as always
Lol, 04:14 , it just probably has to do with the alpha keys proximity to the nearest stabilizer and/or plate screw, case and pcb foam is uniform with the Q2 so it doesn't even make any sense to blame it on foam..... come on Andy! Also yeah, Glorious is a sh#! company, Keychron for the win 100%
Keychron K6 was my first custom keyboard and Im really happy to see that they have gotten even better with board options and case materials. However after getting my GK68XS I ended up giving away the K6 and since then Ive gotten a Mode65 which is now my current board. The purple GK is now my gfs keyboard and she was really happy with that. If she ever wants another board then I think I would get her or anyone who wants me to build them a board for sub $200 this board since its easy to get and I know what to expect with keychron
@@AndyVNguyen Yeah I'm thinking of replacing the thin bottom foam with a sheet of sorbathane. Maybe adding tape to the screw mount points and under PCB. With small mods like that I agree, it can probably sound fantastic. Going with the Gateron Phantom reds and Durock V2s👌 Oh and GMK Jamon clones😊
It's pretty close, but for some reason it's missing a key, and it happens to be a key I use a lot. Would also be nice if keyboards were a little more symmetric for us lefties / ambidextrous folks. So the board I'm really looking forward to is Keychron's Q65, which seems like it's basically the perfect layout.
yeah the key is for the knob. typically with the smaller layouts you layer keys that you need. for me, i often use delete but yeah i have to map it under backspace.
@@AndyVNguyen Ah, I was talking about the empty space to the right of the up arrow. I use it a lot, in at least 3 different layers... as an End key, an app launcher, and as a right mouse button. The knob is cool too, but I prefer it in the upper left so I can use my left hand more, and so I can use the upper-right key for Fn2. I'm using Fn1 (lower left), Fn2 (upper right), and Fn3 (next to left arrow) for various momentary layers, plus toggled layers for qwerty, dvorak, and un-dvorak.
upper left is definitely the better location for the knob but it doesn't work with regular layouts because there's no space for it. that's the esc key spot
@@AndyVNguyen Yup, the Esc + Tilde combo key is pretty important. I wouldn't want to sacrifice that. The Q65 I mentioned has an extra column on the left, with 4 keys plus a knob. They should probably call it a Q70 instead though, since it's basically a "70%" layout... i.e. 65% plus a bonus column on the left. It's currently a group buy only, but I'm hoping they'll carry it as a regular product afterward... and hopefully maybe even make a cheaper, lighter "V65" version.
Hey, I’m new to this hobby, I haven’t even started yet, but I have watched many videos about a lot of keyboards. So far my 2 contenders are the Q2 and the KBD67 Lite. My questions are: which is easier to mod? Which is better stock? Which gives the most for its value?
I'd say Q2 is a little better stock due to gasket and more mass overall, KBD is more bang for the buck since it even comes with a plate already. KBD will sound rather high and clicky out of the box, but maybe you want that. I personally prefer low T H O C C and bought the q2 v2 with the knob, aluminium bytol tape, lube kit for switches and stabbies for modding, boba u4t switches and PBT double shot keycaps with it. I want it all.
Very solid keyboard, proper good to get into keebs. Ya definitely embargo day, feed is flooded with Q2s... Nice vid as usual. Ps: don't forget the 30usd fixed DHL shipping but at least you'll get it quick
I made the mistake of buying a Keychron K7. What I received was NOT wireless (no dongle included) and, when connected by USB cable, many keys did not work. Keychron ignored all my requests for an RMA and a refund. Before buying anything from Keychron, think! Do you want to give your money to a company that treats its customers this way?
I really wish keychron offered the knob parts for the Q1 seperate from the board itself. I could just get a thicker knob to cover up mnost of the empty space around the encoder but it would still bother me.
Hey Andy, I just watched your video on custom cables from cablemod and I was wondering what the configuration was on the black cable you had in the video. I plan on purchasing a cable using you link. Thanks again.
