As Toms Guide reviews teams resident leftie, it fell upon me to review the Keychron Q12 Max Southpaw.
Keychron consistently makes some of thebest mechanical keyboards, so how does the Q12 Max Southpaw hold up?
This premium performance doesnt come cheap, though the Q12 Max is an eye-watering $199/193.
Could it be worth the high price, though?
Find out in this Keychron Q12 Max Southpaw keyboard review.
Although it presents a little learning curve if coming from a membrane or low-profile keyboard, its worth persevering.
You might need to adjust to the high-profile KSA keycaps, which are also found on theKeychron Q1 Pro.
Adapting your typing to make room for the high-profile keycaps can cause a lot of thijs and thgat.
Its worth persevering, though.
The sculpted KSA keycaps enabled me to float across the board like a maglev.
Keychron offers the Q12 Max with Gateron Jupiter switches in either red linear or yellow/brown tactile guise.
It also features screw-in stabilizers to keep larger keys free from wobble.
If youd like a thockier sound, go for the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches.
On top of the glorious sound, the all-metal aluminum case makes for a gorgeous board.
The RGB panel (when set to its highest brightness) is mesmerizing.
The Keychron Q12 Max is fully hot-swappable.
QMK Firmware
Theres a vast range of software customization options with the Q12 Max Southpaw.
I doubt the left-handed label, and its a little pricey.
More southpaw than left-handed
This isnt necessarily aconor a complaint, merely a statement.
Yes, the number pad is on the left side of the board rather than the right.
But I dont think that inherently means its a left-handed keyboard.
Do you move the mouse with your right hand, and want to input numbers simultaneously?
Then a southpaw board is for you.
But do you use the mouse with your left hand, and want to input numbers with your right?
Then conversely, a standard layout may better suit your needs.
The barebones option will set you back $199 and the fully-built version $219.
The typing sensation is satisfying to the touch and satisfying to the ears.
I found myself simply staring at the board during testing.
The only question is: is the $200 price tag a little too steep?
Yes, but its high-quality build and pleasing typing experience make up for that price.
