Test Keychron Q11 QMK: the keyboard split in two that really changes the way you work

We spend hours in front of a keyboard. And yet, it is often an element that we choose almost at random. Or that we have because it simply came with the PC. Result? Broken wrists, tense shoulders, fatigue at the end of the day… even chronic pain. This is precisely where the ergonomic keyboard comes in.

An ergonomic keyboard is not just an “original” design. It is a tool designed to respect the body’s natural position. Its goal is to reduce muscle tension and improve long-term comfort. And in this field, the Keychron Q11 QMK comes with a radical approach: splitting the keyboard in two. On paper, it’s intriguing. In practice… it’s an experience. I was very curious to test this innovation. It’s time to share what I think about it!

Unboxing the Keychron Q11 QMK: a keyboard that demands respect

From the moment you open it, you can tell you’re not dealing with a standard keyboard.

The packaging is neat, without unnecessary frills, but with everything you need.

You’ll find a USB-C cable for the PC, another short one to connect the two parts, keycap and switch extractors, a few extra keycaps, and even a screwdriver for customization enthusiasts.

Then comes the keyboard itself.

And there… surprise.

The Q11 is massive, dense, with an aluminum CNC chassis. We are far from standard plastic keyboards. Each half exudes solidity. It’s equipment that won’t budge a millimeter on the desk.

The format is a 75% split, with function keys, directional arrows, and even some macro keys.

This is an important point: unlike many very minimalist ergonomic keyboards, here we maintain real user comfort without multiplying layers.

And of course… this central separation. Disturbing at first glance, but terribly logical when you think about it.

Ergonomic keyboard: why the split format changes everything

A standard keyboard forces the hands to come closer together. Result: the shoulders hunch inward, the wrists twist, the posture degrades.

With a split keyboard, each hand regains its natural position.

You separate the two parts, open up the posture, and almost instantly, the back straightens. It’s quite impressive.

This simple change brings several benefits:

• less tension in the shoulders
• a more neutral wrist position
• a feeling of comfort during long sessions

And this isn’t just theory. After a few days of adjustment, you can really feel the difference.

Installation and configuration of the Keychron Q11 QMK: simple… but powerful

Good surprise here: no need to install heavy software.

The Q11 works with QMK and VIA, allowing for configuration directly via the browser.

QMK is an open-source firmware that allows for full control of the keyboard’s behavior. Concretely, each key can be reprogrammed, transformed into a shortcut, a macro, or even a complex combination. It’s an extremely powerful foundation, used by custom keyboard enthusiasts.

VIA, on the other hand, simplifies all of this. It’s a graphical interface (accessible directly from the browser) that allows you to modify keys in just a few clicks, without having to code or recompile anything. Changes are applied instantly.

In summary, QMK brings power… and VIA makes that power accessible.

One can:

• remap every key
• create macros
• manage multiple layers
• customize the two knobs

All without flashing the firmware with every modification, which is frankly pleasant.

Thus, we have a very accessible keyboard for beginners, but also advanced enough for demanding users.

One small downside, however: some advanced QMK functions require you to get into the code. And some options, like the “home row mod,” are not perfectly managed without some tinkering.

What you need to understand is that there are two levels of usage with QMK.

With VIA, you stay in something simple and visual. You click on a key, assign it a function, a macro, or a layer, and you’re done. For 90% of uses, it’s more than enough.

But QMK allows you to go much further… as long as you go through the firmware itself.

And this is where it gets a bit complicated.

Some advanced functions, like the famous home row mods, are not fully configurable in VIA. The principle is very interesting: a standard key (like “A” or “S”) can become a modifier key (Ctrl, Shift, Alt…) when held down, while keeping its normal function when tapped quickly.

On paper, it’s great. In practice, it requires very fine timing adjustments between “tap” and “hold.”

And this is precisely where VIA shows its limits. It does not allow for precise timing adjustments or some advanced behaviors. The result: you might encounter errors, such as a modifier activating when you just wanted to type a letter… or vice versa.

To correct this, you need to use QMK in “pure” version:

• modify the firmware
• adjust parameters like the tapping term
• sometimes write or adapt a bit of code

This is not insurmountable, especially with the many guides available, but it clearly goes beyond general public usage.

In summary, the Q11 is very accessible thanks to VIA… but to exploit all the potential of QMK, you must be willing to step into the technical aspect. After that, we are in a very advanced mode, for those who like to customize their keyboard in great detail. For 99% of users, the possibilities offered by the web interface will be more than sufficient.

Getting Started: Disorienting… Then Addictive

Let’s be honest: the first few days are complex.

You miss keys. You look for your landmarks. Especially with the function keys on the left, which are confusing at first when looking for the Escape or Shift key, for example. You have to shift everything by one notch. The brain has to relearn certain habits.

