Keychron B1 Pro vs V1 Max: Ultra-Portable vs Customizable 75%

Compare Keychron B1 Pro vs V1 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two of Keychron's popular 75% wireless keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share a compact layout and triple-mode connectivity, but they target fundamentally different users. The B1 Pro is an ultra-slim, low-profile board focused on portability and a minimalist desk presence. The V1 Max is a standard-profile, enthusiast-focused keyboard built for customization, sound, and feel. Your priority—maximizing portability or maximizing typing quality and modding potential—will dictate the winner.

Model
Rating	4.2 stars (15 reviews)	4.3 stars (32 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2024 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Features a low-profile design Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS layout standard Equipped with a 800 mAh battery Weighs about 425 g Sized at 5 x 296 x 130 mm Made with a Plastic, ABS case Features ABS keycaps Offers No RGB lighting	Released in 2023 Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options Supports hot-swappable switches Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI layout standard Comes with a knob Supports QMK firmware Supports VIA configuration Features N-key rollover Includes screw-in stabilizers Has built-in sound dampening Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Weighs about 770 g Sized at 22 x 149 x 329 mm Made with a ABS, Plastic case Features PBT, ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 48.1 Build Quality: 41.6 Productivity: 66.1 Customizability: 45 Portability: 77.9	Scores Performance: 83.2 Build Quality: 86.3 Productivity: 97.3 Customizability: 99.4 Portability: 79.2
Name	Name Keychron B1 Pro	Name Keychron V1 Max
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile	Profile Low Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 75%	Layout Size 75%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, JIS	Layout Standard ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 800 mAh	Battery capacity 4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style -	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic, ABS	Case Material ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 5 x 296 x 130 mm	Dimensions 22 x 149 x 329 mm
Weight	Weight 425g	Weight 770g

Keychron B1 Pro Ultra-Slim Wireless Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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4.2 stars (15 reviews)

4.3 stars (32 reviews)

Released in 2024
Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
Features a low-profile design
Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS layout standard
Equipped with a 800 mAh battery
Weighs about 425 g
Sized at 5 x 296 x 130 mm
Made with a Plastic, ABS case
Features ABS keycaps
Offers No RGB lighting

Released in 2023
Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
Supports hot-swappable switches
Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI layout standard
Comes with a knob
Supports QMK firmware
Supports VIA configuration
Features N-key rollover
Includes screw-in stabilizers
Has built-in sound dampening
Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
Weighs about 770 g
Sized at 22 x 149 x 329 mm
Made with a ABS, Plastic case
Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 48.1
Build Quality: 41.6
Productivity: 66.1
Customizability: 45
Portability: 77.9

Scores

Performance: 83.2
Build Quality: 86.3
Productivity: 97.3
Customizability: 99.4
Portability: 79.2

Name

Keychron B1 Pro

Name

Keychron V1 Max

Release year

2024

Release year

2023

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Clicky

Switch Options

Tactile, Linear, Clicky

Profile

Low Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

75%

Layout Size

75%

Layout Standard

ANSI, ISO, JIS

Layout Standard

ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

1000 Hz

Polling Rate

1000 Hz

Battery capacity

800 mAh

Battery capacity

4000 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Case Colors

Case Material

Plastic, ABS

Case Material

ABS, Plastic

Keycaps Material

ABS

Keycaps Material

PBT, ABS

Dimensions

5 x 296 x 130 mm

Dimensions

22 x 149 x 329 mm

Weight

425g

Weight

770g

Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and core need create a clear divide. If your primary goal is a lightweight, unobtrusive, and affordable wireless keyboard for typing on the go, the Keychron B1 Pro is a compelling option. If you are willing to invest more for a foundation you can customize and a superior, feature-rich typing experience at your main workstation, the Keychron V1 Max is the definitive choice. Prioritize portability and cost with the B1 Pro; prioritize sound, feel, and future modifications with the V1 Max.

Keychron B1 Pro

+Extremely portable at 425g with a 5mm ultra-slim, low-profile design.
+Manufacturer claims a very long 1200-hour battery life.
+Includes a protective, washable silicone skin according to the product listing.
+Offers extensive ISO layout options for European and regional typists.
+Lower price point makes it an accessible entry to wireless mechanical keyboards.

−Uses ABS keycaps, which are generally less durable than PBT and prone to shine.
−Lacks hot-swap functionality, RGB lighting, and advanced mounting systems.
−The 3° typing angle is very low and may not be ergonomic for all users without a wrist rest.

Keychron V1 Max

+Fully hot-swappable PCB for easy switch changes without soldering.
+Premium feature set includes gasket mount, polycarbonate plate, sound dampening foam, and screw-in stabilizers.
+Comes with double-shot PBT keycaps in the assembled version for better durability.
+Extensive programmability via open-source QMK and VIA firmware.
+Large 4000mAh battery supports RGB lighting for extended periods.

−Significantly heavier at 770g and larger, making it less portable.
−Higher price point reflects its advanced features and construction.
−Some user reviews mention issues with key chatter developing over time.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V1 Max is the clear choice for users who value a premium, customizable typing experience, winning in Gaming, Programming, Modding, and Content Creation due to its enthusiast features. The B1 Pro dominates in Travel thanks to its ultra-lightweight and slim design, and it ties for Office use where basic wireless functionality is key. Your daily activities will heavily influence which keyboard's strengths are more relevant.

GamingKeychron V1 Max

•Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in 2.4 GHz and wired modes for responsive input.
•The V1 Max's gasket mount and sound dampening foam can provide a more stable, consistent typing feel during long sessions.
•South-facing RGB lighting is less likely to cause interference with aftermarket Cherry-profile keycaps, a common choice for gamers.

OfficeTie

•Both support Mac and Windows layouts and offer wireless connectivity for a clean desk.
•The B1 Pro's low-profile design and 425g weight make it exceptionally easy to move or store.
•The V1 Max includes double-shot PBT keycaps, which are more resistant to shine from long-term use.

ProgrammingKeychron V1 Max

•The V1 Max supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep, on-the-fly key remapping and macro programming.
•Its hot-swappable PCB allows easy switch changes to tailor actuation force and feel for long coding sessions.
•The inclusion of screw-in stabilizers and a gasket mount design typically yields a more consistent and satisfying typing experience.

TravelKeychron B1 Pro

•The B1 Pro is significantly lighter at 425g compared to the V1 Max's 770g.
•Its ultra-slim 5mm profile is much thinner than the standard-profile V1 Max, fitting more easily into bags.
•The manufacturer claims an exceptionally long battery life of up to 1200 hours with backlighting off.

ModdingKeychron V1 Max

•The V1 Max is explicitly hot-swappable, supporting both 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches without soldering.
•It features a gasket mount design, a polycarbonate plate, and sound dampening foam, offering a mod-friendly foundation.
•It supports third-party screw-in PCB stabilizers and has south-facing RGB LEDs compatible with more keycap profiles.

Content CreationKeychron V1 Max

•The V1 Max offers a knob support version for quick media or parameter control.
•QMK/VIA support allows for complex macro creation to streamline editing workflows.
•The premium build with PBT keycaps and gasket mount provides a more tactile and acoustically pleasant feedback loop during repetitive tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Keychron B1 Pro is a low-profile keyboard, meaning the switches and keycaps are much shorter, resulting in a slimmer overall board (5mm thick). The V1 Max uses standard-profile mechanical switches and keycaps, which are taller and provide a different typing feel and sound. Low-profile is often preferred for portability, while standard profile offers more customization and a traditional mechanical feel.