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Compare Keychron Q1 V1 vs Q1 Ultra Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between the wired Keychron Q1 V1 and the newer wireless Keychron Q1 Ultra, both 75% layout keyboards. The decision is difficult because they share an all-aluminum build and a gasket mount design, but they target different priorities. The Q1 V1 offers deep customization through QMK and VIA support at a more accessible price point. The Q1 Ultra provides a modern feature set with wireless connectivity and a very high 8K polling rate, but at a higher cost and with a closed firmware platform. Your choice will depend on whether you value modding freedom and value or cutting-edge wireless performance and battery life.

93
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection - Version 1
81
Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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4.5 (1175)
5.0 (1)
  • Released in 2023
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI layout standard
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • 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
  • Released in 2026
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1724 g
  • Sized at 32 x 328 x 145 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 72.6
  • Build Quality: 89.7
  • Productivity: 97.9
  • Customizability: 99.9
  • Portability: 64.8
Scores
  • Performance: 88.7
  • Build Quality: 73.9
  • Productivity: 90.3
  • Customizability: 76.9
  • Portability: 83.4
Name
Keychron Q1 V1
Name
Keychron Q1 Ultra
Release year
2023
Release year
2026
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
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
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
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, White, South-face, White 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
32 x 328 x 145 mm
Weight
1700g
Weight
1724g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

The Keychron Q1 V1 is the better choice for enthusiasts who prioritize deep customization, a wide selection of layout standards, and a lower price. The Keychron Q1 Ultra is the better choice for users who need wireless freedom, top-tier gaming performance with an 8K polling rate, and a long-lasting battery. Your decision rests on whether you value modding potential and value or wireless performance and battery life.

Keychron Q1 V1

  • +Supports QMK and VIA firmware for extensive key remapping and macro creation.
  • +Available in ISO, JIS, and ANSI layout standards.
  • +Comes with an aluminum plate, known for a stiffer typing feel.
  • +Includes both OSA profile double-shot PBT and ABS keycap options.
  • +Has a large community with many documented modifications.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits desk setup flexibility.
  • −Uses a 1000 Hz polling rate, which is lower than the Q1 Ultra's 8000 Hz.
  • −Some users report case ping that requires modding to resolve.

Keychron Q1 Ultra

  • +Features wireless connectivity with 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.3.
  • +Offers an 8000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes.
  • +Includes a large 4000mAh battery with up to 660 hours of life (backlit off).
  • +Equipped with multiple layers of acoustic foam for a dampened typing sound.
  • −Uses ZMK firmware, which is less open for custom coding compared to QMK.
  • −Only supports ANSI layout standard, limiting keycap options for some users.
  • −Higher price point makes it a larger investment.
  • −Comes with a PC plate, which may be too flexible for some users.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q1 Ultra is the clear winner for gaming and office use due to its 8K wireless polling rate, N-Key Rollover, and long battery life. For modding and programming, the Q1 V1 is the better choice thanks to its QMK/VIA support, wider layout standard options, and community-driven customization. Both keyboards tie for content creation, as each offers a programmable knob and Mac/Win support. For travel, the Q1 Ultra's wireless capabilities give it a significant advantage over the wired Q1 V1.

GamingKeychron Q1 Ultra
  • •Offers an 8000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes for very low latency.
  • •Features N-Key Rollover (NKRO) in both wireless and wired modes.
  • •Comes with pre-lubed Keychron Silk POM switches designed for precision and durability.
OfficeKeychron Q1 Ultra
  • •Wireless connectivity (2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.3) allows for a cleaner, cable-free desk setup.
  • •Up to 660 hours of battery life (backlit off) means infrequent charging.
  • •Multiple layers of acoustic foam (IXPE, PET, Latex) for a quieter typing experience.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 V1
  • •Supports QMK and VIA firmware for extensive key remapping and macro creation.
  • •Offers a programmable knob to customize shortcuts for workflows.
  • •Available in ISO and JIS layout standards, which some programmers prefer.
TravelKeychron Q1 Ultra
  • •Wireless connectivity (2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.3) eliminates the need for a cable.
  • •Has a large 4000mAh battery for extended use away from a power source.
  • •Slightly lighter at 1724g compared to the Q1 V1, though both are heavy.
ModdingKeychron Q1 V1
  • •Runs on open-source QMK firmware, enabling deep software customization.
  • •Supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches, giving a wide range of switch choices.
  • •Comes with an aluminum plate, which can be swapped for different typing feels.
  • •Has a large community and many documented mods (e.g., tape mod, force break mod).
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards feature a programmable knob for adjusting brush size, volume, or zoom.
  • •Both have south-facing RGB LEDs to avoid interference with keycap profiles.
  • •Both include Mac/Win support with dedicated keycaps for each system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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