Compare Keychron Q1 V1 vs Q2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two of Keychron's popular wired, aluminum custom keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share premium features like gasket mounting, hot-swap PCBs, QMK/VIA programmability, and south-facing RGB. The core decision hinges on whether you value the extra keys of a 75% layout or the extreme compactness of a 65% layout, as their build quality and customization potential are otherwise very similar.

Model
	93	93	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.5 stars (1175 reviews)	4.8 stars (481 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2023 Available in a 75% layout Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI layout standard Weighs about 1700 g Sized at 22 x 145 x 328 mm Features ABS, PBT keycaps	Released in 2021 Available in a 65% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard Weighs about 1645 g Sized at 20 x 121 x 328 mm Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Score	Scores Performance: 72.8 Build Quality: 89.6 Productivity: 97.9 Customizability: 99.9 Portability: 64.8	Scores Performance: 66.4 Build Quality: 90.3 Productivity: 94.8 Customizability: 99.8 Portability: 70.6
Name	Name Keychron Q1 V1	Name Keychron Q2
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2021
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 75%	Layout Size 65%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ISO, JIS, ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
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 Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
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, 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, ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 22 x 145 x 328 mm	Dimensions 20 x 121 x 328 mm
Weight	Weight 1700g	Weight 1645g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need for specific keys should guide your choice. Opt for the Keychron Q1 V1 if your workflow depends on quick access to the function row, delete, or dedicated arrow keys without layers. Choose the Keychron Q2 if desk space is at a premium and you are comfortable using key combinations for secondary functions. Both are excellent platforms for customization, sharing high-end features like hot-swap sockets and programmability.

Keychron Q1 V1

+75% layout retains function row, arrow keys, and a compact navigation cluster.
+Offers a choice between aluminum and steel plate options for tuning typing feel.
+Includes double-shot PBT keycaps and Mac/Windows keycaps in the fully assembled version.
+Gasket-mounted design with up to 2.5mm of flex, according to the manufacturer.
+Wider 145mm width may provide a more familiar typing stance.

−Larger 75% footprint uses more desk space than a 65% board.
−Heavier at 1700g, making it less portable.
−The manufacturer's product page notes some users have reported compatibility issues with MT3 and XDA profile keycaps on the non-knob version.

Keychron Q2

+More compact 65% layout (121mm wide) maximizes mouse space.
+Double-gasket design with silicone pads between cases to reduce acoustic resonance.
+Manufacturer states the top case has sharper corners for better third-party keycap compatibility.
+Slightly lighter weight at 1645g.
+Offers a wide range of ISO layout options, including UK, German, Nordic, French, and Spanish.

−65% layout requires using layers or key combos for function keys, arrows, and navigation.
−Only available with a steel plate, no aluminum plate option.
−Smaller form factor may feel cramped for users with larger hands.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q1 V1 is the clear choice for productivity-focused tasks like office work and programming, where its dedicated function and navigation keys reduce reliance on layers. The Keychron Q2 wins for portability due to its smaller 65% footprint and slightly lower weight. For gaming, content creation, and modding, the boards are closely matched, with the Q1 having a slight edge in gaming for its arrow keys and the tie in other areas reflecting their shared core customizability features.

GamingKeychron Q1 V1

•The Q1 V1's 75% layout retains dedicated arrow keys for quick menu navigation.
•Its slightly wider 145mm width may offer more stable hand positioning.
•Both share a 1000Hz polling rate for responsive input.

OfficeKeychron Q1 V1

•The Q1 V1's 75% layout includes dedicated function keys (F1-F12) for shortcuts.
•It includes multi-media keys for quick volume and playback control.
•The manufacturer states both keyboards include Mac and Windows keycaps for system compatibility.

ProgrammingKeychron Q1 V1

•The Q1 V1's 75% layout provides direct access to punctuation keys like tilde (~) and delete.
•Dedicated arrow and navigation clusters can streamline code editing.
•Both support full key remapping via QMK and VIA for creating macros.

TravelKeychron Q2

•The Q2 is more compact, measuring 121mm wide versus the Q1's 145mm.
•It is slightly lighter at 1645g compared to the Q1's 1700g.
•The smaller 65% footprint fits more easily into a backpack or laptop bag.

ModdingTie

•Both are hot-swappable, supporting 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
•Both feature screw-in PCB stabilizers and support third-party stabilizers.
•Both use a gasket mount design and include sound-dampening foam for acoustic tuning.

Content CreationTie

•Both keyboards offer a programmable knob version for controlling parameters like brush size or volume.
•Full programmability via QMK/VIA allows for complex macros and shortcuts.
•South-facing RGB lighting is compatible with Cherry-profile keycaps, a common preference.