The original Q1 without the knob got some pretty good reviews and this version is meant to improve on that with:
An added knob.
Knob version uses the Gateron G Pro switches instead of the Gateron Phantom switches.
Double-Gasket Design with extra silicone gaskets installed between the top and bottom cases for an improved sound profile.
A brand new ultra-low-power Arm Cortex-M4 32-bit STM32L432 MCU which is powerful, and armed with 128K Flash will provide more flexibility for developers.
Slightly thicker bottom case to make the Q1 heavier, sturdier, and has much less ping noise.
Steel plate instead of an aluminum plate, making the board heavier and sturdier.
The top case has sharper corners to make it much more compatible with third-party keycaps.
Abandoned the Coiled Aviator Cable to save some costs.
Soooo, I’m curious, how does that happen? I’ve never had a key stop working across hundreds of keyboards across near 4 decades… Did a trace on the board get damaged or something? Or is it something weird with the switch (those aren’t really something to die…)?
I couldn’t wait any longer for the Q1 to get back in stock so just got a new Apple Magic Keyboard instead. Unfortunately I can’t use the Touch ID because I don’t have a M1 Mac, but thought I best future proof.
Feels a little bit more like the keyboard on my Mac (which I quite like) than the previous gen, but the difference is very subtle.
Other notable differences are the F4/5/6 keys, which now launch spotlight, dictation and do not disturb.
PS for anyone who wants to clean their keyboard… use Isopropyl Alcohol/Isopropanol 99.9% and not soap and water like I did!
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