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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 21, 2026

Chilkey Slice HE vs Keychron Q1 HEWireless vs Wired Hall Effect

Choose the Keychron Q1 HE for wireless flexibility and deep customization, or the Chilkey Slice HE for a simpler, wired-only hall effect experience.

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Chilkey Slice HE

Wireless

If you want

  • CNC machined aluminum case and plate for a solid build.
  • Features a unique cork sound dampening layer with a moisture-protecting gauze coating.
  • Includes a decorative back weight design inspired by cracked ice.

And can live with

  • Wired-only connectivity (USB-C) with no wireless options.
  • Limited to ANSI and ISO physical layouts, with no vendor mention of extensive international support.
  • Lacks RGB lighting, according to its specifications.

Get the

Keychron Q1 HE

Wired Hall Effect

If you want

  • Offers triple-mode connectivity: 2.4 GHz (1000Hz), Bluetooth 5.2, and wired USB-C.
  • Fully programmable with open-source QMK firmware and VIA support.
  • Includes a double-gasket mount design with a removable acoustic pad for sound tuning.

And can live with

  • Hot-swap socket is compatible only with specific Gateron double-rail magnetic switches, limiting switch choices.
  • Heavier weight (approximately 1735g for the assembled version) may reduce portability.
  • The vendor description notes that discount codes cannot be used for this model.

Bottom line

The Keychron Q1 HE is the recommended choice for most users due to its wireless freedom, superior software customization, and broader feature set. Opt for the Chilkey Slice HE only if you have a strict preference for a simpler, wired-only hall effect keyboard and do not need the programmability or wireless options of the Keychron. The decision ultimately hinges on the value you place on connectivity and software control versus a more straightforward, plug-and-play experience.

What actually differs

The differences that matter

Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.

Chilkey Slice HE

Keychron Q1 HE

  • Rapid trigger

    No

    Yes

  • Connection

    Wired

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

  • Switch options

    Linear, Magnetic

    Clicky, Linear, Magnetic, Tactile

  • Mount style

    Gasket Mount

    Gasket Mount, PCB Mount

  • Knob

    No

    Yes

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Chilkey Slice HE
  • Keychron Q1 HE
Performance
81
100
Build quality
69
90
Productivity
64
97
Customizability
47
98
Portability
64
81

What they share

  • Layout size: 75%
  • Hall effect (magnetic)
  • Hot-swappable
  • Max polling rate: 8,000 Hz
  • Case material: Aluminum
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Keychron Q1 HE is the more versatile choice, winning across all defined use cases except for a tie in none. Its wireless connectivity, extensive software support, and modding-friendly design make it suitable for mobile professionals, gamers, and tinkerers. The Chilkey Slice HE serves a narrower niche for users who strictly prefer a wired, pre-configured hall effect keyboard without the need for wireless or advanced programming.

For gaming

Pick the Keychron Q1 HE

  • The Keychron Q1 HE offers a 1000Hz wireless polling rate via its 2.4 GHz connection for cable-free gaming.
  • It explicitly supports rapid trigger and dynamic keystrokes for multiple actions per key press.
  • It provides adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8 mm with 0.1 mm sensitivity.

From real owners

What owners say

Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.

Chilkey Slice HE

No owner reviews collected yet.

Keychron Q1 HE

4.8

20 owner reviews

Praise
“Neither big legs nor small legs. No legs at all 🤣 For me, this is not what I've expected from keychron, because every keyboard has legs.”
YurkoVerified buyer· via Keychron
Critique
“I love this thing. I wish there were these changes: Cable mode was switch in position closest to the outer edge of keyboard. Extra usb-c which is another port, I'd like to plug my 2fa device in there. Sort out why the programmer doesn't work under arch linux…”
Mawlzz· via Keychron

Full specs

Chilkey Slice HE vs Keychron Q1 HE specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

16 of 29 specs differ

Chilkey Slice HE

Keychron Q1 HE

Typing & switches

Switch options

Linear, Magnetic
Clicky, Linear, Magnetic, Tactile

Hall effect (magnetic)

Yes
Yes

Rapid trigger

No
Yes

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount, PCB Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

No
Yes

Layout

Layout size

75%
75%

Layout standard

ANSI, ISO
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, JIS

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

No
Yes

Display

None
None

Media keys

No
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

8,000 Hz
8,000 Hz

Battery

Wired only
4,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Aluminum

Plate material

Aluminum
Aluminum, Polycarbonate

Keycaps

PBT
ABS, PBT

Weight

—
4,000 g

Dimensions

—
23 x 145 x 328 mm

Typing angle

—
5°, 6°, 7°

Backlight

None
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

No
Yes

VIA

No
Yes

N-key rollover

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

No
Yes

Extras

Released

2025
2023

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$179Visit
  • Input GearDE

    Out of stock
    $179Visit
  • MKUS

    Out of stock
    $199Visit
  • Input GearDE

    In stock
    $160Visit
  • MKUS

    In stock
    $180Visit
  • Keychron (DE)DE

    In stock
    $212Visit
  • KeychronHK

    In stock
    $219Visit

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Chilkey Slice HE vs Keychron Q1 HE: your questions

Only the Keychron Q1 HE offers wireless connectivity. It supports both a 2.4 GHz connection with a 1000Hz polling rate and Bluetooth 5.2 for linking to three devices. The Chilkey Slice HE is a wired-only keyboard.

The Keychron Q1 HE fully supports both QMK and VIA for key remapping and macro creation. The Chilkey Slice HE's vendor description does not mention QMK, VIA, or any software for reprogramming.

Both keyboards are listed as hot-swappable. However, the Keychron Q1 HE's manufacturer specifies compatibility exclusively with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches. The Chilkey Slice HE comes with Gateron Jade Pro Magnetic switches pre-installed.

According to Keychron's specifications, the Q1 HE has a 1000 Hz polling rate in both its wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes. Its Bluetooth mode operates at a 90Hz polling rate.

No. The metadata for the Chilkey Slice HE explicitly lists 'RGB: No'. The Keychron Q1 HE features south-facing RGB LED backlighting.

The Keychron Q1 HE is explicitly designed with Mac users in mind. It includes a system toggle and an additional set of keycaps for both macOS and Windows. The Chilkey Slice HE's description lists a US QWERTY logical layout without specific Mac support details.

The Chilkey Slice HE uses a cork sound dampening layer with a gauze coating. The Keychron Q1 HE employs a double-gasket design with silicone pads and an acoustic pad in the bottom case, which the manufacturer states can be removed for more flex.

Yes. The Keychron Q1 HE is available in a 'Barebone Knob' configuration, allowing you to install your own compatible switches and keycaps. The Chilkey Slice HE is listed as a pre-built assembly.

The Keychron Q1 HE allows adjustment from 0.2 mm to 3.8 mm in 0.1 mm increments. The Chilkey Slice HE vendor description states adjustable actuation in 0.01mm increments but does not specify a total range.

The Keychron Q1 HE supports a wide array of layouts including ANSI, JIS, and multiple ISO variants (ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, etc.). The Chilkey Slice HE metadata lists support for ANSI and ISO layouts only.

The Keychron Q1 HE explicitly lists 'Rapid Trigger' as a feature in its specs and describes dynamic rapid triggering in its product description. The Chilkey Slice HE's description does not mention rapid trigger functionality.

Both feature aluminum cases. The Keychron Q1 HE's assembled version weighs approximately 1735g (about 3.8 lbs) and also lists copper as a possible case material variant. The Chilkey Slice HE's specific weight is not provided in the metadata or description.

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