Keychron Q1 vs Q375% vs TKL Layout Comparison
Choose the Keychron Q1 for a more compact desk footprint, or the Q3 for a dedicated function row and arrow keys.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron Q1
75%
- More compact 75% layout saves desk space.
- Lighter weight at 1825 grams.
- Offers a choice of polycarbonate, steel, or aluminum plates (according to metadata).
- Lacks dedicated navigation keys like Insert and Delete, requiring a function layer.
- Only available in a wired configuration.
- The vendor description notes the knob version requires an additional PCB to swap the knob for a badge.
Get the
Keychron Q3
TKL Layout Comparison
- 80% TKL layout provides a dedicated function row and navigation cluster.
- Vendor description highlights the ability to save two different keymaps for Mac and Windows.
- Features a double-gasket design for improved typing sound.
- Larger and heavier at 365mm long and 2000 grams.
- Only available in a wired configuration.
- Plate material options are listed only as steel in the metadata.
Select the Keychron Q1 if you want a premium, compact keyboard and don't mind using layers for navigation keys. Choose the Keychron Q3 if you prefer a traditional TKL layout with dedicated keys and have the desk space for it. Both deliver exceptional build quality and customizability, making the layout your primary deciding factor.
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 Q3
Layout size
75%
80%
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Mount style
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Gasket Mount, PCB Mount, Plate Mount
Weight
1,825 g
2,000 g
Plate material
Aluminum, Polycarbonate, Steel
Steel
- Keychron Q1
- Keychron Q3
- Performance
- 7272
- Build quality
- 8991
- Productivity
- 9798
- Customizability
- 9898
- Portability
- 6557
- Connection: Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: Aluminum
- Knob
- QMK
What will you mostly use it for?
The Q3 wins for office use due to its dedicated navigation keys. The Q1 is better for programming and travel thanks to its more compact footprint. For gaming, modding, and content creation, the keyboards are evenly matched, sharing nearly identical core features. Your workspace size and need for dedicated keys versus layered functions are the primary deciders.
It's a tie
- Both have a 1000 Hz polling rate for low latency.
- Both are wired-only, ensuring a stable connection.
- Both feature south-facing RGB and hot-swap sockets for switch preference.
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 Q3
108 owner reviews
“I upgraded from the Q1 as I never really liked 75%. The weight, sound and feel of the Q3 are all amazing. Really good build quality. Money well spent.”
“I thought I had found exactly what I wanted and its great for what it is, but! This was advertised as an ANSI layout but what I received was an ISO layout board. The barebones board also states in the images that it comes with switch and keycap removal tools…”
Keychron Q1 vs Q3 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
6 of 25 specs differ
Keychron Q1
Keychron Q3
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
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Keychron Q1 vs Q3: your questions
The main difference is the layout size. The Q1 is a 75% keyboard, which integrates the function row and navigation keys into layers to save space. The Q3 is an 80% or TKL (Tenkeyless) keyboard, which retains a dedicated function row and a full navigation cluster separate from the arrow keys.
No. Both the Keychron Q1 and Q3 are wired-only keyboards, according to their connectivity specifications. They connect via a USB Type-C cable.
Yes. Both keyboards feature hot-swappable PCBs, allowing you to install or change mechanical switches without soldering. Their product listings confirm compatibility with most 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
Yes. Both keyboards are listed with Mac/Win support. The Q3's vendor description specifically mentions it comes with keycaps for both systems and can save two different layouts, one for each operating system.
Both keyboards feature a full CNC-machined aluminum case, a steel plate, and a gasket mount design. The Q1's metadata also lists polycarbonate and aluminum as optional plate materials. They include sound-dampening foam and screw-in PCB stabilizers for a premium feel.
According to Keychron's descriptions, the double-gasket design includes not only gaskets on the plates but also silicone pads placed between the top and bottom aluminum cases. This is intended to reduce metal resonance and improve the overall typing sound.
Yes. Both the Q1 and Q3 support open-source QMK firmware and VIA software for extensive key remapping, macro creation, and layer configuration. Keychron also offers a web-based Launcher app for customization.
Both keyboards are available in versions with and without a programmable knob. The knob can be customized in VIA to control volume, zoom, brightness, or other macros.
The fully assembled versions of both keyboards come with OSA profile ABS backlight shine-through keycaps. These are designed for a spherical typing feel and to allow the south-facing RGB LEDs to illuminate the legends.
The Keychron Q1 is better for a smaller desk. It has a shorter length (328mm vs 365mm) and a lighter weight (1825g vs 2000g) than the Q3, offering a more compact footprint while retaining most functionality through layers.
Yes. Both keyboards feature south-facing RGB LEDs. As stated in their descriptions, this design prevents interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, making them compatible with a wide range of aftermarket keycap sets.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.