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Compare Keychron Q0 vs Q1 V2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a dedicated number pad and a full 75% keyboard from Keychron's Q series. The decision is hard because both share a premium all-aluminum build, QMK/VIA support, hot-swappable switches, and south-facing RGB. The key trade-off is that the Q0 is a compact numpad usable as a macro pad, while the Q1 V2 offers a full typing layout with a double-gasket design for a different feel. Your choice depends on whether you need dedicated number entry or a complete keyboard.

84
Keychron Q0 QMK Custom Number Pad
96
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 2

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5.0 (3)
4.9 (616)
  • Available in a Numpad layout
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Weighs about 2200 g
  • Sized at 20 x 129 x 89 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Comes with a knob
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Weighs about 1825 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 62.8
  • Build Quality: 85
  • Productivity: 71.7
  • Customizability: 93.3
  • Portability: 68.3
Scores
  • Performance: 71.7
  • Build Quality: 89.3
  • Productivity: 97.5
  • Customizability: 99.6
  • Portability: 62.1
Name
Keychron Q0
Name
Keychron Q1 V2
Release year
2022
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
Numpad
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
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
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
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
Tray Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
20 x 129 x 89 mm
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
2200g
Weight
1825g
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Pros and Trade-offs

The Keychron Q1 V2 is the clear choice if you need a complete, premium typing experience for your desk. Its 75% layout, double-gasket design, and programmable knob make it a versatile daily driver for work and play. However, if you already have a main keyboard and need a dedicated numpad or a highly portable macro pad, the Keychron Q0 is a purpose-built companion. In short, buy the Q1 V2 for a full keyboard, and buy the Q0 for a specialized pad.

Keychron Q0

  • +Dedicated numpad that can also be programmed as a macro pad with QMK/VIA support.
  • +Compact and lightweight dimensions (20 x 129 x 89 mm, ~500g fully assembled) for easy transport.
  • +Fully CNC machined 6063 aluminum case with polished, anodized, and sandblasted finish.
  • +Hot-swappable PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX mechanical switches.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs designed for better illumination with non-shine-through PBT keycaps.

  • Limited to a numpad layout, it cannot serve as a primary typing keyboard.
  • Uses a tray mount design which may feel less flexible than the gasket mount on the Q1 V2.

Keychron Q1 V2

  • +Full 75% layout with a row of function keys and arrow keys for versatile daily use.
  • +Double-gasket design uses silicone pads between top and bottom cases to reduce metal resonance.
  • +Includes a programmable rotary encoder knob for custom macros and shortcuts.
  • +Available in a wide range of colors and special editions, including models with an ATMEGA32U4 MCU.
  • +Built-in Mac/Win support with dedicated keycaps for both systems included in the box.

  • Heavier than the Q0 at 1825g, which makes it less ideal for frequent travel.
  • Larger footprint (23 x 145 x 328 mm) takes up more desk space compared to a numpad.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q1 V2 wins in gaming, office, and programming use cases because it is a full keyboard with a 75% layout and a double-gasket mount. The Keychron Q0 wins for travel and content creation due to its extremely compact size and utility as a dedicated macro or numpad. For modding, both keyboards are equally compelling, offering similar high-quality materials and open-source firmware, but with different mounting styles to explore.

GamingKeychron Q1 V2
  • The Q1 V2 is a full 75% keyboard with essential keys for gaming, including a row of function keys.
  • The Q1 V2 offers a more advanced double-gasket mount which can provide a different typing feel during gameplay.
  • The Q1 V2 supports a programmable knob for quick volume or macro adjustments in-game.
OfficeKeychron Q1 V2
  • The Q1 V2 is a complete keyboard, ideal for typing emails, documents, and using shortcuts without a separate numpad.
  • The Q1 V2 has a dedicated row of function keys and a knob, improving productivity in office applications.
  • The Q1 V2 includes built-in Mac/Win support and comes with keycaps for both operating systems.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 V2
  • The Q1 V2 has more keys in a 75% layout which is beneficial for coding shortcuts and navigation without layers.
  • The double-gasket design may offer a more comfortable typing experience for long coding sessions.
  • The programmable knob can be customized for tasks like zooming or scrolling through code.
TravelKeychron Q0
  • The Q0 is a compact numpad with dimensions of 20 x 129 x 89 mm, making it easy to toss in a bag.
  • The Q0 is lighter than it appears in metadata, with a fully assembled weight of around 500g, very portable.
ModdingTie
  • Both keyboards use a fully CNC machined aluminum case, steel plate, and screw-in PCB stabilizers, offering a solid modding foundation.
  • Both support QMK/VIA for firmware customization and hot-swappable sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
  • The Q1 V2 has a double-gasket mount which modders can tune, while the Q0 uses a tray mount with different modding potential.
Content CreationKeychron Q0
  • The Q0 can be used as a dedicated macro pad with 22 keys, perfect for assigning shortcuts for video or photo editing software.
  • The Q0's compact size allows it to sit beside a main keyboard, freeing up desk space for a drawing tablet or other tools.
  • Vendor reviews mention the Q0 being a 'game changer' for designers using tool mapping software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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