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Compare Keychron Q1 vs Q3 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two premium Keychron aluminum mechanical keyboards. The Keychron Q1 is a wired 75% keyboard with a compact layout, while the Keychron Q3 Pro is a wireless 80% TKL with Bluetooth support. The decision is hard because both share a double-gasket aluminum design, QMK/VIA support, and a similar typing feel, but differ in connectivity and layout size.

95
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 1
96
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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4.9 (42)
4.8 (46)
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • 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
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ANSI layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 2300 g
  • Sized at 31 x 144 x 415 mm
Scores
  • Performance: 72
  • Build Quality: 89.5
  • Productivity: 97.6
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 62.6
Scores
  • Performance: 82.2
  • Build Quality: 89.2
  • Productivity: 97.2
  • Customizability: 99.7
  • Portability: 76
Name
Keychron Q1
Name
Keychron Q3 Pro
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
80%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, JIS
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, 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
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 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
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
31 x 144 x 415 mm
Weight
1825g
Weight
2300g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Choose the Keychron Q1 if you want a smaller 75% layout with more plate customization and don't need wireless. Go with the Keychron Q3 Pro if Bluetooth support and a full TKL layout with macro keys are essential to your workflow. Both keyboards deliver a premium aluminum typing experience with QMK/VIA programmability.

Keychron Q1

  • +Compact 75% layout with knob version available.
  • +Available with aluminum, steel, or polycarbonate plate materials.
  • +Lighter weight of 1825g for easier desk repositioning.
  • +Multiple layout standards including ANSI and ISO variants.
  • −Wired-only connectivity, no Bluetooth or wireless support.
  • −Slightly lower performance score in the relative metadata.
  • −5 degree typing angle may be less comfortable for some users.

Keychron Q3 Pro

  • +Wireless Bluetooth 5.1 with a 4000mAh battery lasting up to 300 hours.
  • +Four programmable macro keys on the Special Edition version.
  • +Available in both Special Edition with ABS keycaps and standard with PBT keycaps.
  • +N-Key rollover supported in both wired and wireless modes.
  • −Heavier at 2300g, making it less portable despite wireless capability.
  • −Only comes with a polycarbonate plate, limiting modding plate options.
  • −90 Hz polling rate in wireless mode, which is lower than wired 1000 Hz.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For office use and travel, the Keychron Q3 Pro wins due to its wireless Bluetooth connectivity and long battery life. The Q1 takes the lead for modding with more plate material choices. In gaming and content creation, both perform equally well thanks to identical wired polling rates and knob support. Programming favors the Q1's more compact 75% layout.

GamingTie
  • •Both have a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for low latency.
  • •Both offer hot-swappable switches and RGB options.
  • •The Q3 Pro drops to 90 Hz in wireless mode, but wired play is identical.
  • •Neither board is marketed as a dedicated gaming keyboard.
OfficeKeychron Q3 Pro
  • •The Q3 Pro supports Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting to multiple devices wirelessly.
  • •Its 4000mAh battery offers up to 300 hours of use with backlight off.
  • •The Q3 Pro has four programmable macro keys on the Special Edition.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1
  • •The Q1's 75% layout saves desk space while keeping function keys.
  • •The Q1 is lighter at 1825g, making it easier to move on a desk.
  • •Both support QMK and VIA for full key remapping and macros.
TravelKeychron Q3 Pro
  • •The Q3 Pro's wireless Bluetooth connection removes cable clutter.
  • •Its 4000mAh battery supports extended use away from a desk.
  • •The Q3 Pro is compatible with laptops and tablets via Bluetooth.
ModdingKeychron Q1
  • •The Q1 offers three plate options (aluminum, steel, polycarbonate).
  • •The Q1 has a slightly higher customizability score from the metadata.
  • •Both have screw-in stabilizers and double-gasket design for modding.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both include a programmable knob for zooming or adjusting volume.
  • •Both feature south-facing RGB for better shine-through keycap compatibility.
  • •Both support QMK and VIA for assigning shortcuts and macros.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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