Keychron Q1 HE vs Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2Hall Effect Gaming vs Custom Build
Choose the Keychron Q1 HE for high-performance gaming with Hall Effect switches, or the QK80 Mk2 for a deeply customizable TKL building experience.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron Q1 HE
Hall Effect Gaming
- Equipped with Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Hall Effect switches for adjustable actuation and rapid trigger.
- High 1000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz modes for responsive gaming.
- Tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth 5.2, 2.4GHz, wired) with cross-platform Mac/Windows support.
- Hot-swap socket is compatible only with specific Gateron magnetic switches, limiting switch choices.
- Heavy weight (listed as 1735g assembled) reduces portability.
- The 75% layout may lack dedicated keys some users prefer.
Get the
Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2
Custom Build
- Sold as a highly customizable DIY kit with multiple plate, PCB, and case color options.
- Unique features include a TFT LCD screen, dot-matrix LED panel, and leaf-spring mount.
- Includes an extensive accessory pack with foams, stabilizers, and a protective case.
- Lacks the high-performance gaming features like Hall Effect switches and adjustable actuation points.
- Long estimated production and ship time (12 weeks per vendor description).
- No pre-assembled option; requires building and sourcing your own switches and keycaps.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want a top-tier gaming keyboard with the latest magnetic switch technology, ready to use out of the box, the Keychron Q1 HE is the superior option. If your goal is to build a personalized keyboard from a kit, with unique features like a screen and deep acoustic tuning potential, the Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2 is the more appropriate project board.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Keychron Q1 HE
Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2
Layout size
75%
80%
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Rapid trigger
Yes
No
Battery
4,000 mAh
8,000 mAh
Case material
Aluminum
Aluminum, Copper, Steel
- Keychron Q1 HE
- Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2
- Performance
- 10068
- Build quality
- 9089
- Productivity
- 9784
- Customizability
- 9885
- Portability
- 8187
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- VIA
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron Q1 HE is the clear choice for gaming and office productivity, thanks to its Hall Effect switches and robust wireless features. For modding enthusiasts and content creators focused on aesthetics, the QK80 Mk2's kit-based nature and integrated screen offer superior customization. Programmers have a tie, with the choice boiling down to a preference for the Q1 HE's 75% compactness or the QK80's TKL layout.
Pick the Keychron Q1 HE
- Features Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points (0.2-3.8 mm) and rapid trigger.
- Offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes.
- Supports assigning multiple actions to a single key based on press depth.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron Q1 HE
20 owner reviews
“Neither big legs nor small legs. No legs at all 🤣 For me, this is not what I've expected from keychron, because every keyboard has legs.”
“I love this thing. I wish there were these changes: Cable mode was switch in position closest to the outer edge of keyboard. Extra usb-c which is another port, I'd like to plug my 2fa device in there. Sort out why the programmer doesn't work under arch linux…”
Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2
4 owner reviews
“I ordered a keyboard set and keycaps from divinikey the 2 sets go out of stock almost everytime so I decided to go with Divinikey and they game me a time frame of up to12 weeks which was perfectly fine and the package came in after 6-7 weeks I was super happy…”
“I'm not sure why the QK80 is getting the reviews it's getting. Let's go down the list of the brand new QK80 I have and what I'm regretting getting it: 1) The screen worked for all of five seconds before going blank. Nothing I do brings it back 2) You can't…”
Keychron Q1 HE vs Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
19 of 29 specs differ
Keychron Q1 HE
Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Keychron Q1 HE vs Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2: your questions
The Keychron Q1 HE is designed for competitive gaming. It features Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points, a rapid trigger function, and a 1000 Hz polling rate in its wireless 2.4 GHz mode. The QK80 Mk2 does not list these specific gaming-oriented features.
No. According to Keychron, the Q1 HE's hot-swap socket is compatible exclusively with Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic switches. It does not support other magnetic or traditional mechanical switches.
No, the QK80 Mk2 is sold as a DIY kit or barebones unit. The kit includes the case, PCB, plates, foams, and stabilizers, but you must purchase switches and keycaps separately to complete the build.
Both keyboards offer tri-mode wireless connectivity, supporting Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C connections. The Keychron Q1 HE specifies Bluetooth 5.2.
The leaf-spring mount is an alternative to a traditional gasket mount. Per Qwertykeys, it is designed to provide a bouncier typing feel and improved acoustic performance, contributing to the keyboard's custom sound signature.
Yes. The Keychron Q1 HE supports QMK and VIA for remapping and macros. The Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2 also supports key remapping through QK's customized version of VIA software.
The QK80 Mk2 has a larger combined battery capacity at 4400mAh (two batteries). The Keychron Q1 HE has a 4000mAh battery, with the vendor claiming up to 100 hours of use with the backlight off.
The QK80 Mk2 includes a TFT LCD screen and a dot-matrix LED panel. According to the vendor, it can display the time, date, connectivity status, and has built-in themes and even a Flappy Bird game.
Yes. The Keychron Q1 HE listing states it is suitable for all devices, with Mac users in mind. It includes a system toggle and extra keycaps for both macOS and Windows layouts.
The QK80 Mk2 case is made from CNC aluminum. It is available in various anodized finishes (e.g., Silver, Grey) and spray-coated finishes (e.g., Retro White, Pink) with optional micro-glitter effects.
The Keychron Q1 HE is more compact due to its 75% layout, but it is notably heavy. The QK80 Mk2 is a larger TKL but includes a protective travel case with the kit, which aids in transport.
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