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Compare Keychron Q1 V1 vs V1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two wired, 75% custom mechanical keyboards. The choice hinges on whether the premium heft and feel of a full aluminum case is worth the extra cost and weight over a lighter plastic alternative that shares core features like programmability and hot-swap sockets. Both support QMK/VIA, include double-shot PBT keycaps, and offer knob variants, making the material and mounting style the primary differentiators.

93
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection - Version 1
97
Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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4.5 (1175)
2.5 (61)
  • Released in 2023
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Weighs about 1700 g
  • Sized at 22 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO-NO layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Weighs about 995 g
  • Sized at 18 x 149 x 329 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • 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: 90.9
  • Build Quality: 89.2
  • Productivity: 97.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 64.7
Name
Keychron Q1 V1
Name
Keychron V1
Release year
2023
Release year
2022
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, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO-NO
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
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
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
Tray 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
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS,
Dimensions
22 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
18 x 149 x 329 mm
Weight
1700g
Weight
995g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and priority for materials dictate the choice. The Keychron Q1 V1 is the investment for a lifelong keyboard with a premium aluminum build, gasket-mounted flex, and substantial heft. The Keychron V1 delivers almost all the same programmable features and a similar typing experience in a much lighter, more affordable plastic package, making it an outstanding value entry into custom keyboards.

Keychron Q1 V1

  • +Full CNC machined aluminum case for a premium, sturdy feel.
  • +Gasket mount design for a flexible typing experience.
  • +Choice of aluminum or steel plate materials.
  • +Includes sound dampening foam from the factory.
  • +Wide layout support including ISO, JIS, and ANSI.
  • −Very heavy at 1700g, limiting portability.
  • −Higher price point compared to the plastic V1.
  • −Vendor notes some compatibility issues with MT3 and XDA profile keycaps.

Keychron V1

  • +Significantly lighter weight at 995g.
  • +Generally more affordable price point.
  • +Offers a translucent frosted black case option.
  • +Vendor description emphasizes a powerful MCU for low gaming latency.
  • +Supports an exceptionally wide range of ISO layouts.
  • −ABS plastic case lacks the premium feel of metal.
  • −Uses a tray mount design instead of gasket mount.
  • −Lower front height may require a wrist rest for some users.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V1 takes slight leads for gaming due to its emphasized low-latency performance and for travel because of its much lower weight. The Q1 V1 is the clear choice for modders seeking a gasket-mounted aluminum build. For office work, programming, and content creation, the keyboards tie, offering identical core productivity features, with the decision boiling down to budget and desired typing feel.

GamingKeychron V1
  • •The V1's vendor description highlights a powerful MCU for low latency, stating its 1000 Hz polling rate makes latency 'hardly noticeable even in competitive games'.
  • •It is significantly lighter at 995g, which may be preferable for quick desk movements.
  • •Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate, but the V1's listing specifically emphasizes gaming performance.
OfficeTie
  • •Both keyboards offer a 75% layout with multi-media keys and a programmable knob for productivity shortcuts.
  • •Both include system toggles and extra keycaps for seamless switching between macOS and Windows.
  • •Each features south-facing RGB with non-shine-through PBT keycaps, suitable for professional environments.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards have full QMK and VIA support for deep key remapping and macro programming.
  • •The 75% layout on both preserves arrow and navigation keys while saving desk space.
  • •Hot-swappable sockets on both allow for easy switch changes to tailor typing feel.
TravelKeychron V1
  • •The V1 weighs 995g, which is over 700g lighter than the 1700g Q1 V1.
  • •The V1's plastic ABS case is less prone to showing travel scuffs compared to anodized aluminum.
  • •Both have the same wired-only connectivity and similar footprint, but the weight difference is substantial.
ModdingKeychron Q1 V1
  • •The Q1 V1 features a gasket mount design, which the vendor states provides a flexible typing feel with up to 2.5mm of flex.
  • •It has a CNC machined aluminum case and offers a choice of aluminum or steel plates.
  • •Both are highly moddable with hot-swap, screw-in stabilizers, and sound dampening, but the Q1's mounting style is a key enthusiast feature.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both offer a programmable aluminum knob that can be mapped to controls like zoom, brush size, or volume.
  • •Full QMK support on both allows for complex macros and shortcuts tailored to creative software.
  • •The choice depends on preference for the typing feel of a gasket-mounted aluminum board versus a lighter tray-mounted plastic one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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