Should i go for the Q1 knob version or the Q2? Is there a noticeable difference between the two of them except for the fact that Q1 is 75% and Q2 is 65%?
I am new to programmable keyboard and I have ordered barebone Q2 ISO UK board . As I see you don’t have FN1 and FN2 (1.25U). What are the alternatives to get such keys or use altogether different Keycaps like artisan . Any other Keycaps would you suggest OSA PBT for this board on barebone ISO ones ?
Any idea if keychron will be implementing some of the improvements from the Q2 into later production models of the Q1? Loving what I’m seeing of the Q2 so far but I need those function keys - and don’t need as many nav keys xD So not sure if I should wait for Q1 to get some of the love the Q2 got or if I should wait for the Q3 since I’m already using an 80% and don’t necessarily need to save more on desk space.
Hey NimbusWS, yes every upgrade for Q2 is in Q1 knob version and if there will be improvements later on for Q3 for example the Q1 and Q2 will get them too
@@AndyVNguyen both very good points! The aluminum has a lot more weight to it and I’m pretty tired of mashing buttons to increase the volume lol. Might grab a q2 when it comes out in white. Thx for the solid keeb advice as always
I've been in a dilemma for the last weeks on what to buy and start modding for the first time and I was going to go with the GMMK Pro but now this is here sooooo, GMMK Pro or Keychron Q2? I'll be doing heavy modding with either :P
waited for the q2 since the announcement for my first keeb, but that took too long for me so when the ikki68 winter breath popped up, I went for it so currently waiting for my ikki to arrive. how do you think the q2 measures up with the ikki?
@@AndyVNguyen hi firstly thanks for reply. i get what you mean but as in other than the material of the case, how does it measure up in terms of feel and like which board do you prefer?
Wait no way, a company that actually listens to the feedback of the community? What kind of a world we live in right now?
It’s crazy right? What’s next, the rich paying their taxes?
@@AndyVNguyen LMAO slow down there buddy thats a longshot
@@AndyVNguyen broo we was talking about reasonable change, you talking about a godamn miracle by God hisself
Honestly, I have lowered my personal standards a bit lately so I am not so critical of my boards and can enjoy them more. With that, I think the spacebar is just fine. Not being able to perfect stabs was one of the biggest stress points for me so I just stopped worrying about it so much.
That’s definitely a healthier mindset. I’m the same way. I enjoy the FBTKL a lot despite having “nicer” boards
@@AndyVNguyen I'm glad someone understands. It is way more fun when you stop feeling pressured to perfect everything (which is impossible).
I can relate with stabilizers. Tried TX, staebies, and literally everything you can do to make them perfect, but couldn't make them so. I was getting frustrated every time because it would slow down my build and video. So I just dropped my standard and I'm now satisfied with an audible but subtle tick...
@@Cinekeysbytommy If you haven't already, try holee modding your stabs. I've used it on different stab brands and it's worked great on each one.
I feel this. It can be easy to fall into the mindset of "...but it's not perfect yet..." and that takes away from the experience of enjoying your board.
Keychron really stepping up and I love to see it
Love to see it
Keychron is the opposite of glorious.
Yeah, for real. I'm glad they are really putting in the effort!
@@AndyVNguyen This or apple magic keyboard?
@@jcap8391 magic for shueeeee
2:27 no installing gaskets, no screwing in, no upside down daughter board and definitely no led lights that goes off twice a month on R2 space 65. Greatly recommend this board. You won’t regret it
Love it when it’s easy lmao
Keychron is a surprisingly small company and seeing their efforts to continue to support their customers/take in feedback and improve is amazing! I think I'm going to wait a bit to buy this because I'm still working on tuning my Rama Works Kara (also amazing budget keyboard) but I'm stoked to eventually get one!
You got plenty of time
The CableMod pitch is actually important, because the Q2 doesn’t have the included aviator connector like the Q1!
