Keychron Q1 Knob Version Build - Stock and Modded Sound Test

This is my first experience with custom mechanical keyboards. Featuring the initial build and mods.

[@xavestudio4623]

got this version also. quite impressive what they did on this one, out of the box performance with just lube stabs quite awesome. sounds good without so much mods.

[@AlexPerrin1987]

Great sound. Great video. Great mods. Long video though. I was just looking for some info but I stayed for the relaxation. Thanks!

[@vanvideo]

I wouldn't call myself experienced enough to be able to give the best info about mech keyboards but I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@kyo666oyk]

Weird. I'm building the same board and found this video after ordering all the components. The only difference is keycaps. Still have a wait until my boba switches arrive, but I am so excited to find this video and know I am going to be happy. THANK YOU!

[@misterforest6574]

FYI. My understanding is the thin film at the bottom of the case was to insulate the PCB contacts from the metal housing. Since you have the tempest tape mod, that will be a barrier. But, if you experience multiple entries, you may want to put it back.

[@vanvideo]

I learned this about a week ago but thank you for the info! Yes, that is the actual purpose of the film included.

[@DoLaYGG]

Deserve for more subs! My Q1 knob version arrived yesterday, Satisfy with stock condition.

[@holiclove]

나사 주변 실리콘 완충은 이전버전 피드백을 통해 생성되었지만 기본으로는 부족하여 살짝더 손을 보면 완벽히 핑노이즈를 잡을 수 있었으며 동일가격에서의 커스텀 입문을 도와주는 상급 가스켓 키보드임은 확실합니다!

[@farshaxan]

I was wondering which Apollo clones you got? They look great!

[@executeaim4894]

I love with the knob version that most of the ping is gone

[@NoRizzLuke]

hey did you mod the boba u4ts btw ??

[@ThockyDocKey]

Good content man! keep it up! I miss my Q1

[@vanvideo]

Thank you!

[@Nexcron_]

I bought a keychron q1 v1 8 months back. Did my own force break and tempest mod to it (4 layers). Didnt touch the original 2 layer padding and it sounds exactly like this. Got a Q1 V2 on the way as a daily, since v1 is my lan keyboard :D

[@husainyard2288]

So far is there any significant difference between v1 and v2?

[@Nexcron_]

@@husainyard2288 better stabs on v2. Same with a better lubed job and they have added a force break mod so you wont get a ping from the top case to bottom. And also the screws and threading feel more higher quality

[@damnokay2]

@@Nexcron_ is the knob version same as the v2 version?

[@Nexcron_]

@@damnokay2 the knob version has newer stabs and force break mod and a couple of other things done to it from factory so you don't get the annoying case ping. If you are unsure of how to identify v1/v2 look for green stabs and the knob. That is v2

[@damnokay2]

@@Nexcron_ ahhhh okay thank you!

[@tanishkchavan-walke523]

beautiful video my guy

[@vanvideo]

Thank you!

[@T.N.24]

How come u disassembled before installing switches?? To not cause pcb to bend? 🤔

[@kazu_mask]

Modded 素晴らしい音。好きです。

[@xXAMAZ1NXx]

great video! i am waiting for my Q1 to arrive right now, can’t wait. can i ask where you got the switch containers?

[@vanvideo]

The switch containers are just unused food containers I found at home somewhere. You should be able to find these in your dollar stores or anywhere that sells food containers or desk organizers.

[@xXAMAZ1NXx]

@@vanvideo thanks haha

[@蛇王-y9b]

you should put more gasket for the side as well , should be 4 more left

[@toliver.99]

link for the silicone repair station? :)

[@Yourbeautyformyashes]

Hows the texture on the gmk clones? On the smoother or rougher side?

[@vanvideo]

I admit I don't have that much experience with a lot of keycaps but they have a different texture compared to a lot of PBT dye-sub keysets. They're rough but more coarse. Dye-sub sets are rough but have a fine texture. So far though, after about 2 months of usage, there doesn't seem to be any difference from when I first have them. I'm not even sure if these are double shot ABS or PBT.

[@kbmonkej]

Nice video! Btw, what is that blue mat called? Been wanting to get one but don’t know what it is.

[@vanvideo]

You can search for silicone soldering mat or just soldering mat. You should be able to find a size that fits you.

[@kbmonkej]

Thanks alot!

[@nelforeign]

Do you think Q1 knob is better than Gmmk Pro? Also do you prefer the Q1 over KDB75 V3.1?

[@vanvideo]

I'll be honest, this is my first experience with a custom DIY mechanical keyboard kit. I do not own nor have experience with either the GMMK Pro or the KBD75 V3.1. I only have had pre-built keyboards before this one. But based on the videos I've watched regarding all these kits, I prefer the Q1 over the GMMK pro for its customizability. There's more freedom to modify stuff in this keyboard to your liking. The Q1 also wins against the KBD75 V3.1 for me. Not only is it cheaper, I also prefer the exploded layout.

whats difference to q3 and so?

[@timpy1124]

the form factor, q3 is TKL whicle q1 is a 75%

[@Blueysvr]

Nice

[@MichaelMariscal]

Great review! looking forward for more, keep up the good work!

[@babaty6829]

IDK why but the stock one is better for me.

[@Dunsparth]

Where did you buy all the mods?

[@TheHummusKing]

Are the switches lubed?

[@JackEastoe]

Hey, where's the mouse pad from?

[@vanvideo]

It's custom made here locally. It's my own design and they just print whatever I want on the deskpad. It might look really good on camera but it's not perfect quality given it's relatively cheap.

[@hpk]

this was my first purchase & first mechanical keyboard! Does anyone have any good low profile keycaps to recommend? or is it frowned upon all together. I switched from a very low profile membrand keyboard and my typing is suffering lol

[@vanvideo]

I don't think it's a good idea. I have no experience on this but wouldn't the stem from the low profile keycaps be too short? Unless you're using switches with a very short travel, I think you'll be experiencing a lot of interference from that. Also, if this isn't going to be a problem, then travel distance would still be the same. Which would mean a different start height but would still require you to press the keys down the same distance. Again, I'm not really sure as I've got no experience on this but if it works for you, and you don't mind having the switches exposed instead of the more closed design, then sure, go for it.

[@hpk]

@@vanvideo thank you so much for sharing this information, very valid point on the travel, I guess I'm just triggering alot of extra keystrokes due to the sudden change to higher profile.. Yea I was accustomed to typing on the Mac keyboard for many years so although its a joy to type on my Q1, its taking a toll on my speed and accuracy.

[@anthonylee5013]

curious if you think the boba 68g is hard to press. i'm coming from browns and was wondering what your thoughts on it are compared to browns. I play a lot of video games, so just worried if my hands are going to get tired.

[@vanvideo]

I honestly think it's up to you. In terms of tactility, Boba U4Ts are very hard to beat. They make browns feel like linears in comparison. I found the 68g versions to be great for me. I don't really get tired playing games but that also depends on the kind of games you play. Unless you have a way to try them out first for yourself though, there's no real other way to find out if you like them. But if you're really not sure, you can try spring swapping later with lighter springs to see if you like them better that way. Just keep in mind that Boba U4Ts have a little lube on the spring. So you might have to lube the springs if you do decide to swap them out later.

[@anthonylee5013]

@@vanvideo Ended up getting the 62g, hopefully I like them. Thanks for the reply!

[@bloobloohed1212]

@@anthonylee5013 how were they compared to browns?

[@xavigolshadow]

Did you like the steel plate?

[@vanvideo]

I've only had experience with steel plates so far so I can't speak to other materials. I still like the bounce though. As long as you have enough dampening through the gasket mount, the typing feel is still very good. It still bounces when I push hard enough.

[@Ezdiess]

tbh the sound difference not worth the effort

[@vanvideo]

I can definitely agree with you on that. This is just my own experience trying to mess around with keyboards. It's all up to you if you have the time, money, and effort in the end.

[@steven3335]

Yeah, I agree. The stock sound for the Q2 V2 sounds actually quite nice.

[@finnmurphy8359]

Honestly yeah, u have to know what ur doing a lil bit more to make it sound amazing. Only people I’ve seen do this hoard correctly is hamaji neo and hipyo

[@illansuu9572]

If im being honest it sounds miles worse than the stock version just because it has way more ping to its sound.

[@farshaxan]

@@finnmurphy8359 I just got the Q1 V1, which mods would you suggest are worth it?

[@ДмитрийЗайцев-ь4п]

just put silicone instead

[@youmasajp]

The horrible background music, and the slooooow pace of the video got you the thumbs down.