Keychron K2 Ultra vs Q1 UltraSteel vs PC Plate
Choose the K2 Ultra for a lighter, less costly 75% board, or the Q1 Ultra if its knob, broader ISO layout options, and all-aluminum case matter more.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
4.0 · 4 reviews
from$119at MK
5.0 · 6 reviews
from$229at MK
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K2 Ultra
Steel
Build quality in the top 10% of 75% boards under $150.
- 75% layout in a lighter 1084g build than the Q1 Ultra.
- Aluminum-and-ABS case with a steel plate.
- Lists QMK and VIA support, plus hot-swappable switches.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Missing ISO-DE, ISO-PT. The other board is sold in those layouts.
Get the
Keychron Q1 Ultra
PC Plate
Build quality in the top 35% of 75% boards under $300.
- All-aluminum case and a PC plate.
- Knob support is listed, and the vendor describes the assembled model as including a knob.
- Available in ISO-DE and ISO-PT as well as other listed layouts.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Pick the K2 Ultra if you want a lighter board, steel plate, or listed QMK and VIA support without paying for the Q1 Ultra's added features. Choose the Q1 Ultra if you specifically want its knob, all-aluminum case, PC plate, or ISO-DE and ISO-PT layout options, and are comfortable with its higher weight and price tier.
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 K2 Ultra
Keychron Q1 Ultra
Case material
ABS, Aluminum
Aluminum
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Knob
No
Yes
Weight
1,084 g
1,724 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
QMK
Yes
No
The deep option when you want to remap every key
- Keychron K2 Ultra
- Keychron Q1 Ultra
- Performance
- 9089
- Build quality
- 8674
- Productivity
- 9490
- Customizability
- 9277
- Portability
- 8283
- Layout size: 75%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Max polling rate: 8,000 Hz
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
Gaming is a close match on the listed connection modes, polling rate, and key rollover. The Q1 Ultra has the edge for office layouts and knob-based control, while the K2 Ultra is the more portable option and has the clearer listed QMK and VIA support. Both are suited to switch experimentation, but the K2 Ultra has more explicit firmware customization features in its listed specifications. For travel, its lower weight is the clearest differentiator.
It's a tie
- Both list an 8000 Hz polling rate and 2.4 GHz, wired, and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Both have hot-swappable switches and N-key rollover.
- Both use south-facing RGB LEDs, which can leave shine-through legends dark.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K2 Ultra
4 owner reviews
“very compact, build quality is great, and I don't even feel any latency when using the keyboard wireless.”
“The only "zmk" support is from the launcher itself and its missing most of the ZMK features. For example Combos!”
Keychron Q1 Ultra
6 owner reviews
“An exceptional keyboard in every respect. The sound, the feel of the keys, and the performance are all of the highest quality.”
Keychron K2 Ultra vs Q1 Ultra specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 27 specs differ
Keychron K2 Ultra
Keychron Q1 Ultra
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
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
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron K2 Ultra
Keychron (DE)
ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-IT
In stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron Q1 Ultra
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-IT, ISO-PT
In stockDoes not ship to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron K2 Ultra vs Q1 Ultra: your questions
The K2 Ultra is lighter and uses an aluminum-and-ABS case with a steel plate. The Q1 Ultra weighs more, has an all-aluminum case and PC plate, and adds knob support.
The K2 Ultra weighs 1084g, while the Q1 Ultra weighs 1724g. Both are 75% keyboards, but the K2 Ultra is the lighter option for moving between setups.
Both list an 8000 Hz polling rate. Their specifications list wired and 2.4 GHz connectivity as well as Bluetooth.
The Q1 Ultra lists knob support, and its vendor listing describes a fully assembled knob model. Knob support is not listed for the K2 Ultra.
The Q1 Ultra is listed in ISO-DE and ISO-PT. Those layouts are not listed for the K2 Ultra.
Yes, both keyboards list hot-swappable switches. The Q1 Ultra vendor says it supports many 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches, while the K2 Ultra vendor describes switch changes without soldering.
The K2 Ultra lists QMK and VIA support in its product features. Both vendors describe ZMK firmware and the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros, so check the specific features you need before choosing.
The K2 Ultra uses a steel plate, while the Q1 Ultra uses a PC, or polycarbonate, plate. Plate material is one of the key construction differences between them.
Yes, both list Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity. Each also lists a 4000mAh battery.
Both product listings include Mac and Windows support. The vendor descriptions also state that each keyboard works with macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Yes, both list south-facing RGB LEDs. The compatibility notes for both warn that shine-through legends can stay dark and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Not sold on either?
![[In-stock] Dot Works Layer75 Mechanical Keyboard Kit](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0109/9182/9049/files/Fih9COfOEEqA23-f5qkAV-SRXutN.webp?v=1714789968&width=3840&quality=75)
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.