Keychron Q1 vs Q1 V1ISO Layouts vs PBT Keycaps Choice
Choose the Keychron Q1 for specific ISO layouts, or the Q1 V1 for its included double-shot PBT keycaps.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron Q1
ISO Layouts
- Explicitly supports a wide array of ISO layouts (UK, DE, Nordic, FR, ES, Swiss).
- Includes OSA profile ABS shine-through keycaps in its fully assembled kit.
- Features a double-gasket design, according to its vendor description, for sound dampening.
- Uses ABS keycaps which may develop shine over time compared to PBT.
- Slightly heavier at 1825g.
- The vendor description notes that discount codes cannot be used for the ISO layout version.
Get the
Keychron Q1 V1
PBT Keycaps Choice
- Includes double-shot PBT keycaps in its fully assembled kit for better durability.
- Slightly lighter weight of 1700g.
- Vendor description mentions an included premium coiled aviator cable for cable management.
- Officially listed ISO layout support is more limited (ISO, JIS, ANSI).
- Vendor description notes potential keycap compatibility issues with MT3 and XDA profiles.
- PBT keycaps are not shine-through, limiting RGB lighting effects.
Your regional layout needs should drive this decision. If you require a specific ISO layout like German, French, or Nordic, the Keychron Q1 is the necessary choice. If your layout needs are met by standard ISO/ANSI and you prefer the durability of PBT keycaps out of the box, the Keychron Q1 V1 offers a better starting point. For all other purposes, the keyboards are virtually the same high-quality, customizable base.
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 Q1
Keychron Q1 V1
Weight
1,825 g
1,700 g
Layout standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, JIS
ANSI, ISO, JIS
Plate material
Aluminum, Polycarbonate, Steel
Aluminum, Steel
Released
2022
2023
- Keychron Q1
- Keychron Q1 V1
- Performance
- 7272
- Build quality
- 8990
- Productivity
- 9798
- Customizability
- 9898
- Portability
- 6563
- Layout size: 75%
- Connection: Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: Aluminum
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron Q1 is the definitive choice for office and programming use where specific ISO layouts like German, French, or Nordic are required. The Q1 V1 has a slight edge for travel due to its lower weight. For gaming, modding, and content creation, the keyboards are functionally identical, sharing core specs like polling rate, mounting style, and programmability. The keycap material becomes a personal preference within these use cases.
It's a tie
- Both have a 1000 Hz polling rate for responsive input.
- Both use a wired-only connection for consistent latency.
- Both share the same 75% layout and aluminum case construction.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron Q1
10 owner reviews
“Very pretty and good quality, only con is it's kind of pingy but it's easy to mod and fix with some tape, force break mod.”
Keychron Q1 V1
734 owner reviews
“Although it is very pingy out of the box, with a few quick customisations it will sound amazing. Shipping isn’t that quick tho, with slow and outdated updates.”
Keychron Q1 vs Q1 V1 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
4 of 25 specs differ
Keychron Q1
Keychron Q1 V1
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
Mac & Windows
Released
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Keychron Q1 vs Q1 V1: your questions
The primary differences are the included keycaps and layout support. The Q1 comes with ABS shine-through keycaps and explicitly supports many regional ISO layouts. The Q1 V1 includes double-shot PBT keycaps and has a more generalized ISO layout listing.
The Q1 V1 includes double-shot PBT keycaps, which are generally more durable and resistant to shine than the ABS keycaps included with the Q1. However, the Q1's ABS keycaps are shine-through, allowing for better RGB lighting effects.
Yes, both the Keychron Q1 and Q1 V1 feature hot-swappable sockets on the PCB. This allows you to install or change switches without soldering, and both support 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches.
Yes, both the Keychron Q1 and Q1 V1 have full support for QMK firmware and the VIA configuration software. This allows for deep customization of keymaps, layers, macros, and the programmable knob.
Both keyboards are available in versions with a programmable knob. The vendor listings show 'Knob' versions for both the Q1 and Q1 V1, which can be customized for volume, zoom, or other macros via VIA software.
Both have south-facing RGB LEDs to prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps. However, the Q1 V1 vendor description notes some customers have reported compatibility issues with MT3 and XDA profile keycaps, suggesting a potential advantage for the Q1 in this area.
Yes, both keyboards are designed with Mac compatibility in mind. Their vendor descriptions state they include keycaps for both macOS and Windows and have a system toggle to switch between layouts for each operating system.
Both the Keychron Q1 and Q1 V1 use a gasket mount design. The Q1's description specifically mentions a 'Double-Gasket Design' with silicone pads between the cases to reduce metal resonance and improve typing sound.
The keyboards themselves do not include a wrist rest. However, the vendor page for the Q1 shows optional Keychron resin and silicone palm rests available for separate purchase that are compatible with 75% layout keyboards.
The fully assembled Keychron Q1 comes with Gateron G Pro switches. The fully assembled Q1 V1 comes with either Keychron K Pro switches or Gateron Phantom switches, depending on the configuration selected at purchase.
No, both the Keychron Q1 and Q1 V1, as listed in the provided specifications, are wired-only keyboards. They connect via a USB Type-C cable and do not offer Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity.
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