Keychron 81 Pro vs Q1 HEMagnetic Gaming vs Versatile Wireless
Choose the Q1 HE for cutting-edge magnetic gaming features, or the OnePlus 81 Pro for broader mechanical switch compatibility and a simpler wireless setup.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron 81 Pro
Magnetic Gaming
- 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.
- 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.
Get the
Keychron Q1 HE
Versatile Wireless
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
Keychron 81 Pro
Keychron Q1 HE
Hall effect (magnetic)
No
Yes
Rapid trigger
No
Yes
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Max polling rate
1,000 Hz
8,000 Hz
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Magnetic, Tactile
- Keychron 81 Pro
- Keychron Q1 HE
- Performance
- 82100
- Build quality
- 8790
- Productivity
- 9797
- Customizability
- 9498
- Portability
- 8281
- Layout size: 75%
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Case material: Aluminum
- Knob
- QMK
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Keychron 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.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron 81 Pro
4 owner reviews
“Love the sound and feel. Thr kickstand is cool too. Only thing is I wish there were more options for keycap colors, the red doesn't match my stuff.”
Keychron Q1 HE
20 owner reviews
“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.”
“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…”
Keychron 81 Pro vs Q1 HE specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 29 specs differ
Keychron 81 Pro
Keychron Q1 HE
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Keychron 81 Pro vs Q1 HE: your questions
No. According to the manufacturer, the Keychron Q1 HE is compatible exclusively with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches. It does not support standard mechanical switches like Cherry MX, Gateron mechanical, or other magnetic switches such as the Gateron Magnetic Jade.
No. The Keychron OnePlus 81 Pro only offers wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.1. It does not have a dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless mode, which is a feature found on the Q1 HE.
The Keychron Q1 HE has an advantage for wireless gaming. It offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz wireless mode. The OnePlus 81 Pro's Bluetooth mode operates at a 90 Hz polling rate, though both offer 1000 Hz in wired mode.
This feature is only available on the Keychron Q1 HE. Its Gateron double-rail magnetic switches allow you to customize the actuation point anywhere from 0.2 mm to 3.8 mm. The OnePlus 81 Pro uses traditional mechanical switches with fixed actuation points.
Yes, both the Keychron OnePlus 81 Pro and the Q1 HE support open-source QMK firmware for deep customization. The OnePlus 81 Pro uses VIA for remapping, while the Q1 HE uses the Keychron Launcher web app for configuring its magnetic switches and key assignments.
The Keychron OnePlus 81 Pro is more portable. It weighs 1887 grams, which is significantly lighter than the Q1 HE's approximate 4000-gram weight. The 81 Pro also uses only Bluetooth, so you don't need to keep track of a separate 2.4 GHz USB receiver.
Yes, both keyboards include keycap support for Mac and Windows systems. The Q1 HE's vendor description explicitly mentions it comes with an additional set of customized keycaps for both operating systems and a system toggle switch.
Both keyboards feature a double-gasket mounting design. According to Keychron, this involves silicone pads between the top and bottom cases in addition to gaskets on the plates. This aims to reduce sound resonance between metal parts and create a more flexible typing feel.
The Keychron Q1 HE comes with OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps. The manufacturer describes OSA as having a similar height to OEM profile but with an SA-like spherical shape. These are not shine-through keycaps.
Yes. The Keychron Q1 HE is offered in a 'Barebone Knob' version, which includes the aluminum case, PCB, and plate, but does not include switches or keycaps, allowing for personalization.
The Winter Bonfire switch is a tactile mechanical switch co-created by OnePlus and Keychron. Keychron's description states it has a tactile peak point at 0.5mm with a stronger rebounding force, designed to deliver a solid typing experience.
Based on manufacturer lab tests, the OnePlus 81 Pro claims up to 300 hours of Bluetooth working time with backlighting off. The Q1 HE claims up to 100 hours of wireless working time with backlighting off. Actual battery life will vary with usage.
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