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Compare Keychron Q1 V1 vs V3 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's metal and plastic custom keyboard lines. The Q1 V1 offers a dense, all-metal 75% layout, while the V3 Max provides a larger TKL layout with triple-mode wireless connectivity. Both share high customizability with QMK/VIA and gasket mounts, making the core trade-off between material/build and wireless convenience significant.

93
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection - Version 1
93
Keychron V3 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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4.5 (1175)
4.3 (9)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • 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
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 895 g
  • Sized at 24 x 149 x 368 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Plastic case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 72.6
  • Build Quality: 89.7
  • Productivity: 97.9
  • Customizability: 99.9
  • Portability: 65
Scores
  • Performance: 82.5
  • Build Quality: 85.5
  • Productivity: 97.7
  • Customizability: 100
  • Portability: 76.2
Name
Keychron Q1 V1
Name
Keychron V3 Max
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
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
80%
Layout Standard
ISO, JIS, ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, 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
24 x 149 x 368 mm
Weight
1700g
Weight
895g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your priority dictates the choice. If a premium, stationary typing experience with a metal build is paramount, the Keychron Q1 V1 is the superior tool. If you need to connect to multiple devices wirelessly, value a lighter keyboard, or prefer a TKL layout with dedicated keys, the Keychron V3 Max provides excellent flexibility without sacrificing core customizability.

Keychron Q1 V1

  • +Full CNC machined aluminum case for a premium, solid feel.
  • +More compact 75% layout saves desk space while keeping most navigation keys.
  • +Offers a choice of aluminum or steel plate materials in its construction.
  • +Vendor description highlights a gasket design with up to 2.5mm of flex for a specific typing feel.
  • +Includes a premium coiled aviator cable according to its product listing.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits placement and device switching.
  • −Heavier weight (1700g) makes it less portable.
  • −The manufacturer's description notes some users report compatibility issues with MT3 and XDA profile keycaps.
  • −Larger TKL navigation cluster is absent, requiring layer taps for some keys.

Keychron V3 Max

  • +Triple-mode wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4 GHz with a 1000 Hz polling rate.
  • +Significantly lighter at 895g, enhancing portability.
  • +Includes magnetic storage on the keyboard for its dual USB-A and USB-C wireless receivers.
  • +TKL layout provides dedicated arrow, function, and navigation keys.
  • +Features a 4000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • −ABS plastic case lacks the premium heft and feel of metal.
  • −Larger overall footprint than a 75% layout.
  • −Wireless performance depends on battery charge, unlike a wired board.
  • −The listed plate material is polycarbonate, offering a different sound profile than metal.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V3 Max wins for mobile and multi-device scenarios like office work and travel due to its wireless features and lighter weight. It also takes a slight edge for gaming with its wireless low-latency mode and full TKL layout. The Q1 V1 is the clear choice for modders seeking a premium metal build. For stationary, focused tasks like programming and content creation, both keyboards are equally capable due to their shared high-end programmability and knob support.

GamingKeychron V3 Max
  • •The V3 Max offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in both its 2.4 GHz wireless and wired modes for low latency.
  • •Its TKL layout provides dedicated arrow and navigation keys without layer taps.
  • •The manufacturer states its ARM MCU and 1000 Hz polling rate make latency 'hardly noticeable even in competitive games'.
OfficeKeychron V3 Max
  • •Triple-mode connectivity (Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz, wired) allows easy switching between multiple devices.
  • •Includes a magnetic storage slot for its dual USB-A and USB-C wireless receivers.
  • •The TKL layout retains the function row for media and system controls.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards are fully programmable via open-source QMK firmware and VIA software.
  • •Both feature south-facing RGB LEDs, which the manufacturer states prevents interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • •Both include Mac and Windows keycaps and system toggles for OS compatibility.
TravelKeychron V3 Max
  • •The V3 Max is significantly lighter at 895g compared to the Q1 V1's 1700g.
  • •Wireless operation removes the need to manage a cable on the go.
  • •Its plastic ABS case is less prone to showing travel wear than an aluminum finish.
ModdingKeychron Q1 V1
  • •The Q1 V1's CNC aluminum case offers a more premium foundation for sound and feel modifications.
  • •Its vendor description details a gasket design with 'maximum flex up to 2.5mm' for a specific typing feel.
  • •It supports both aluminum and steel plate options, allowing for more pronounced acoustic changes.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards feature a programmable knob for controlling parameters like volume or brush size.
  • •Both support extensive macro programming through QMK/VIA for software shortcuts.
  • •Both include multi-media keys for playback control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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