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The GMMK Pro vs Keychron Q1 are both great options for a mechanical keyboard with a high level of customization and performance. They almost share the same characteristics like hot-swappable switches, layout, Mac and Windows support, and RGB lighting; however, they vary in keycap material, ergonomics, typing or gaming experience, and other aspects. Therefore, we will dive into their key differences and help you make an informed choice for your next mechanical keyboard purchase.
Looking to upgrade your mechanical keyboard? Get a glimpse of the differences between the GMMK Pro vs Keychron Q1 in this brief overview.
The GMMK keyboard offers a wired connectivity option in a compact 75% size, featuring responsive mechanical switches for a satisfying typing experience. With keycaps made of durable PBT material and a weight of 3.88 lbs, this keyboard provides a minimum incline of 6° for comfortable use.
The GMMK Pro Keyboard is a mechanical keyboard designed and manufactured by Glorious PC Gaming Race. It is a high-end, customizable keyboard that offers a range of features and options to meet the needs of keyboard enthusiasts.
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Keychron Q1 keyboards offer a compact 75% size with a wired connectivity option for a reliable connection. They feature mechanical switches for a tactile typing experience and keycaps made of durable ABS material. With a weight of 3.62 lbs (1.642 kg) and a minimum incline of 5.2°, Keychron keyboards provide a sturdy and comfortable typing experience for users.
The Keychron Q1 Keyboard is a mechanical keyboard designed and manufactured by Keychron. It is known for its high-quality build, customizable features, and wireless capabilities.
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Are you wondering between the GMMK Pro vs Keychron Q1? Read this side-by-side analysis to see which one comes out on top and fits your preferences.
| Feature | GMMK Pro | Keychron Q1 |
| Appearance |
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| Keycap Material | PBT | ABS |
| Key Switches |
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| Sound Test | Quiet | Less quiet |
| Ergonomics |
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| Durability | Sturdy metal frame | High-quality build materials |
| Typing Experience |
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| Gaming Experience | Not suitable for gaming | Great for gamers |
| Backlighting | Single-color backlighting | RGB backlighting system |
| Connectivity Options |
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| Latency | Great single-key latency | Decently low latency |
| Customization |
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| Extra Features |
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| Price | A barebones kit starts at around $128.20 | A barebones kit starts at around $149 |
The GMMK Pro, which comes in black slate or white-ice color, features a unique 75% layout design with arrow keys, navigational cluster, and function row. This arrangement provides an efficient layout with diffused LED side lighting. In addition, the GMMK PRO has a sleek aluminum unibody, which provides the keyboard with significant weight and rigidity.
The Keychron Q1 keyboard has a 75% layout with full arrow keys and function row, plus an optional rotary dial upgrade. It has a sturdy aluminum or steel frame that adds to its stability. The keys are individually backlit, allowing for customizable lighting effects. Besides, the Keychron Q1 keyboard comes in blue, black, or sleek gray options, featuring the digital Trends Logo by Keychron which enhances its aesthetics.
The GMMK keyboard itself does not include keycaps, but you have the option to purchase Glorious keycaps from the store along with the keyboard. The Glorious keycaps have a unique combination of green and blue colors and are designed to be slightly shorter than standard keycaps. They are made from durable PBT material keyboard durable and resistant to wear and tear. Read our article where we analyzed the outstanding features, highlighted some famous PBT types, and reputable places to buy these PBT keycaps.
The keycap material of Keychron Q1 is made from ABS. So, what are ABS keycaps? These keycaps are crafted through Cherry's double-shot molding technique, guaranteeing long-lasting legends. They are also oil and fingerprint resistant, allowing for effortless upkeep and cleaning.
The GMMK PRO has installed proprietary Glorious Fox linear switches. Besides, it incorporates hot-swap sockets specifically designed to facilitate the effortless installation of 3 and 5-pin switches. Therefore, this keyboard is compatible with a wide range of switches, including esteemed brands like Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, and many others.
For example, the GLORIOUS GMMK PRO is a barebones keyboard which doesn't have keycaps or switches, but there are some available switches for GMMK pro such as Glorious Raptor, Glorious Lynx and Glorious Panda, allowing for extensive customization. Besides, you can switch out the cable, choose a different rotary knob color, and replace the aluminum PCB switch plate with brass or polycarbonate for a personalized touch.
The Keychron Q1 keyboard features the pre-lubed Gateron G Pro mechanical tactile brown switch, which offers exceptional tactile responsiveness and can last up to 50 million keystrokes. Additionally, you can hot-swap the Q1 with a wide range of 3-pin and 5-pin MX mechanical switches, such as Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, and Panda, without the need for soldering. This allows you to customize your typing experience seamlessly.
