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Compare Keychron Q1 vs Q1 HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two premium 75% keyboards from Keychron's Q series. The decision is difficult because both share a high-quality aluminum build, gasket mount, and extensive programmability via QMK/VIA. The core trade-off is between the original Q1's universal hot-swap support and wired-only design versus the Q1 HE's advanced magnetic switches, wireless connectivity, and gaming-centric features like rapid trigger, which come at a higher cost.

94
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 1
100
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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4.9 (42)
4.0 (34)
  • 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
  • Sized at 22 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS layout standard
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 4000 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS, keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 72
  • Build Quality: 89.5
  • Productivity: 97.7
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 62.9
Scores
  • Performance: 100
  • Build Quality: 89.9
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.6
  • Portability: 81.4
Name
Keychron Q1
Name
Keychron Q1 HE
Release year
2022
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
Magnetic, 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, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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, White, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS,
Dimensions
22 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
1825g
Weight
4000g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. For a customizable, wired workhorse where you want to experiment with countless mechanical switches, the Keychron Q1 is the more versatile and cost-effective platform. If your priority is cutting-edge wireless performance for gaming or a clean desk, and you value the unique capabilities of magnetic switches, the Keychron Q1 HE is worth the investment. Consider how much you value wireless freedom versus switch variety.

Keychron Q1

  • +Broad hot-swap compatibility with most 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches.
  • +Available as a barebone kit for custom builds.
  • +Offers a choice of steel, aluminum, or polycarbonate plates.
  • +Includes sound dampening and a double-gasket design for a more muted typing experience.
  • +Generally available at a lower price point than the Q1 HE.
  • −Wired-only connectivity with no wireless option.
  • −Does not support advanced gaming features like rapid trigger or adjustable actuation points.
  • −Officially supports fewer layout standards compared to the Q1 HE.

Keychron Q1 HE

  • +Tri-mode connectivity with 2.4 GHz (1000 Hz), Bluetooth 5.2, and wired operation.
  • +Features Gateron double-rail magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points (0.2-3.8 mm) and rapid trigger.
  • +Includes a large 4000mAh rechargeable battery.
  • +Equipped with OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps for durability.
  • +Supports assigning multiple actions to a single key based on press depth.
  • −Hot-swap sockets are compatible only with specific Gateron double-rail magnetic switches, limiting switch choices.
  • −Substantially heavier, which reduces portability despite wireless features.
  • −Commands a higher price than the standard Q1.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q1 HE is the clear choice for wireless needs, gaming, and office mobility, thanks to its Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and long battery life. It also offers unique advantages for content creators with its depth-sensitive key programming. The original Q1 wins for modders due to its broader compatibility with standard mechanical switches and availability of barebone kits. For programming, both are equally capable due to their shared programmability and efficient 75% layout.

GamingKeychron Q1 HE
  • •The Q1 HE supports a 1000 Hz polling rate over its 2.4 GHz wireless connection, matching its wired performance.
  • •It features adjustable actuation points (0.2-3.8 mm) and dynamic rapid trigger for faster key repetition.
  • •Its Gateron double-rail magnetic switches and TMR sensors are designed for low latency and precise input.
OfficeKeychron Q1 HE
  • •The Q1 HE offers Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity for switching between multiple devices like a computer, phone, and tablet.
  • •It includes a 4000mAh battery for cord-free use, with up to 100 hours of wireless working time with backlighting off.
  • •It comes with OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps, which the manufacturer states resist oils and prevent legends from fading.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards support the QMK and VIA firmware for deep key remapping and macro programming.
  • •Both use a 75% layout with function keys and navigation cluster, saving desk space while retaining useful keys.
  • •Both feature a programmable knob for controlling volume, scrolling, or custom macros.
TravelKeychron Q1 HE
  • •The Q1 HE's wireless functionality eliminates the need to carry or connect a cable on the go.
  • •Its Bluetooth mode allows connection to laptops or tablets without using a USB port.
  • •While both are heavy, the Q1 HE's wireless capability provides more flexibility in placement.
ModdingKeychron Q1
  • •The Keychron Q1's hot-swap sockets support most 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches, offering vast third-party compatibility.
  • •It is available in barebone kits, and its vendor description mentions compatibility with third-party stabilizers like Cherry or Durock.
  • •It offers a choice of plate materials including polycarbonate, steel, and aluminum, affecting sound and flex.
Content CreationKeychron Q1 HE
  • •The Q1 HE's adjustable actuation points allow assigning multiple actions to a single key based on press depth, useful for software shortcuts.
  • •Its wireless connectivity reduces cable clutter on a production desk.
  • •The programmable knob can be mapped to creative software parameters like brush size or timeline scrubbing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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