The hidden switch socket is there because they originally planned on having two 'H' or 'G' keys like how there are two 'B' keys, but people weren't satisfied with having another 'H' or 'G' key so instead of rebuilding their PCBs and plates to exclude the extra socket, they just covered it with the top case. Valid.
To be honest, I really just want the layout from a Microsoft Sculpt (or Natural) keyboard with mechanical keys and awesome customizability (VIA). So far I've not found it though this does get fairly close.
nice video, and good upgrades there, love the Serenity i have it too on my shelf. For me personally i even prefer the ergo layout for FPS gaming since it's already angled to the right a bit (since I usually turn my standard keyboard to the right for FPS gaming) tho. Well i guess everyone is different in many ways LOL. This Q8 could be even more upgraded by Keychron for sound, but I love the fact that they put 2.25u left spacebar instead of the 2u spacebar on Maja.
This is the only Alice/Arisu keyboard available with ISO layout support that I'm aware of. I really like my Q8 with the brass plate and long pole linear switches. I had to add an additonal force break mod and some foam to the case though. I also have backspace mapped to one of the spacebars what is the biggest advantage of this layout in my opinion.
The otholinear layout like on the x-bows messes with your muscle memory at first, but its worth learning imo over this staggered, split layout. Plus the backspace, ctrl, alt, and shift in the center are super useful for limiting your common reaches.
2:26 The additional switch socket was actually part of the original design that has double G. It got a lot of criticism, and they finally dropped it. But I guess the PCB stays because it is hidden anyway.
I reeeeeally like how it looks and was considering it for the office instead of getting another GMMK Pro as at home (which, with Durock POM, has been amazing), but that stock sound...uf, quite bad. Your mods great, but still...
Great review as always! One question I had. I was interested in buying the Akko Alice Pro but it seems very tall. How would you compare the height between the Akko and Keychron? From the vid the keychron looks way more comfortable. Can anyone help me out on this?
Haven't compared them side by side recently, but yes, the Keychron is lower and better angled, while the Akko is taller and flat, although it has optional plastic feet.
I am thinking about getting a keyboard from keychron, and am going for the pro red switches, but I am a little confused on what they are lol. I'm new to making keyboards, but an avid gameur. from my understanding, the switches are perfectly linear until they bottom out, correct? and how light are they to push down when using them with pbt keycaps. thanks in advance :)
Correct, they're linear all the way to the bottom. I have linear reds on a Razer keyboard and found them to be overly sensitive, but that may have just been that specific keyboard. I just got the Q8 with Browns and they feel pretty much ilnear aside from a slight bump at the bottom that I barely even feel. Seems like a good middle ground if you're worried about accuracy in your typing/gaming. Also, if you were considering the Q8 specifically, just know that they're releasing the q10 very shortly which has F keys and some other additions. They announced this less than a month after I got my Q8 which needless to say has me very upset, haha.
@@wellhellotherekyle oh cool, I was going to get the Q1 v2 because it has the f row and arrow keys, and none of the others do, thanks for letting me know :)
@@wellhellotherekyle Good choice! I think keychron delivers pretty good quality throughout all keyboards. I use the red switches for work as well as gaming and i love it. Can recommend!
Glad I'm not the only confused by peoples typing methods in so many keyboard review videos, particularly when it's part of a critique. Like why are you pressing ctrl with your thumb? you shift down one row from home row and just press it with your pinky?? why are you turning your entire hand to press backspace with your index finger?! just extend your ring finger a little bit?? Who taught y'all how to type?
The hidden switch socket is there because they originally planned on having two 'H' or 'G' keys like how there are two 'B' keys, but people weren't satisfied with having another 'H' or 'G' key so instead of rebuilding their PCBs and plates to exclude the extra socket, they just covered it with the top case. Valid.
so with modification you can have it if you want.
What I like of the Q8 over the others is the position of Ctrl, Alt, Cmd vs the others that are Ctrl, Alt, Space, Cmd.
On a Mac, I think that this is such a big deal.
To be honest, I really just want the layout from a Microsoft Sculpt (or Natural) keyboard with mechanical keys and awesome customizability (VIA). So far I've not found it though this does get fairly close.
Type K by GOK?
Perixx ergo mechanical. They have both an american and european (german) store.
nice video, and good upgrades there, love the Serenity i have it too on my shelf.
For me personally i even prefer the ergo layout for FPS gaming since it's already angled to the right a bit (since I usually turn my standard keyboard to the right for FPS gaming) tho. Well i guess everyone is different in many ways LOL.
