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

Compare Keychron Q1 vs V2 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a wired, all-metal powerhouse and a lightweight wireless workhorse from Keychron. The Q1 offers a premium 75% layout with a full CNC aluminum case and a double-gasket design, appealing to those who want a solid desk anchor and deep modding capabilities. The V2 Max brings a compact 65% layout with Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4 GHz wireless, a 4000mAh battery, and a much lighter ABS plastic build at 696g. The choice is hard because both keyboards support QMK/VIA, hot-swappable switches, and have a gasket mount, but differ fundamentally in material, connectivity, and layout size.

95
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 1
94
Keychron V2 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

4.9 (42)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2022
  • 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
  • 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
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 696 g
  • Sized at 23 x 123 x 330 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • Features PBT keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 72
  • Build Quality: 89.5
  • Productivity: 97.6
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 62.6
Scores
  • Performance: 77.8
  • Build Quality: 85.3
  • Productivity: 94
  • Customizability: 99.7
  • Portability: 88.7
Name
Keychron Q1
Name
Keychron V2 Max
Release year
2022
Release year
2024
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, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, JIS
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
22 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
23 x 123 x 330 mm
Weight
1825g
Weight
696g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Choose the Keychron Q1 if you prioritize build quality and a full-featured layout for a stationary desk setup. Its all-metal construction and double-gasket design offer a superior typing experience for programmers and modders. Opt for the Keychron V2 Max if you need wireless freedom and portability, as its 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth options with a large battery make it perfect for gaming on the go or reducing cable clutter.

Keychron Q1

  • +Full CNC-machined 6063 aluminum body with anodized finish for a premium feel
  • +Double-gasket design with added silicone pads to reduce metal resonance
  • +Wide layout support including ANSI, ISO, and JIS with multiple regional variants
  • +Available with Aluminum, Steel, or Polycarbonate plate options for sound customization
  • +Includes OSA profile ABS backlight shine-through keycaps
  • −Wired-only connection limits desk setup flexibility
  • −Very heavy at 1825g making it difficult to transport
  • −ABS keycaps may show wear and shine over time

Keychron V2 Max

  • +Tri-mode connectivity with Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz, and wired for versatile setups
  • +Large 4000mAh battery delivers up to 190 hours of use without backlight
  • +Lightweight at 696g ideal for travel or moving between desks
  • +Includes dual Type-C and Type-A wireless receivers with magnetic storage
  • −ABS plastic case feels less premium compared to aluminum
  • −Only one layout standard (ANSI) limits regional options
  • −No review data available for this model
  • −PBT keycaps are not shine-through, reducing RGB visibility

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V2 Max takes the lead for gaming due to its 2.4 GHz wireless and NKRO support, and it is the clear choice for travel given its light weight and battery life. The Q1 wins for programming and modding with its larger layout and all-metal construction. For office and content creation, the choice depends on whether you prioritize a premium typing feel or wireless flexibility, as both offer robust customization features.

GamingKeychron V2 Max
  • •Supports 2.4 GHz wireless with 1000 Hz polling rate for low latency gaming
  • •NKRO is supported in both wireless and wired modes
  • •Compact 65% layout leaves more room for mouse movement
  • •Lighter at 696g makes it easier to transport to LAN events
OfficeTie
  • •Both support QMK/VIA for custom macros and productivity shortcuts
  • •Both have a programmable knob and multimedia keys
  • •Q1 provides a more solid, premium typing feel with its aluminum body
  • •V2 Max offers wireless flexibility to reduce desk clutter
ProgrammingKeychron Q1
  • •75% layout includes dedicated F-row and navigation keys programmers rely on
  • •Double-gasket design and aluminum case offer a premium, stable typing platform
  • •Supports multiple layout standards including ANSI, ISO, JIS
TravelKeychron V2 Max
  • •Weighs only 696g versus the Q1's 1825g
  • •Wireless (Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4 GHz) eliminates cable management
  • •4000mAh battery provides up to 190 hours of use without backlight
  • •Magnetic storage slot for the wireless receiver prevents loss
ModdingKeychron Q1
  • •Double-gasket design is a unique industry innovation for sound tuning
  • •Multiple plate material options: Aluminum, Steel, and Polycarbonate
  • •All-metal construction offers a different modding challenge and aesthetic
  • •Vendor description mentions it is easy to assemble every component
Content CreationTie
  • •Both have a programmable knob for creative shortcuts like zoom and brush size
  • •Both support QMK/VIA for customizing macros to streamline workflows
  • •Q1's 75% layout offers more keys for dedicated shortcuts

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

93
$114
Keychron V3 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Max
80%,
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

92
$114
Keychron V3 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Ultra
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
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

97
$99
Keychron V5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V5 Max
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
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
$54
Keychron V3 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3
80%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

92
$115
Keychron V5 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V5 Ultra
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Metal 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