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Compare Keychron Q1 HE vs Meletrix Zoom65 Essential Edition V2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a feature-focused performance keyboard and a style-first custom kit. The Keychron Q1 HE offers advanced magnetic switch technology and a more complete layout out of the box, while the Meletrix Zoom65 EE V2 provides extensive visual personalization options as a barebones kit. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize gaming-centric features and a ready-to-use experience or enjoy the process of building and visually tailoring a compact keyboard.

100
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
81
Zoom65 Essential Edition V2- Scarlet Red

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4.0 (34)
0.0 (0)
  • Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS layout standard
  • Offers Normal ergonomics
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • 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
  • Has Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Offers Split Backspace ergonomics
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 1350 g
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 100
  • Build Quality: 90
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.1
Scores
  • Performance: 65.7
  • Build Quality: 82.7
  • Productivity: 82.1
  • Customizability: 80.5
  • Portability: 84.8
Name
Keychron Q1 HE
Name
Meletrix Zoom65 Essential Edition V2
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
65%
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
Split Backspace
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
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
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
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS,
Keycaps Material
-
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
4000g
Weight
1350g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Keychron Q1 HE if you want a premium, high-performance keyboard for gaming and productivity that works perfectly out of the box. Opt for the Meletrix Zoom65 Essential Edition V2 if you enjoy the building process and want to create a uniquely styled, compact keyboard from a wide selection of colors and parts. Your priority between cutting-edge switch technology and deep aesthetic personalization decides the winner.

Keychron Q1 HE

  • +Advanced Gateron double-rail magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points and rapid trigger.
  • +Supports multiple high-speed connections: 2.4 GHz (1000 Hz), Bluetooth 5.2, and wired (up to 8000 Hz).
  • +Extensive layout compatibility including ANSI, multiple ISO standards, and JIS.
  • +Comes fully assembled with PBT keycaps, switches, and Mac/Windows support.
  • +Open-source QMK firmware and VIA support for deep customization.
  • −Very heavy at 4000 grams, limiting portability.
  • −Magnetic hot-swap sockets are only compatible with specific Gateron magnetic switches.
  • −Higher price point compared to many barebones kits.

Meletrix Zoom65 Essential Edition V2

  • +Extensive visual customization with 14 case colors, optional knobs, weights, and backplates.
  • +Comes as a comprehensive kit including a polycarbonate plate, poron foam, stabilizers, and a battery.
  • +Multi-layout PCB supports split backspace and other layout changes.
  • +Includes a storage case and coiled USB-C cable.
  • +Lighter weight and more compact 65% form factor.
  • −Does not include keycaps or switches, requiring additional purchases.
  • −Limited to ANSI layout standard.
  • −Vendor description indicates it is sold through a group buy with specific order restrictions.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q1 HE is the clear choice for gaming, office work, and programming due to its advanced magnetic switches, flexible layout support, and included keycaps. The Meletrix Zoom65 EE V2 wins for travel due to its lighter weight and compact size, and for modding due to its extensive kit-based customization options. For content creation, both offer useful programmability, making it a tie dependent on whether you value the Q1's software features or the Zoom65's visual flexibility.

GamingKeychron Q1 HE
  • •Features adjustable actuation points and rapid trigger technology via its magnetic switches.
  • •Offers an 8000 Hz polling rate option for minimal latency.
  • •Includes a 2.4 GHz wireless connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate for wireless gaming.
OfficeKeychron Q1 HE
  • •75% layout retains dedicated function keys and navigation cluster for productivity.
  • •Offers extensive layout compatibility including ISO and JIS standards for international users.
  • •Includes Mac and Windows keycaps and system toggles for multi-OS compatibility.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 HE
  • •The 75% layout provides arrow keys and some navigation keys without a full-size footprint.
  • •Open-source QMK firmware allows for deep key remapping and macro creation.
  • •Hot-swappable design supports changing switch types, including tactile options.
TravelMeletrix Zoom65 Essential Edition V2
  • •Lighter weight (1350g) compared to the Q1 HE (4000g).
  • •65% layout is more compact, saving desk or bag space.
  • •Includes a storage case for transport, according to its kit contents.
ModdingMeletrix Zoom65 Essential Edition V2
  • •Sold as a barebones kit, inviting full customization of switches and keycaps.
  • •Offers 14 case colors, optional knobs, external weights, and extra backplates for visual modding.
  • •Includes a poron dampener kit and gasket sleeves for sound and feel customization.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both support VIA for macro programming which can streamline editing workflows.
  • •Both feature a knob for media control or parameter adjustment.
  • •The Q1 HE's multi-action keys can be assigned to software shortcuts, while the Zoom65's aesthetic options may suit a streaming setup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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