Keychron Q1 vs. Glorious GMMK Pro: A Head-to-Head After 90 Days
Two enthusiast 75% boards in the same price bracket. Three months of daily typing, identical switch sets, two different sound profiles. Here's how to choose.
By The ConsumerPro Desk · May 15, 2025
Q1 if you'll lube the stabs and want a slightly more 'thocky' sound.
+ What we liked
- ✓Both are CNC aluminum, gasket-mounted, hot-swap
- ✓Both have real QMK/VIA support
- ✓Both feel measurably better than the budget tier
− What could be better
- !Q1's stock stabs need lubing out of the box
- !GMMK Pro's USB-C port has been an inconsistent failure point
If you've narrowed your enthusiast keyboard choice to the Keychron Q1 and the Glorious GMMK Pro, you've made the right shortlist. After 90 days side-by-side, here's the verdict.
What's the same
Both boards are CNC aluminum, gasket mounted, hot-swap, with full QMK/VIA support. Both ship with stock keycaps that are PBT and acceptable, neither great. Both will outlast every laptop you'll own for the next decade.
What's different
Sound. The Q1 ships with a foam dampening configuration that produces a "thocky" deeper sound profile. The GMMK Pro is more "clacky" out of the box. Neither is wrong; you'll prefer one. The GMMK Pro's rotary encoder is heavier and more satisfying.
The bottom line
Either is a good buy. Pick based on sound preference and the form factor of the rotary encoder. Both will be in our long-term fleet for years.
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