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Keychron Q11 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard Review (2025)

John Carter Doe

October 17. 2025

9.2

Very Good

Is the Keychron Q11 the Right Keyboard for You?

Here's the quick rundown.

If you've been eyeing those split ergonomic keyboards but hate the thought of giving up a premium feel, the Keychron Q11 is a fantastic choice. It’s got everything. A full aluminum body, hot-swappable switches, and it’s fully programmable. The whole point is you can place each half exactly where your shoulders and wrists feel most comfortable. It’s a game-changer for programmers, writers... really, anyone who spends hours at their desk. Now, it's not perfect for everyone. If you need a wireless setup, travel a lot, or can't live without a numpad, you might want to look elsewhere. And yes, there's a small learning curve—but believe it or not, by day three, it usually starts to feel surprisingly right.

Is the Keychron Q11 the Right Keyboard for You?

The build, the feel, and what it sounds like.

You can really feel the DNA of Keychron's Q-series in this board. We're talking a heavy, CNC-milled aluminum case and a gasket-mounted design. Inside, there are layers of foam that soak up unwanted noise. The result? A deep, controlled sound without that annoying metallic ping, giving you a really satisfying, cushioned feel when you type. You can buy it barebones and pop in your own favorite switches, or just get the fully assembled version, which is honestly a great starting point. The stabilizers are screw-in and pretty solid out of the box, though hardcore hobbyists will probably still want to tune them.

From an ergonomic standpoint, splitting the keyboard lets you widen your arms and straighten your wrists. It sounds simple, but it can make a huge difference in fatigue over a long day. It’s a 75% layout, so you’re not giving up your arrow keys or function row. There's a bit of an adjustment period, for sure, but it’s a much easier jump than going to something wild like a columnar or ortho board. And here's the thing for power users: you can customize every single key, macro, and layer using VIA software. Just a heads-up, though: it is wired only. You’ll have a cable connecting the two halves and another one going to your computer. If you absolutely need Bluetooth, this just isn't the one for you.