Gotta have some kind of flair on the desk mirite
they removed the aviator from the q1 lol
@@mystichavin5330 yes cause it wasnt a good quality and was worth to put the money from cable into thicker bottom alu and better chip
It's keychron q2 baby, Bing Bong. Waiting for that q3 take me out to dinner
Dude I appreciate you taking my suggestion in adding the other affordable option sounds when you’re comparing other boards. It helps to really get an idea of what someone can expect in this entry space I feel!! Thank you!!
Of course !
Keychron has officially taken over CZcams today, this is the 5th review ive watched in a row.... ANOTHER ONE
Haha it’s embargo lift day
Its good to see a company trying to appeal to mass consumers
*and it sounds way better than the predecessor
It’s not even their final form..
Keychron are going to be updating the Q1 to be more in line with the Q2 changes so that should be interesting
Fr? Dope. What are then naming it tho.. Q1.5? Q1S? Q1Pro?
@@AndyVNguyenso they've released a knob version which has the changes that the Q2 has.. Plus they're revising the non-knob version at some point in the future. Quote from the product page "The Q1 non-knob version’s specs will remain the same until we officially update it on this product page."
Andy always killing it with the best content in the scene!
Thank you Jordan!
The timing is impeccable. I’m looking at KBDFans the last week and now keychron drops this. My first board was the K2, two boards later, I might return to the keychron fam
What were you looking at on kbdfans ?
Andy with the LinusTechTips level of ad plug
He’s kind of the GOAT so ya
I've never bought a keychron, this one might be my first.
It’s a good one to try. Wish it was around when I started
I don't care about the board, I don't care about keychron.
But 6:03 is the best part that makes me hit that thumb up button.
Hahahaha
Lol. Dude, is everything ok at home? You getting real close with that keyboard 🤣
7:48 shots fired
Issaaa joke
Im getting this board just to add it to my collection. Going to get some Aplacas for it to test them out and maybe make a full black build with a WOB set. Nice vid as always
Is it the cheapest knob 65% board?
Feel attacked. Totally don't have several hundred unused switches...
Oh who would right? That’d be CRAZY….
Lol @ the "NovelKeys employees make how much?"
Someone told me converting that to west coast salary was like 100K+.. haven’t verified though
Lmao at Shoobs destroying everyone's wallets
He does what he does
Lol, 04:14 , it just probably has to do with the alpha keys proximity to the nearest stabilizer and/or plate screw, case and pcb foam is uniform with the Q2 so it doesn't even make any sense to blame it on foam..... come on Andy!
Also yeah, Glorious is a sh#! company, Keychron for the win 100%
There are cheaper products but crucial for me is VIA support and I'm stoked keychron finally supports VIA.
Def agree
man, seems like glorious has left the chat huh? Keychron doing great things, you love to see it.
Yeah where they been.. they had such a good opportunity to move in..
@@AndyVNguyen They are super busy with trying to figure out how to port their GMMK Pro to QMK/VIA.
Keychron every generation: "This isnt even my final form"
their power level is over 9000 frfr
I really enjoy the sound profile of this board. Hoping the tkl q3 has a similar sound once it releases, as I much would prefer a tkl.
I'm sure they're gonna keep iterating to make it sound like this or better
Slim bezel, are we looking at the same board?? Great video though! That quality, offfft
just squint a little my dude
Keychron K6 was my first custom keyboard and Im really happy to see that they have gotten even better with board options and case materials. However after getting my GK68XS I ended up giving away the K6 and since then Ive gotten a Mode65 which is now my current board. The purple GK is now my gfs keyboard and she was really happy with that. If she ever wants another board then I think I would get her or anyone who wants me to build them a board for sub $200 this board since its easy to get and I know what to expect with keychron
mode65 is very nice! yeah keychron's come a long way
THAT transition though 😏 great review as always
Ty ty!
the thing these OEM keep doing is those 3 1u buttons on right, it just looks bad. 2x 1.5u is the way.
True. But I honestly rarely use the right mods
The main issue with other keyboards: They are rarely in stock.
Tru
I've been waiting for this one. Ordered it almost immediately after it dropped
It’s very solid. I think I can mod it to be 100% (within reason of course)
@@AndyVNguyen Yeah I'm thinking of replacing the thin bottom foam with a sheet of sorbathane. Maybe adding tape to the screw mount points and under PCB. With small mods like that I agree, it can probably sound fantastic.
Going with the Gateron Phantom reds and Durock V2s👌
Oh and GMK Jamon clones😊
love seeing more accessible good boards coming in
accessible boards are more fun
Ban Cho indeed
Don’t forget dro
It looks more like a 62% to me. Only 2 nav keys falls short for me. I'll admit the layout does look good though
lol don't akshually me man
You can drop the knob for another key if you want
This is good news for Keychron!
Keychron dropping the heat
It's pretty close, but for some reason it's missing a key, and it happens to be a key I use a lot. Would also be nice if keyboards were a little more symmetric for us lefties / ambidextrous folks. So the board I'm really looking forward to is Keychron's Q65, which seems like it's basically the perfect layout.
yeah the key is for the knob. typically with the smaller layouts you layer keys that you need. for me, i often use delete but yeah i have to map it under backspace.
@@AndyVNguyen Ah, I was talking about the empty space to the right of the up arrow. I use it a lot, in at least 3 different layers... as an End key, an app launcher, and as a right mouse button.
The knob is cool too, but I prefer it in the upper left so I can use my left hand more, and so I can use the upper-right key for Fn2. I'm using Fn1 (lower left), Fn2 (upper right), and Fn3 (next to left arrow) for various momentary layers, plus toggled layers for qwerty, dvorak, and un-dvorak.
upper left is definitely the better location for the knob but it doesn't work with regular layouts because there's no space for it. that's the esc key spot
@@AndyVNguyen Yup, the Esc + Tilde combo key is pretty important. I wouldn't want to sacrifice that. The Q65 I mentioned has an extra column on the left, with 4 keys plus a knob. They should probably call it a Q70 instead though, since it's basically a "70%" layout... i.e. 65% plus a bonus column on the left. It's currently a group buy only, but I'm hoping they'll carry it as a regular product afterward... and hopefully maybe even make a cheaper, lighter "V65" version.
Great video thanks. I wish they were producing more colors of these keyboard!
I def agree, but hey at least it's just not black/silver!
white and mint is live for Q1 and working on plum right now
Wonder why no big channels covered the Q1 knob update? It seems they addressed a lot of issues (looking at the list of updates).
Hey, I’m new to this hobby, I haven’t even started yet, but I have watched many videos about a lot of keyboards. So far my 2 contenders are the Q2 and the KBD67 Lite. My questions are: which is easier to mod? Which is better stock? Which gives the most for its value?
They're both pretty solid.
I'd say Q2 is a little better stock due to gasket and more mass overall, KBD is more bang for the buck since it even comes with a plate already. KBD will sound rather high and clicky out of the box, but maybe you want that. I personally prefer low T H O C C and bought the q2 v2 with the knob, aluminium bytol tape, lube kit for switches and stabbies for modding, boba u4t switches and PBT double shot keycaps with it. I want it all.
I dig the exploded nav and arrow clusters actually. Gives Chimera65 vibes
yessirrr
Awesome video as always
Thanks guy!
Liked the humor, good vid overall 👍
Thank you !!
Very solid keyboard, proper good to get into keebs. Ya definitely embargo day, feed is flooded with Q2s... Nice vid as usual. Ps: don't forget the 30usd fixed DHL shipping but at least you'll get it quick
$30 DHL is honestly the cheapest DHL shipping I’ve seen but yes, that is always a thing with the shipped from China keebs
I made the mistake of buying a Keychron K7. What I received was NOT wireless (no dongle included) and, when connected by USB cable, many keys did not work. Keychron ignored all my requests for an RMA and a refund.
Before buying anything from Keychron, think! Do you want to give your money to a company that treats its customers this way?
uncomfortable keyboard especially backspace key - this is reality;)
Anyway to mute or make the spacebar more thockier? It seems more hollow and noticeably louder than the rest of the keyboard.
