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Compare Keychron K1 Pro vs S1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers torn between wireless convenience and a dense metal typing experience. The K1 Pro offers Bluetooth 5.1 and a lighter 580g body, while the S1 is a wired-only 960g keyboard with a full CNC aluminum body and steel plate. Both share low-profile Gateron switches, QMK/VIA support, and hot-swappable options. The decision comes down to whether portability or a rock-solid desk presence matters more to you.

86
Keychron K1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
85
Keychron S1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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5.0 (10)
4.8 (18)
  • Released in 2023
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, JIS, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 580 g
  • Sized at 8 x 346 x 119 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS, case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face, White, White North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 960 g
  • Sized at 8 x 118 x 310 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 81.2
  • Build Quality: 79.8
  • Productivity: 79.8
  • Customizability: 89.2
  • Portability: 73
Scores
  • Performance: 81.5
  • Build Quality: 81.5
  • Productivity: 80
  • Customizability: 89.5
  • Portability: 62.9
Name
Keychron K1 Pro
Name
Keychron S1
Release year
2023
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, JIS, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
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
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
2000 mAh
Battery capacity
-
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
Tray Mount
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face, White
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic, ABS,
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
8 x 346 x 119 mm
Dimensions
8 x 118 x 310 mm
Weight
580g
Weight
960g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

If you need the freedom to switch between a laptop, tablet, and phone without cables, buy the Keychron K1 Pro. It delivers wireless flexibility, a lighter carry weight, and a capable 80% layout. If you prioritize a dense, premium typing feel and never take your keyboard off your desk, the Keychron S1's all-metal body and steel plate offer a sturdier foundation for focused work.

Keychron K1 Pro

  • +Wireless connectivity via Broadcom Bluetooth 5.1, pairs with up to 3 devices.
  • +2000mAh battery enables extended unplugged use, with a 90 Hz polling rate in wireless mode.
  • +80% tenkeyless layout saves desk space while keeping a dedicated arrow cluster.
  • +Double-shot PBT keycaps resist oil and wear, according to the manufacturer.
  • +Comes with keycaps for both macOS and Windows layouts, including extra keys.
  • −Wireless polling rate drops to 90 Hz, which may matter for competitive gamers.
  • −Aluminum and plastic frame is lighter but feels less premium than full metal.
  • −Only compatible with Gateron low-profile mechanical switches, limiting switch choices.
  • −No steel plate means less rigidity overall compared to the S1's construction.

Keychron S1

  • +Full CNC machined aluminum body with a steel plate for maximum rigidity.
  • +Heavier 960g weight provides a stable, planted feel on a desk.
  • +Low-profile PBT keycaps use a spherical-angled (LSA) profile for a distinct typing feel.
  • +Compatible with low-profile, XDA, and DSA keycaps, offering broader keycap choices.
  • +Two adjustable feet provide 3° and 6° typing angles for ergonomic adjustment.
  • −Wired-only connectivity with no Bluetooth option, tethering it to a cable.
  • −Full metal body makes it difficult to pick up and move, as noted in user reviews.
  • −Non-shine-through keycaps can make RGB backlighting hard to see in low light.
  • −Some user reports of stabilizer lubrication issues requiring disassembly.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For gaming and programming, both keyboards perform identically on paper with shared switches, 1000 Hz polling, and full QMK/VIA programmability. The K1 Pro wins for office and travel thanks to its Bluetooth 5.1 multi-device support and lighter 580g frame. The S1 takes the edge for content creation due to its denser all-metal build and more compact 75% layout that keeps essential keys closer together. Modding potential is even between them, as both offer hot-swap and open-source firmware.

GamingTie
  • •Both feature a 1000 Hz wired polling rate for competitive gaming.
  • •Both use low-profile Gateron mechanical switches with similar response.
  • •Neither has dedicated macro keys, but both support QMK/VIA remapping.
OfficeKeychron K1 Pro
  • •K1 Pro connects wirelessly to up to 3 devices via Bluetooth 5.1, ideal for desk hopping.
  • •80% TKL layout retains dedicated arrow and function keys while saving space.
  • •Lighter 580g weight makes it easier to reposition during the workday.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both support QMK and VIA for custom keymaps, macros, and layers.
  • •Low-profile keycaps reduce finger travel, which can reduce fatigue during long coding sessions.
  • •Neither is available in ergonomic split layouts; both offer standard row-staggered designs.
TravelKeychron K1 Pro
  • •K1 Pro is 580g, significantly lighter than the 960g S1.
  • •Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity eliminates the need for a cable on the go.
  • •Built-in 2000mAh battery supports extended wireless use without a power bank.
ModdingTie
  • •Both have hot-swappable PCB options for Gateron low-profile switches.
  • •Both support QMK/VIA firmware for full keymap customization.
  • •The S1 has plate-mounted stabilizers, while the K1 Pro uses redesigned stabilizers; neither data claims one is easier to mod.
Content CreationKeychron S1
  • •S1's full CNC aluminum body and steel plate produce a more solid, premium feel during heavy typing.
  • •Double-shot PBT keycaps on the S1 resist shine from prolonged editing sessions.
  • •The 75% layout includes function row and navigation keys without reaching across a TKL gap.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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