We’re big fans of Keychron’s Q series boards, which come in a bewildering variety of shapes and sizes. Add one more to the list: The Keychron Q11 is the company’s first fully split keyboard design, allowing both sides of the board to be positioned independently. It’s available for order now, starting at $185 if you don’t need the switches or keycaps, or $205 for the complete board.
Unlike some of Keychron’s more mainstream new designs, the Q11 is wired, in more ways than one. In addition to the bridging cable that enables the split design of the keyboard, the USB-C cable can be plugged into the left or right half. That has an unexpected bonus: it allows either side of the board to operate independently for a super-wide spacing, or even without the full pair. Maybe someone wants to roll their own left-handed keypad into the game?
Keychron
The layout is 75%, with a distinctive squished right Shift key, arrow key, and full function row, with the now-standard rotary dial knob. But the board also has a second knob and five additional function keys on the left side, allowing for even more customization with VIA or QMK-compatible software out of the box. Throw in the usual high-end goodies from a Keychron design: hot-swap switches, full RGB, an aluminum case with sound-absorbing interior foam, and high-profile PBT keycaps, if you step up. Keychron also uses several premium screw-in stabilizers.
Keychron has previously ventured into ergonomic designs with the Alice-style Q8 (see review here), but this full split board may appeal more to users who need more dramatic splitting. Orders are now open for Gateron Red (linear) or Brown (tactile) switches.