Keychron J1 vs S1Wireless vs All-Metal 75% Low-Profile
Choose the Keychron J1 if wireless connectivity is essential, or the S1 if you prioritize a premium all-metal build and typing feel.
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3.0 (5)3.0 · 5 reviews
from$59at Keychron
4.8 (12)4.8 · 12 reviews
from$82at Keychron
90-day lowLowest price in 90 days
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron J1
Wireless
Build quality in the top 40% of 75% boards under $100.
- Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connections for flexible device pairing
- Includes IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam for a quieter typing experience
- Built-in receiver compartment prevents losing the 2.4 GHz dongle
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the
Keychron S1
All-Metal 75% Low-Profile
Build quality in the top 10% of 75% boards under $100.
- Full CNC machined aluminum body and steel plate offer a solid, premium build
- Weighs 960g, providing a stable typing platform that resists sliding
- Adjustable feet allow two typing angles (3° and 6°) for ergonomic comfort
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
The Keychron J1 is the clear choice for users who need wireless capability and portability, offering Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connections in a lighter package. The Keychron S1 is better suited for those who prioritize build quality and a premium typing feel, with its all-aluminum body and higher user satisfaction. Your decision should hinge on whether wireless freedom or a solid metal chassis matters more for your daily use.
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 J1
Keychron S1
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
ABS
Aluminum
Weight
661 g
960 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
Sound dampening
Yes
No
Media keys
No
Yes
- Keychron J1
- Keychron S1
- Performance
- 8282
- Build quality
- 7182
- Productivity
- 8980
- Customizability
- 8689
- Portability
- 8065
- Layout size: 75%
- Hot-swappable
- Low profile
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- QMK
What will you mostly use it for?
The J1 takes the lead in Gaming, Office, Travel, and Content Creation primarily due to its wireless functionality, lighter weight, and LKP feature. The S1 wins in Modding thanks to its all-metal body and higher customizability score, while Programming ends in a tie because both keyboards offer QMK/VIA support and the same layout. Overall, the J1 is the more versatile choice for users who value mobility and multi-device workflows, while the S1 appeals to those who want a premium typing foundation for customization.
Pick the Keychron J1
- Supports 2.4 GHz wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate for low-latency gaming
- Includes Last Key Priority (LKP) for smoother directional changes in competitive titles
- Lighter weight at 661g makes it easier to reposition during LAN or desk setups
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron J1
5 owner reviews
“I like everything about this keyboard: the keys, their profile, the typing sound of the banana switch, the shape of the keyboard itself, and its size. There are no battery issues either; it holds a charge surprisingly long, and I don't remember the last time…”
“Almost perfect keyboard for me, low profile, etc., but battery dies too fast, i'd say 2-3 days max. and when it dies it does not reconnect when charging cable is plugged in, you have to toggle wired mode, plug in the cable and then toggle wireless mode for it…”
Keychron S1
12 owner reviews
“Got it today, hands on my first mechanical keyboard and feels so good. And a lot of difference in day-to-day way of typing.”
Keychron J1 vs S1 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 26 specs differ
Keychron J1
Keychron S1
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
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
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron J1 vs S1: your questions
The Keychron J1 is the only one with wireless support, offering both Bluetooth 5.2 and 2.4 GHz connections. The S1 is wired only, so the J1 is the right choice if you need cable-free operation.
Yes, both keyboards support QMK firmware and VIA software for remapping keys, creating macros, and adjusting lighting. The J1 also works with the Keychron Launcher web app, while the S1 relies on VIA.
Both offer hot-swappable versions, allowing you to change switches without soldering. However, they are only compatible with Gateron or Keychron low-profile mechanical switches, not standard MX or optical switches.
The S1 has a superior build with a full CNC machined aluminum body and steel plate, while the J1 uses an ABS plastic frame. The S1 is heavier at 960g, providing a more solid feel.
The J1 has a 2000mAh battery, but user reviews report it lasts only 2-3 days on a charge, even without the backlight. Some users also experience Bluetooth disconnection issues when the battery is low.
Yes, the S1 includes both Mac and Windows keycaps and has a system toggle to switch layouts. You can save two different keymaps, one for each OS, using VIA.
The J1 is more portable thanks to its lighter weight (661g) and wireless connectivity, plus a built-in receiver compartment for the dongle. The S1 is heavier (960g) and requires a wired connection.
Both use low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps for oil resistance and durability. The J1's keycaps are shine-through for RGB visibility, while the S1's are non-shine-through, which reduces backlight visibility.
Yes, both have north-facing RGB LEDs with multiple effects. The J1 supports per-key and mix RGB zones, while the S1 offers 22 RGB effects. The J1's shine-through keycaps make the lighting more visible.
The S1 is better for modding due to its aluminum body and steel plate, which provide a sturdier base. It also supports XDA and DSA keycaps, and its hot-swap PCB is compatible with Gateron low-profile switches.
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