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Compare Keychron Q1 Max vs Q1 V2 SE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two premium 75% aluminum keyboards from Keychron. The Q1 Max is the newer wireless model with 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth, while the Q1 V2 SE is a wired-only special edition with a steel plate. The decision is hard because both share a similar aluminum build, hot-swappable switches, and QMK/VIA programmability, yet differ in connectivity and plate material. Your choice depends on whether wireless flexibility or a heavier, stiffer typing feel is more important.

98
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
89
Keychron Q1 V2 w/ Knob Special Edition Aluminum 75% Hotswap RGB Win + Mac Mechanical Keyboard

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3.9 (96)
0.0 (0)
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1724 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
Scores
  • Performance: 82
  • Build Quality: 89.1
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.2
Scores
  • Performance: 73.6
  • Build Quality: 83.9
  • Productivity: 97.9
  • Customizability: 95.5
  • Portability: 67.2
Name
Keychron Q1 Max
Name
Keychron Q1 V2 SE
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, 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
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
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
Plate 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
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
-
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
1724g
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

The Keychron Q1 Max is the better choice if you value wireless freedom, a softer typing feel, and premium acoustic tuning. The Q1 V2 SE is a solid wired alternative if you prefer a stiffer steel plate and a lower cost, but its lack of wireless and limited layout options may deter many buyers. For most users, the Q1 Max offers greater flexibility and future-proofing.

Keychron Q1 Max

  • +Dual wireless connectivity with 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.1.
  • +4000 mAh battery supports up to 180 hours of use with backlight off.
  • +Multiple layers of acoustic foam (IXPE, PET, Latex) for refined sound.
  • +Double-gasket design with a flexible PC plate for a cushioned feel.
  • +Available in multiple ISO layouts (UK, German, Nordic, Swiss).
  • −Heavier weight (1724g) makes it less portable despite wireless features.
  • −Higher price point compared to the Q1 V2 SE.
  • −Bluetooth polling rate limited to 90 Hz, which may affect competitive gaming.

Keychron Q1 V2 SE

  • +Steel plate provides a stiffer, more responsive typing feel.
  • +Lower cost than the Q1 Max, offering a more affordable entry into the Q series.
  • +Includes a USB-C cable and USB-A to USB-C adapter for convenience.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits desk setup flexibility.
  • −Lacks wireless battery and Bluetooth support.
  • −Only available in ANSI layout, reducing options for international users.
  • −Steel plate is heavier and less flexible for modding compared to PC.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q1 Max wins in gaming, office, travel, modding, and content creation largely due to its wireless flexibility, larger battery, and softer PC plate with enhanced acoustic foam. Both keyboards tie for programming because they share the same 75% layout, QMK/VIA support, and hot-swap capability. The Q1 V2 SE remains a strong wired option, but its steel plate and lack of wireless hold it back in most use cases.

GamingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •Offers 2.4 GHz wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate for low latency gaming.
  • •Includes a 4000 mAh battery for extended wireless sessions.
  • •Double-gasket design and PC plate provide a softer, more flexible feel for rapid key presses.
OfficeKeychron Q1 Max
  • •Supports Bluetooth 5.1 for seamless switching between computer, phone, and tablet.
  • •Multiple layers of acoustic foam (IXPE, PET, Latex) reduce noise for a quieter office environment.
  • •PBT keycaps offer oil resistance for long typing sessions.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both are 75% layouts with dedicated navigation keys suitable for coding.
  • •Both support QMK and VIA for key remapping and macros.
  • •Both have hot-swappable sockets for custom switch choices.
TravelKeychron Q1 Max
  • •Wireless connectivity (2.4 GHz and Bluetooth) eliminates cable hassle on the go.
  • •Built-in 4000 mAh battery supports long trips without frequent charging.
ModdingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •Features a PC plate that is easier to flex and modify than steel.
  • •Includes multiple foam layers (IXPE, PET, Latex) that can be swapped or removed.
  • •Offers a barebones option for building from scratch.
Content CreationKeychron Q1 Max
  • •Wireless connectivity allows clean desk setups for video or photo editing.
  • •South-facing RGB provides underglow without interfering with keycap legends.
  • •Programmable knob can be mapped for timeline scrubbing or volume control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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