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Compare Keychron Q1 V1 vs Q1 V2 SE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two generations of the Keychron Q1 75% aluminum keyboard. The V1 offers a flexible gasket mount design with multiple plate options and support for ISO, JIS, and ANSI layouts. The V2 SE, a newer special edition, focuses on a stiffer build with a steel plate and added sound absorption foam. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a bouncy typing feel and layout variety or a more solid, dampened out-of-the-box experience. Both keyboards share premium features like a CNC aluminum case, south-facing RGB, and full QMK/VIA programmability, making this a nuanced choice between two well-equipped boards.

93
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection - Version 1
89
Keychron Q1 V2 w/ Knob Special Edition Aluminum 75% Hotswap RGB Win + Mac Mechanical Keyboard

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4.5 (1175)
0.0 (0)
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 1700 g
  • Sized at 22 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
Scores
  • Performance: 72.6
  • Build Quality: 89.7
  • Productivity: 97.9
  • Customizability: 99.9
  • Portability: 64.8
Scores
  • Performance: 73.8
  • Build Quality: 83.8
  • Productivity: 97.9
  • Customizability: 95.4
  • Portability: 67.3
Name
Keychron Q1 V1
Name
Keychron Q1 V2 SE
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
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
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
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
Plate 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
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
-
Dimensions
22 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
1700g
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

For users who value a customizable, flexible typing feel and need international layout support, the Keychron Q1 V1 is the clear choice. If you prefer a more solid, pre-dampened build that is ready to use out of the box with a unique aesthetic, the Q1 V2 SE is a compelling option. The decision ultimately comes down to whether you want a modding-friendly platform or a polished special edition board.

Keychron Q1 V1

  • +Gasket mount design provides a flexible, bouncy typing feel with up to 2.5mm of flex.
  • +Supports ISO, JIS, and ANSI layouts, offering wider compatibility for international users.
  • +Available in both pre-built and DIY barebones kits for complete customization.
  • +Includes multiple plate options (aluminum or steel) to tailor the typing experience.
  • +Has a lower starting price point compared to the V2 SE.
  • −Some users report case pinging and resonance that requires modding to eliminate.
  • −Has limitations with certain keycap profiles like MT3 and XDA as noted by the manufacturer.
  • −Heavier weight (1700g) and wired-only design limit portability.

Keychron Q1 V2 SE

  • +Comes pre-equipped with extra sound absorption foam for a quieter typing experience out of the box.
  • +Features an updated keycap set with an improved color theme (yellow and blue accents).
  • +Uses a steel plate for a stiffer, more consistent keystroke feel.
  • +Simple setup requires no additional modding for a solid sound profile.
  • −Only supports ANSI layout, excluding users who need ISO or JIS.
  • −Higher price point with limited stock availability and fewer vendor options.
  • −Steel plate offers less flexibility and may feel harsher to some typists compared to gasket mount.
  • −No DIY barebones option, limiting customization from the start.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q1 V2 SE has a slight edge for office use due to its added sound foam and consistent steel plate feel. However, the V1 wins for programming and modding thanks to its gasket mount, flexible typing, and support for multiple layout standards like ISO and JIS. Both keyboards tie for gaming and travel, as their core specs and size are nearly identical, and neither is optimized for portability.

GamingTie
  • •Both offer 1000 Hz polling rate for standard gaming responsiveness.
  • •Both feature hot-swappable sockets for installing low-latency linear switches.
  • •Both have a compact 75% layout that saves desk space for mouse movement.
OfficeKeychron Q1 V2 SE
  • •The V2 SE includes extra sound absorption foam, reducing noise for shared workspaces.
  • •It comes with an updated keycap set, adding to a ready-to-use polish.
  • •The stiffer steel plate provides a more consistent feel for prolonged typing sessions.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 V1
  • •The V1 supports ISO and JIS layouts, which many European and Japanese programmers prefer.
  • •Its gasket mount design with up to 2.5mm of flex offers a cushioned typing feel that reduces finger fatigue.
  • •The V1 is available in a DIY kit, allowing for fully custom switch and keycap builds.
TravelTie
  • •Both keyboards weigh 1700 grams or more and have wired-only connectivity, limiting portability.
  • •Their 75% size is compact enough to fit in a larger bag but not ideal for daily commuting.
ModdingKeychron Q1 V1
  • •The V1 comes as a DIY kit or pre-built and supports aluminum or steel plates for tuning feel.
  • •It has a well-known modding community with documented fixes for pinging and sound customization.
  • •The gasket mount offers more variables to adjust flex and sound profile through mods.
Content CreationKeychron Q1 V1
  • •The V1's programmable knob can be customized via VIA for tasks like zooming and brush size adjustments.
  • •It offers more keycap profile compatibility (OSA included) and layout options for creative workflows.
  • •The flexible typing feel may be preferred for long editing sessions over a stiffer plate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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