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Compare Keychron Q1 vs Q65 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two full-sized-feeling wired keyboards from Keychron. The Q1 offers a familiar 75% layout with a dedicated function row, while the Q65 trades those top-row keys for a unique extra macro column and a more compact footprint. Both feature all-aluminum CNC cases, double-gasket designs, QMK/VIA programmability, and hot-swappable switch support, making the choice primarily about layout preference and available desk space.

94
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 1
92
Keychron Q65 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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4.9 (42)
4.5 (4)
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear 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
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports Wired, Wired only, connectivity
  • Weighs about 1825 g
  • Sized at 22 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 2420 g
  • Sized at 34 x 121 x 363 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 72.6
  • Build Quality: 89.2
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 64.8
Scores
  • Performance: 66.2
  • Build Quality: 88.8
  • Productivity: 95.1
  • Customizability: 97.6
  • Portability: 70.6
Name
Keychron Q1
Name
Keychron Q65
Release year
2022
Release year
2022
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
65%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Layout Standard
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
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
Dimensions
22 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
34 x 121 x 363 mm
Weight
1825g
Weight
2420g
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Pros and Trade-offs

The Keychron Q1 is the better choice if you need a function row and more plate options for customization. The Q65 appeals to users who want a more compact desk footprint with dedicated macro keys and prefer PBT keycaps out of the box. Your decision hinges on whether you value the extra top-row keys or the space-saving layout with side macros.

Keychron Q1

  • +Dedicated function row and navigation cluster on a 75% layout.
  • +Available in many ISO regional layouts (DE, UK, Nordic, FR, ES, Swiss).
  • +Multiple plate material options: Aluminum, Steel, or Polycarbonate.
  • +Higher customizability score relative to its price tier according to internal metrics.
  • −Heavier and wider than the Q65, less portable for travel.
  • −ABS keycaps on fully assembled version may show wear sooner than PBT.

Keychron Q65

  • +Unique 65% layout with an extra column of four macro keys for custom shortcuts.
  • +Lighter and more compact than the Q1, easier to pack for travel.
  • +Lower front height (20 mm) for a potentially more ergonomic typing angle without wrist rest.
  • +Double-shot PBT keycaps on fully assembled versions resist shine and fading.
  • −No dedicated function row requires layer shifting for F-keys in games or office tasks.
  • −Only available in ANSI layout, limiting international user options.
  • −Lower customizability score relative to its price tier compared to the Q1.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q1 wins for dedicated function row users (gaming, office) and for modders who want more plate choices and higher customizability scores. The Q65 takes the edge for compact travel and content creation workflows thanks to its extra macro column. For programming, both are evenly matched due to shared QMK/VIA support and hot-swap sockets.

GamingKeychron Q1
  • •The Q1 has a dedicated function row often used for in-game keybinds without shifting layers.
  • •Both offer 1000 Hz polling rate, but the Q1 scores higher in performance relative to its price tier.
OfficeKeychron Q1
  • •The Q1's 75% layout includes a full function row, making spreadsheet shortcuts and system controls accessible without layers.
  • •The Q1 is available in multiple ISO layouts including DE, Nordic, and French, suiting European office environments.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards support QMK and VIA for full key remapping and custom macros.
  • •The Q1 provides dedicated navigation keys (PgUp, PgDn) in its 75% layout, while the Q65 offers an extra column of macro keys for shortcuts.
  • •Both use hot-swappable sockets and high-quality screw-in PCB stabilizers.
TravelKeychron Q65
  • •The Q65's 65% layout is narrower (121 mm vs 145 mm), fitting more easily into bags.
  • •The Q65 has a lower front height (20 mm vs 22.6 mm), making it potentially easier to slide into a laptop case.
ModdingKeychron Q1
  • •The Q1 offers a choice of plate materials (Aluminum, Steel, Polycarbonate), giving more sound and feel options out of the box.
  • •The Q1 scores higher in the customizability category relative to its price tier.
  • •The Q1 is available as a barebones kit, allowing full component choice from the start.
Content CreationKeychron Q65
  • •The Q65 includes a dedicated column of macro keys that can be programmed for timeline shortcuts, brush sizes, or layer navigation.
  • •Both have a programmable knob, but the Q65's extra keys reduce the need for layer switching during workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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