Summary
With a southpaw design and Alice layout, theKeychron Q14 Maxcreates quite the intrigue.
This mechanical keyboard functions well regardless of your handedness.
The Keychron Q14 Max brings Kechron’s high quality design standards to a southpaw Alice layout.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
It features three connectivity modes, south facing RGB lighting, and both Mac and PC compatibility.
Price and Availability
A fully assembled Keychron Q14 Max retails for $219.
When I unboxed this keyboard, my mind instantly said, Oh yes, this is it.
The Keychron Q14 Max brings Kechron’s high quality design standards to a southpaw Alice layout. It features three connectivity modes, south facing RGB lighting, and both Mac and PC compatibility.
Such an immediate reaction came after years of minor inconveniences with other keyboards.
The additional length of the split key designkept my shoulder at an unnatural angle.
While it worked, I missed having my wrists at the ergonomic angle I grew accustomed to.
The Keychron Q14 Max brings Kechron’s high quality design standards to a southpaw Alice layout. It features three connectivity modes, south facing RGB lighting, and both Mac and PC compatibility.
And then, the Keychron Q14 Max entered the picture.
When set up, the Keychron Q14 Max leaves the same room for my mouse as a TKL keyboard.
I have the benefits of a number pad without the hurdles provided by the space it takes up.
It just feels more balanced.
Using the southpaw number pad alone feels more ergonomic than all aspects of a full-size ergonomic keyboard combined.
At this point, I dont want a number pad on the right.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
If its not on the left or completely detached, I dont want it.
I started to enjoy this layout for more than just the convenience of the mouse space.
It speeds up my processes to quickly rate photos while scrolling through them individually.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
Adjustment Time Required
It certainly takes time to adjust to the Keychron Q14 Maxs Alice layout.
The most intensive adjustment was learning to throw in efficiently on the number pad with my left hand.
I still find myself messing up my shortcuts and interactions with the delete key.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
If I need to delete something, I hit the lighting key three out of 10 times.
The overall layout is comfortable.
This is not a low-profile keyboard.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
I would normally opt for awrist restto mitigate this, but there are limited options.
The heavy and sleek aluminum body utilizes multiple methods of sound absorption.
I have to say, there is a noticeable crispness compared to other keyboards.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
The 96% layout features all the keys most people would use regularly.
Screw-in stabilizers help keep the longer keys feeling nearly as solid as a standard key.
Its just a minor inconvenience that comes from the Alice layout, but it is worth noting.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
I had a hard time finding compatible alternative options.
I particularly enjoy the south-facing RGB lighting.
When using these keyboards for work, you might personally enjoy the light show without being too flashy.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
Additional keycaps are provided so you might set up the keyboard accordingly.
A second switch allows you to select one of the three connection options available.
Thanks to the QMK firmware, it’s possible for you to heavily customize shortcuts, lighting and mapping.
I set one of the three customizable buttons above the number pad to check the battery level.
it’s possible for you to also do so by pressing fn + b.
The number row lights up accordingly to indicate the charge percentage.
I keep my keyboard twinkling, but that still gives me a few days of use before recharging.
Should You Buy the Keychron Q14 Max?
I plan to use it for quite some time.
