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The S1 is Keychron’s try at a minimal, but high-quality, 75% mechanical and wired keyboard that provides the identical customization as others from the producer. These new to mechanical keyboards will discover the S1 to be extremely accessible, with the choice for hot-swappable keys and simply customizable key mapping with QMK/VIA software program.

Keychron S1 – Design

The S1’s physique is all metallic, with a CNC-machined aluminum physique and a metal backplate making certain a long-lasting expertise and sturdiness. Regardless of the metallic construct, it solely weighs at 960 grams (2.11 lbs), making the S1 lighter than a lot of the different keyboards within the Keychron household.

We discovered it extra corresponding to the Nuphy Air60 and Air75 in its portability, dimension, and weight.

As for the keys, the S1 has low-profile, double-shot PBT keycaps that guarantee sturdiness and lessened shine over time. You’ll be able to select from Gateron blue, crimson, or brown switches that make for a satisfying, non-distracting typing expertise, which can be assisted by a layer of sound-reducing foam beneath the keys.

Coming in a white-backlight and RGB model, the S1 has 22 completely different lighting modes, which may manually be switched by by way of the top-right lightbulb key or by the VIA software program.

For many who alternate between Mac and Home windows setups, the keyboard has a swap to alter between the working techniques. It additionally ships with each Home windows and Mac key units, permitting for simpler long-term transitioning between computer systems.

Keychron S1 – Customization

Given you buy the RGB and hot-swap model for the additional $20, the S1 affords a excessive degree of customization that compliments its minimalism. As talked about earlier, you may substitute key switches with out worrying a few soldering iron.

VIA, the configuration software program, permits free of charge reign over your typing expertise with macros, savable key mapping, digital lighting adjustment, and extra.

We discovered the set up of the VIA software program to run barely gradual on an M1 MacBook Air, presumably because of the model used being made for Intel chips slightly than an Apple Silicon-native launch.

To attenuate troubleshooting, we discovered that downloading VIA and the JSON file for the keyboard on Keychron’s web site, adopted by including the JSON file to the VIA software program was the simplest setup.

The keyboard angle may also be adjusted between three and 6 levels with a set of rubber ft. We discovered the six-degree angle to supply extra snug typing. In alternate for sturdiness, the rubber stands are somewhat difficult to take out.

Do you have to purchase the Keychron S1?

The brown switches within the overview unit carried out properly for all typing situations in addition to gentle gaming. We discovered no discernible discomfort whereas typing for lengthy intervals of time, though Keychron sells wrist pads individually for individuals who might have them.

Keychron additionally sells a carry case, however the construct high quality of the S1 ensures minimal harm if it is carried alongside your laptop computer in a bag.

As a wired keyboard, the S1 is perfect in a set setup, however its gentle weight for a mechanical keyboard makes it simply moveable sufficient for journey if you happen to do not thoughts the heft.

In case you’ve been eager about making an attempt a mechanical keyboard or want a high-quality minimalist keyboard, the S1 is a superb alternative. Typists and players alike will respect the design, sturdiness, and customization supplied for the value.

Keychron S1 Professionals

• Good sturdiness and construct high quality
• Transportable
• Customizable and accessible

Keychron S1 Cons

• Wired solely

4.5 out of 5

The Keychron S1 is out there on Keychrons web site for $109 for the bottom white backlight model, $119 for RGB, and $129 for RGB and hot-swappable keys. Equipment are additionally accessible for buy.