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.

Model
	98	89	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	3.8 stars (82 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	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
Score	Scores Performance: 81.4 Build Quality: 89 Productivity: 96.8 Customizability: 99.3 Portability: 81.2	Scores Performance: 73.3 Build Quality: 84.1 Productivity: 97.9 Customizability: 95.3 Portability: 67.8
Name	Name Keychron Q1 Max	Name Keychron Q1 V2 SE
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 75%	Layout Size 75%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions 23 x 145 x 328 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	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