Keychron Q1 Max with NovelKeys Cream
75% · Kit · Wireless · Linear
- Clacky
- Thocky
Mid-range
Updated . Sound tags are editorial, not measured.
A 75% kit with the function row and arrow keys kept, set up with a sharper switch than the usual soft linear. NovelKeys Cream is all POM, from the top housing to the stem, and it is known for a clean clack once it has broken in. With the Q1 Max's gasket-mounted case softening things, the result sits between a deep sound and a bright one.
The Q1 Max has per-key RGB with south-facing LEDs, and Pudding keycaps are translucent underneath, so the light shows through the caps. That is the reason for the pairing.
Compatibility
All 3 parts fit
Checked for mounting, layout, switch fit, stabilizers and keycap coverage.
- You need about 84 switches: 3 packs of 36 leaves a few spares.
Estimated total
≈£241
All 3 parts priced. Some prices are converted from other currencies (≈). List prices, or the lowest shop price we have seen. Check each shop for today's price.
Parts
≈£157
A CNC aluminium 75% with a double-gasket polycarbonate plate, a hot-swap PCB and screw-in stabilizers, with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz and wired modes. It takes 3- and 5-pin MX switches.
≈£18
per pack, 3 packs needed
A full-POM linear made by Kailh: 55 g to actuate, 70 g to bottom out. It is famous for feeling rough at first and smoothing with use, and a clean, sharp clack. The original ships unlubed.
£29.99
Budget doubleshot PBT in OEM profile, with a translucent lower layer that lets RGB bleed through. The set includes extra caps for 65% and 75% boards.
Before you buy
- NovelKeys listed the original Cream as sold out when we checked and pointed to the Cream+ successor. Cream+ is a different switch, so check which one you are buying.
- The Cream is unlubed and the box is POM throughout, so lubing the stems is a common first job. It is sold in packs of 36.
- The barebone is ANSI only, and Keychron UK sells only the assembled ISO version, so the UK total uses a converted price.
- HyperX UK sells only the US-layout Pudding set. We list the profile as OEM, based on the original Pudding listings.
Where to buy
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Keychron Q1 Max Barebone
NovelKeys Cream
HyperX Pudding Keycaps 2