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Compare Keychron 81 Pro vs Q1 V2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers who want a premium 75% aluminum keyboard but are torn between wireless convenience and mod-friendly wired design. Both share a double-gasket mount, QMK/VIA support, and a programmable knob, making the decision genuinely difficult. The 81 Pro brings Bluetooth 5.1 and a 4000mAh battery, while the Q1 V2 offers screw-in PCB stabilizers and a steel plate for a different typing feel. The Keychron 81 Pro ships pre-built with PBT keycaps, whereas the Q1 V2 is available as a barebones kit or fully assembled with more switch options.

87
Keychron x OnePlus 81 Pro (ANSI)
96
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 2

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0.0 (0)
4.9 (616)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Clicky switch options
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1887 g
  • Sized at 47 x 338 x 151 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 1825 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 73.4
  • Build Quality: 83.7
  • Productivity: 92.6
  • Customizability: 92.9
  • Portability: 83
Scores
  • Performance: 71.7
  • Build Quality: 89.3
  • Productivity: 97.5
  • Customizability: 99.6
  • Portability: 62.1
Name
Keychron 81 Pro
Name
Keychron Q1 V2
Release year
2023
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
47 x 338 x 151 mm
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
1887g
Weight
1825g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Choose the Keychron 81 Pro if you need Bluetooth wireless and a large battery for travel or a cable-free desk, accepting the trade-off of simpler stabilizers and a pre-built setup. Opt for the Keychron Q1 V2 if you plan to mod extensively, prefer screw-in stabilizers, and want the option to build from a barebones kit with your choice of switches. Both are strong 75% aluminum keyboards with gasket mounts and VIA support, but your need for wireless versus customization will decide the winner.

Keychron 81 Pro

  • +Bluetooth 5.1 wireless connectivity with a 4000mAh rechargeable battery for extended untethered use
  • +Double gasket design with a polycarbonate plate, noted in the vendor description for flexibility
  • +Pre-built with PBT keycaps and includes a USB-C cable and USB-A to USB-C adapter
  • +Compatible with Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS per the vendor listing
  • −Only one switch type (clicky) is provided in the metadata, limiting out-of-box options
  • −No screw-in stabilizers, likely using plate-mount stabilizers which are less stable for modding
  • −Heavier at 1887g than the Q1 V2, which may be less portable despite wireless capability

Keychron Q1 V2

  • +Screw-in PCB stabilizers for greater stability and easier swapping, supporting third-party Cherry and Durock stabilizers
  • +Available as a fully assembled or barebones kit, with a wide range of switch options including Gateron G Pro and Keychron K Pro
  • +Steel plate provides a distinct typing feel and is noted to be durable in user reviews
  • +Full CNC machined 6063 aluminum case with anodized and sandblasted finish per the vendor description
  • −Wired-only connectivity, no Bluetooth or wireless option, which limits portability and desk cable management
  • −No battery included, so it must remain plugged in for power, which may be inconvenient for some setups
  • −User review notes that the combination of Gateron G Pro switches with the steel plate makes switch removal difficult

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron 81 Pro wins for Gaming and Travel thanks to its Bluetooth 5.1 wireless and large 4000mAh battery, making it a flexible choice for mobile or cable-free setups. The Q1 V2 takes the lead in Programming and Modding due to its screw-in stabilizers, steel plate, and barebones availability, which appeal to users who want to fine-tune their build. For Office and Content Creation, the two are tied as both offer a programmable knob, QMK/VIA support, and a 75% layout with similar productivity features.

GamingKeychron 81 Pro
  • •Offers Bluetooth 5.1 wireless and wired USB-C, giving flexibility for different setups
  • •Lighter polycarbonate plate may provide a more responsive feel for fast inputs
  • •4000mAh battery supports long wireless sessions without cable drag
OfficeTie
  • •Both keyboards feature a 75% layout with multimedia keys and a programmable knob for workflow shortcuts
  • •Each supports Mac/Win layouts and QMK/VIA programming for custom office macros
  • •Both include sound dampening and a gasket mount, reducing noise in shared spaces
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 V2
  • •Steel plate and screw-in PCB stabilizers offer a more stable typing platform for extended coding sessions
  • •Available as a barebones kit, allowing programmers to choose their own switches and keycaps
  • •Vendor description notes compatibility with Cherry and Durock third-party stabilizers for further refinement
TravelKeychron 81 Pro
  • •Bluetooth 5.1 wireless eliminates the need for a cable connection on the go
  • •4000mAh battery provides extended use without frequent charging during travel
  • •Slightly lighter weight at 1825g vs 1887g? Actually the 81 Pro is 1887g, heavier than the Q1 V2's 1825g, but wireless still wins for mobility
ModdingKeychron Q1 V2
  • •Screw-in PCB stabilizers are easier to swap and tune compared to standard plate-mounted stabilizers
  • •Available as a barebones kit, letting modders start from scratch with their own switches and keycaps
  • •Steel plate offers a different acoustic profile than the 81 Pro's polycarbonate plate
  • •Vendor confirms the top case has sharper corners for better third-party keycap compatibility (MT3, SA, XDA)
Content CreationTie
  • •Both include a programmable knob that can be mapped to zoom, brush size, or volume via VIA software
  • •75% layout saves desk space while retaining function row and arrow keys for editing shortcuts
  • •Each supports QMK firmware for deeper macro programming to speed up repetitive creative tasks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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