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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.

95
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 1
97
Keychron Q3 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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4.9 (42)
4.7 (319)
  • 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
  • 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
Scores
  • Performance: 72.1
  • Build Quality: 89.5
  • Productivity: 97.6
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 62.8
Scores
  • Performance: 71.8
  • Build Quality: 91
  • Productivity: 97.4
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 57.5
Name
Keychron Q1
Name
Keychron Q3
Release year
2022
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Silent
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
ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
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
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
22 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
20 x 137 x 365 mm
Weight
1825g
Weight
2000g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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