Analog keyboard available is the “next big thing” for a long time in the world mechanical keyboard. They have internal sensors that can distinguish much more accurately between light key presses and full key presses. They’ve long promised to revolutionize gaming and typing, making them faster, more customizable, and more reliable (supposedly). But they were never compelling enough for most people to accept: Why sacrifice a proven track record for something new and experimental?
I think you can compare an analog keyboard with tram. Sure, they’re better on paper in many ways, but the entire infrastructure around us is worse. Designed for internal combustion engines, and we’re all familiar with the handling and performance characteristics of our gas pumps. Why change when it’s hard to know whether the benefits outweigh the risks?
Keychron’s new Hall effect (HE) keyboard, the Q1 HE, makes it easier to understand why. Combines the high-tech customization capabilities of one Hall effect switch with the advanced structure of a high-end mechanical keyboard, it brings out the best of both worlds. Additionally, reliable and straightforward customization makes the system much easier to understand.
What is a Hall effect switch?
Hall effect switches are a type of mechanical switch, similar to a switch optical switch, many different inputs are possible on a single keystroke. While optical switches use lasers to determine input, HE switches use magnets to manipulate the electromagnetic field when the switch is pressed, then return different values at specific distances.
While these switches are new to consumer keyboards, the technology has been around for a while. One of the earliest manufacturers of Hall effect switches was Honeywell, who created these for the now legendary class of switching devices. Space Cadet keyboard. However, this version of the switch is extremely different from modern versions—the only real similarity is that they both use magnets to generate input.
Photo: Henri Robbins
The benefit of these multiple inputs is the ability to adjust the trigger point of the key switches—when the switch determines that you have pressed a key. Moving the actuation point to the top of the keystroke can make typing more responsive, while moving the actuation point to the bottom can prevent accidental mistyping. To create a good intermediate zone, there are settings like “quick trigger” that allow multiple keys to be pressed in quick succession without the switch having to return to its resting position.
The Q1 HE is Keychron’s first Hall effect keyboard. While a few from other manufacturers have had an impact on the industry ( Wooting 60HE is the most common type), consumer-level Hall effect switches are still a fairly new and experimental thing, and Keychron was one of the first major keyboard manufacturers to incorporate the technology. .
HE compared to real mechanical switches
The Nebula double rail magnetic switch, manufactured by Gateron, is an exclusive design currently exclusive to the Q1 HE. With both the stock lubricant and the new slider design, I was impressed by how smooth they were. However, this smoothness can be expected from Hall effect switches; The magnet-based system means there is no need for any physical contact to occur between the switch components.
The contactless system also means these switches will last quite a while. Although Gateron has not released any information about the lifespan of these specific switches, its KS-20 Hall effect switches have been announced. Rated for over 100 million drives.
The switches have a standard bottom-out weight of 60 grams, providing excellent typing feel. They’re incredibly smooth, with hardly any sideways movement or body wobble when typing. They also have consistent resistance across the entire keystroke and provide a natural feel no matter where the actuation point is adjusted. If the standard spring weight of 60 grams doesn’t suit you, Keychron offers it independently Dawn And dawn the switches weigh 50 and 70 grams respectively, although they cannot be ordered as the Q1 HE’s default switches.
