Keychron K1 Pro vs S1Low-Profile Wireless vs Wired Metal
Choose the K1 Pro if you need wireless multi-device connectivity; pick the S1 if you want a heavier all-metal build for desk use.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K1 Pro
Low-Profile Wireless
- 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.
- 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.
Get the
Keychron S1
Wired Metal
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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 S1
Layout size
80%
75%
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired
Wired
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
Aluminum
Mount style
Tray Mount
Plate Mount, Tray Mount
Weight
580 g
960 g
- Keychron K1 Pro
- Keychron S1
- Performance
- 8182
- Build quality
- 8082
- Productivity
- 8081
- Customizability
- 8889
- Portability
- 7365
- Hot-swappable
- Low profile
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- QMK
- VIA
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
It's a tie
- 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.
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 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 K1 Pro vs S1 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 25 specs differ
Keychron K1 Pro
Keychron S1
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
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
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Keychron K1 Pro vs S1: your questions
Both keyboards offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode and use the same Gateron low-profile mechanical switches, so raw gaming performance is nearly identical. The K1 Pro adds wireless capability but drops to 90 Hz polling when unplugged, so wired use is recommended for competitive gaming on either model.
Yes, the K1 Pro uses Broadcom Bluetooth 5.1 to connect wirelessly with up to three devices, such as a laptop, phone, and tablet. You can switch between them quickly using the keyboard, and it comes with keycaps for both macOS and Windows.
Yes, the S1 includes a system toggle switch and an additional set of customized keycaps for both Windows and macOS. You can save two different layouts on the keyboard, one for each operating system.
Both keyboards offer a hot-swappable version that allows you to change switches without soldering. However, they only support Gateron low-profile mechanical switches, not low-profile optical switches.
The S1 has a full CNC machined aluminum body and a steel plate, making it heavier and more rigid at 960g. The K1 Pro uses an ABS and aluminum frame and weighs only 580g, which is lighter but not as dense or solid feeling as the S1.
Yes, both the K1 Pro and S1 support open-source QMK firmware and VIA software, allowing you to remap keys, create macros, and adjust backlight effects. You can use the Keychron Launcher web app for the K1 Pro or VIA for the S1.
The K1 Pro comes with low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps that are not shine-through, while the S1 uses low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps with a spherical-angled (LSA) profile. The S1 keycaps also do not let RGB light shine through, which some users find reduces visibility of backlighting.
The K1 Pro is more portable due to its lighter weight of 580g, wireless Bluetooth connectivity, and built-in 2000mAh battery. The S1 weighs 960g and requires a wired USB-C connection, making it less suited for travel.
Yes, both keyboards fully support QMK and VIA for programming and remapping keys. The K1 Pro can also be customized using the Keychron Launcher web app, while the S1 lists VIA as the primary tool.
The K1 Pro uses an 80% tenkeyless layout that includes a dedicated arrow cluster and function key row with more spacing. The S1 uses a 75% layout that packs the function row and navigation keys closer together without gaps, which some users find increases error rate.
Yes, the S1 features a steel plate in addition to its aluminum body, which adds rigidity and contributes to a heavier typing feel. The K1 Pro does not list a steel plate in its specifications.
The K1 Pro is better for office use if you need to switch between multiple devices wirelessly, thanks to its Bluetooth 5.1 and lighter weight. The S1 offers a more solid typing feel for a static desk setup but is wired only.
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