Keychron K1 Pro vs K5 SETenkeyless vs Full-Size Low-Profile
Choose the K1 Pro for a compact, programmable board, or the K5 SE for a full-size layout with a dedicated number pad.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K1 Pro
Tenkeyless
- Supports QMK and VIA open-source firmware for deep customization.
- Features a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode.
- Includes double-shot PBT keycaps for better durability.
- Lacks a dedicated number pad, which some users require.
- Compatible only with Gateron low-profile mechanical switches, not optical.
- The 2000mAh battery is shared with the larger K5 SE.
Get the
Keychron K5 SE
Full-Size Low-Profile
- Full-size 100% layout includes a number pad.
- Offers hot-swappable versions for both low-profile Gateron mechanical and Keychron optical switches.
- Includes a reinforced aluminum top case according to its product description.
- Lacks support for QMK or VIA firmware for advanced programming.
- No polling rate is specified in its provided specifications.
- Uses ABS keycaps, which may develop shine faster than PBT.
Select the Keychron K1 Pro if you prioritize a space-saving design, high-performance gaming specs, and extensive programmability through QMK/VIA. Opt for the Keychron K5 SE if your daily workflow depends on a full-size keyboard with a number pad and you prefer a simpler, plug-and-play experience with more switch type options. The core trade-off is between advanced customization and a traditional layout.
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 K1 Pro
Keychron K5 SE
Layout size
80%
100%
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
Aluminum, Plastic
QMK
Yes
No
VIA
Yes
No
Layout standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, JIS
ANSI, JIS
- Keychron K1 Pro
- Keychron K5 SE
- Performance
- 8164
- Build quality
- 8067
- Productivity
- 8067
- Customizability
- 8869
- Portability
- 7355
- Connection: Bluetooth, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 2,000 mAh
- Low profile
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- Mount style: Tray Mount
What will you mostly use it for?
The K1 Pro is the clear choice for gamers, programmers, travelers, and modders due to its higher polling rate, compact size, and advanced QMK/VIA programmability. The K5 SE wins for traditional office use where a number pad is non-negotiable. For content creation, the decision splits between needing a numpad or advanced macro keys, making it a tie based on specific workflow.
Pick the Keychron K1 Pro
- The K1 Pro has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for lower latency.
- Its 80% layout frees up more desk space for mouse movement.
- The manufacturer states its 1000 Hz polling rate is engineered for competitive gaming.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K1 Pro
5 owner reviews
“I realy like this keyboard. I feel is harder to make typos compared to the K3 v2. I decided to go with the K1 Pro instead of the K3 Pro and it's going to to take time to adjust to the new layout, but the feeling and shape of the keys is definitely better.”
Keychron K5 SE
34 owner reviews
“This is my favorite keyboard. After assembling my desktop pc, I had always felt a little awkward typing on normal sized mechanical keyboards. This keyboard solved that for me. I currently use mine for my desktop, and on the go with my Steam Deck.”
“Found this keyboard while cleaning out my closet and remembered why it's the worst purchase I've ever made. I used it for barely 2 months in total. First, keys started sticking. There were zero replacement parts on their website, so I contacted Keychron…”
Keychron K1 Pro vs K5 SE specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 24 specs differ
Keychron K1 Pro
Keychron K5 SE
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case 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.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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Keychron K1 Pro vs K5 SE: your questions
The Keychron K1 Pro is better suited for gaming. Its product listing specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, which is designed for lower latency. Furthermore, its 80% tenkeyless layout frees up valuable desk space for wider mouse movements.
Yes, the Keychron K5 SE is a 100% full-size keyboard. Its layout includes a dedicated number pad, which the manufacturer states offers convenient access to all essential keys for both Mac and Windows.
Yes, the Keychron K1 Pro supports full key remapping and macro creation. It is compatible with the open-source QMK firmware and the VIA configuration tool, which you can access through the Keychron Launcher web app according to the vendor description.
No, they use different materials. The K1 Pro comes with low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps, which are generally more resistant to oil and shine. The K5 SE uses ABS keycaps.
The Keychron K1 Pro is more portable. It has an 80% layout with smaller dimensions (346 x 119 mm) and a weight of 580g, making it significantly more compact and easier to pack than the full-size K5 SE.
Both keyboards offer hot-swappable versions, but with different switch compatibilities. The K1 Pro hot-swappable version works with Gateron low-profile mechanical switches only. The K5 SE offers hot-swappable versions for both low-profile Gateron mechanical and Keychron optical switches.
Both keyboards are listed with a 2000mAh rechargeable battery. The K5 SE product page provides specific lab test estimates, stating up to 90 hours with backlighting off and up to 30 hours with RGB at the lowest brightness. Similar detailed estimates are not provided for the K1 Pro.
Yes, both the Keychron K1 Pro and K5 SE are listed as supporting Mac and Windows. The K1 Pro's description notes it includes keycaps for both operating systems and allows configuration of different keymaps for each.
According to Keychron, the K5 SE has a reinforced aluminum top case with a plastic bottom case, while the standard K5 is constructed with a full aluminum body. The K5 SE also includes two-level adjustable rubber feet.
No. The manufacturer explicitly states that both the K1 Pro and K5 SE low-profile keyboards are not compatible with any normal profile MX-style mechanical switches. They are designed only for their respective low-profile switch types.
The Keychron K1 Pro's description mentions more than 22 types of RGB backlight settings. The K5 SE specification lists 18 backlit types. Both offer adjustable RGB lighting and a white backlight option.
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