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Compare Keychron K2 Max vs Q1 V1 Differences Side by Side

Both are hot-swappable 75% Keychron boards with QMK and VIA support, RGB lighting, and wired USB-C connectivity. The K2 Max is the flexible option for wireless use, with Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz modes alongside wired operation. The Q1 V1 gives up wireless connectivity for an all-aluminum, gasket-mounted design and a programmable knob. The choice comes down to wireless convenience and lighter carry versus a heavier, more customization-focused wired board.

92
Keychron K2 Max QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
94
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection - Version 1

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4.5 (2)
4.5 (1175)
  • Released in 2024
  • Built with the ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 940 g
  • Sized at 32 x 317 x 122 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, ABS case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • 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: 81.3
  • Build Quality: 85.6
  • Productivity: 94.5
  • Customizability: 91.2
  • Portability: 78.9
Scores
  • Performance: 72.3
  • Build Quality: 89.6
  • Productivity: 97.9
  • Customizability: 98.4
  • Portability: 62.7
Name
Keychron K2 Max
Name
Keychron Q1 V1
Release year
2024
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW
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, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 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
PCB Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, ABS
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
32 x 317 x 122 mm
Dimensions
22 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
940g
Weight
1700g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Pick the K2 Max if wireless connectivity, multi-device Bluetooth, or a lighter board matters most. Choose the Q1 V1 if you prefer an all-aluminum gasket-mounted build and expect to use the programmable knob or customize more of the board. Both provide a 75% layout, hot-swap support, and QMK/VIA, so the deciding factor is whether you prioritize wireless flexibility or the Q1 V1's construction and knob.

Keychron K2 Max

  • +Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity, with Bluetooth connections to up to three devices.
  • +4000 mAh battery and 940 g listed weight.
  • +Hot-swappable switches, QMK, and VIA support.
  • +Steel plate, sound dampening, and screw-in stabilizers.
  • +Vendor-described IXPE, PET, and EPDM acoustic foam layers.

  • −Its ABS/aluminum case materials do not match the Q1 V1's all-aluminum case.
  • −It does not list a programmable knob.
  • −Wireless use adds battery charging to the setup.

Keychron Q1 V1

  • +All-aluminum case with a gasket mount.
  • +Programmable knob can be assigned to keys or macros for creative tasks.
  • +Hot-swappable switches and QMK/VIA support.
  • +Listed support for ISO, JIS, and ANSI layout standards.
  • +Aluminum and steel plate options appear in the product specifications.

  • −Wired-only connectivity, with no Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz mode.
  • −At 1700 g, it is substantially heavier than the K2 Max.
  • −The product listing notes possible compatibility issues with some MT3 and XDA keycap profiles.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K2 Max has the clearest advantage for gaming with wireless flexibility and for travel with its lower listed weight. It also suits desks where Bluetooth device switching is useful. The Q1 V1 stands out for hands-on customization and creative workflows, particularly for buyers who want its gasket mount and programmable knob. For general programming, both offer closely matched layout and remapping features.

GamingKeychron K2 Max
  • •The K2 Max offers 2.4 GHz wireless and wired modes, both listed with a 1000 Hz polling rate.
  • •The Q1 V1 is wired-only, though it also has a listed 1000 Hz polling rate.
OfficeKeychron K2 Max
  • •Bluetooth on the K2 Max supports connections to up to three devices, according to Keychron.
  • •The K2 Max includes a 4000 mAh battery and has a 940 g listed weight.
  • •Both boards have a 75% layout and Mac/Windows support.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both support QMK and VIA for remapping and macros.
  • •Both have a 75% layout, hot-swappable switches, and screw-in stabilizers.
  • •The Q1 V1 adds a programmable knob, while the K2 Max supports wireless connections.
TravelKeychron K2 Max
  • •The K2 Max weighs 940 g, compared with 1700 g for the Q1 V1.
  • •The K2 Max supports Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless as well as wired use.
  • •The Q1 V1 is wired-only.
ModdingKeychron Q1 V1
  • •The Q1 V1 has a gasket mount and an all-metal aluminum case.
  • •Its vendor description says the plate and other components can be customized or assembled.
  • •Both boards support hot-swappable switches and QMK/VIA.
Content CreationKeychron Q1 V1
  • •The Q1 V1's programmable knob can be assigned to commands such as adjusting brush size, brightness, or selecting video clips.
  • •The Q1 V1 supports QMK and VIA for key and macro customization.
  • •The K2 Max also supports QMK and VIA, but no knob is listed for it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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