KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron Q1 vs V1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two popular 75% custom mechanical keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share core features like hot-swappable PCBs, QMK/VIA support, and knob options, but diverge significantly in construction and price. The Q1 offers a premium, heavy aluminum chassis, while the V1 provides a similar feature set in a lighter, more budget-friendly plastic case.

95
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 1
97
Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

4.9 (42)
2.5 (61)
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, JIS layout standard
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only, connectivity
  • Weighs about 1825 g
  • Sized at 22 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO-NO layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 995 g
  • Sized at 18 x 149 x 329 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • Features PBT, ABS, keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 72.1
  • Build Quality: 89.5
  • Productivity: 97.6
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 62.8
Scores
  • Performance: 90.8
  • Build Quality: 89.2
  • Productivity: 97.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 64.7
Name
Keychron Q1
Name
Keychron V1
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
75%
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-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO-NO
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;8000 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
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS,
Dimensions
22 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
18 x 149 x 329 mm
Weight
1825g
Weight
995g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and priority for material quality dictate the choice. Invest in the Keychron Q1 for its superior aluminum build, gasket mount, and heft if you value a premium desk presence and typing feel. Choose the Keychron V1 to access high-end features like programmability and hot-swap at a lower cost, with the benefit of a much lighter board, especially if high polling rate gaming is a focus.

Keychron Q1

  • +Full CNC machined aluminum case for a premium, solid feel.
  • +Double-gasket mount design for a flexible typing experience and sound dampening.
  • +Wider selection of plate material options: polycarbonate, steel, and aluminum.
  • +Heavier weight (1825g) provides excellent desk stability.
  • +Extensive ISO layout support for international users.
  • −Substantially heavier and less portable than the V1.
  • −Typically commands a higher price point.
  • −The 5-degree typing angle is fixed, offering less adjustability.

Keychron V1

  • +Significantly lighter weight (995g) for easier portability.
  • +More affordable price point for a feature-rich custom keyboard.
  • +Offers an 8000 Hz polling rate option for potentially lower latency.
  • +Includes double-shot PBT keycaps in the assembled version for better durability.
  • +Features a tray mount design in addition to gasket mount options.
  • −ABS plastic case lacks the premium feel and acoustics of metal.
  • −User reviews from the vendor page indicate a lower average rating.
  • −The listed mount style includes tray mount, which may not be as sought-after as pure gasket mount.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V1 holds an edge for gaming due to its high polling rate option and lighter weight, and is the clear choice for portability. The Q1 is superior for modding and programming, where its aluminum construction and gasket mount offer a more premium foundation. For office use and content creation, both keyboards are equally capable, sharing core productivity features.

GamingKeychron V1
  • •The V1's listing specifies an 8000 Hz polling rate option, potentially offering lower latency.
  • •Its lighter weight (995g) may be preferable for quick desk adjustments.
  • •The tray mount design, mentioned in its specs, can provide a more consistent typing feel across all keys.
OfficeTie
  • •Both support Mac and Windows layouts with included keycaps.
  • •Both feature programmable knobs for media control.
  • •Both have a 75% layout with function keys, saving desk space.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1
  • •The Q1's aluminum case and gasket mount may offer a more satisfying, premium typing feel for long sessions.
  • •It supports a wider range of plate materials (polycarbonate, steel, aluminum) for sound and feel customization.
  • •Its heavier weight (1825g) provides greater stability on the desk.
TravelKeychron V1
  • •The V1 is significantly lighter at 995g compared to the Q1's 1825g.
  • •Its plastic ABS case is less prone to showing cosmetic damage from transport.
  • •The overall dimensions are slightly more compact.
ModdingKeychron Q1
  • •The Q1 features a gasket mount design, which is often preferred for its typing feel and sound.
  • •It has a CNC machined aluminum case, a premium foundation for builds.
  • •It offers a choice of polycarbonate, steel, or aluminum plates.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both have programmable knobs assignable to functions like brush size or timeline scrubbing.
  • •Both support QMK/VIA for extensive macro programming.
  • •Both feature south-facing RGB lighting compatible with Cherry-profile keycaps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

95
$149
Keychron Q1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

98
$94
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

95
$79
Keychron Q10 (Alice Layout) QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q10
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

98
$44
Keychron V6 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6
100%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

96
$49
Keychron V5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V5
96%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

94
$94
Keychron V3 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

100
$160
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

98
$186
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

96
$149
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

96
$89
Keychron V6 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount