Keychron Q2 Review

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Although it is smaller and features improved PBT keycaps with a different form, the Keychron Q2 is a 65% compact wired keyboard that feels quite similar to the Keychron Q1. It has many customization options and is available in a barebones version so you may add your own switches and keycaps. Another version has a knob that can be programmed. The tactile Gateron G Pro Brown switches, which feel light to type on and are very quiet, were used to test the fully constructed version.

In contrast to most other Keychron boards, customization software is available, allowing each key to be macro-programmable. This software is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. Unfortunately, a wrist rest is not included, but you can purchase one separately to increase comfort. The PBT keycaps on this keyboard are a huge improvement over the standard ABS keycaps seen on Keychron machines, however because they are not translucent, the backlighting does not pass through the legends. Additionally, even if its latency is reasonably low, it is not as low as other options for gaming.

Keychron Q2 Review: Design

The newest hot-swappable mechanical keyboard to reach the market is the Keychron Q2. Small modifications like a new gasket mount design, exclusive OSA keycaps, and a 65% layout add up to readily distinguish the newest model from the brand’s prior release, the Q1. There is something for everyone baked right in here when RGB effects are added, even those that can compete with the greatest gaming keyboards.

The Keychron Q2 is a great value for both Mac and Windows users because it comes with keycaps for both operating systems right out of the box and has a convenient split switch for switching between your machines. This deck, in typical Keychron fashion, is offered in six different variants and various stages of assembly, all of which are currently only accessible through the Keychron website.

Keychron Q2 Review: Keys

This opulent Windows and Mac-compatible accessory may be the ideal entry point for the hobby. The Keychron Q2 is a somewhat scaled-down version of its predecessor, the Keychron Q1, with a hot-swappable 65 percent design. Even new enthusiasts may rapidly learn how to customize the Q2 for any application they choose to give it because of its great degree of adaptability and simplicity of usage.

Mechanical keyboards and kits, especially those produced for enthusiasts, are frequently manufactured with more care than those produced by large corporations. The Q2 is built (and priced) to be enjoyed, costing $170 for a full kit sans switches and keycaps or $150 for a barebone version. The Q2 is unquestionably an improvement if you have spent years typing on your laptop’s built-in keys or on a $20 keyboard accessory that also included a mouse and a webcam. You can buy this keyboard from its official website

Keychron Q2 Review: RGB lighting

The engineering prowess of Keychron, I was able to program the rotary knob to do more than just change the level of my speaker. I converted the rotary knob into an RGB controller for testing purposes. The RGB is turned on or off as you turn the knob, and turning it to the left decreases brightness while turning it to the right increases it.

Ironically, neither QMK nor VIA have a per-key RGB functionality while having extensive customization possibilities. Since I usually disable RGB, I wasn’t bothered by this, but with feature-rich software like this, the absence of per-key RGB is equivalent to wearing a watch that counts your walks and monitors your stocks but doesn’t show the time.

Keychron Q2 Review: Performance

Even with the unusual legends, the Keychron Q2 looks fantastic, but what really makes this case stand out is the sonic profile. No matter how hard you’re slamming into the deck, the double gasket mount design truly shines through, providing a comfortable landing for every bottom-out. While it may frustrate some, We actually appreciated the variety of keypress sounds across the deck with this set of keys (tested with Gateron G Pro Browns). The space bar definitely has a different sound than the somewhat higher pitched letters, producing a deeper thock as opposed to the rest of the deck’s tippy tap. The enter and backspace buttons, on the other hand, had a more cheerful tone.

Keychron Q2 Review: Conclusion

Overall, I was really pleased with the Q1’s build quality, and despite a few minor issues, I still occasionally use that board since I adore it. After putting the Q2 through its paces, we was able to determine that it is a fantastic board that, despite its smaller size, offers significant enhancements.

The keycaps are by far the worst I’ve seen on anything near this price, and the square cutout for the rotary knob is a bit of an eyesore, despite the fact that it’s one of the best boards I’ve evaluated so far. Despite this, this mechanical keyboard is nonetheless robust, adaptable, and well-performing.