Keychron Q2 Review - Yes, I Can Recommend This

[@haurjie]

What I should have said is "Q2 is the best keyboard I can recommend to beginners within its price point (~$150)."

[@mpresto15]

I got it for 125 at local computer store and couldnt be more happier. After some keycaps and lubed pandas lol

[@solitaryblue1363]

really liked how you showed the sound test for an unmodded Q2 vs a modded one. helps for new people to the hobby (like me) to see if going to all the modding trouble is worth it. which, to me, the acoustic improvement does seem pretty substantial

[@haurjie]

I'm glad it helped and thank you!!

[@prokopf-9332]

Really glad they fixed the interference issues, i think im actually going for the Q1 knob version though, as it seems to have all these same issues fixed. And i want to try 75% as i already own 65%

[@siegekeebs]

Your recommendation at the end is quite strong - it would be helpful if you could say WHY you would recommend it over the other competitive options - KBD67 Lite, Ikki68, NK65, Bakeneko65. From what I can see, there isn't anything that makes stand out above the ones I just listed besides the NK65 except the knob.

[@haurjie]

Good point, I had forgotten to talk about competitors. I shot this in two days and was rushed, my fault. But still want to answer what you said here. Bakaneko - never tried it personally so I cannot comment on it. Ikki68 - never tried it also cannot comment on it. NK65EE and KBD67 Lite R2 (non-alu version) I have tried so I'll comment on these. Both of these cost about $50 less than Q2, but the Q2 is worth that jump. Q2 also has PCB mounted stabs instead of plate mounted like the other two which is considered better. Q2 also doesn't need mods except for stabs to make it "good". The other two boards do need mods. So if you enjoy the modding process from a cheaper keyboard, that can also be a thing too if you'd like. I haven't tried to aluminum versions of the KBD67 Lite or NK65 to give a better metal to metal body comparison. Also the layout of Q2 is different, KBD67 has arrow blocker, NK65 does not, Q2 has space between arrows and the right side keys. Having more space on the Q2 would be my preference. But with those differences and factors I mentioned above, you'll have to just decide which is best for you. I also don't consider the Ikki68 a competitor, because of availability... Q2 is easier to buy and more readily in stock and produced than Ikki.

[@siegekeebs]

@@haurjie Thanks for the detailed reply! I appreciate your time. Plate mounted stabs definitely make a big difference, and both the NK65 and KBD67 Lite being plastic instead of aluminum - although personally I think plastic cases are thockier/deeper sounding which is usually the profile that people are looking for - is another knock against them. That $30 shipping on the Q2 is really rough though - it brings the price to nearly $200. It's interesting that you knock the others as needing mods, but in your video here you clearly demonstrated that mods make a big difference on this board and stock it sounded kind of lifeless.

[@haurjie]

@@siegekeebs I wouldn't say it's lifeless in stock form, it's not bad at all in stock. What I said or showed is that tape mod makes it deeper sounding and almost like PE foam in a Mr Suit. Without tape it's clackier and some people like that too.

[@siegekeebs]

@@haurjie Thanks for the clarification! While it sounded lifeless to me in the video, I trust your stated opinion more than I trust the audio to be exactly representative in my viewing of the video. I'm well aware of the struggles of trying to accurately capture keyboard audio...

[@MAL1GNANT]

WAIT THERE'S A BAKE65?

[@ToyKeeper]

The Q2 seems really nice... except for the missing key above the right arrow. I use that key a lot, so it hurts to have a hole there. However, the upcoming Q65 has it... plus an entire bonus column on the left side with a knob. Really looking forward to that one. It'll likely be my daily driver for the foreseeable future.

[@blacksfax4533]

that's a really complete review! I like it a lot, thanks! I just ordered a Q2 with an additional PC plate and it's going to be my very first alu build haha :D I subscribed, keep it up!

[@Rhoadspc]

Very nice review man, love the lighting and I actually prefer the tape mod that’s pretty sweet! I did own the Q1 of this board and gave to a friend but it’s awesome to see Keychron listen and improve for the Q2 board . Get some sleep!

[@IsayanBros]

I love how beginner friendly you are. Most other channels are pretty intimidating.

[@zhieson]

Great review! I love all the options of sound test you provide and the justifications for all of them. Very well done!

[@haurjie]

thank you! only thing missing I'd like to provide are the different plate options is all.

[@zhieson]

@@haurjie I totally agree. Wish they released FR4 or POM. I eventually got FR4 for my Q1 but it was $50 after shipping 😬

[@kuyt20]

So the knob is the new trend? Nice. Anyway, this is a good kit. Hopefully similar level of quality can trickle down to budget DIY kits below the $100 price range as well.

[@haurjie]

Idk if I can say knob is the trend, at least what I'm observing it still 50/50. But it has started to become more popular, just not to the point where it's taken over non-knob boards

[@YuProducciones]

loving the backgrounds on the desk and the music. but all this world looks xpensive AF lol

[@haurjie]

yeah that's the hobby hahah

[@spadeclips4725]

Best review of this board by far! Keep it up! You earned a sub.

[@haurjie]

I appreciate you so much!

[@JacobRosenegger]

I've watched 3 other Q2 videos and this was by far the best and most thorough.

[@haurjie]

thank you! who were the other 3 you watched?

[@JacobRosenegger]

@Haurjie Keybored, BadSeed Tech, and Andy Nguyen

[@JoshTechgamer]

I really like man blue looks EPIC might get it next build. And Mod lol laser keycaps of course. Great review man

[@kiniean]

Perfect review video as always. You’re always thorough and that greatly helps a newbie like me. Not my favorite lay out but I’ll consider Keychron in the future.

[@haurjie]

I'm TKL gang ;)

[@Wiktan]

q3 will be TKL if I am not wrong

[@kiniean]

@@haurjie TKL gang only ✨

[@MichaelBertolino]

Great review as always, Haurjie! I definitely think Keychron improved a lot of things about the Q1 and implemented them into this. However, I am excited to see the Zoom65 reviews come in, because I think if will beat the Q2 in sound for sure. Typing feel, the Zoom65 will probably tie or be better most likely

[@haurjie]

Ohh I'll have to look into that one

[@MichaelBertolino]

@@haurjie Would love to see a comparison! It's crazy what you get for $180!

[@jasonlawkklaw]

I just bought a q2 and want to change the switches, I like the clicky feeling. However, the switches come with is gateron g pro the force needed I a bit much. Is there any recommendation for me if I want clicky but can use less force. will mx cherry works?

[@haurjie]

Yeah any 5-pin switches cherry MX style switches work

[@jasonlawkklaw]

@@haurjie how about box jade or white I did some research seems these two ok as well Any suggestions? Many thx to your reply love your video

[@haurjie]

@@jasonlawkklaw I've tried the whites but not Jades, but normally i'm not a fan of clicky switches so those I avoid lol (very very very very few people like clicky switches in the custom keyboard community haha)

[@iampxl]

i remember you from the nzxt discord, good to see you doing great on yt

[@TheUnemployedGuy88]

Nice review, are Q1 and Q2 connect wirelessly or only wired?

[@haurjie]

Wired as far as I know. Wireless isn't a popular choice in custom keyboards because most are made out of thick blocks of metal for the body, if you can imagine it might not be as great for wireless signals

[@bltzcstrnx]

IIRC, QMK have very limited BT capability. Hence almost all QMK powered keyboards are wired.

[@reviewforthetube6485]

Didn't expect the board to be this good tbh lol I actually like the tight tolerance even if they fixed it rubbing the keycaps it's still tight in a good way I wish I saw more boards that are that tight around the lip edges. It's not bad for a budget baord I can see alot of people buying this. I'm always happy to see these options especiallly for newer people.

[@haurjie]

you like potential of a board where keycaps might hit your case with tight tolerance? or you mean you like tight tolerance but without the keycaps hitting the case?

[@reviewforthetube6485]

@@haurjie no I don't like the previous I'm talking about the new version. It's still tight against the wall. I like how clean it looks with not having as much space. Of course I want clearance but some boards have to much clearance.

[@prokopf-9332]

@@reviewforthetube6485 Only gripe i have is that the plate sits quite high compared to the top frame or the top frame is a tad too low. If you look at an slight angle, you can see the switches, even though its a closed design. So its not too bad, but on the gmmk pro the edges are a bit higher, so you really cant notice the switches. Its not too bad, as from the side you cant see the switches, just a minor thing. Im planning to go with weird coloured switches, so it can look a bit off if you see the housings but i take that.

[@hingyinleung5649]

Great reivew! Question about the spacebar at 4:45 why left side has a higher pitch than the right side? Is it because of the board or the stab?

[@hakanakman3226]

It can be the wire unbalanced… maybe more lube on the left side…it can be so many things but it drives me nuts when I have to face the issue. My Q3 compared the stock Q2 is crazy bad when it comes to stabilizer..

[@Fellow_Gamer]

Another great review, thank you Haurjie! Question about Keychron: I've heard that a major criticism about Keychron is that they don't have software for their keyboards. How much does this affect anything regarding their keyboards?

[@haurjie]

This is a good thing. I prefer companies NOT have their own software. It's best to have one universal software for every company, easier to work with. Especially if you have multiple keyboards as an enthusiast to switch around, you really want every company's software installed on your computer? lol, there is a software for it as mentioned in the video, it's called QMK/VIA. It is best to keep it this way. :)

[@thebaker8637]

What they mean is that a lot of their OLDER keyboards (the K series) were sold on the basis that a software for the keyboard was on the way. They kept promising and promising it for years. They never delivered on that at all and started making the Q-series instead. A lot of people who bought the K-series got screwed over by this and there's an entire scene trying to get QMK working on them at the expense of wireless.

[@olivertrees]

ayyyyy you did it. great vid!

[@haurjie]

Ayye thank you!!

[@bonrr]

just ordered thanks

[@haurjie]

which color and config did you get?

[@bonrr]

@@haurjie black barebones w knob lol I’m gonna put banana splits in it

[@samskleibrok2023]

Awesome review!

[@haurjie]

thank you so much!

[@VidVayder]

Thank you for the excellent review. With the QK65 now released, would you say it's worth waiting for a R3 of the QK65 or is the Keychron Q2 still a good choice? Would the Q2 sound as good as QK65 after tape mod, force break, lube/filming switches and stabs, and cutting out my own case foam? By the way, not that you need any advice from me with your great subscriber count, but I noticed a slightly robotic timbre to your vocal audio. Are you using RX Elements to remove mouth noise? If so, I highly recommend RX Standard as an upgrade (check out plugin boutique for a cost friendly upgrade, they have regular sales). It makes a huge difference in effectiveness for removing unwanted mouth noise, and in my experience it did not add a robotic timbre as Elements did for me.

[@haurjie]

I've never tried the QK65 so I can't really say much about it as my feedback or recommendations would be inaccurate without hands on experience. As for the vocals, I'm not quite sure I hear it? Robotic timbre... not even sure if I know what that is supposed to sound like? I didn't use RX Element nor do I know what that software is, will have to google it. I might have used a denoiser preset in Adobe Premiere if there's ambient noise going on sometimes in my apartment, but that's about it.

[@VidVayder]

@@haurjie That's fair, thanks for the reply. Don't worry about the robotic timbre stuff, if it doesn't bother you then forget I ever said it. Keep up the great work mate 👍

[@Lambrodor]

I have the same q1 board as you, but the lighting panel is blank on via even after I import the firmware from keychron. Do you have the same issue?

[@ravishankarperi4038]

One thing that is missing is that it is not wireless and does not support multiple device connection.

[@haurjie]

The custom keyboard community typically avoids wireless. It doesn't make the keyboard sound or feel better which is the primary goal when going up the keyboard tier. In fact it makes it worse. If wireless is something that you're looking for, then you can find a bunch of cheaper ones on Amazon local retail stories.

[@ravishankarperi4038]

Got it thanks for the quick reply! Waiting for Keychron Q2 Pro!

[@neuropathical]

whats withs the swapped F and J keys

[@haurjie]

LMAO i didn't even notice it. sometimes i work on projects all night and things like this slip my mind...

[@jonathanclement4587]

Wich is the best in your opinion, this or the ducky one 3 sf ??

[@haurjie]

Never tried any Duckys

[@redwanahmd]

Hey! What keycap set is that?

[@haurjie]

This is GMK Bleached

[@CMLXMNDXv]

Homeboy got a logo now!

[@haurjie]

wait are you talking about me or you? lol

[@jammies701]

Nice vid

[@pseudocode2189]

thank you

[@haurjie]

you're welcome

[@iavyy]

your hair is flowing

[@ex0ja]

Interesting, you hit the spacebar with your index finger not thumb!

[@haurjie]

Haha yeah it was habit that started kinda early. I've been trying to retrain myself using the thumb lately but I just type very slowly with it

[@vl3244]

6:02, A S D J G H F K L, huh haha

[@svanteekholm7334]

Keychron doesn't have any software to remap keys yet, do they? If I could remap Page Up/Down to Home/End without a third party tool I would be sold on this

[@z4k1_zaki65]

VIA and QMK is the industry standard for keyboard remapping

[@svanteekholm7334]

​@@z4k1_zaki65 So it does support it? That's awesome then :)

[@z4k1_zaki65]

@@svanteekholm7334 Yes

[@haurjie]

@@z4k1_zaki65 Yeah, should have VIA for any custom keyboards remapping (even some non-custom too I believe)

[@bltzcstrnx]

@@svanteekholm7334 the Q series stands for QMK. Hence it is powered by QMK open sourced keyboard firmware.

[@finnweldon6423]

I NEED TO KNOW WHAT THOSE KEYCAPS ARE

[@haurjie]

GMK bleach

[@finnweldon6423]

@@haurjie thank you

[@7.62x25mm]

j and f are swapped

[@umpus]

I'm so jealous. They don't even ship to my country.

[@haurjie]

i'm sorry to hear that :( where do you live?

[@umpus]

@@haurjie Northern Ireland. They ship to the UK and Ireland, just not us :( We're too small for them to care about lol.

[@HeavyMix3]

I can't find anyone doing a typing test with other plates, would have been interesting to hear the difference :/

[@CheswickFS]

plates wasnt ready when sending out the review units

[@HeavyMix3]

@@CheswickFS FeelsBadMan

[@haurjie]

Yeah right now I'm like known as the "keyboard plates guy" hahah, I do a lot of those. But yeah, as the other guy mentioned, we weren't sent the plates.

[@HeavyMix3]

@@haurjie Tbh I identify you more as the "silent board guy" than the "keyboard plate guy" haha

[@haurjie]

@@HeavyMix3 hahaha I am aware that keyboard "enthusiasts" have a thing against silent boards because they are "boring". I can see why they say that lol but both are appealing to me :)

[@1700tt]

Bakeneko65 or this?🤣

[@haurjie]

Never tried bakaneko, so I can't say lol

[@fyrestar325]

Ok but why are your lips so chapped

[@haurjie]

It's dry in Vegas and I have been dehydrating myself for a couple photoshoots lol.

[@j9ke3r]

looks stif as hell, if the mounting is the same as the Q1, then that's not a soft typing experience

[@haurjie]

there is no such thing as a "soft typing" experience actually... nobody types hard enough to really take advantage of flex. but taking out the scope of a "typing session", it's more "bouncy" than most keyboards I've owned. Also, same mounting system as Q1, but Q1 also didn't allow you to flex down that much unless you took out the foam, but then you wouldn't have ESD protection anymore. Q2 gave you both, the flex and the ESD.

[@j9ke3r]

@@haurjie oh my friend, take a look at platelets builds, glacier80 and class65 as the most recent examples.