The Keychron Q4 is a compact (60%) keyboard that's the fourth entry into Keychron's Q-series of customizable keyboards. It features the same OSA profile keycaps, gasket-mounted design, and solid aluminum body found on the other Q-series boards. The main difference with this keyboard is that it comes in a compact form factor that lacks a Numpad, function row, and navigational cluster. Otherwise, it features the same range of customization options with a hot-swappable PCB, screw-in stabilizers, and an included toolkit to make it easier to customize.
Our Verdict
Though it's not designed for gaming, the Keychron Q4 is excellent for this use. It has an excellent build quality and full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys. Every key is macro-programmable using the companion software, which is available on all major operating systems. The stock Gateron G Pro Brown switches have a long pre-travel distance, but since the keyboard is hot-swappable, you can change these switches if you prefer a shorter pre-travel distance. However, the latency isn't low enough for competitive gaming, and this keyboard feels uncomfortable to use for long periods due to the lack of a wrist rest.
- Feels incredibly well-built.
- Full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys.
- All keys are macro-programmable.
- Hot-swappable PCB.
- Latency is too high for competitive gaming.
- High-profile design feels uncomfortable without a wrist rest.
Although the Keychron Q4 is a wired-only keyboard, it comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable, so you can connect it to mobile devices that have a USB-C port. However, this may drain your device's battery quickly.
The Keychron Q4 is a very good office keyboard. It offers an excellent typing experience and feels incredibly well-built thanks to the premium materials used. It has a toggle at the top for operating system compatibility, and its companion software is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Also, it's great to use in a noise-sensitive environment as it's very quiet to type on by design. Unfortunately, it has a high profile and fixed incline, so it's uncomfortable to type on for long periods, especially since it doesn't include a wrist rest. Also, it lacks dedicated arrow keys for navigating through spreadsheets or documents.
- Feels incredibly well-built.
- Full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys.
- All keys are macro-programmable.
- Hot-swappable PCB.
- High-profile design feels uncomfortable without a wrist rest.
- No dedicated arrow keys.
The Keychron Q4 is a great keyboard to use for programming. It offers an excellent typing experience, and its build quality is incredible, thanks to the premium materials used. The companion software allows you to program macros to any key, customize the RGB backlighting, and remap keys. The software is also available on every major operating system, so the keyboard is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. Unfortunately, the ergonomics are only okay, as this is a high-profile keyboard with a fixed incline, so you'll benefit from using a wrist rest, which must be purchased separately. Also, it lacks dedicated arrow keys for scrolling through lines of code.
- Feels incredibly well-built.
- Full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys.
- All keys are macro-programmable.
- Hot-swappable PCB.
- High-profile design feels uncomfortable without a wrist rest.
- No dedicated arrow keys.
Since the Keychron Q4 is a wired-only keyboard, it's a poor choice to use with a home theatre PC set up. It also lacks a trackpad for on-screen navigation, so you'll have to use another peripheral. On the bright side, it has full RGB backlighting to illuminate the keys in the dark and has media hotkeys to easily control media playback.
- Feels incredibly well-built.
- Hot-swappable PCB.
- High-profile design feels uncomfortable without a wrist rest.
- Wired-only.
- Lacks a trackpad for navigation.
Changelog
- Updated Sep 23, 2022: Added in a comparison to the recently reviewed Keychron Q8.
- Updated Sep 02, 2022: Updated the "White Shot" image to better reflect real-life color mixing observations. This result has changed accordingly. Also updated Linux compatibility as this keyboard is fully compatible with this system. The review now shows these changes.
- Updated Aug 18, 2022: Added a comparison to the newly reviewed Keychron Q7.
- Updated Jun 29, 2022: Review published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Keychron Q4 comes in three different colorways: Carbon Black, Silver Grey, and Navy Blue. Each colorway has the option of two different keycap sets with lighter or darker alphanumeric keys labeled A or B, respectively. You can also buy a barebones version of this keyboard without keycaps or switches included, and you can get a barebones ISO version as well. The pre-assembled version comes with your choice of linear Red, clicky Blue, and tactile Brown Gateron G Pro switches. We bought and tested the Carbon Black B colorway with tactile Gateron G Pro Brown switches installed.
Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The Keychron Q4 is the fourth entry into Keychron's customizable Q-series. These keyboards are hot-swappable and come with screw-in stabilizers so you can modify your entire typing experience. Like the other boards in the Q-series, this is a good entry-level keyboard for those looking to get into the hobby as it comes with high-quality parts right out of the box, plus an entire toolkit to help you modify the board. Though it's primarily suited for general use, you can still use it for gaming, but its latency is much higher than dedicated gaming options.
For more recommendations, check out our picks for the best keyboards and the best keyboards for typing. Or, if you're interested in other Keychron options, check out our recommendations for the best Keychron keyboards.
The Keychron Q3 and the Keychron Q4 are both fully customizable keyboards in the Q-series. They have a few minor differences, like the form factor of the Q3 is a TKL size and the Q4 is a compact (60%) board. The Q4 also has a Caps Lock indicator, which the Q3 lacks. Otherwise, they perform nearly identically, so it's a matter of size preference which board you get.
The Keychron Q1 and the Keychron Q4 are both fully customizable keyboards in the Q-series. The Q4 features some upgrades to the overall design, including the OSA-profile PBT keycaps and an extra gasket so bottoming out the keys feels softer and sounds better. The Q1 has a slightly larger form factor, so it has dedicated arrow keys and a full function row.
The GLORIOUS GMMK PRO and the Keychron Q4 are both customizable keyboards, with some differences. You can only purchase the GLORIOUS GMMK PRO as a barebones version, meaning you'll have to buy the switches and keycaps separately. With the Keychron models, you can buy a pre-assembled version with the switches and keycaps included. Also, the GMMK PRO is better suited for gamers looking for a custom build as it has better latency.
The GLORIOUS GMMK 2 and the Keychron Q4 are both customizable keyboards with some key differences. The GLORIOUS is designed for gaming as it has significantly better latency. However, the pre-assembled version only comes with linear switches, so if you want a different switch type, you'll have to buy a barebones version to purchase and install the switches yourself. On the other hand, the Keychron is better suited for general use or typing as it has a better build quality out of the box. Also, you can choose from more switch options when purchasing a pre-assembled version.
Test Results
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