Keychron K11 Pro vs S1Wireless Alice vs Wired 75% Metal
Choose the K11 Pro for wireless flexibility and ergonomics, or the S1 for a heavier, all-metal build and a more traditional 75% layout.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K11 Pro
Wireless Alice
- Triple-mode connectivity with Bluetooth 5.1 for up to 3 devices and wired USB-C.
- Ergonomic Alice layout with a split spacebar design.
- Includes a programmable aluminum rotary encoder knob.
- Uses a hybrid ABS and aluminum frame rather than full metal.
- The unique Alice layout has a learning curve and limits keycap set compatibility.
- Wireless mode operates at a lower 90 Hz polling rate.
Get the
Keychron S1
Wired 75% Metal
- Full CNC machined aluminum body with a steel plate for a solid, premium feel.
- Heavier 960g weight provides excellent desk stability.
- 75% layout offers arrow and function keys in a compact form.
- Wired-only connectivity with no wireless or battery options.
- Substantially heavier at 960g, reducing portability.
- Lacks a dedicated volume or control knob.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you value cable-free use, easy device switching, and an ergonomic layout, the Keychron K11 Pro Alice is the clear option. If you prefer a traditional key layout with a supremely solid, all-metal construction and don't need wireless, the Keychron S1 offers a more substantial typing experience. Both are excellent low-profile boards with strong customization support.
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 K11 Pro
Keychron S1
Layout size
65%
75%
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired
Wired
Ergonomics
Alice
Standard
Case material
Aluminum, Plastic
Aluminum
Mount style
Tray Mount
Plate Mount, Tray Mount
- Keychron K11 Pro
- Keychron S1
- Performance
- 8082
- Build quality
- 8282
- Productivity
- 8781
- Customizability
- 9289
- Portability
- 8965
- Hot-swappable
- Low profile
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- QMK
- VIA
What will you mostly use it for?
The K11 Pro Alice wins for office use, travel, and content creation due to its wireless features, lighter weight, and programmable knob. The S1 is the better choice for programming with its dedicated key cluster and heavier metal build. For gaming and modding, the keyboards are closely matched, offering identical core performance specs and customization firmware.
It's a tie
- Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for low latency.
- Both support N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- The K11 Pro's wireless mode has a 90 Hz polling rate, which may be less ideal for competitive gaming.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K11 Pro
2 owner reviews
“What's perfect: This is just what I wanted and I'm super happy with it. I really feel like I made the right choice buying this particular deck. The low profile keys are super comfortable for typing and I now see that all I ever wanted was a shorter travel…”
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 K11 Pro vs S1 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 26 specs differ
Keychron K11 Pro
Keychron S1
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
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 K11 Pro vs S1: your questions
Both keyboards are fully compatible with Mac and Windows systems. Each includes keycap sets for both operating systems and system toggles to switch between them, with the S1 specifically noted to save a different layout for each OS.
No. Both keyboards are designed specifically for Gateron low-profile mechanical switches. The product listings for both state that their hot-swappable PCBs only support this switch type.
No. The Keychron S1 is a wired-only keyboard, connecting via its included USB Type-C cable. It does not have Bluetooth or a battery.
The Keychron K11 Pro's Alice layout features a gently curved key arrangement and a split spacebar, which is designed to promote a more natural hand posture. The Keychron S1 uses a standard, straight 75% layout.
The included double-shot PBT keycaps on both models are not shine-through, according to the S1's specs and a customer review. The RGB lighting shines from north-facing LEDs around the keys, not through the legends.
The Keychron K11 Pro Alice is more portable. It is significantly lighter at 510g versus 960g, has a thinner profile, and includes a battery for wireless use, eliminating the need for a cable on the go.
Yes. Both the Keychron K11 Pro Alice and the S1 have full, open-source QMK firmware support and can be programmed via the VIA web app or Keychron Launcher for extensive key remapping and macro creation.
The S1 features a full CNC machined aluminum body. The K11 Pro uses a hybrid construction with an aluminum frame and ABS components, making the S1's case more uniformly metal and substantial.
Yes. The K11 Pro offers three levels of adjustable typing angle. The S1 provides two adjustable feet, offering a 3° or 6° tilt angle for ergonomic support.
The Keychron S1 may be easier to adapt to due to its standard 75% layout. The K11 Pro's Alice layout requires acclimation to its curved design and split spacebar, which a customer review noted can lead to mis-hits.
Keychron sells matching accessories like silicone palm rests, low-profile keycap sets, and coiled cables for both. The K11 Pro's listing shows a specific Alice-format palm rest, while the S1's page promotes switch and keycap customization options.
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