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Compare Keychron Q1 V1 vs V1 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two 75% gasket-mounted keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share a hot-swappable PCB, QMK/VIA support, a knob, and similar layouts. The core trade-off is the Q1 V1's heavier, full CNC aluminum construction against the V1 Max's triple-mode wireless connectivity and lighter ABS plastic body. Your priority between material prestige and cable-free convenience will determine the winner.

93
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection - Version 1
98
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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4.5 (1175)
4.3 (16)
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 1700 g
  • Sized at 22 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 770 g
  • Sized at 22 x 149 x 329 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Plastic case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 72.5
  • Build Quality: 89.7
  • Productivity: 97.9
  • Customizability: 99.9
  • Portability: 65.1
Scores
  • Performance: 83.1
  • Build Quality: 86.3
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 79.3
Name
Keychron Q1 V1
Name
Keychron V1 Max
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ISO, JIS, ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, 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
1000 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, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
22 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
22 x 149 x 329 mm
Weight
1700g
Weight
770g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your desk setup and daily habits dictate the choice. If you value a timeless, hefty aluminum build that acts as a desk centerpiece and you don't mind a cable, the Keychron Q1 V1 is the superior tool. If you prefer a clutter-free workspace, need to switch between multiple devices, or plan to move the keyboard frequently, the Keychron V1 Max's wireless versatility and light weight make it the more practical daily driver.

Keychron Q1 V1

  • +Full CNC machined aluminum case for a premium, solid feel.
  • +Offers a choice of aluminum or steel plate material.
  • +Heavier 1700g weight provides exceptional desk stability.
  • +Includes Gateron screw-in PCB stabilizers for a smooth typing experience.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits placement and device switching.
  • −Substantially heavier at 1700g, reducing portability.
  • −The manufacturer notes potential keycap compatibility issues with some MT3 and XDA profiles.

Keychron V1 Max

  • +Triple-mode connectivity with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired operation.
  • +Much lighter at 770g, enhancing portability.
  • +Includes a 4000mAh rechargeable battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Polycarbonate plate and gasket mount design for a softer, quieter typing feel.
  • −ABS plastic case lacks the premium heft and feel of metal.
  • −Wireless functionality depends on battery charge management.
  • −Bluetooth mode operates at a 90 Hz polling rate, lower than the 1000 Hz of the 2.4 GHz and wired modes.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V1 Max wins for mobile and multi-device scenarios like Office and Travel due to its wireless features and light weight. It also holds a slight edge for Gaming by offering high-performance wireless. The Q1 V1 is the clear choice for Modding enthusiasts who prioritize a metal construction base. For stationary, cable-friendly tasks like Programming and Content Creation, the keyboards are effectively tied, making the decision purely about material preference versus wireless convenience.

GamingKeychron V1 Max
  • •The V1 Max offers a 1000 Hz polling rate over its 2.4 GHz wireless connection, matching the Q1's wired performance without a cable.
  • •Its lighter weight of 770g may be preferable for quick desk adjustments during gameplay.
  • •Both share the same 1000 Hz polling rate in their primary modes.
OfficeKeychron V1 Max
  • •Wireless Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity allows easy switching between multiple devices like a computer, phone, and tablet.
  • •The lighter weight makes it easier to transport between meetings or workspaces.
  • •The included 4000mAh battery supports long wireless working time.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards feature the same 75% layout with function keys and a knob for productivity.
  • •Full QMK and VIA support is present on both for deep key remapping and macro creation.
  • •Each includes dual Mac and Windows keycap sets and system toggles.
TravelKeychron V1 Max
  • •The V1 Max is significantly lighter at 770g compared to the Q1 V1's 1700g.
  • •Wireless functionality eliminates the need to pack or manage a cable on the go.
  • •Its plastic ABS case is less susceptible to cosmetic damage from bumps in a bag.
ModdingKeychron Q1 V1
  • •The Q1 V1's aluminum case and available aluminum or steel plate options offer a different acoustic and typing foundation.
  • •Its CNC aluminum construction is often considered a more premium base for custom builds.
  • •Both are equally moddable with hot-swap sockets, screw-in stabilizers, and QMK firmware.
Content CreationTie
  • •The programmable knob on both can be mapped to media controls, brush size, or timeline scrubbing via VIA.
  • •South-facing RGB on both ensures compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps for personalized aesthetics.
  • •The choice depends on whether a desk-centerpiece aluminum build (Q1) or clutter-reducing wireless (V1 Max) is more valuable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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