KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron Q1 HE vs S1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's premium and budget-friendly 75% keyboards. The Q1 HE is a feature-packed, high-performance board with magnetic switches, while the S1 offers a solid, low-profile metal build at a lower cost. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize advanced gaming capabilities and wireless connectivity or a sleek, cost-effective design.

100
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
85
Keychron S1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

4.0 (34)
4.8 (18)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 4000 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS, keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Features a low-profile design
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 960 g
  • Sized at 8 x 118 x 310 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 100
  • Build Quality: 90
  • Productivity: 96.8
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 81.2
Scores
  • Performance: 81.5
  • Build Quality: 81.6
  • Productivity: 80.1
  • Customizability: 89.6
  • Portability: 62.8
Name
Keychron Q1 HE
Name
Keychron S1
Release year
2023
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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, White, White South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS,
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
8 x 118 x 310 mm
Weight
4000g
Weight
960g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and primary activity should guide this choice. For competitive gamers and enthusiasts who want cutting-edge magnetic switches, wireless freedom, and a top-tier modding platform, the Keychron Q1 HE is worth the investment. If you need a sleek, well-built low-profile keyboard for typing and general use on a desk, and prefer to keep costs lower, the wired Keychron S1 is an excellent value.

Keychron Q1 HE

  • +Advanced magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points and rapid trigger.
  • +Tri-mode connectivity: wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth 5.2.
  • +Premium all-aluminum body with a double-gasket mount design.
  • +Fully programmable via QMK and Keychron Launcher with 4-in-1 action keys.
  • +Includes screw-in PCB stabilizers and south-facing RGB LEDs.
  • −Much heavier and more expensive than the S1.
  • −Magnetic switch compatibility is restricted to specific Gateron models.
  • −Requires charging due to its 4000mAh battery for wireless use.

Keychron S1

  • +More affordable price point for a full CNC aluminum body.
  • +Ultra-slim, low-profile design with a light weight of 960g.
  • +Hot-swappable sockets for Gateron low-profile mechanical switches.
  • +Includes adjustable feet for two typing angles (3° and 6°).
  • +Programmable via both QMK and VIA firmware.
  • −Wired-only connectivity, lacking wireless options.
  • −Uses a tray/plate mount instead of a gasket mount.
  • −North-facing RGB LEDs may cause interference with some Cherry-profile keycaps.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q1 HE is the clear choice for gaming and advanced customization, thanks to its magnetic switches and extensive programmability. It also leads for content creation and programming. The S1 wins for travel due to its lighter, slimmer build and is a capable, more affordable option for office use. For modding, the Q1 HE's gasket mount and component options offer a deeper platform.

GamingKeychron Q1 HE
  • •The Q1 HE features adjustable actuation points (0.2-3.8mm) and rapid trigger technology for competitive play.
  • •It offers a 1000Hz polling rate over both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless connections.
  • •Its magnetic switches and TMR sensors are designed for ultra-low latency and precise input.
OfficeTie
  • •Both keyboards support Mac and Windows layouts with included keycaps.
  • •The S1's low-profile design and lighter weight may suit shared or minimalist desks.
  • •The Q1 HE's wireless connectivity (Bluetooth and 2.4GHz) allows for easy multi-device switching.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 HE
  • •The Q1 HE supports extensive key remapping and macros via QMK and the Keychron Launcher.
  • •It offers a wider range of layout standards (ANSI, ISO, JIS) for international users.
  • •Its hot-swappable magnetic switch sockets allow for fine-tuning typing feel.
TravelKeychron S1
  • •The S1 is significantly lighter at 960g compared to the Q1 HE's 1735g (assembled).
  • •Its low-profile, ultra-slim CNC aluminum body is more compact for transport.
  • •It requires no battery management as it is a wired-only keyboard.
ModdingKeychron Q1 HE
  • •The Q1 HE has a double-gasket mount design with an aluminum plate and sound-dampening pads for acoustic tuning.
  • •It features screw-in PCB stabilizers, which are generally preferred for modding over plate-mounted stabs.
  • •Its construction includes multiple plate material options (aluminum, polycarbonate) and a copper case option.
Content CreationKeychron Q1 HE
  • •The Q1 HE's ability to assign multiple actions to a single keystroke is useful for macro-heavy workflows.
  • •Its wireless modes provide flexibility for a clean desk setup and switching between editing machines.
  • •The premium all-aluminum build and sound profile may be preferable for audio/video recording environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

99
$129
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
Keychron K2 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

87
$67
Keychron K13 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K13 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

96
$149
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

84
$94
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 6
Keychron K1 V6
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Alu case,
Top Mount

95
$149
Keychron Q1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

94
$84
Keychron K3 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K3 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Plate Mount

98
$94
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

87
$83
Keychron K3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K3 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

93
$149
Keychron Q2 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard (US Layout)
Keychron Q2 Pro
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

86
$67
Keychron K1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K1 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount