GMMK Pro Vs Keychron Q1
Compact keyboards are convenient when you dont need the extra keys to press. The GMMK Pro Vs Keychron Q1 are some of the best compact customizable keyboards you can buy, they are also different, and you may like one better. These keyboards are hot-swappable if you want to change the switches or caps, but let’s see what else they can offer and how they differ below.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What are the GMMK Pro and Keychron Q1?
- How is the Design of GMMK Pro and Keychron Q1?
- What is the Switch in GMMK Pro and Keychron Q1?
- How is the Typing Experience with GMMK Pro and Keychron Q1?
- How is the Software for GMMK Pro and Keychron Q1?
- GMMK Pro Vs Keychron Q1
- Which Customizable Mechanical Keyboard to Choose?
| GMMK Pro | Keychron Q1 | |
|---|---|---|
  | ||
| Product Dimensions | 13.07 x 5.3 x 1.6 inches | 12.93 x 5.71 x 1.41 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 3.88 pounds | 5.92 pounds |
| Best offer | Check price | Check price |
About the GMMK Pro and Keychron Q1
Mechanical keyboards are versatile and customizable because you can swap many parts of the unit, such as the switch, keycaps, and cables, with third-party ones or even those parts from the same manufacturer. Modern mechanical keyboards are customizable or hot-swappable, and some of the best are GMMK Pro and Keycrhon Q1. You may have heard of these brands because they are famous for their excellent quality keyboards, especially Keychron, as this company has many options, from budget to high-end models. Read also: GMMK Pro Vs Keychron Q3.
The GMMK comes from Glorious, which is also popular among enthusiasts. The GMMK Pro and Keychron Q1 are similar because they are 75% compact keyboards with hot-swappable features and sell at about the same price range. However, they are not identical, and as you can guess, the switch is the main difference between the two because GMMK uses the Glorious switch, which can be an upgrade if you are used to MX. On the other hand, the Q1 comes with Gateron G Pro switches.
Which is the better keyboard, GMMK Pro or Keychron Q1? The answer varies based on your favorite keyboard, such as the switch, build quality, and price point. These keyboards are equally reliable and versatile, depending on your preferred switch. The GMMK Pro is an excellent choice if you want to try the Glorious switch because we have heard many good things about their switches, especially the tactile one. On the other hand, the Q1 has more stable software and a better typing experience, thanks to the keycap’s shape.
GMMK Pro and Keychron Q1 Design
The GMMK Pro and Keychron Q1 are almost identical in design, and since they are 75% model, you still get the F keys at the top. These keyboards are also available in the barebone variant so that you can buy the switch and keycaps separately. If you choose the barebone version, we suggest getting the GMMK Pro because the build quality is much better and heavier. Both keyboards have a programmable encoder and are USB only. All tools for customizing the keyboards are included.
GMMK Pro and Keychron Q1 Switch
Because the GMMK Pro and Keychron Q1 come from different manufacturers, you can expect that these keyboards have different pre-build switches. Keychron usually has Gateron G Pro or Keychron K Pro switched on their keyboards. This time, it is the Gateron, and you can opt for linear, tactile, or clicky, depending on the stock. On the other hand, the GMMK Pro uses its Glorious switch; we choose the linear switch because it should be the quietest and most responsive for typers.
Worry not if you find the pre-built switches dont meet your expectation or if you want to try other mechanical switches because these keyboards are customizable and interchangeable with the same 3-pin or 5-pin switches. We suggest opting for the barebone model if you want the greatest customization while saving money because you can choose the switch and keycaps separately. However, the pre-built switch is already good if you want the versatility and option to customize it in the future.
GMMK Pro and Keychron Q1 Typing Experience
Next, we also want to see the typing experience with GMMK Pro and Keychron Q1 because this is crucial to determine whether the keyboard is pleasant to use and can be subjective. Both keyboards have good PBT keycaps that feel great on the fingers. They are not slippery and soft to the touch, with good durability. We also like that the RGB lighting is modest and not too bright. However, we prefer the keycap shape on Q1 because it is softer with rounded edges, making typing more comfortable if you do it fast enough.
The GMMK Pro’s square-ish keycaps are more traditional and familiar to most people. Like typical mechanical keyboards, the GMMK Pro and Keychron Q1’s keys are shaky, so you may see unwanted wobble movement when pressing the keys. These keyboards have screwed-in stabilizers to help minimize the wobble, but you can still see some. We don’t mind this issue and are more concerned about the heights as they are pretty tall, so you may want to add a wrist rest for the best comfort. Read also: Keychron Q2 Vs GMMK Pro.
GMMK Pro and Keychron Q1 Software
We also want to see the software where you can customize the GMMK Pro and Keychron Q1 keys. As mentioned above, these keyboards have an encoder that is also programmable, and we love this feature as it is convenient for various purposes. The Q1 is QMK/VIA supported, making it one of the most fluid keyboard software across the operating system. Glorious Core supports the GMMK Pro, a good-looking software but still has some issues, such as recognizing the device.
GMMK Pro Vs Keychron Q1
The GMMK Pro and Keychron Q1 are versatile keyboards for gaming and typing, but they are slightly different. From the build quality, we prefer the GMMK Pro because it is one of the best-built keyboards we have ever seen with an aluminum base and frame. From the switch, it is subjective and hot-swappable, so you can decide which switch to use. From the typing experience, we prefer the keycap’s shape on Q1 as it looks softer and feels better on the fingers. From the software, the QMK/VIA-supported Q1 is more fluid.
Conclusion
There is no wrong choice between GMMK Pro and Keychron Q1 because both are impressive offerings in this price range. We recommend these keyboards for everyone who wants a versatile keyboard, but we suggest getting the GMMK Pro if you choose the barebone model, as its impressive build quality. Glorious also has some of the best switches available. On the other hand, we recommend the Q1 if you love Gateron switches and want the best typing comfort. This keyboard also has better software.