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Compare Keychron K1 SE vs Q1 V1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's portable and premium keyboard lines. The K1 SE offers a slim, wireless design with low-profile switches, while the Q1 V1 is a heavy, wired board focused on customization and sound. The choice is difficult because both are hot-swappable and support multiple operating systems, but they cater to fundamentally different user priorities in connectivity, form factor, and build philosophy.

66
Keychron K1 SE Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (US ANSI Layout)
93
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection - Version 1

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0.0 (0)
4.5 (1175)
  • Released in 2021
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Features a low-profile design
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 1700 g
  • Sized at 22 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 66.1
  • Build Quality: 60.4
  • Productivity: 66.5
  • Customizability: 71.6
  • Portability: 77.1
Scores
  • Performance: 72.6
  • Build Quality: 89.7
  • Productivity: 97.9
  • Customizability: 99.9
  • Portability: 64.8
Name
Keychron K1 SE
Name
Keychron Q1 V1
Release year
2021
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, JIS, 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
-
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
-
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
22 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
-
Weight
1700g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Keychron K1 SE if your priority is a wireless, low-profile keyboard for a clean desk and easy portability between home and office. Opt for the Keychron Q1 V1 if you desire a premium, stationary typing centerpiece with unparalleled customization, a satisfying gasket-mount feel, and deep programmability. The core trade-off is connectivity and profile versus material quality and modding potential.

Keychron K1 SE

  • +Wireless Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity for cable-free use with multiple devices.
  • +Ultra-slim, low-profile switch design that is 40% slimmer than conventional switches.
  • +Hot-swappable for low-profile optical and Gateron mechanical switches.
  • +Includes adjustable rubber feet for ergonomic typing angles.
  • +Reinforced aluminum top case for a durable yet portable build.
  • −Limited to low-profile switches, incompatible with standard MX-style switches.
  • −Battery-dependent for wireless functionality, requiring periodic charging.
  • −Build uses a plastic bottom case rather than a full aluminum body.

Keychron Q1 V1

  • +Full CNC machined aluminum case for a premium, hefty feel (1700g).
  • +Gasket-mounted design with up to 2.5mm flex for a softer typing feel.
  • +Fully programmable via open-source QMK firmware and VIA software.
  • +Includes a programmable knob for media control or custom macros.
  • +Comes with double-shot PBT keycaps and screw-in PCB stabilizers.
  • −Wired-only connectivity, lacking wireless options.
  • −Very heavy at 1700g, making it impractical for travel.
  • −Some keycap profiles (like MT3 and XDA) may have compatibility issues, as noted in the vendor description.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K1 SE is the clear choice for mobile professionals and gamers who value wireless freedom and a slim form factor. The Q1 V1 dominates for stationary users who prioritize a premium typing feel, deep customization, and programmability, making it ideal for programmers, modders, and content creators. Your daily environment and willingness to trade portability for a heavier, more feature-rich build will dictate the winner.

GamingKeychron K1 SE
  • •The K1 SE's vendor page cites 0.2 ms ultra-low latency for its optical switch option.
  • •Its wireless Bluetooth connectivity allows for a cleaner desk setup.
  • •The low-profile design may reduce finger travel for some gamers.
OfficeKeychron K1 SE
  • •Bluetooth connectivity allows pairing with up to three devices, according to its vendor page.
  • •The low-profile, slim design is more portable for hybrid work environments.
  • •It includes Mac and Windows keycaps for easy system switching.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 V1
  • •The Q1 V1 supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep key remapping and macro programming.
  • •Its 75% layout retains arrow and navigation keys while saving desk space.
  • •The gasket-mounted design and included sound-dampening foam may provide a more comfortable, quieter typing experience for long sessions.
TravelKeychron K1 SE
  • •The K1 SE is wireless with a 2000mAh battery, eliminating the need for a cable on the go.
  • •Its low-profile design and likely lighter weight (specific weight not provided for K1 SE) make it more portable than the 1700g Q1 V1.
  • •The vendor description highlights its ultra-slim, portable nature.
ModdingKeychron Q1 V1
  • •The Q1 V1 features a gasket mount design, screw-in stabilizers, and includes sound-dampening foam, offering more points for modification.
  • •It supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX mechanical switches for broader switch compatibility.
  • •Its full CNC aluminum case and multiple plate material options (aluminum, steel) provide a solid foundation for customization.
Content CreationKeychron Q1 V1
  • •The Q1 V1's programmable knob can be mapped to controls like zoom, brush size, or volume through VIA software.
  • •Deep programmability via QMK/VIA allows for complex macros and shortcuts.
  • •The premium, all-metal construction provides a stable and substantial feel on the desk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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