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Compare Keychron K8 V2 vs Q1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers choosing between a more portable wireless tenkeyless board and a heavier, wired compact keyboard. The K8 V2 has Bluetooth and wired connectivity, an 80% layout, and weighs 800g. The Q1 trades wireless use for a 75% layout, a CNC-machined aluminum case, and gasket mounting. Both support hot-swapping, QMK, VIA, and a 1000 Hz polling rate, so connectivity and construction are the main decision points.

83
Keychron K8 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (Version 2)
94
Keychron Q1 QMK Benutzerdefinierte Mechanische Tastatur - Version 1

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5.0 (1)
4.9 (42)
  • Released in 2024
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 800 g
  • Sized at 22 x 354 x 124 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, ABS case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 1825 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: 82.3
  • Build Quality: 78.9
  • Productivity: 80.6
  • Customizability: 89
  • Portability: 73.2
Scores
  • Performance: 72.3
  • Build Quality: 89.4
  • Productivity: 97.4
  • Customizability: 98.4
  • Portability: 65.3
Name
Keychron K8 V2
Name
Keychron Q1
Release year
2024
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
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
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, White
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, ABS
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
22 x 354 x 124 mm
Dimensions
22 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
800g
Weight
1825g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Choose the K8 V2 if you want Bluetooth, multi-device switching, and a lighter board for moving between workspaces. Choose the Q1 if a CNC-machined aluminum case, gasket mount, 75% layout, and programmable knob matter more than wireless use. Both offer hot-swappable switches and QMK and VIA support, so the deciding factor is whether you prioritize mobility or a more configurable metal build.

Keychron K8 V2

  • +Bluetooth and wired connectivity, with Keychron specifying connections to up to three devices over Bluetooth.
  • +80% ANSI layout with multimedia keys and Mac and Windows keycaps.
  • +800g weight and a 4000mAh battery listed in the specifications.
  • +Hot-swappable switches, QMK, and VIA support.
  • +Vendor describes IXPE, PET, and EPDM acoustic foam layers.

  • −The ABS and aluminum-frame construction is less fully aluminum than the Q1's CNC-machined aluminum case.
  • −Its 80% layout is larger by layout size than the Q1's 75% layout.
  • −Hot-swappable switch availability depends on selecting the hot-swappable version.

Keychron Q1

  • +Full CNC-machined aluminum case with gasket mount.
  • +75% layout with a programmable knob and multimedia keys.
  • +Hot-swappable switches, QMK, VIA, and screw-in stabilizers.
  • +Multiple listed plate options, including aluminum, steel, and polycarbonate.
  • +Available in ANSI, ISO, and JIS formats in the specifications.

  • −Wired-only connectivity excludes Bluetooth use.
  • −At 1825g, it weighs substantially more than the K8 V2.
  • −The supplied keycaps are ABS, while the K8 V2 specifications list PBT keycaps.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K8 V2 is the practical choice for office use and travel when Bluetooth support and lower weight matter. The Q1 pulls ahead for programming, modding, and content workflows that can make use of its knob, 75% layout, and configurable construction. Gaming is a close call: both list a 1000 Hz polling rate, while their connection options and build styles suit different preferences. Neither option combines the K8 V2's wireless convenience with the Q1's all-metal gasket-mount construction.

GamingTie
  • •Both keyboards list a 1000 Hz polling rate and support wired use.
  • •The K8 V2 supports Bluetooth and weighs 800g, while the Q1 is wired-only and weighs 1825g.
  • •The Q1 has an aluminum case and gasket mount; the K8 V2 vendor describes an aluminum plate and acoustic foam layers.
OfficeKeychron K8 V2
  • •The K8 V2 supports Bluetooth connections to up to three devices, as stated by Keychron.
  • •Its 80% layout includes multimedia keys and keycaps for macOS and Windows.
  • •The K8 V2 weighs 800g, compared with 1825g for the Q1.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1
  • •Both support QMK and VIA, hot-swappable switches, and key remapping.
  • •The Q1 has a 75% layout and a programmable knob, which Keychron describes for assigning keys or macros.
  • •The Q1 is available in multiple ISO layout versions as well as ANSI in the listed specifications.
TravelKeychron K8 V2
  • •The K8 V2 supports Bluetooth as well as wired connectivity; the Q1 is wired-only.
  • •At 800g, the K8 V2 is lighter than the Q1 at 1825g.
  • •The K8 V2 is an 80% layout, while the Q1 is 75%, so the Q1 is more compact by layout size.
ModdingKeychron Q1
  • •Both keyboards support hot-swapping, QMK, and VIA.
  • •The Q1 vendor describes its case, plate, switches, keycaps, and stabilizers as customizable components.
  • •The Q1 has a gasket mount, screw-in stabilizers, and support for a range of plate materials in its specifications.
Content CreationKeychron Q1
  • •The Q1 includes a programmable knob that Keychron says can be assigned tasks such as changing brush size or selecting video clips.
  • •The Q1 has a 75% layout and multimedia keys.
  • •The K8 V2 has Bluetooth connectivity and also includes multimedia keys, offering a more flexible connection setup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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