Compare Keychron Q1 vs Q3 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two premium, wired aluminum keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share core features like QMK/VIA support, gasket mount designs, and hot-swappable sockets. The decision ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize a smaller 75% layout or a more traditional 80% TKL form factor with its full navigation cluster.

Model
	95	97	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.9 stars (42 reviews)	4.7 stars (320 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Available in a 75% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard Weighs about 1825 g Sized at 22 x 145 x 328 mm Features ABS, PBT keycaps	Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Silent switch options Available in a 80% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-UK layout standard Weighs about 2000 g Sized at 20 x 137 x 365 mm Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Score	Scores Performance: 72.4 Build Quality: 89.3 Productivity: 97.3 Customizability: 99.8 Portability: 65.3	Scores Performance: 72.1 Build Quality: 90.9 Productivity: 97.5 Customizability: 99.6 Portability: 57.6
Name	Name Keychron Q1	Name Keychron Q3
Release year	Release year 2022	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Silent
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 75%	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS, PBT	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 22 x 145 x 328 mm	Dimensions 20 x 137 x 365 mm
Weight	Weight 1825g	Weight 2000g

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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Keychron Q1

+More compact 75% layout saves desk space.
+Lighter weight at 1825 grams.
+Offers a choice of polycarbonate, steel, or aluminum plates (according to metadata).
+Includes a double-gasket design with silicone pads for sound dampening.

−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.

Keychron Q3

+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.
+Equipped with an ARM Cortex-M4 MCU for the firmware, as stated in its specs.

−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.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingTie

•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.

OfficeKeychron Q3

•The Q3's 80% layout includes a full navigation cluster (Insert, Delete, etc.), which is often used in spreadsheet work.
•The Q3's dedicated function row can be convenient for software shortcuts without layers.
•Both support Mac and Windows layouts, but the Q3's listing mentions saving two different layouts for each system.

ProgrammingKeychron Q1

•The Q1's 75% layout saves desk space while keeping arrow keys and most nav keys accessible via a function layer.
•Its slightly shorter length (328mm vs 365mm) can free up room for a mouse or notebook.
•Both offer full programmability via QMK and VIA for creating coding macros.

TravelKeychron Q1

•The Q1 is more compact in length (328mm vs 365mm).
•The Q1 is slightly lighter (1825g vs 2000g).
•Both are heavy, wired-only aluminum boards, making neither ideal for frequent travel.

ModdingTie

•Both are hot-swappable for easy switch changes.
•Both support screw-in stabilizers and have sound-dampening foam.
•Both feature a gasket mount design and aluminum cases for a premium modding base.

Content CreationTie

•Both keyboards offer a programmable knob for controlling parameters like volume or brush size.
•Both are fully programmable via QMK/VIA for complex shortcuts.
•The south-facing RGB on both is designed to reduce interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.