This Q8 could be even more upgraded by Keychron for sound, but I love the fact that they put 2.25u left spacebar instead of the 2u spacebar on Maja.
I love the Akko Alice so much, I ordered a Bear65 V2 immediately once I knew I loved the layout
This is the only Alice/Arisu keyboard available with ISO layout support that I'm aware of. I really like my Q8 with the brass plate and long pole linear switches. I had to add an additonal force break mod and some foam to the case though. I also have backspace mapped to one of the spacebars what is the biggest advantage of this layout in my opinion.
The otholinear layout like on the x-bows messes with your muscle memory at first, but its worth learning imo over this staggered, split layout. Plus the backspace, ctrl, alt, and shift in the center are super useful for limiting your common reaches.
2:26 The additional switch socket was actually part of the original design that has double G. It got a lot of criticism, and they finally dropped it. But I guess the PCB stays because it is hidden anyway.
got it and love it! great improvement on my wrists and typing feeling
it supports iso which is what I like about it
Oh right! Good point
That keybboard is bbeast. Thank you for this bbeautiful, slick and detailed video. You've gained a subscribber!
I see what you did there, bbrother
I reeeeeally like how it looks and was considering it for the office instead of getting another GMMK Pro as at home (which, with Durock POM, has been amazing), but that stock sound...uf, quite bad. Your mods great, but still...
IMO the symmetrical thumb keys and the rotary knob make the Q8 a better buy for me overall, in comparison to the AKKO.
You should check out the feker Alice 68 it’s a Alice layout gasket mount and tri mode for 120
i love my Q8. shes my pride and joy
Is it recommend to use with wrist rest ?
Great vid just realized I didn’t purchase the correct space bars for my diy keyboard lol
The ISO version has a plate foam in it.
same pcb as the facey alice with a know that is soldered where the delete is on the alice66 with an different keyboard casing.
Would have loved to see them make an ortholinear
I really want to try an Alice layout but I didn't find a 75% option. I hope keychron release a 75% version of the Q8 in the near future.
they just did, q10
@ yes I saw it yesterday. I’ll orden one of them
Does it remember the configs in VIA even tho you'd be using a different laptop/pc?
VIA configs are saved onto the keyboard itself, so it shouldn’t matter what you plug it into
Dont like the staggered layout , ortholinear makes for better finger line up imo
Great review as always! One question I had. I was interested in buying the Akko Alice Pro but it seems very tall. How would you compare the height between the Akko and Keychron? From the vid the keychron looks way more comfortable. Can anyone help me out on this?
Haven't compared them side by side recently, but yes, the Keychron is lower and better angled, while the Akko is taller and flat, although it has optional plastic feet.
@@minimalistik thank you so much for the response. I think I'll go for the Keychron! :)
me with the fancy alice 66 about to buy another alice: interesting
I am thinking about getting a keyboard from keychron, and am going for the pro red switches, but I am a little confused on what they are lol.
I'm new to making keyboards, but an avid gameur. from my understanding, the switches are perfectly linear until they bottom out, correct?
and how light are they to push down when using them with pbt keycaps. thanks in advance :)
Correct, they're linear all the way to the bottom. I have linear reds on a Razer keyboard and found them to be overly sensitive, but that may have just been that specific keyboard. I just got the Q8 with Browns and they feel pretty much ilnear aside from a slight bump at the bottom that I barely even feel. Seems like a good middle ground if you're worried about accuracy in your typing/gaming. Also, if you were considering the Q8 specifically, just know that they're releasing the q10 very shortly which has F keys and some other additions. They announced this less than a month after I got my Q8 which needless to say has me very upset, haha.
@@wellhellotherekyle oh cool, I was going to get the Q1 v2 because it has the f row and arrow keys, and none of the others do, thanks for letting me know :)
@@wellhellotherekyle Good choice! I think keychron delivers pretty good quality throughout all keyboards. I use the red switches for work as well as gaming and i love it. Can recommend!
4:04, dude just use your left pinky as intended
Glad I'm not the only confused by peoples typing methods in so many keyboard review videos, particularly when it's part of a critique.
Like why are you pressing ctrl with your thumb? you shift down one row from home row and just press it with your pinky??
why are you turning your entire hand to press backspace with your index finger?! just extend your ring finger a little bit??
Who taught y'all how to type?
4:03 that shit killed me
Swap caps lock and control, save your poor thumb!
It’s one of my favorite boards. If you have time, please check out the review I posted on my channel a couple of weeks ago.
4:02 bruh use your pinkie