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Compare Keychron OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro vs Q1 HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two premium 75% Keychron keyboards with distinct technological focuses. The choice is difficult because both share high-end features like aluminum cases, gasket mounts, and QMK programmability, but diverge fundamentally in their switch technology and wireless connectivity. The OnePlus 81 Pro is a versatile, co-branded board compatible with standard mechanical switches, while the Q1 HE is a specialized platform built around proprietary magnetic switches for gamers.

92
Keyboard 81 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
100
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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5.0 (4)
4.0 (34)
  • Has Linear, Tactile, 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
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • 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: 82.3
  • Build Quality: 86.2
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • Customizability: 92.3
  • Portability: 81.5
Scores
  • Performance: 100
  • Build Quality: 90
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.1
Name
Keychron OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro
Name
Keychron Q1 HE
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, 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

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want the absolute latest in gaming-oriented switch technology with customizable actuation and rapid trigger, the Keychron Q1 HE is the specialized tool. If you prefer a more versatile, portable keyboard that works with a vast ecosystem of standard mechanical switches and uses simple Bluetooth connectivity, the Keychron OnePlus 81 Pro is the better all-rounder. Both are excellently built, programmable keyboards, but they serve different core users.

Keychron OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro

  • +Broad compatibility with common 3-pin and 5-pin MX mechanical switches from brands like Gateron and Cherry.
  • +Lighter weight (1887g) and includes a unified keyboard holder (kickstand) for ergonomics.
  • +Relies on Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless, simplifying connectivity without a dongle.
  • +Features a co-designed Winter Bonfire tactile switch with a specific 0.5mm tactile peak.
  • +Uses a polycarbonate plate which, combined with its double-gasket design, aims for a specific typing sound and feel.
  • −Lacks a 2.4 GHz wireless mode, which may be preferred for gaming or more reliable wireless connections.
  • −Wireless polling rate is limited to 90 Hz, compared to 1000 Hz in wired mode.
  • −Switch compatibility is limited to mechanical switches, not supporting magnetic switches.

Keychron Q1 HE

  • +Equipped with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches featuring adjustable actuation points (0.2-3.8mm) and rapid trigger.
  • +Includes a 2.4 GHz wireless connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate for low-latency use.
  • +Available in a barebones kit version for deeper customization from the start.
  • +Supports a wide range of international layout standards (ISO, JIS, ANSI).
  • +Uses more advanced TMR (Tunneling Magnetoresistance) sensors for key detection.
  • −Substantially heavier (approximately 4000g), reducing portability.
  • −Hot-swap compatibility is restricted to specific Gateron double-rail magnetic switches only.
  • −The vendor description notes it is not compatible with other magnetic switch brands like Gateron Magnetic Jade.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q1 HE is the clear choice for gamers seeking the latest magnetic switch technology with rapid trigger and adjustable actuation. For office use and travel, the OnePlus 81 Pro wins due to its lighter weight, Bluetooth-focused wireless, and broader mechanical switch compatibility. Programmers and content creators will find both keyboards equally capable thanks to shared QMK support and thoughtful layouts, while modders may prefer the Q1 HE for its barebones option and layout support.

GamingKeychron Q1 HE
  • •The Q1 HE features adjustable actuation points (0.2-3.8mm) and dynamic rapid trigger, which are gaming-specific features.
  • •It offers a 2.4 GHz wireless connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate for low-latency gaming.
  • •Its Gateron double-rail magnetic switches and TMR sensors are designed for fast feedback and precision.
OfficeKeychron OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro
  • •The OnePlus 81 Pro supports stable Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting to up to three devices, ideal for multitasking between a laptop, phone, and tablet.
  • •Its compatibility with a wide range of common 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches (like Gateron, Cherry MX) makes it easier to find preferred quiet or tactile switches for an office environment.
  • •It includes a unified keyboard holder (kickstand) for ergonomic adjustment.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards support QMK and VIA for extensive key remapping and macro creation, which is critical for coding workflows.
  • •Both have 75% layouts with function keys and navigation clusters, saving desk space while retaining useful keys.
  • •Both feature screw-in PCB stabilizers for a stable typing feel on large keys.
TravelKeychron OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro
  • •The OnePlus 81 Pro is significantly lighter at 1887g compared to the Q1 HE's approximate 4000g weight.
  • •It relies solely on Bluetooth for wireless, eliminating the need to carry a 2.4 GHz USB dongle.
  • •Its slightly smaller dimensions (338mm long vs 328mm for Q1 HE) and included kickstand add to its portability.
ModdingKeychron Q1 HE
  • •The Q1 HE is available in a barebones kit version, allowing users to choose their own keycaps and magnetic switches from the start.
  • •It offers a choice of plate materials (aluminum or polycarbonate) and its vendor description mentions users can remove an internal acoustic pad for more flexibility.
  • •It supports a wider array of layout standards (ANSI, JIS, ISO variants), appealing to an international modding community.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both include a rotary knob that can be customized for media control or application-specific functions via QMK/VIA.
  • •Both have south-facing RGB lighting that avoids interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, useful for aesthetic setups.
  • •The programmability of both boards allows for creating complex shortcuts for editing software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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