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.

Model
	95	98	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.9 stars (42 reviews)	2.4 stars (62 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style 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	Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK layout standard Features N-key rollover Uses a Tray Mount mounting style 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
Score	Scores Performance: 72.5 Build Quality: 89.3 Productivity: 97.3 Customizability: 99.8 Portability: 65.3	Scores Performance: 91.3 Build Quality: 89.2 Productivity: 97.9 Customizability: 99.4 Portability: 64.7
Name	Name Keychron Q1	Name Keychron V1
Release year	Release year 2022	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 75%	Layout Size 75%
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-Nordic, 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;8000 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 Tray 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, White, White South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS, PBT	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 22 x 145 x 328 mm	Dimensions 18 x 149 x 329 mm
Weight	Weight 1825g	Weight 995g

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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.