Keychron Q1 offers a quiet typing experience. Although it may sound slightly hollow, Keychron has provided an optional foam addition to improve sound dampening if needed. While the noise level of the GLORIOUS GMMK PRO unit is less quiet compared to Keychron Q1; however, it may vary based on the switches you choose to install.
Get a clear understanding of the sound quality of two keyboards by watching this video comparison. Don't miss out on this informative video!
When comparing GMMK Pro vs Keychron Q1 in terms of ergonomics, the design of the GLORIOUS GMMK PRO is rather unremarkable. It features a straight board with no adjustable incline settings and a relatively high profile with a 6° minimum incline. However, this keyboard does not include a wrist rest. Fortunately, GLORIOUS offers wrist rests for separate purchases, enhancing their typing comfort if desired.
On the other hand, the ergonomics of the Keychron Q1 are average. It lacks incline settings with a 5.2° minimum incline, making it a flat board that may not be the most comfortable option for extended typing sessions. However, a wrist rest, purchased separately, would substantially improve the keyboard's comfort.
The GMMK Pro keyboard's construction is of high quality, featuring a sturdy metal frame that imparts a sense of strength and durability. Its firmness eliminates any keyboard flex, ensuring a consistent typing experience. Users have the option to select from aluminum, brass, or polycarbonate plates. The brass plate provides a firmer typing sensation, while the polycarbonate plate offers a touch of springiness.
The durability of Keychron Q1 keyboards is commendable due to their high-quality build materials, such as aluminum frames and sturdy keycaps. They go through extensive testing to guarantee enduring performance, making them reliable options for both casual and professional users.
The GMMK PRO offers a delightful typing experience. The switches deliver satisfying tactile feedback and, despite requiring a bit of force to actuate, they still feel relatively light. The gasket mount adds a springy feel, while the heavy case with insulated foam ensures a pleasant sound with each keystroke. Although the spacebar may exhibit a slight rattle, the GOAT stabilizers overall provide stable performance.
Keychron Q1 brings an exceptional typing experience. The keyboard features Gateron Phantom Brown switches that offer a light and comfortable typing feel with satisfying tactile feedback. The gasket-mounted design adds to the flexibility of the typing experience, making the switches feel soft when actuating. Additionally, the sound-absorbing foam ensures a quiet typing experience.
The GMMK Pro, while not built specifically for gaming, might nevertheless be an excellent alternative for gamers. The GMMK Pro keyboards with an operating force of 60gf may provide a slight advantage over the Keychron Q1 keyboards with 49gf. The higher operating force on the GMMk Pro keyboards could potentially offer more tactile feedback and responsiveness during gaming sessions. Besides, it allows you to select a mechanical switch, including gaming switches like the Cherry MX Speed Silver.
The Keychron Q1 is a great option for gamers due to its low latency, which is suitable for most casual gamers. The Gateron Phantom Brown switches offer a light typing experience, although they have a slightly longer pre-travel distance, which is 2.6mm when compared to a GMMK Pro’s shorter pre-travel distance of 2.4mm. However, the keyboard is hot-swappable, allowing users to easily install switches of their preference for a more responsive feel.
The RGB lighting on the GMMK Pro is stunning, with per-key RGB on each switch and side-glow for extra visual flare. Using the FN + Up/Down arrow keys, you may quickly swap between different lighting effects. Besides, you may further customize the brightness levels, colors, and effects with the Glorious Core program. The keyboard's vivid lighting delivers a colorful experience, reflecting off the plate for an eye-catching appearance.
The Keychron Q1 features a comprehensive RGB backlighting system, offering various effects and brightness options that can be easily adjusted on the keyboard. However, the included keycaps do not allow the backlighting to shine through, making it difficult to see the legends in low-light settings. Additionally, the casing on our Gateron Phantom Brown switches has a brown color, so when the backlighting is set to white, it creates a reddish-brown hue.
The GLORIOUS GMMK PRO offers full compatibility with Windows, however, certain keys and functions such as My Computer keys, Print Screen, Calculator, Web Browser, may not work on macOS. Unfortunately, the software does not support Linux or macOS, limiting the ability to set macros, remap keys, and customize backlighting on these systems. The GMMK Pro has a USB port conveniently located in the center, making it easy to power the keyboard. This keyboard does not support wireless connections and only offers wired options.
The Keychron Q1 Pro allows you to effortlessly connect up to three devices wirelessly using its reliable Broadcom Bluetooth 5.1. This seamless multitasking feature enables you to switch between your laptop, phone, and tablet quickly and easily. Moreover, it works with both Windows and Mac operating systems. In case you prefer a wired connection, there is also the option of a trustworthy USB Type-C connection available when needed.
According to RTINGS.com, the GMMK Pro has great single-key latency with 9.5 ms, offering a responsive and pleasant gaming experience for both recreational and competitive players. Furthermore, it provides excellent multi-key latency performance with key press (9.6 ms) and key release (12.7 ms), maintaining steady operation even when many keys are pushed and held down, making it suitable for games requiring simultaneous inputs.
The Keychron Q1 offers decently low latency with 11.1 ms, making it adequately responsive for everyday use. Nonetheless, certain gamers may have a preference for a lower latency alternative.
You can enhance your GMMK PRO by customizing it with various customizable options. This includes a redesigned bottom case that offers increased flexibility for the PCB/plate. Additionally, you have the choice of three distinctive gasket materials and two custom case foam options to fine-tune the acoustic properties. The G-Foam plate foam not only absorbs high frequencies but also reflects RGB lighting, resulting in vibrant illumination.
The Keychron Q1 has many customization possibilities, allowing customers to design their keyboards. They may modify the keycaps, switches, and casings to their own. Users may personalize their keyboards by modifying the keycaps with different colors, typefaces, or design patterns.
The switches may also be configured to offer a certain tactile sensation or sound, whether linear vs tactile vs clicky switches are preferred. Furthermore, the cases may be customized with a range of materials, colors, and designs to suit individual tastes.
The GMMK PRO offers several additional features that enhance functionality. These include a customizable knob that can be effortlessly switched with different colors. Although the secondary functions are not labeled on the GPBT keycaps (Gorgeous Cherry-Profile keycaps made from super-durable PBT plastic, numerous hotkeys are available for media control, Windows key lock, and profile and layer navigation. Additionally, the RGB strips on both sides of the board flash to indicate Caps Lock activation.
The Keychron Q1 offers a simple switch next to the USB-C connection that allows users to effortlessly switch between Windows and macOS modes. It also provides OS-specific keycaps, allowing users to adapt them to their PC's operating system. The keyboard is also adaptable, since the top right key (Insert) may be replaced with a custom logo or even a rotary knob if the required PCB is purchased.
The price of GMMK Pro vs Keychron Q1 varies depending on the configuration and customization options chosen:
The base price for the barebone GMMK Pro keyboard starts at around $128.20 from Amazon updated February 2024, but additional costs may be incurred for switches, keycaps, and other accessories. For example, if you want to buy an additional Switch Sample Pack, you have to pay an extra $21.00. However, prices may change depending on time, so you need to check prices before deciding to purchase.
The price of the Keychron Q1 is a little bit higher compared to the GMMK Pro. The base price for a barebones kit without switches or keycaps starts at around $149 according to Keychron’s website. However, additional costs will be incurred if switches and keycaps are included in the purchase. The final price will ultimately depend on the customer's customization choices.
The GMMK Pro and the Keychron Q1 are mechanical keyboards known for their impressive customization options and high performance levels. They both come equipped with features like hot-swappable switches, RGB lights, and compatibility with both Mac and Windows systems. The GMMK Pro caters more towards gamers, programmers, and professionals, whereas the Keychron Q1 targets keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of design, the GMMK Pro boasts a sleek and minimalist look, while the Keychron Q1 has a more ergonomic and curved shape. Additional features of the GMMK Pro include a rotary knob and a gasket-mounted plate, while the Keychron Q1 offers a screw-in stabilizer and a VIA-compatible PCB.
In conclusion, both the GMMK Pro vs Keychron Q1 offer unique features and benefits for keyboard enthusiasts. While the GMMK Pro boasts its hot-swappable keys and customizable RGB lighting, the Keychron Q1 stands out with its wireless capability and compact design. Whether you prioritize versatility and customization or convenience, both keyboards are excellent options to consider.
The GMMK Pro is a little bit better than Keychron because it offers enhanced RGB lighting customization and is equipped with an aluminum plate, unlike Keychron's steel plate used in most of their keyboards. The aluminum plate provides a different sound and feel, with a stiffer and higher-pitched sensation compared to steel.
The GLORIOUS GMMK PRO is a barebones gaming keyboard that does not include switches or keycaps. In contrast, the Keychron Q1 is a fully assembled hot-swappable board. Besides, there is also a barebones version of the Q1 available.
The Keychron Q1 is a wireless model, making it more suitable for typing compared to the GLORIOUS, which is a wired-only model. In addition, the Keychron Q1 features a gasket-mounted design, resulting in a softer and springier typing experience for users.
The Keychron Q1 is more suitable for gaming as it offers customizable hot-swappable switches and a low-latency wired connection, providing a more responsive and reliable gaming experience.
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The GMMK Pro vs Keychron Q1 are both great options for a mechanical keyboard with a high level of customization and performance. They almost share the same characteristics like hot-swappable switches, layout, Mac and Windows support, and RGB lighting; however, they vary in keycap material, ergonomics, typing or gaming experience, and other aspects. Therefore, we […]
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