I'm not even going to google those to see what they look like, to avoid temptation!
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Keychron keyboard discussion
- Thread starter maflynn
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Yesterday I was having fun with my new iPad Pro. I was typing on the Mac Studio and decided to switch to the iPad. Did Fn-2 on the Keychron Q1 and with my Apple Magic trackpad continued typing away on the iPad. Completely seamless switch.
I've said that to myself before. About 10 times, lol.
I have a Q2 (the original pre-Pro/Max model) and really like it as well. My only complaint is that I wish it had three right hand nav keys (so I could have Del, PgUp, PgDn) instead of just two.
I can do without the F-row, especially if there's a knob, but I use PgUp and PgDn often enough that even programming Fn-Up and Fn-Dn to PgUp and PgDn is inconvenient for me. Which is why I've also got two Keychron V3's in my collection (has an F-row, but also has one extra key on the right-hand column) along with a Nuphy Halo75v2.
Certainly makes sense since you use those keys. I use the Del key, but don't think I've ever used PgUp, PgDn, or Home so I'm all set.
I used Home and End a lot on Windows and Linux when editing code, but macOS uses Ctrl+A/Cmd+Left and Ctrl+E/Cmd+Right for those functions, so once I got used to macOS shortcuts, I rarely used any of the navigation keys since. That's why I used 96% keyboards for a long time: no navigation keys but numpad. The Neo70 I bought is a TKL FRL layout and I plan to map the navigation keys to media controls, which is what I use the knob for on my Q2 Max.
I've been curious to try an ortholinear keyboard for a while but having just bought two keyboards (with accessories and keycaps) at over 300$ each, I really shouldn't spend another >200$ on this.
Just got an email that Developer keycap set is back in stock!
2 months ago, bought a Q3 Max (TKL) + Q0 Max (numpad) combo, thinking to use them stock would already be fine (it was, but...)
2 months later, already spent hundreds on keycaps, switches, and stablizers lol.
The black set is JTK HSA white on black, a set of shinny finish ABS keycaps (also some metallic artisans)
The retro one is PBTfans Resonance R2, a set inspired by designer Dieter Rams.
Switch wise I am currently using Gateron Azure Dragon V3 on the alphas, since the Keychron came with Jupiter Banana which I liked, so upgraded to another early-bump tactile which a slightly heavier spring.
The mods are using Gateron Sylva (linear)
For stabs no matter how much I lube I couldn't get the stock Keychron stabs to stop rattling, so got a set of Gateron Ink V2 long pole stabs which are fantastic (hand lubed with Krytox)
Oh I also replaced the knobs with these that have PVD gunmetal coatings.
They weren't kidding when they say mechanical keyboard is a cash sinking rabbit hole...
My first 60% keyboard... I'm actually liking the simplicity after having migrated towards larger and larger keyboards over the last couple of years. Even got the barebones keyboard on sale!
Keychron Q4 Pro white (barebones)
PBTFans X-Ray keycaps (Cherry profile)
Gateron Smoothie switches (40gf linear)
Faluber black wooden wrist rest (Amazon)
Keychron Q4 Pro white (barebones)
PBTFans X-Ray keycaps (Cherry profile)
Gateron Smoothie switches (40gf linear)
Faluber black wooden wrist rest (Amazon)
I have programmed in Fn-WASD as arrow keys. Fn-⌘-WASD will work just like normal arrow keys. I think the 'normal' arrow keys for 60% and HHKB-layout keyboards by convention is Fn-HJKL for the arrows (I guess one of the Unix/Linux text editors uses those keys or something), but I find WASD easier to reach and remember.
Delete is Fn-Backspace, same as on a MacBook. The only other navigation key I use frequently is Page Down, which I've made Fn-\| (easy to reach with thumb and index finger) but I've also made Home, End and PgUp keys as well -- Fn-P, Fn-[ and Fn-] since they're right next to Fn-\ and the order Home, End, PgUp, PgDn makes sense to me.
Mute, Vol Dn and Vol Up are Fn-0, Fn-- and Fn-=, so those are easy as well. The `~ symbols can be reached with Fn-Esc and Fn-Shift-Esc. And I made Fn-3 the Mission Control toggle (like F3 on a standard Mac keyboard).
The keyboard is fully programmable with VIA, so I can add all kinds of shortcuts. Fn-Caps Lock is screen capture and Fn-Right Shift brings up the Emoji panel. And if I need actual Function keys in my Parallels Windows 11 VM, I can get to them with Fn-Right Control and the num row (1 through = for F1 through F12)
I ran into a strange problem with my Q1. I kept getting unwanted periods. I thought it was me doing something. It turns out that a obscure setting in the keyboard map automatically inserts a period when the space bar is double clicked. I found a discussion on the issue in another forum and checked and sure enough that option was active.
It has to be a macOS thing. I've seen that setting well before I ever had a mechanical keyboard. It's just Apple iOS-ifying macOS like usual.
The USB side of my Q1 has failed, it only has BT. Because of my troubles with macOS 15 I am taking a break on the PC and that is when I discovered the problem. Keychrons driver launcher could not recognize the keyboard. It isn't the cable. I did a reset and that didn't help either.
Switched back to the K12 not used to a 100% keyboard anymore. The ESC key is flashing that means a low battery right?
I think i might have found an on the QT update that came with macOS 15, or maybe doing a reset of the Q1 did it. These Keychrons can pair with up to three devices. I always had a problem between the Mac and the PC I had to go into each computers Bluetooth setting to get things to hook up the Fn command did not work like it was supposed to. It was just to much of a hassle. Now I have the Mac on Fn-1, the Pc on Fn-2, and the iPad on fn-3. So to celebrate this milestone in my macOS knowledge. I used it as an excuse to order my 4th Keychron. This one incorporates everything i have learned from the other three. The Keychron Q3 HE QMK Wireless custom.
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