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Compare Keychron 81 Pro vs Q1 HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers choosing between two premium 75% aluminum keyboards from Keychron: the 81 Pro and the Q1 HE. The decision is challenging because both share high build quality, QMK/VIA support, a knob, and a 4000mAh battery. However, the Q1 HE focuses on cutting-edge magnetic switch technology for gaming, while the 81 Pro offers a lighter weight and a simpler, true wireless Bluetooth experience with clicky switches. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize advanced gaming features or a more portable, straightforward wireless typing experience.

87
Keychron x OnePlus 81 Pro (ANSI)
100
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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0.0 (0)
4.0 (34)
  • Has Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 1887 g
  • Sized at 47 x 338 x 151 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS layout standard
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 4000 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS, keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 73.2
  • Build Quality: 83.8
  • Productivity: 92.8
  • Customizability: 93
  • Portability: 83
Scores
  • Performance: 100
  • Build Quality: 90
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.1
Name
Keychron 81 Pro
Name
Keychron Q1 HE
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Clicky
Switch Options
Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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, White, White 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
4000g
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Pros and Trade-offs

The Keychron Q1 HE is the superior choice if you want a cutting-edge gaming keyboard with magnetic switches and rapid trigger. If you prioritize portability and a straightforward wireless experience for typing and office work, the Keychron 81 Pro is a better fit. Both are excellent 75% keyboards with high build quality, but your decision hinges on whether advanced gaming features or lighter weight and simple Bluetooth connectivity matter more to you.

Keychron 81 Pro

  • +Lightest of the two at 1887g, making it more portable for a 75% aluminum keyboard.
  • +Built-in Bluetooth 5.1 provides simple wireless connectivity without a dongle.
  • +Includes pre-installed clicky switches and PBT keycaps for an out-of-the-box typing experience.
  • −Not compatible with magnetic switches, limiting future switch upgrade options.
  • −No 2.4 GHz wireless mode, only Bluetooth and wired connectivity.
  • −Lacks a DIY barebones kit option, only available pre-built.

Keychron Q1 HE

  • +Equipped with cutting-edge Gateron double-rail magnetic switches and adjustable actuation for gaming.
  • +Offers multiple connectivity options including 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired modes.
  • +Supports dynamic rapid trigger and 4-in-1 action keys for advanced gameplay control.
  • −Extremely heavy at 4000g, which reduces portability significantly.
  • −No built-in keyboard legs for adjusting typing angle, as noted by user reviews.
  • −Limited hot-swap compatibility as it supports Gateron double-rail magnetic switches only.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For gaming, the Q1 HE is the clear choice with its adjustable magnetic switches and rapid trigger, while the 81 Pro wins for travel and office use due to its lighter weight and straightforward Bluetooth. Both keyboards are tied for programming and content creation, as they offer the same 75% layout, knob, and full QMK/VIA programmability. The Q1 HE edges ahead for modding due to its unique switch ecosystem and barebones option, but the 81 Pro's pre-built design is simpler for immediate use.

GamingKeychron Q1 HE
  • •Equipped with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches with adjustable actuation (0.2-3.8 mm) and dynamic rapid trigger.
  • •Offers 2.4 GHz wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate and an 8000 Hz polling rate option in wired mode.
  • •Features advanced TMR sensors for precise, low-latency input.
OfficeKeychron 81 Pro
  • •Lighter weight (1887g) makes it easier to move around a desk or between workstations.
  • •Built-in Bluetooth 5.1 offers simple, reliable wireless connectivity without needing a dongle.
  • •Includes pre-built clicky switches for tactile feedback preferred by some typists.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards feature a 75% layout with a knob, providing a good balance of keys and desk space.
  • •Both are fully programmable with QMK and VIA for custom macros and keymaps.
  • •Both offer Mac/Win support with a system toggle and PBT keycaps.
TravelKeychron 81 Pro
  • •At 1887g, the 81 Pro is significantly lighter than the Q1 HE's 4000g, making it easier to transport.
  • •Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity works with most laptops and tablets without needing a separate dongle.
ModdingKeychron Q1 HE
  • •Hot-swappable PCB supports the unique Gateron double-rail magnetic switch ecosystem.
  • •Offers both a DIY barebones kit option and a pre-built version.
  • •Features screw-in PCB stabilizers for improved build quality during modification.
  • •Includes a double-gasket design and an acoustic pad for sound tuning.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both offer a full feature set with a knob, programmable keys via QMK/VIA, and solid 75% layout for shortcuts.
  • •Both have high-quality aluminum cases and reliable PBT keycaps for a premium feel during editing sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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