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Compare Keychron Q1 V1 vs Q1 HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a refined, classic mechanical keyboard and a next-generation model with magnetic switches. The decision is hard because both share a premium 75% aluminum shell, QMK/VIA support, and screw-in stabilizers. However, they diverge sharply in switch technology, connectivity, and price. The Q1 V1 is a mature, well-reviewed platform for customizers on a budget. The Q1 HE introduces adjustable actuation, rapid trigger, and wireless freedom but costs significantly more and has a limited ecosystem of compatible switches.

93
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection - Version 1
100
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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4.5 (1175)
4.0 (34)
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 1700 g
  • Sized at 22 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS layout standard
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 4000 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS, keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 72.6
  • Build Quality: 89.7
  • Productivity: 97.9
  • Customizability: 99.9
  • Portability: 64.8
Scores
  • Performance: 100
  • Build Quality: 90
  • Productivity: 96.8
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 81.2
Name
Keychron Q1 V1
Name
Keychron Q1 HE
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ISO, JIS, ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS
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, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 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, White, White 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
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
1700g
Weight
4000g
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Pros and Trade-offs

The decision hinges on your priority for switch technology and connectivity. If you need the fastest possible gaming performance with features like rapid trigger and adjustable actuation, the Q1 HE is the future-focused choice. However, if you prefer a broader ecosystem of traditional switches, a lower price, and a proven platform for deep customization and modding, the Q1 V1 remains an excellent and more versatile value. Gamers and wireless users should lean toward the HE; everyone else can save money with the V1.

Keychron Q1 V1

  • +Lower price entry point for a premium 75% aluminum keyboard.
  • +Standard hot-swap PCB supports a wide variety of 3- and 5-pin MX mechanical switches.
  • +Proven design with over 1100 user reviews and a 4.55/5 rating.
  • +Includes both aluminum and steel plate options for sound and feel customization.
  • +Well-documented build process with a large community for modding guides and support.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits portability and cable management flexibility.
  • −Metal case is known for potential ping and resonance out of the box, requiring mods.
  • −Some keycap profiles (MT3, XDA) may have compatibility issues with the plate, per user reviews.

Keychron Q1 HE

  • +Cutting-edge Hall Effect magnetic switches with rapid trigger and adjustable actuation (0.2-3.8 mm).
  • +Tri-mode wireless with Bluetooth 5.2 and 2.4 GHz (up to 8000 Hz polling rate).
  • +Built-in 4000 mAh battery for up to 100 hours of wireless use.
  • +Double-gasket design helps reduce resonance and improve typing acoustics.
  • +4-in-1 action keys allow multiple commands from a single keypress based on travel depth.
  • −Significantly higher price point than the Q1 V1 for a similar shell.
  • −Exclusive compatibility with Gateron Double-Rail magnetic switches only, limiting customization.
  • −Newer design with only 34 reviews and no included steel plate option.
  • −No adjustable feet (legs) are included, per user feedback, limiting typing angle customization.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For gaming, the Q1 HE is the clear winner thanks to its magnetic switches and rapid trigger technology. The Q1 V1 is still a solid choice for programmers and modders due to its lower price, extensive MX switch compatibility, and mature community support. In office and content creation, the choice is a tie, with the Q1 HE offering wireless flexibility and the Q1 V1 offering a better value for a wired desk setup. For travel, the Q1 HE's wireless modes make it the only practical option.

GamingKeychron Q1 HE
  • •Hall Effect switches with rapid trigger for faster response in FPS games.
  • •Adjustable actuation points from 0.2 mm to 3.8 mm for customized trigger depth.
  • •4-in-1 action keys allowing multiple commands from one keypress based on travel depth.
  • •Up to 8000 Hz polling rate and dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless for low latency.
OfficeTie
  • •Both feature a 75% layout that saves desk space while retaining function row and arrow keys.
  • •Both offer a programmable knob for quick volume or macro control via VIA.
  • •Q1 HE adds Bluetooth 5.2 to switch between three devices, while Q1 V1 is wired only.
  • •Both use PBT keycaps and a gasket mount for a comfortable typing feel, but the Q1 V1 is the lower-price option.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 V1
  • •The Q1 V1 offers robust customization with QMK and VIA support at a significantly lower entry price.
  • •Wired-only connection is reliable for desk setups with no latency or battery concerns.
  • •Standard hot-swap PCB supports a vast range of traditional MX mechanical switches.
  • •Proven build quality and a large user base for community-supported troubleshooting and mods.
TravelKeychron Q1 HE
  • •Features both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.2 wireless for use without cables.
  • •Built-in 4000 mAh rechargeable battery allows for up to 100 hours of use with backlight off.
  • •Lighter weight (fully assembled) at 1735 g compared to the V1's 1700 g is negligible, but wireless is the key advantage.
  • •Versatile connectivity for laptops, tablets, and phones without needing a cable or dongle for Bluetooth.
ModdingKeychron Q1 V1
  • •The Q1 V1's standard hot-swap PCB supports any 3- or 5-pin MX switch, offering a massive selection of aftermarket switches.
  • •Metal plate options (aluminum or steel) allow tuning of typing feel and sound.
  • •Less expensive to experiment with, as the base keyboard costs less and traditional switches are cheaper than magnetic ones.
  • •Large community of modders with established guides for mods like force break, tape, and polyfill.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both feature a programmable rotary encoder for creative shortcuts like timeline scrubbing or brush size.
  • •Both support full key remapping and macro creation via QMK and VIA software.
  • •Q1 HE's wireless capability allows for a cleaner desk setup, but the Q1 V1's wired connection is more reliable in a production environment.
  • •Both have south-facing RGB that is visible from a typing angle and compatible with Cherry profile keycaps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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