But once you get past that… everything changes.

The typing becomes smoother, more natural. You make fewer unnecessary movements. And above all, fatigue clearly decreases over a full day. Ultimately, you can even observe an increase in your typing speed after adjustment.

Typing Comfort and Sensations: Top Notch

The Keychron Q11 QMK is equipped with factory-lubricated Gateron switches.

Result:

• a soft typing experience
• pleasant tactile feedback
• subdued and controlled sound

The sound is clean, devoid of metallic resonance, thanks to the internal foam. It’s not an ultra-silent keyboard, but it remains perfectly acceptable in an open space.

The PBT double shot keycaps are also very pleasant to the touch. No “cheap” feeling, everything is consistent with the premium positioning.

Real Ergonomics: Gains… with Some Limits

The split certainly does the job. But like all products, not everything is perfect.

First, the keyboard is quite thick. Without a wrist rest, you may feel a slight extension of the wrist.

Next, there is no tenting system (vertical inclination). Some may appreciate this, while others may regret it.

Finally, the cable connecting the two parts is a bit short. On a large desk, this may limit positioning. By the way, I would dream of the same keyboard, completely wireless. Neither between the two parts, nor between the keyboard and the PC. One day perhaps, fingers crossed.

But despite these flaws, the overall ergonomic gain remains clear.

Usage in Context: Productivity, Gaming, Everyday

In terms of productivity, the Keychron Q11 QMK is formidable.

The macro keys and knobs save time on repetitive actions. For example:

• knob for scrolling in Excel
• macro for screenshots
• custom shortcuts for video editing

This is typically the kind of keyboard that becomes a real work tool.

In gaming, it performs well, even if it’s not a pure e-sport keyboard. The precision is there, the responsiveness too, but the split format requires an adjustment period. However, in games, since the keys used are mainly on the left part, you can easily unplug the right part to save space on the desk. This way, you only have the left part of the keyboard and your mouse. In use, I quite like it.

Note that the Keychron Q11 QMK also offers discreet but well-present RGB lighting, with several effects and customizable brightness levels directly via VIA.

The LEDs are quite powerful and disperse nicely under the keys, even if the non-translucent keycaps limit the “wow” effect a bit. It’s therefore a more understated RGB compared to a standard gaming keyboard, but still adequate to create a pleasant ambiance on the desk (and play in the dark without any issues!).

In everyday use, it’s mainly the comfort that stands out. Less tension, less fatigue… and much better posture.

Who is the Keychron Q11 QMK for?

The Keychron Q11 QMK is not for everyone… but for certain profiles, it’s quite evident.

It will be perfectly suited for those who spend several hours a day at the keyboard. Writers, developers, content creators, or even heavy office users will quickly feel the benefits of the split format. The gain in comfort over time is real, especially if tensions are already starting to appear in the wrists or shoulders. I suffered from this a few years ago, and I must say that the split keyboard and the use of a vertical mouse greatly alleviated my problems.

It’s also an excellent choice for those curious to improve their ergonomics without switching to very “extreme” keyboards. Unlike some very compact or ortholinear models, the Q11 retains a relatively classic layout. You keep your landmarks while discovering a new way to work.

Personalization enthusiasts will also delight. With QMK and VIA, it becomes possible to adapt the keyboard to one’s habits, software, or even daily workflow (video editing, Excel, development…). It’s typically the kind of product that evolves with its user.

On the other hand, this is clearly not the ideal keyboard for someone who wants immediate usability. If the goal is to plug in and type without thinking, the adjustment phase is likely to frustrate. The split format requires a little effort at the beginning, and not everyone wants to go through that.

The same goes for very mobile users. The Q11 QMK is heavy, wired, and made up of two parts. It’s not the keyboard you slip into a bag to work at a café.

Finally, ergonomics purists might regret the absence of tenting or the quite high format. It’s not the most advanced keyboard ergonomically, but that’s precisely what makes it accessible to a wider audience.

Ultimately, the Q11 QMK is for those who want to improve their comfort without giving up a “complete” keyboard. A good compromise between ergonomics, performance, and user pleasure.

Conclusion: a keyboard that changes the way you work

The Keychron Q11 QMK is not a keyboard for everyone.

It requires an adaptation period. It upsets habits. And it won’t suit those who want immediate “plug and play” functionality.

But for those who spend several hours a day at the keyboard… it’s a real discovery.

The comfort is real. The ergonomics make the difference. And the build quality is on point.

Once adopted, it’s hard to go back (and that’s a good sign!).

Keychron Q11 QMK

229,99€

I want it!

FAQ – Keychron Q11 QMK Ergonomic Keyboard