Keychron V10 (Alice Layout) QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

Coming from a regular shaped keyboard I thought it was going to be very hard to get used to the layout, glad to confirm that it is not hard, def takes some time to get used to, but it feels intuitive to use the proper hand on each side of the keys. QMK/VIA makes this insanely versatile, I was able to get it working in a way that I don't need to toggle the physical switch on the keyboard to be able to access all layers for my daily multi OS workflow. (macOS, Windows and GNU/Linux).

It's a chonker and sounds very good out of the box. I hope keycaps last a bit longer than my last one >:v

Popped my cherry on my first mechanical keyboard. I started out with red switches. My wife complained about all the clickity clacking. I ordered silent red switches but while I wait, I have been enjoying it. The ergonomics are a little bit different than my other ergo keys so transitioning took some real efforts. So much so, I wanted to buy another for my office so that I don't have to keep relearning how to type quickly. The second one I got brown switches. They are, obviously, not as smooth as the reds. They have just a bit more "chew" to them. I don't have much time on that board as of yet but the little I tried didn't seem to make a huge difference. I have really started to get into the key mapping since this is only a 75% layout it's missing a few crucial keys. I liked that the F keys were present but things like print screen and end are missed until I added them back with custom mapping. Macros were pretty okay. I found that I had to use delays in order to ensure that the each subsequent command is executed. Kind of annoying because it then makes the macro drag on but I can live with that. All in all, I am pleased as punch.

Insanely great. I'm an ergo keyboard nerd. Bins full of 'em. RSI victim. Always on the hunt for salvation. This V10 Alice is incredible!!!! Outrageous build. Amazing feel and satisfying clickety-clack with reds. The layout is rockin' for me on day one!!!! I'm cranking out as fast if not faster than usual. It's been a while since I made a purchase that exceeded expectations. I love my V10! Keychron FTW!!!!

High build quality, user-serviceable, repairable, easily programmable, good RGB lighting with lots of options. Should be a lifetime keyboard. The layout is easy to get used to - I was typing 90+ WPM within 15 minutes, same speed I type on normal keyboards. And the value is unbeatable - you just can't get an ergo layout keyboard with mechanical switches for this price.

However, the layout has a couple of drawbacks. First, no R side ctrl key. This is the most glaring miss, since I am so accustomed to using it. L side only lowers my speed considerably. It would have been easy to add a R side ctrl key; there's room for it. Second, the "6" key is for the L hand only, which is just wrong and slow. Strangely, it has 2 "B" keys, one for each hand, which doesn't matter. Yet they didn't do this for "6", which does matter.

Another minor miss is that there is no stress relief for the USB cable. It sticks straight out the far side, which can get in the way of many keyboard trays, risks getting bent and damaging the cable or socket. It would be better to recess the connector underneath and mold cable retention stress relief into the chassis.

I like Clickiez switches so I ordered this with blue switches just to have a spare set, but replaced them with Clickiez.

You’re not missing out here, the build quality is solid despite being ABS plastic. The keycaps are solid, switches are solid (factory lubed I believe). Placed an order and it was delivered within 4 days (might differ for you). Overall a solid board with lots of potential for upgrades. For $104 fully assembled, Keychron did not miss!