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Compare Keychron 81 Pro vs Q1 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two premium aluminum 75% wireless keyboards from Keychron. The 81 Pro is a collaboration with OnePlus that comes pre-built with tactile switches and PBT keycaps, while the Q1 Pro offers a wider range of switch types, ISO layout options, and a barebones kit for customization. The decision is hard because both share a similar gasket mount design, 4000mAh battery, and QMK/VIA programmability, but differ in intended audience and flexibility.

87
Keychron x OnePlus 81 Pro (ANSI)
95
Keychron Q1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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0.0 (0)
5.0 (41)
  • 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
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ANSI layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz connectivity
  • Weighs about 1825 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 73.2
  • Build Quality: 83.8
  • Productivity: 92.8
  • Customizability: 93
  • Portability: 83
Scores
  • Performance: 82.5
  • Build Quality: 89.2
  • Productivity: 97.5
  • Customizability: 99.9
  • Portability: 81.8
Name
Keychron 81 Pro
Name
Keychron Q1 Pro
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
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
ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, 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
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 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
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
47 x 338 x 151 mm
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
1887g
Weight
1825g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

If you want a ready-to-type keyboard with tactile switches and PBT keycaps and don't need ISO layout or 2.4 GHz, the Keychron 81 Pro is a solid choice. However, for most buyers, the Keychron Q1 Pro offers greater flexibility with its wireless options, barebones kit, screw-in stabilizers, and international layout support. The Q1 Pro's wider switch selection and N-key rollover also make it a better fit for gaming and modding.

Keychron 81 Pro

  • +Comes pre-built with PBT keycaps and tactile OnePlus-designed switches, ready out of the box
  • +Double gasket design with a polycarbonate plate for reduced resonance
  • +Adjustable foot bar for multiple typing angles
  • +Includes USB-C cable and USB-A to USB-C adapter
  • −Only available in ANSI layout, limiting keycap options for international users
  • −No 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity, only Bluetooth 5.1 and wired
  • −Lacks N-key rollover support as stated in the specifications
  • −No barebones option available for users who want to source their own switches and keycaps

Keychron Q1 Pro

  • +Available as both fully assembled and barebones kit, giving full customization freedom
  • +Supports multiple ISO layouts (UK, German, Nordic, Swiss, French, Spanish) in addition to ANSI
  • +Features N-key rollover for both wireless and wired modes
  • +Uses screw-in PCB stabilizers for more stable large keys
  • −Fully assembled version comes with ABS-compatible or PBT keycaps depending on variant, not always PBT
  • −Slightly lighter but still heavy for travel at 1736-1825g
  • −No adjustable foot bar mentioned; fixed 5.2 degree typing angle

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For gaming, the Q1 Pro pulls ahead with its 2.4 GHz option and linear switch availability. In office and programming use, both keyboards are evenly matched due to shared features like QMK/VIA, sound dampening, and a programmable knob. Travelers will benefit from the Q1 Pro's lighter weight and 2.4 GHz connectivity, while modders clearly favor the Q1 Pro for its barebones option and screw-in stabilizers. Content creation is a tie, as both offer the same essential creative workflow tools.

GamingKeychron Q1 Pro
  • •Q1 Pro supports 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth wireless while the 81 Pro only has Bluetooth and wired
  • •Q1 Pro offers linear or tactile switch options better suited for gaming than the 81 Pro's clicky-only switches
  • •Q1 Pro includes N-key rollover, a feature not mentioned for the 81 Pro
OfficeTie
  • •Both use a 75% layout and have a programmable knob and multimedia keys
  • •Both support QMK/VIA for custom macros and shortcuts
  • •Both feature sound dampening and a double gasket design for quieter typing
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both have QMK/VIA support for full key remapping and macros
  • •Both offer an aluminum case and double gasket design for a solid typing feel
  • •The 81 Pro comes with PBT keycaps and tactile switches, while Q1 Pro gives more switch choice
TravelKeychron Q1 Pro
  • •Q1 Pro is slightly lighter at 1825g vs 1887g
  • •Q1 Pro has 2.4 GHz wireless in addition to Bluetooth, offering more reliable connection on the go
  • •Q1 Pro has smaller dimensions (23 x 145 x 328 mm) vs 47 x 338 x 151 mm
ModdingKeychron Q1 Pro
  • •Q1 Pro is available as a barebones kit (no keycaps or switches) for full customization
  • •Q1 Pro uses screw-in PCB stabilizers while the 81 Pro's stabilizer type is unspecified
  • •Q1 Pro supports both ANSI and multiple ISO layouts, offering more keycap compatibility
Content CreationTie
  • •Both have a programmable knob for tasks like timeline scrolling or brush adjustment
  • •Both support QMK/VIA for custom shortcuts and layers
  • •Both feature south-facing RGB for consistent keycap lighting

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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