We’ll take a look at it for the modding video!
I really wish keychron offered the knob parts for the Q1 seperate from the board itself. I could just get a thicker knob to cover up mnost of the empty space around the encoder but it would still bother me.
yeah i'm surprised they don't offer that
Smooth ad transition sheeesh
Been cooking it for weeks
Keychron Q Series 65 XD, Great board 😉
... Q1 Q2 Q3 kinda confusing with their layout design lol
Lmao almost as bad as tvs!
BING BONG
The keychron Q1 is a such a cute board. But this is Q2.
And next is q3
Cablemod be sponsoring everyone these days
that they are
How would you compare the typing feel and sound of this versus the bakeneko
this flexes more Bakeneko is more bounce
@@AndyVNguyen Alr, Thank you! In your preference, which would you prefer in terms of sound?
andy v nyugen really called tkl a boomer layout when literally nobody is talking about 1800
Fossil layout
wait are you actually a scientist
Was my 🧢 real?
@@AndyVNguyen 🤨🤔
the question is, q2 or bakeneko65 🤔
Knob or no knob?
I personally like how the freebird tkl sounds better, but this seems like a great budget keyboard.
Oh def. Very different sounds right? I definitely didn’t keep the q2 on my desk for long lol
@@AndyVNguyen I wouldn’t either
Do you feel like the Q3 might be better than Freebird TKL (in terms of sound and feel)?
I’d have to see it in hand first. The freebird tkl is really nice and has a specific character
Ayyyyye New Andy Content
ayeee I'm back
I have Q1 V2 that has a similar awful sounding spacebar stock. What is the easiest way to fix this? Switching to better stabilizers?
I would swap stabs yeah
i am really struggling to make the spacebar stabs work ... T_T should i stop trying to save those stock stabs. T_T
Yes I would give up on them
dude those crp arabic keycaps are clean af.
I do like them… lots of blue
Hey Andy, I just watched your video on custom cables from cablemod and I was wondering what the configuration was on the black cable you had in the video. I plan on purchasing a cable using you link. Thanks again.
Here it is! custom.cablemod.com/kbc:ee9a32b3d436
Should i go for the Q1 knob version or the Q2? Is there a noticeable difference between the two of them except for the fact that Q1 is 75% and Q2 is 65%?
Q1 knob has some upgrades that brings it closer to Q2
Really tempted with this board but that $30 DHL shipping is rough tho
it is kind of rough tbh but that's just international shipping. $30 is cheap for intl.
I am new to programmable keyboard and I have ordered barebone Q2 ISO UK board . As I see you don’t have FN1
and FN2 (1.25U). What are the alternatives to get such keys or use altogether different Keycaps like artisan . Any other Keycaps would you suggest OSA PBT for this board on barebone ISO ones ?
those are just the keycaps. the keys are still fn1 and fn2. you can use any keycaps on this afaik. i prefer cherry profile
So I’d this keyboard just the fully assembled keyboard with no mods??? And what switches are there?!
You can buy the kit with switches and keycaps for $10 more. They’re gateron pro switches I’ll test on stream on CZcams at 6pm pt today
@@AndyVNguyen Awesome thanks so much! And just to clarify the ones you have on that keyboard are hater on brown switches right?! Thanks again
Can the stabs be changed like zeals stabs or durocks?
yes
Any idea if keychron will be implementing some of the improvements from the Q2 into later production models of the Q1? Loving what I’m seeing of the Q2 so far but I need those function keys - and don’t need as many nav keys xD
So not sure if I should wait for Q1 to get some of the love the Q2 got or if I should wait for the Q3 since I’m already using an 80% and don’t necessarily need to save more on desk space.
