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.

Model
	93	81	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.5 stars (1175 reviews)	5.0 stars (4 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2023 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options 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 Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, JIS, 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
Score	Scores Performance: 72.9 Build Quality: 89.6 Productivity: 97.9 Customizability: 99.9 Portability: 64.8	Scores Performance: 88.9 Build Quality: 74.4 Productivity: 90.7 Customizability: 77.7 Portability: 83.2
Name	Name Keychron Q1 V1	Name Keychron Q1 Ultra
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2026
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Tactile, Linear, 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 ISO, JIS, ANSI	Layout Standard ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, JIS, ANSI
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 Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 8000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 4000 mAh
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 Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS, PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 22 x 145 x 328 mm	Dimensions 32 x 328 x 145 mm
Weight	Weight 1700g	Weight 1724g

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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.