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Compare Keychron Q1 vs Q1 V1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two very similar Keychron Q1 variants. The decision is difficult because both share a 75% aluminum gasket-mounted design, hot-swap sockets, and QMK/VIA support. The primary differences lie in the included keycap material and the availability of specific regional ISO layouts, making the choice dependent on your location and preference for keycap feel.

95
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 1
93
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection - Version 1

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4.9 (42)
4.5 (1175)
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, JIS layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only, connectivity
  • Weighs about 1825 g
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 1700 g
Scores
  • Performance: 72.1
  • Build Quality: 89.5
  • Productivity: 97.6
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 62.8
Scores
  • Performance: 72.7
  • Build Quality: 89.7
  • Productivity: 97.9
  • Customizability: 99.9
  • Portability: 64.8
Name
Keychron Q1
Name
Keychron Q1 V1
Release year
2022
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, JIS
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
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
Gasket 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
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
22 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
22 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
1825g
Weight
1700g
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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Keychron Q1

  • +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.
  • +Offers a steel plate option in addition to aluminum and polycarbonate.
  • −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.

Keychron Q1 V1

  • +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.
  • +Offers Gateron Phantom switches as a pre-built option.
  • −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.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingTie
  • •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.
OfficeKeychron Q1
  • •The Keychron Q1 listing explicitly supports a wider range of ISO layouts (UK, German, Nordic, Swiss, French, Spanish).
  • •Its vendor description mentions included Mac and Windows keycaps for system switching.
  • •Both have multimedia keys and a programmable knob for workflow control.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1
  • •The Q1's broader ISO layout support is crucial for programmers using region-specific key placements.
  • •Both keyboards offer full QMK and VIA firmware support for extensive key remapping and macros.
  • •Both are hot-swappable, allowing for switch customization to suit typing preferences.
TravelKeychron Q1 V1
  • •The Keychron Q1 V1 is slightly lighter at 1700g compared to the Q1's 1825g.
  • •Both have identical compact 75% dimensions, saving desk space.
  • •Neither offers wireless connectivity, limiting true portability.
ModdingTie
  • •Both are hot-swappable, supporting 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
  • •Both feature a gasket mount design and screw-in stabilizers for internal modifications.
  • •Both have full QMK/VIA support for deep firmware customization.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both include a programmable knob that can be mapped to controls like zoom, brush size, or volume.
  • •Both share the same compact, desk-space-efficient 75% layout.
  • •Both offer south-facing RGB lighting, though its utility varies with the included keycap material.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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