Apparently their knob version has some of these changes made
@@AndyVNguyen Nice. I know what I’m saving up for, then :3 - and waiting for it to actually come to my country
Hey NimbusWS, yes every upgrade for Q2 is in Q1 knob version and if there will be improvements later on for Q3 for example the Q1 and Q2 will get them too
i ordered my Q1 long time ago and it didnt arrive yet, when i do the kilmat and forcebreak mod, is it any worse thannn the Q2?
I’m going to take it apart on YT stream tonight and we can actually confirm
Do you prefer the Freebird TKL over the Keychron Q2? Just asking cause I might regret joining the GB
I personally like the FBTKL more
Hello,excuse me . Q2's top right area can custom the badge??
I don’t think so? But you can have a switch there
I bet the q3's gonna be a tkl, that would be awesome!
We know q3 is gonna be tkl!
@@AndyVNguyen Jesus there's no stopping em, well, can't wait to see how it turns out!
Not gonna lie, I'd have already bought this board if it had an F-row.
q1 is this with f-row. make sure you get the latest knob edition that has the force break mod designed into the case.
@@AndyVNguyen I know about the q1, but it had enough issues to make me hold off.
Knob edition has changes to the case that match q2
@@AndyVNguyen oh that's great, I'll probably get one once it's in stock again then.
For a budget board do you prefer the q2 or the kbd67 r3? Is the main difference that the q2 has better flex but the kbd67 sound better?
Kbd67 lite ? It’s plastic. Sound is good but it’s plastic. And no knob.
@@AndyVNguyen both very good points! The aluminum has a lot more weight to it and I’m pretty tired of mashing buttons to increase the volume lol. Might grab a q2 when it comes out in white. Thx for the solid keeb advice as always
of course anytime
I've been in a dilemma for the last weeks on what to buy and start modding for the first time and I was going to go with the GMMK Pro but now this is here sooooo, GMMK Pro or Keychron Q2? I'll be doing heavy modding with either :P
I would advise against the GMMK Pro considering this exists
If you want the 75% layout, get the Q1v2 or the Q1 knob. Both will have the same sound as q2 but 75%.
waited for the q2 since the announcement for my first keeb, but that took too long for me so when the ikki68 winter breath popped up, I went for it so currently waiting for my ikki to arrive. how do you think the q2 measures up with the ikki?
I describe that comparison in the video. One is plastic one is aluminum
@@AndyVNguyen hi firstly thanks for reply. i get what you mean but as in other than the material of the case, how does it measure up in terms of feel and like which board do you prefer?
@@user-gs4uk1hh5f material of the case is the biggest difference. otherwise you could go either way.
Do mauves need spring swap?
the springs are fine if you like the weight
would a rk 68 handle screw in stabs?
Amazon page someone asked and someone responded no
How is this compared to the bakeneko65
Just listen to the sound tests and compare
stock sound ok
Pretty ok
How do you press tilde on this keyboard?
Shift+esc
Sounds stiff and I don't really like how keychron handled the Q1 with its flex
The plate and pcb still uses standoffs so it is stiff
Are you going to review the nk87 ee?
Prob not
Keychron q2 or mod 007?
i'll take south facing switches any day. so keychron q2
Looks like an Alpine65
Now if they could keep the Q1 in stock...and add yellow dammit
Is it actually hard to buy?
Maybe only when I'm looking to buy...I grabbed an ISO board a while back cause they never seemed to have a navy barebones.
will be better in the future, china had another lockdown and the parallel production of q2 to the q1 just gave them a hard time
nice pm2
delica 4!
can u do a qmk/via tutorial????
via is plug and play and has a visual interface. come to the stream tonight 6PM PT and I can go over it
@@AndyVNguyen i guess the board already come flashed?
I am a addict :)
One of us one of us
making me feel kinda stupid for buying the ikki68 r2
Still sounds good tho
@@AndyVNguyen Love your content bro, always go to your videos to hear your reviews. Keep it up.
is Q3 a tkl??
Yes
Spyderco.. delica?
yes!
@@AndyVNguyen great choice
nice!
Thank you!
smudge
Sadge
Cool :D
It is indeed
Sounds bad, what this guy on about.